Myself I would say when possible have an alternate txt or html file. I strongly discourage pdf on websites unless it is a zip file for download. As stated by Damian they are annoying for users with modems, and I find them annoying at all times. Keep pdf's for printing and inter office.
Bruce Prochnau BKDesign Solutions ----- Original Message ----- From: "Damian Sweeney" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <wsg@webstandardsgroup.org> Sent: Monday, August 15, 2005 6:01 PM Subject: Re: [WSG] accessibility - opening new windows philosophy > Hi Ted, > > I would say let the user decide. Wherever possible I try to provide enough > information in the link itself so that the user knows what to expect and > can proceed as they wish. Many people will set up their browser to deal > with different file types according to their preference (open the document > in the browser, open it in the application, download the file). Opening in > a new window removes user choice. By providing a plain link you give users > the option that you use of `right-click - open in new window`. How do I > choose to open a new-window-link in the current window if that is my > preference? > > The only time I open links (to web pages) in a new window is when I have > to place a link inside someone else's frame and I warn the user that I'm > doing it. I wouldn't use a new window for the downloadable documents you > are referring to. > > Unexpected pdfs are annoying, especially for low-bandwidth users. So, I > would recommend something like: > > <a href="document.pdf">Some stuff (pdf format, 200kb)</a> > > Include all the info in the link, if you can, for people who only read the > links. > > Cheers, > > Damian > > > Hi All > > > > > > > > We've had a discussion at work about pdf documents and hijacking the > user's > > browser / making it more user-friendly. What is the general feeling > towards > > having pdf and other non-html documents open in a new window? > > > > > -- > Damian Sweeney > Learning Skills Adviser (online) > Language and Learning Skills Unit > Instructional Designer, AIRport Project > Equity, Language and Learning Programs > University of Melbourne > 723 Swanston St > Parkville 3010 > www.services.unimelb.edu.au/ellp/ > www.services.unimelb.edu.au/llsu/ > airport.unimelb.edu.au/ > ph 03 8344 9370, fax 03 9349 1039 > > This email and any attachments may contain personal information or > information that is otherwise confidential or the subject of > copyright. Any unauthorised use, disclosure or copying of any part of it > is prohibited. The University does not warrant that this email or any > attachments are free from viruses or defects. Please check any > attachments for viruses and defects before opening them. If this > email is received in error please delete it and notify us by return email > or by phoning (03) 8344 9370. > > > > > > > ****************************************************** > The discussion list for http://webstandardsgroup.org/ > > See http://webstandardsgroup.org/mail/guidelines.cfm > for some hints on posting to the list & getting help > ****************************************************** > > ****************************************************** The discussion list for http://webstandardsgroup.org/ See http://webstandardsgroup.org/mail/guidelines.cfm for some hints on posting to the list & getting help ******************************************************