Which browsers to support

If you end up supporting outdated browsers, you end up enabling users to keep using them and your user experience on modern browsers might suffer. Not supporting these browsers however could alienate a large portion of your sites users. There is hope on the horizon. Most modern browsers automatically update themselves continually adding support for new features. Also with the use of tools like caniuse. Your site exists for your users and you will need to determine the best way to cater to them.

An early advocate for WordPress and responsive design at Hall, Tim optimizes every website for maximum performance and security. He has contributed to several web development innovations at Hall, including our responsive framework Scaffolding and several custom CMS tools.

He is a graduate of the University of Maine, Orono with a degree in new media. Read other posts by Tim Howe. Subscribe via RSS. Topics Archives Search Blog. Search for: Go. Fresh digital marketing tips to help you grow your business - delivered right to your inbox.

View all Firefox Browsers. View all Products. Work for a mission-driven organization that makes people-first products. More About Mozilla. More Mozilla Innovation. Looking for a better browser? A great internet browser should have the functionality you need, portability across devices, and the privacy you deserve. Since your browser is your gateway to the internet, speed, security, privacy and utility are paramount. In recent years, Google Chrome has been the browser of choice for many.

But at a time when online ads seem to follow us everywhere and data breaches are a fixture of news headlines, a lot of people are starting to demand more privacy and respect from their browser. So is your browser the best one for what you do online?

The right browser can make a big difference in how you experience the web. In this area, all seven of the browsers compared here score points. Another browser feature that should be a given is the ability to prevent websites and companies from tracking your browsing and shopping data — even in normal browsing mode. Most trackers are just scripts that run in the background on a number of websites. As of version 67 of Firefox, fingerprinting and cryptominers are also blocked.

In addition to privacy protection, which largely takes place in the background of the browser, another key ingredient to a well-made browser is the actual user interface and functionality.

Almost all seven browsers are equal when it comes to tab browsing, bookmark management, auto-completion, proofreading and extensions. Even something as basic as a date entry field can has a diverse range of possibilities but, ideally, the core application will remain operable. Assess your project Be realistic. Is this a content site, a simple app, a desktop-like application, a fast-action game etc.

Establish a base level of browser compatibility. For example, it must work on most two-year-old browsers with a screen width of pixels over a fast Wi-Fi connection. Who are the primary users? Are they IT novices or highly technical? Is it individuals, small companies or government organisations? Do they sit at a desk or are they on the move? No application applies to everyone — concentrate on the core users first. Examine the analytics of your existing system where possible but appreciate the underlying data.

Have you blocked a significant proportion of your market? However, technology evolves. The more complex your site or application, the more likely it will require ongoing maintenance. Embrace the web! The web is a device-agnostic platform. Content and simpler interfaces can work everywhere: a modern laptop, a feature phone, a games console, IE6, etc. Learn the basics of progressive enhancement.