Location Bar (or Address Bar)

The address bar is that part of the web browser where you can type in a web address to go directly to a site.

Location Bar (or Address Bar)

The location bar or address bar is that part of the web browser where you can type in a web address to go directly to a web site. In addition to displaying the address of the web page you are viewing, the location bar often also displays the "favorites icon" for the web site you are viewing and a "Go" or "Load" button.

Why Does This Matter to Me?

The address bar is useful for web users who have received a web site address on a business card, brochure, or other printed material, or have written down a web address, and want to go directly to that web site without bothering with a search engine as an intermediary. By entering a web address in the address bar and then clicking the "Go" button (usually at the right end of the address bar), an internet user can be taken directly to the web site they wanted to visit.

The location bar will also tell you what web site you are on, and where in that site you are. This will allow you to look at your web browser and confirm that you are on the site you intended to visit before you enter any information into that site, such as usernames, passwords, or credit card information. However, some web sites can still mask this information. If there is any question in your mind, type the address of the web site you want to go to in the location bar and click the "Go" button.