Up Lesson 3.1
Browser Compatibility
LESSON GOALS
•   Know why a web designer must be aware of the features of different browsers.
 •   Become familiar with the major browsers being used on the internet.
•   Memorize Philippians 4:8.
THE WORD

"Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one."
Matthew 5:37

This is a great passage for the web designer.  As you begin working with people, you will learn the importance of keeping your word. 
LESSON

THE
LESSON

Browser
Compatibility

At one time, Netscape was the dominant browser used on the internet.  But those days are gone.  Today various Internet Explorer versions dominate the browser market.  But IE is not the only browser.  There are millions of users who have decided to use a browser other than Microsoft's.

Netscape, Mozilla and Opera are just a few of the many browsers available to users.  

As a web designer, you must become familiar with the more commonly used browsers because each one interprets html code a little differently.  You must know who your audience is, what browsers they will be using, and how those browsers interpret the code you write.

Although Internet Explorer is the dominant browser on the market, it is not the only one.  You must know what browsers are being used and how they interpret html code.

It is your job to see that a site provides the best service for your 

client -- and that will probably include allowing those who use a different browser than yours to be able to effectively navigate your site. 

 

Work through the "Browser Compatibility Tutorial" at the Net Mechanic web site.  This gives a very nice presentation about the problems faced when working with different browsers and gives suggestions for avoiding those problems.
RESOURCES

 Resources

 

 

 Please work through the following resources concerning browser compatibility.  Follow the links and get a good understanding of the issues involved.  As a web designer, you will need to make decisions based upon a proper understanding of the browsers people will use to access your site. 

Several of these sites cover the same material.  I have included them so that you can choose the one that is most helpful to you and add it to your "Files" within the class portal.

"Browser Compatibility" at Darrel Stone's <Web Design> site.  Be sure to follow the links to other sources.

"Trends" at Browser News.  This will let you know what browsers are being used and what the future looks like.

"Browser Emulator" at dejavu allows you to see what a site would look like using a different browser.  Try several sites and compare the difference with the Internet Explorer browser you are using and a different browser.

"Browser Compatibility Chart" at Web Review.  This is another resource that shows features supported (or not supported) by various browsers.

"Browser Chart" at Web Monkey.  This is yet another resource that shows features supported by various browsers.

SOURCES FOR BROWSERS

Netscape

Mozilla

 

LESSON QUIZ

Prepare

 There will be an online quiz "3.1" for you to take when you have completed this lesson.  It is password protected, and you may not use any notes or helps while taking the quiz.  Be sure you have a good understanding of the material presented in the lesson.