A USB web launcher for launching a browser on a host computer and directing the browser to a website specified by the web launcher. The USB web launcher comprises a housing, and a controller within the housing which is configured to operate as a USB HID keyboard device. The controller has a URL stored therein in the form of a keyboard scancode string and is programmed to send the keyboard scancode string to the host computer in response to actuation of a switch on the housing. The web launcher includes USB connector means for coupling the controller to a USB port of the host computer, and, in response to the transmitted URL, the host computer launches the browser and accesses the corresponding website. One embodiment of the invention is a USB web launcher having first and second USB connector parts and a lanyard mode of operation in which the controller within the web launcher is programmed to recognize when the first and second USB connector parts are interconnected and to energize an LED in response.