Nikolas,
I don't believe that what you are asking is possible. In particular, there
is no way to keep
the same session across two different browsers without requiring log-in,
since cookies
for both browsers are stored separately and IP addresses are not unique.
In terms of spawning a new browser window, Netscape keeps the same session,
so you can't
invalidate one window in favor of the one "on top". In IE, there is
actually a setting that allows
you to choose whether or not a new window launches "in a separate process".
Just check your
Internet options -> Advanced tab -> Browsing ->
Browse in a new process (IE4 ) or Launch browser windows in a separate
process (IE5)
Note that this setting is, by default, unchecked, so that most users should
retain session across
browser windows (the way Netscape does).
I wouldn't worry too much about people using two different browsers for the
same application -
if people do this, they will probably be sophisticated enough to understand
that the two sessions
will be different. Amazon.com and many other Web sites work this way
(different session under a
different browser), so I wouldn't make this a technical or business
requirement. This is something
you should be able to explain to your colleagues.
Same with browser windows - nobody expects when they open a new window to
have the previous
window go dead. In fact, I would see this as a bug.
Asking for a unique ID for a GIVEN USER on a public Web application is not
out of the question, though;
many Web sites have this as an OPTION for the user, if he/she would like to
take advantage of these
session features (which you can promote on your site, as many other sites
do). Simply have them
choose a name and password, and kindly ask them to log in when they return
(you can even
remember their password via a cookie on the machine if they really want).
By doing this,
you are providing many features for little work on the user's part - and
they can use ANY
browser an ANY machine. And these days, people use more than one computer
(at home,
at work, Palm VII, etc), which makes you wonder about the usefulness of
that PIII chip thingy.
Also keep in mind that the number of people in this situation will only
increase over time.
Just some thoughts.
Eric M. Andersen
I/T Specialist
IBM Global Services
Tel: (781) 895-2637, Fax : (781) 895-2843, t/line : 362-2637
Internet ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Lotus Notes ID: Eric M Andersen/Waltham/IBM
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