A Web browser provides a customized display of phone and fax numbers
within a Web page according to user settings. A special phone or fax tag
within the Web page file identifies an alphanumeric telephone number
within the display (for example, 1-888-IBM-HELP). The telephone number
data within the tagged field is converted into a preferred format, as
specified at the customization settings page of the Web browser (for
example, all numeric 1-888-426-4357). The conversion is preferably
displayed upon user indication or activation such as placement of a
cursor in proximity to the area occupied by the telephone number within
the Web page. A mouse click or keyboard command causes an action within
the computer system, as specified within the customization page for the
Web browser. For example, by clicking on the telephone number, it is
loaded into another software application to connect a telephone call or
to send a fax to the telephone number.