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Browser compatibility

Browser compatibility isn't nearly the issue it was several years ago. This is partly due to MS-Internet Explorer 'winning' the browser wars (at least for the time being). Take a look at recent statistics from our Kookerkids site:

Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape, Netscape Navigator, Opera, Firefox and other Web Browsers

Although MS-IE is the dominant browser, don't use code that requires it. Do you want to turn away more than 10% of your potential customers because they can't use your site?

Another reason browser compatibility is not the issue it once was is that most browsers support the various features in HTML, JavaScript, etc. However, there are several steps you should take to ensure your site looks good and functions well in any of the 'main' browsers on the market:

  • Don't use frames! Along with the many usability and maintenance issues created by using frames, there is no guarantee that each browser handles them the same way- or at all.

  • Avoid using FrontPage extensions in your site. There is no guarantee that your host will support them (although most do), and no guarantee that your visitors' browsers will either.

  • Test your site using multiple browsers. Download a copy of Netscape, and one of the other biggies.

  • Avoid using features only supported in the newest version of Internet Explorer. Many of your visitors may not be using the latest browser. Most people don't upgrade their browser after they purchase their computer.

  • Don't use HTML created by Microsoft Word (by doing a "save as Web page"). Word creates messy non-standard HTML that may not work well in other browsers.



 
 
      
 

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