Lynx Browser - Best Text Based Browser and HTML Validator

Browsing the Internet has changed a great deal in the past 15-20 years. The text-based browser known as Lynx became publicly available in 1993, around the same time browsers such as Mosiac and Cello were released. The Lynx browser even predates all of the most popular programs that truly changed the way we surf the web now, including Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator - both of which appeared in 1994.

The most popular browsers today include Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera, Safari, and Google Chrome. And while the popularity of text browsers has decreased, Lynx has retained a solid share of several niche markets. That said, comparing Lynx to Chrome is like comparing a go cart to a hybrid SUV (see HybridSUV). They both get you there, but the technology gap is wide.

An example of an area where the Lynx browser still has a loyal following is website usability testing. Another is how it can help to increase website visibility. Basically, if you want to make sure your high tech website can be fully crawled by very basic search engine bots and crawlers, Lynx does an excellent job. Website designers often fire up a Lynx browser to make sure that people who surf the web with images turned off can still navigate their sites. Webmasters and those who specialize in search engine optimization (SEO) also rely on Lynx.

Lynx was originally created by a group of students at the University of Kansas in 1992 to distribute campus information.  Lou Montulli added the Internet interface the following year. The Lynx browser is available for free in Dos, Microsoft Windows, and the Mac OS.

Download Lynx version 2.8.6 here.