Online users have many different options in which they choose to view a web page. There are numerous browser types, versions, screen resolutions, gamma, user preferences, settings, etc. that can drastically effect how a web site renders.
Every medium has its own set of issues and constraints, however, both traditional print and tv all conform to a set, well-defined set of specifications.
Print has defined sizes, DPI requirements, etc. TV has format (4:3 or 16:9) and frame-rates, etc. The difference however, is that the medium doesn’t change based on what TV you use. The same show will scale to a widescreen and vice-versa. Once you follow the best practices, you can practically guarantee the end viewing experience the user will have.
The web is different.
The exactly same coded page may render very differently on Internet Explorer 6 as it does in a more-standards compliant Firefox 3. Designers have to keep this in mind and developers have bald spots on their head dealing with various hacks, separate stylesheets, and work-arounds.
Test. Test. Test. Test. Repeat.
The only way to solve this is to do the following.
- Figure out your lowest common target browser based on past analytics
- Set up a testing suite or implement web-based tools
- Test and Test often.
- Launch with confidence realizing you can’t please 100% all the time
Luckily, there are a bunch of solutions that you can utilize to help you test across multiple browsers, platforms, and configurations.
Here’s some recommendations:
Multiple Machines
The cost of entry for computers is pretty low, it’s easy to have multiple systems in place. If you use a Mac, buy a cheap PC laptop. If you use a PC (sorry), then get yourself a Mac Mini. Whatever you choose, that’s fine, but get the other as well. Keep it simple and just install the major browsers on each platform and you have a quick and easy testing environment.
The major browsers to test against are:
- Microsoft IE 8
- Microsoft IE 7
- Microsoft IE 6
- Mozilla Firefox 2
- Mozilla Firefox 3
- Apple Safari 3
- Google Chrome 1
- Opera
Multiple versions of most of the browsers above can be installed on the same machine, except for Internet Explorer. IE is so integrated into the OS, it’s difficult to install both IE6 and IE7 on the same box.
If you are stuck using one box, there are a few solid options.
Dual Boot / Virtual Machines
It is possible and easy to run multiple OS’s on a single machine.
Virtual Box
www.virtualbox.org
VMWare Fusion
www.vmware.com/products/fusion/
VMWare Workstation
www.vmware.com/products/ws/
Bootcamp
www.apple.com/macosx/features/bootcamp.html
Parallels
www.parallels.com/
Web-based Solutions
If you don’t want to get another machine or install a dual-boot scenario, there are plenty of web-based solutions.
Browsershots
browsershots.org
BrowserCam
http://www.browsercam.com
Crossbrowser Testing
www.crossbrowsertesting.com
Litmus
www.litmusapp.com/
Xenocode
www.xenocode.com/browsers/
Browser Plug-ins
IETester
my-debugbar.com/wiki/IETester/HomePage
ieTab
addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1419
The amount of options out there are numerous, but one thing remains the same. Testing is an important and necessary evil that comes with the territory.
Got any other recommendations, please share them.
Web-based solution (service).