Linux Users are Linux Users are People, Too!People, Too!

Charles SoutherlandCharles Southerland

Stuph LabsStuph Labs

OpenBeta3OpenBeta3

The Importance of Open Standards The Importance of Open Standards in the Webin the Web

So what is the problem?So what is the problem?

Simply put, if any potential user of a Simply put, if any potential user of a website is unable to see or use any website is unable to see or use any aspect of that website in the exact aspect of that website in the exact

manner in which it was designed, then manner in which it was designed, then the website is the website is brokenbroken..

Unfortunately, many Linux users have Unfortunately, many Linux users have become used to broken websites.become used to broken websites.

Admittedly, the side-effects of certain Admittedly, the side-effects of certain broken websites can be good for us...broken websites can be good for us...

...but broken websites are never a ...but broken websites are never a good thing for business.good thing for business.

Many websites that look fine on one Many websites that look fine on one particular platform...particular platform...

……do not look fine on another.do not look fine on another.

These broken websites often effect These broken websites often effect users of other operating systems, too.users of other operating systems, too.

Of course, the issues with broken Of course, the issues with broken websites are a two-way street...websites are a two-way street...

Not even Windows users are immune Not even Windows users are immune to the plague of broken websites.to the plague of broken websites.

Broken websites very rarely look good Broken websites very rarely look good on mobile devices.on mobile devices.

Web crawlers and screen readers only Web crawlers and screen readers only see text and relative position.see text and relative position.

What ever can we do, oh wise one?What ever can we do, oh wise one?

Here are 5 easy Here are 5 easy steps you can take steps you can take

that will make a that will make a huge difference in huge difference in usability for those usability for those

of us on other of us on other platforms.platforms.

Step 1: ALT/TITLE TAGS!Step 1: ALT/TITLE TAGS!

Step 2: Test Multiple PlatformsStep 2: Test Multiple Platforms(Not Just Multiple Browsers)(Not Just Multiple Browsers)

Step 3: Hold Back on Flash, Java, Step 3: Hold Back on Flash, Java, Silverlight, Proprietary Formats, etc.Silverlight, Proprietary Formats, etc.

Step 4: Design Belongs in CSSStep 4: Design Belongs in CSS

Step 5: ValidatorsStep 5: Validators

In Conclusion:In Conclusion:

Small steps like these can make a huge Small steps like these can make a huge difference in the usability of your difference in the usability of your

website on other platforms. Even the website on other platforms. Even the smallest amount of effort to fix your smallest amount of effort to fix your broken website will be appreciated.broken website will be appreciated.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME!THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME!

Stuph Labs is a new GNU/Linux Stuph Labs is a new GNU/Linux consulting and support company consulting and support company

based in Oklahoma City.based in Oklahoma City.

For more information, visit our website For more information, visit our website at at http://stuph.net/http://stuph.net/, or email me at , or email me at

charlie@stuphlabs.comcharlie@stuphlabs.com..