Unlike newspapers or other forms of printed media, web sites have to be accessible from a vast array of systems and browsers.

Not everyone uses Internet Explorer to view your website. There are lots of different types of browser that will all display your information differently. But this is not the only problem you have to face. There are also a vast number of systems and screens that will also add to the confusion of how your site should be presented.

Browsers

A large segment of your visitors will use programs like FireFox or Netscape to view your site. Some will be using new browsers and some will be using older versions. How often have you seen a website with the words “Best viewed with Internet Explorer”. What they are actually saying is “This site won’t work anywhere else”

If your site only works in Internet Explorer you are cutting out half your visitors as soon as they enter your site.

Screens

The resolution of a monitor plays just as big a part in how your site looks as much as the browser you are using. At present there are two major differences in screens available today. CRT (Old fashioned, bulky display) and Flat Panel (Slime line space saving display)

Newer displays will give you a much higher resolution then older CRT displays. This will expand your site and either make it look stretched and distorted or give the impression of very little content.

Older CRT displays will have the opposite effect. These displays will contract your site and make it look squeezed and crowded.