Answers to Misc FAQs

How do I detect the browser that Is being used?

Read the Microsoft MSDN Article 'sniffing for browsers, virtual machines & operating systems', particularly paying attention to the section on detecting the browser in JavaScript .

How Do I Use Cookies on My Site?

If you want to use cookies on your site check out the following links:

• Irt.org JavaScript Cookie Articles
• Irt.org Cookie FAQ Knowledge Base

Why aren't My Layers working in Netscape?

Layers were introduced in Netscape 4. They were a big mistake, Netscape 4 did not meet the web consortium standards for the various languages it used. In the new releases of Netscape layers have been removed and will be ignored. My advice would be to remove the layers from your site as fewer browsers will be used that support them as the Internet develops.

Where can I get a decent search engine for my site?

You can get a free search engine (500 pages) from www.atomz.com - I would strongly recommend it. It integrates with your site perfectly with a little editing, and has many search customisations and reporting features.

Can You Recommend a Good Web Host?

Yes I can. Try www.interland.net. They offer both professional NT and UNIX hosting, with many features and options. I have found them very reliable, fast both in terms of site access and support. As I already have an account with them if you mention "telaco.com" on your application form then you get $20 (? - the last time I checked) off the total cost of the plan you select. Disclosure: I also get the same amount credited to my account if you do this ;-)

What is the Best Way to Make Money from My Site?

A lot of sites on the web opt for banner ads: Just say NO. The best way of making money for your site, and building a trusting audience is by far quality affiliate programs that are relevant to your site. A good one for many is the www.amazon.com program. This allows you to review and recommend books, CDs and other products to your readers: Getting from 5-15% of the total sale price per item. Affiliate programs are a good way of securing revenue as it allows you to build trust between you and your visitors by recommending quality products. There is also an affiliate program at amazon.co.uk for British based web sites.

I can't Link to My Local Intranet Server's Shared Directory

If you are trying to link to "\\server\shareddir" on your local network try using the file HREF:

How do I display a "tool tip" over an element on the page?

To display a tool-tip, a small pop-up box that appears when the mouse hovers over an element, add the "title" attribute to the element that you want it to appear on. e.g.:

These tool tips are a browser dependant feature. IE4 + supports them. Inserting them into your page will have no effect on the display of your page in older browsers.

Where can I get a free counter for my page?

You can get a free, detailed counter from www.thecounter.com. It offers detailed access statistics, with just a short piece of HTML to insert. Find out where visitors came from, their browser, screen resolutions and color depths etc.

How do I scroll Text in the Status Bar?

You can scroll text in the status bar by using JavaScript, a type of programming language that sits within HTML. There are several pieces of code on the web for doing this try:

• www.scripterspad.com/sharescript/script02.html - A simple script with instructions
• www.google.com/search?q=Scrolling+Text+in+the+Status+Bar+javascript+code - A google web search for more scrolling text code.