Forum Moderators: not2easy
However at some point we have to test our work in browsers on how it will perform. Of course we already know, that when using this and that technique, that we can forget about NN4 or IE4, but there are quite a few browsers that do a lot better, but just have their own twists. And often with a few changes, we can make it work there, too.
So I guess, that most will agree that testing is a good thing. But how do you it? For which Browsers/Platforms?
Personally I use IE6, Op6 and Op7, Moz1.0 and Moz1.3. I do not test in the newer Netscapes (6 and 7) depending on the fact, that they basically use the same rendering engine Moz is using.
For several Linux Browsers (Konqueror etc.) I know a couple unix-friends who will send me snapshots when I ask them. Usually these are not so problematic, because these (linux-)users usually are adopting newer versions pretty fast and most of the browsers do a pretty decent job.
However with Mac - Browsers I am totally lost. Don't have the hardware myself and I don't know anybody who does. From what I heard Macs IE5.x are pretty good with regard to CSS1 and even CSS2, but they also have their own twists.
Now I am working on a site for a friend, and the targeted people will have a lot higher than average Mac-user-rate. But I have no idea how to test that...
What are you people doing about testing you sites for cross-browser performance?
Mac:
IE5.0
IE 5 on the Mac is one of the most buggy browsers around, do a search for "ie5 css bugs" and you'll get the idea!
Personally I use IE6, Op6 and Op7, Moz1.0 and Moz1.3.
That's pretty much what I test with as well. I also test from another machine which doesn't have flash installed and runs IE5. I then get a friend with a Mac to look it over in Safari.
If I'm feeling in the mood for a shock I have a look to see what it looks like in NN4 and also an old text browser called lynx.
Ahh Lynx! Opera 7.11 allows you to emulate text browsers (via the alternative style sheets), which is very useful.
Hehe, On the Codebitch site which talks about MacIE CSS-irregularities it starts of with
"IE 5 for the Mac has very good support for CSS1, and good partial support of CSS2.However, it isn’t perfect". That sounded quite a bit different. :D I guess the site is a little out of date (maybe?), or maybe I just interpreted it to include macIE5.0 when it only meant macIE5.2 (although they are writing 5.x).
Only ppl I could find with a Mac seem to be using MacIE5.2, do you know how the mac-users divide between these Browsers? Is it equal parts?
On another Note: I forgot to mention win32 IE5.0 and 5.5 in which I also check my layouts. Although I expect them to not work fully, I make sure they still stay usable and sort of pretty. ;)
