Web Browser Compatibilty Test

This article is about Web Browser Compatibility Tests. For those of you that want to do it yourself, we provide a basic guide and links to helpful resources. We are also for hire though, for those of you that just want to know what it takes to be a professional. Hopefully, this article on web browser compatibility tests will help as many people as possible!

Most "designers", will consider this article ridiculous; however, It is more critical than ever that your web site design be accessible to everyone. Most web site designers scoff at the idea that someone would not want flash animation, or that they may use a text only browser. We make sure that our web sites are compatible with any browser because it enforces a more pure coding style, and it helps with Search Engine Marketing.

How Does Proper HTML help with Search Engines?

Many of the search engines will give you a free listing simply because you follow their rules. http://bobby.watchfire.com is just one example. How would you like to be the only company listed in their directory?

Estimates are that roughly 80% of the world uses a variant of Internet Explorer web browser, which comes bundled with Microsoft Windows. There are better web browsers though, and some people will use them. Why turn away 20% of your traffic?

What Are the Other Browsers?

The most common web browsers are:

• Mozilla.org - 2 main versions, one of which is very fast.
• Opera.com - Follows the HTML standards very well.
• lynx.browser.org - Text only browser, yes some people use this!
• AOL.com - Yuck. Aol basically uses Internet Explorer with some modifications
• Netscape - Many people like Netscape.
• Amaya - Web editor and viewer

There are hundreds of other web browsers available, and most web designers make no effort to make their pages viewable in these programs.

It is important to download each of these browsers and test your web pages in them. You should strive to make a page looks exactly the same in all of the browsers. We use Valid HTML Rulesets to ensure that our pages will never be outdated or incompatible.

Valid Pages Are Boring!

It is much more difficult to produce a valid html page, following rulesets than just to slap some sloppy code together and have it work on YOUR version of Internet Explorer Browser.

This is what separates professionals web designers from the rest of the hobbyists.

So What Needs to Be Done Exactly?

This is a brief summary of the information found at: Anybrowser.org

• Encode special characters
• Links are case sensitive - don't rewrite your page when you move servers
• Use contrasting colors - some people override your colors
• Use the 256 color palette when possible
• Use ALT tags in images - helps with Search Engines and blind visitors
• Use height and width tags for images - helps your page to load faster
• Optimize Your Graphics - makes your pages faster
• Use GIF format for low color and small pictures
• Use JPG format for high color and large pictures
• Use a text version if you use an image map
• Don't rely on animated images to convey information
• Use Non Breaking Spaces instead of stretching pixels for formatting
• Use CSS
• Make your page readable without CSS
• If you use Tables, test them in various browsers, especially in Lynx
• Use Frames as a last resort - extremely bad for Search Engines
• Do not force the use of cookies
• Do not force the use of Javascript
• Java crashes - use it at your own risk
• Don't force plugins
• If you use Flash, don't use it to provide content
• Test your page at various screen sizes, don't forget PDAs!
• Test for Backwards Compatibility
• Test your script generated pages
• Use a Common Sense Checker, also called "linter"

Admittedly, these are quite a few restrictions to put on a web site design. This is also the list that separates some kid from the professionals. At the very least, ask your design company if they do these things or are aware of them. You can still make nice looking web pages that are compatible with all browsers!

We have designed several packages that include web hosting and can give you an estimate of what each web site design will cost based on what you need. Prices vary greatly in the range, so don't be afraid that you cannot afford a professional site. We work with ANY budget.

Contact us and see how we can help you!