One other way to consider is using Virtual Machines (VM's). Create VM's with different combinations of Browser, Ruby and Watir. It takes a bit of time to get the VM software and the various VM's setup initially, but saves a ton of time in switching between OS's and in trying out new Browser, Ruby, Watir (or whatever App you need to evaluate).
I'm using Oracle Virtual Box: http://www.virtualbox.org/ Its free, well supported and runs on Windows (32 or 64 bit), OSx Linux and Solaris. It can be used to run numerous OS's. Be sure to downlaod both the VirtualBox installer for your OS and the Extension pack. I'm running Virtual Debain(32 and 64bit), Ubuntu(32 and 64bit), OpenSoloaris(32bit), and WinXp VM's hosted on my Windows Vista 64-bit system. You can download ISO images for Debain, Ubuntu and OpenSolairs for free, for OSx and Windows you'll need a valid (Licensed) version of that OS install disks to install your OS into a new VM. http://www.debian.org/ http://www.ubuntu.com/ http://hub.opensolaris.org/ To try an new combination of Browser (e.g. IE9, or Firefox4), Ruby (e.g. 1.9.x) or Watir, use the VirtualBoxes tool to take a snapshot of the closest VM OS you have setup and save it with a new name Then use that new snapshot to install the new combinations you want to try out. If it works great, save it and use it going forward. If it doesn't you have the option of keeping that VM, or deleting it, and you still have your original VM. Best of all you can spin up any VM you've saved in seconds and still have them all clean and separate from each other. As opposed to remembering which way you left your computer last time, and the amount of time needed to back out a change that went wrong. Joe -- Before posting, please read http://watir.com/support. In short: search before you ask, be nice. [email protected] http://groups.google.com/group/watir-general [email protected]
