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The Browser Wars - Why We Recommend Microsoft Internet Explorer

Editorial View by Cinnamon Roberts

Remember when you first realized Santa wasn't real? ( Just for fun, if you can't remember, go tell the kid next door. ) Well, dear reader, there is a Santa Claus... and it is called Netscape.

See, just like Santa, Netscape gave us gifts. They agreed to the majority of the rules governing how web pages are to be written. Not only did they agree to the improved standards, but they added support for other techniques to be used and BOOM!! Christmas on Easter!! Likewise, Microsoft agreed to the rules, added their own technology, AND supported Netscapes add-ons!! Scrooges heart grew three sizes that day!!! But like all good holiday bliss, the joy was short lived.

Our sites were viewed by the browsers with care, until Netscape decided to get a wild hair...

Without any just cause, no warning, Netscape decided to stop following the rules. Deciding to go their own way and utilize their own technology, web sites that once looked great were now a scrambled mess. (Visualize central Tucson during snowbird season in rush hour.)

If you are lost, you are not alone. Here it is in a nutshell... The internet follows rules to implement viewable material - web pages. Explorer follows the rules or standards, adds it's own technologies, and incorporates Netscapes technologies. Netscape on the other hand, agreed to follow the rules, implemented them, changed their mind, and now uses their own technology, without the newer standards.

While this may not seem like a big issue, it is. Web site designers must now make a big decision. Follow the rules which only Explorer follows, take much more time by following Netscapes route, or make different sites - one to be viewed by Netscape and another by Explorer. The cost is carried to the consumer. Designs now may take twice as long to constuct just to appease the Netscape crowd.

So why choose Netscape? Honestly, there is no reason I can come up with. The company has no regard for the internet community. The features are at most equal to and often less than those of competitor Internet Explorer.

As an Internet Presence Developer and avid web user, I am very disappointed in Netscape's decision. My personal site used to proudly display the "Netscape logo" as an official Netscape reviewed site. Using Netscape is no longer an option for me.

Whatever browser you choose to utilize is your option. Just know that if you choose Netscape, many of the websites you visit automatically redirect you to a version of their site which is less dynamic, less interactive, and in many cases, less informative and enjoyable.

It is time that the online community take issue with the companies affecting our choices. The internet was intended to be accessible to all. Unfortunately, Netscape is one company which takes that freedom away.

Disclaimer: We all know that Santa really exists. Easter can never fall on Christmas. Tucson graciously welcomes each and every snowbird...

And to all... A Good-Night.