Any web designer worth their salt knows that
cross browser compatibility is important when developing websites for clients. The obstacle that many of us face is having those different web browsers and operating systems set up on our various test environments and servers. This is where
Crossbrowsertesting.com comes into play. This website allows you to view any website using 3rd party remote systems that have many operating systems and browsers already set up on them. The only requirement is that you have Java Runtime Environment (
get it here) installed on your local machine, which most of us do. Below are the steps you would follow to get the most out of
Crossbrowsertesting.com. The first 5 minutes of any session are FREE but any longer period of time will cost you a small amount.
How to test your website in various browsers and operating systems:
- Navigate to Crossbrowsertesting.com
- Click the register below the sign in box to set up your free account.
- Once your logged in you can click on the button labeled Launch Free Testing Service unless you opt to pay for the Priority Testing Service
- A window will open that will allow you to pick the operating system and browser set up that you choose.
- If you are using the free service then your session will become available in a few seconds or longer depending on the site traffic. When I tried out the service the longest I had to wait was 30 seconds.
- Once you are logged on to the remote computer open the browser of your choice. If you aren't worried about your testing appearing in your Google Analytics stats then you can skip step 7.
- Go to http://www.getip.com and record the IP address of the remote computer in order to place this IP into your Google Analytics filter later.
- You can end your session by clicking the stop button at the top of the window in which the remote computer is running.
- After logging off the remote computer you can see your Usage in the My Account section of the Crossbrowsertesting.com website. This helps you to keep track of which operating systems and browsers you have already tested.
- That's it!
Posts
