A computer system selectively loads graphics for a web page. The user selects graphics on, graphics off or necessary graphics. In response to the user selection of graphics on, the system automically selects to display a web page with regular text and graphics associated with the web page. In response to the user selection of graphics off, the system selects to display a web page with regular text, without graphics and with alternate text, if any, for the graphics. In response to user selection of necessary graphics, the system selects to display a web page with regular text, without nonclickable graphics, without clickable graphics that have alternate text, with the alternate text, and with clickable graphics that do not have alternate text. Thus, all graphics necessary to know the consequence of selecting a hot link are displayed. Also, the system displays background images, if any, which are necessary for text readibility.