Firefox is cool - it downloads and installs effortlessly, and even asks you if you want it to import your favourites and such from a variety of sources, including IE.

I was disappointed (but not particularly surprised) to find, however, that not all Web sites out there support Firefox.

Gmail does not support it at all - to the effect that when I try to log in it gives me an error and says the site is unavailable.

One of the local daily news sites (no names mentioned) displays it, but in somewhat different format to what it is supposed to be.

I was delighted to discover that Standard Bank, News24, the IDG intranet site that we use for global news, and Sharenet, support it perfectly.

I am sure that I will be adding many more names to this list, certainly based on conversations that I have had with those who converted to Firefox before I did, there are a number of sites out there that are not apparently aware that any alternatives to IE exist.

To the owners of those Web sites that do not support it at all, I have to wonder what you were thinking?

Surely a Web site is as important a front end into a business as, for example, your telephone system, or front office personnel?

So why then do you exclude potential customers by not supporting their chosen Web browser?

Ah well, it is tough not being a conformist, and not using the browser favoured by the majority, I suppose. ;-)

Just a quick note to all the winners of African ICT Achiever awards - well done, and keep up the inspiring work!

Have a great week!

Samantha Perry

Editor
Computing SA