Java script disabled as default in IE 6.0

[geek_grrrl]

Hiya,

I’ve just built a site that uses java script for hyperlinks (see http://jeti.com.au). I’ve just discovered that Windows XP now installs Internet Explorer 6.0 with java script disabled (as a default). This is a major concern!! Does any one have any handy design hints, especially in regards to designing rollovers for nav bars, to get around this issue?

Muchas Grathias in advance.

gg

[fkn]

You could redirect users that doesn´t have Java enabled to another page using this script:

<script language="javascript" type="text/javascript">
if(!window.navigator.javaEnabled()){
//java pluggin is not installed
window.location = "nojava.htm
//redirect to the page
}

[Charles]

You'll find that those links do not work for about 13% of users. (http://www.thecounter.com/stats/2003/May/javas.php) And some of those are good people who cannot use JavaScript because of their disabilities. Relying on JavaScript is very bad and even cruel. And in some places for some web sites it is against the law.

You ask for "handy design hints" well:
From the Web Accessibility Initiative of the W3C:
Images & animations: Use the alt attribute to describe the function of each visual.
Image maps. Use the client-side map and text for hotspots.
Multimedia. Provide captioning and transcripts of audio, and descriptions of video.
Hypertext links. Use text that makes sense when read out of context. For example, avoid "click here."
Page organization. Use headings, lists, and consistent structure. Use CSS for layout and style where possible.
Graphs & charts. Summarize or use the longdesc attribute.
Scripts, applets, & plug-ins. Provide alternative content in case active features are inaccessible or unsupported.
Frames. Use the noframes element and meaningful titles.
Tables. Make line-by-line reading sensible. Summarize.
Check your work. Validate. Use tools, checklist, and guidelines at http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG
http://www.w3.org/WAI/References/QuickTips/
You'll note the seventh above, "Scripts, applets, & plug-ins. Provide alternative content in case active features are inaccessible or unsupported." In your case I would suggest that you make some index pages, one each for the links "Home", "Portfolio", "Special specials", "Wanna make some moolah?" and "Contact us" and then make those links real and pointing to the index pages.

[geek_grrrl]

Thanks very much for the information you provided.

In terms of specific hints, can anyone tell me how to create an html page that uses popup windows (like the ones at http://www.jeti.com.au) without employing Java Script?

Many thanks

GG

[AdamGundry]

You can use target="_blank" in a hyperlink (<a> tag) to make it open in a new window, but this does not give control over the browser chrome like window.open() does.

Adam

[Charles]

If you use the following method to open your links, then they will open in a new window for people who can tolerate that sort of thing and open in the same window for people who can not. And all will be right with the world.

<a href="http://www.w3.org/" onclick="window.open(this.href, 'child', 'height=124,width=200'); return false">W3C</a>