Tech Talk
I Use Web standards!
I sure hope that you do not have any difficulties viewing the material presented here. This site is coded using XHTML and CSS2, and passes the tests (validates) for correctly written and implemented code. For many years (and still today), Web designers have struggled with backward-compatability, which aims to make a site useful to older browsers. There are many compromises involved in doing that, and much time spent testing each page.
A new trend is to create pages based on the current standards established by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). The guidelines have been in place for sveral years, so it's not like this is a sudden change. Most Web browsers are available as a free download, or cost a nominal amount. If you are using an older browser, please take the time to upgrade to a current version, which will make your Internet experience more enjoyable. If you have any questions on this topic, contact me via e-mail.
The secret is in the software.
There are a lot of really neat programs/scripts out on the web, and many of them are free. Following are some of the scripts that make this site run, in case you would like to add one to your project.
- Number one is the Links engine, available from Gossamer Threads. It is a powerful and adaptable script which makes indexing hundreds (or thousands) of links easy. They also have a great support forum, and a collection of modifications to adjust the script to your needs.
- Of great utility is the search engine, an inexpensive and powerful addition to the site. It is called the Fluid Dynamics Search Engine, and is available from xav.com. The one I use here is currently down, but I plan on getting it running again soon.
- This site is hosted at Future Quest, a great community-oriented web-host with much to offer, and really fast tech support on the rare occasion it's needed.