Browser Support Question

[Mark3359]

I know it's possible to check what browser and version is being used when someone enters your site or clicks a link. I've seen code to send messages that the application does or doesn't support a browser. But...

Does anyone know if it's possible (or better yet how) to code a link so that if the person clicking is using Netscape, they are notified that the application works only in Internet Explorer, AND the IE browser is fired automatically to bring up the page?

[Zach Elfers]

I'm pretty sure that that is impossible with JavaScript. If you could do that, it would mean that JavaScript was sending commands to your computer to open the IE browser. This would be a huge security thing because some people might decide to send malicious code.

[jeffmott]

Mark2259
AND the IE browser is fired automatically

Even if it could be done (which it can't) you're also assuming that the user has IE. What if they never had it at all, or awoke to realize that MS rips people off with their crummy software and uninstalled it? Instead of helping Microsoft's illfated monopoly perhaps you should learn how to code HTML documents correctly so they will work in more than just one browser.
http://www.w3.org/TR/html401/

[khalidali63]

My sentiments exactly jeff.
I have been wanting to say this for long time.
As a matter of fact when I look at the code here who 90% of the people create with WYSIWYGs Its so pathetic.I bet in few month when we see IE follow W3C standards a bit more strictly,all these people be here crying..lol ( no offence guys just joking).
As a mtter of fact there is thread write now that some one's menu does'nt work..lol

I guess these r times for laughters for those old timers who write for NSand in doing so learned to folow the standards.

Khalid

[Mark3359]

I'm on your side as far as Microsoft goes. I'm not assuming anything, though. This is a private intranet site and all users have both browsers. We code for both browsers when developing, but the site in question was developed by another office and is outside our control. We were just wondering if we could make things a little easier for our folks. Thanks for re-inforcing my suspicions that it can't be done.

[jeffmott]

Mark2259
This is a private intranet ... make things a little easier for our folks

Wouldn't it be simpler to just send out a memo? Besides, how would you expect to make this change to a site that is outside of your control?

[Mark3359]

Correct, we don't have control of the code, but we can control the link to that site a bit. The request to fire up IE on click came from some folks who still think all you need to do is sprinkle pixie dust and anything they want will happen. We've convinced them it can't (and shouldn't) be done at this point.

You're correct about another thing too. All of this stuff generally flows from the Microsoft monster. I suspect within six months we'll get the word to code only for IE compatability.