Archive for June, 2004
Why you should dump Internet Explorer
I stopped using Internet Explorer in favour of Firefox some time ago, not because I hate everything to do with Microsoft – I’m writing this post on machine running Windows XP, and still do a lot of work developing solutions using Microsoft technologies – but because Firefox is a better browser. Internet Explorer always seems old fashioned and clunky when I use it now, I like my tabbed browsing and handy add on toolbars; the fact that sites that use web standards display as their designers intend them and the lessened threat from virus infection.
“Why you should dump Internet Explorer” is written by an MCSE, making it a refreshing change from articles that simply bash Microsoft, and putting forward a good case for switching to another browser. Then you could always download the new release of Firefox and give it a whirl.
Web Standards – who cares anyway?
Today The Web Standards Project have launched a survey with the aim of finding out who is using web standards, why they visit the WaSP web site and what would they like to see on the site that would help them when using web standards. From the press release:
In the biggest survey since WaSP’s inception, we are asking web designers and developers to tell us who they are, what they do and how they are using web standards. Our goal is to gather enough data to focus the Project on the key areas affecting web professionals in their everyday work. We may be grassroots, but this is one big field, baby.
The survey can be found here
They Work for You
Our Members of Parliament are supposed to be representing us, however most of us are too busy to be able to keep track of what is being said on our behalf by our local MP. They Work for You gives you an easy method to search on exactly what issues you local MP is speaking and voting on, so that you can stay informed, get in touch if you feel that your views should be made known, and ultimately use your knowledge to make an informed vote come election time. Via Simon Willison.
Guild of Accessible Web Designers
My membership of The Guild of Accessible Web Designers (GAWDS) was accepted today. I wanted to join GAWDS because it seems like a great idea at a time when many people are confused and concerned about accessibility – particularly in terms of accessibility legislation – and there is an awful lot of spurious advice flying around.
If GAWDS can fulfil the aims of its manifesto then it will fill a growing need that I have experienced for a coherent, central place where designers can learn about best practices for web accessibility and potential clients can source designers and developers knowing that they can actually deliver the accessible site or application that they require.
