On Tue, Apr 16, 2013 at 8:29 AM, Virgil Bierschwale <[email protected]>wrote:
> Interesting. > > I only need it for two things: > 1. to make sure the changes I make to websites look good across all types > of > systems which is why I want a linux, pc, and apple. > There's a number of ways to test this without boosting your carbon footprint with additional machines you don't need. 1. Try the web to locate some free/cheap testing tools to see what the site looks like in different browsers. In the past, I've used http://browsershots.org. For professional work, I recommend http://mogotest.com (disclaimer: friends developed this and I beta-tested) for multi-page, validation and a remarkable tool that actually compares the graphical differences. It's pretty cool stuff, if your customers are willing to pay a bit. 2. Write valid code! Valid HTML stands a much better chance of rendering better in all browsers, old, new and future. My favorite is http://validator.w3.org. Write your code to pass that test and it works better everywhere. Running your site through the validator points out room for improvement :). My experience has been the vast majority of the errors are things you can fix easily. There are also CSS validators on the site. Highly recommended. I can't tell you the number of "weird bugs" I've solved for clients by just getting their app to produce valid code. > 2. I want to start going to geekdom to get some exposure for myself so that > I can get back to work, and since I don't have an artistic bone in my body, > I also hope to use my database skills to trade for artistic skills. > Learn Linux. This should cost you little to nothing. Pick up a 4-year-old machine out of the classified ads, craigslist, local contacts, etc. Install Ubuntu on it. Learn Linux, not the UI. There are hundreds of free tutorials on line. > > It would be much cheaper to go with a pc, but I already have a desktop pc, > but I don't have an apple or linux box yet. Save your money. Buying an Apple to learn Linux makes no more sense than buying a high-end Mercedes to get to the unemployment office. They are beautiful machines, excellent design, good-to-awesome performance and reliability, but at a premium price. -- Ted Roche Ted Roche & Associates, LLC http://www.tedroche.com --- StripMime Report -- processed MIME parts --- multipart/alternative text/plain (text body -- kept) text/html --- _______________________________________________ Post Messages to: [email protected] Subscription Maintenance: http://mail.leafe.com/mailman/listinfo/profox OT-free version of this list: http://mail.leafe.com/mailman/listinfo/profoxtech Searchable Archive: http://leafe.com/archives/search/profox This message: http://leafe.com/archives/byMID/profox/CACW6n4tHffQjLhvUM=q-qkcqpqv0tnre8ewev_htcdrv+qq...@mail.gmail.com ** All postings, unless explicitly stated otherwise, are the opinions of the author, and do not constitute legal or medical advice. This statement is added to the messages for those lawyers who are too stupid to see the obvious.

