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Explanation of Web Browser Popularity Statistics - Succeed in Web Design. Also refer to Microsoft Internet Explorer, Firefox, Mozilla, Netscape Navigator, Opera, Safari, speed, security, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions
Web Browser Popularity Statistics
by Ron Kurtus (12 May 2008)
Web designers must be aware of the differences in the appearance of their pages on the different Internet browsers. Although there aren't as many problems as there were several years ago, when features in Netscape would not work in Internet Explorer and vice versa, you still should make sure your pages look good in the major browsers.
Thus, it is good to know the popularity of the various browsers to help you in your design. It is also important to know the popularity of the various versions of the browsers, since features and capabilities can change. Internet Explorer and Firefox are presently the most popular web browsers.
Questions you may have include:
- What are the statistics for Internet Explorer?
- What are the statistics for Firefox/Mozilla?
- What about the other browsers?
This lesson will answer those questions. There is a mini-quiz near the end of the lesson.
Internet Explorer statistics
Internet Explorer (IE) is the most popular browser, but it has lost some ground to Firefox. As of August 2008, the percentages of people using IE are:
IE 7 = 26.0%
IE 6 = 24.5%
IE 5 = 0.1%
Total popularity of IE = 50.6
Although more people have been switching over to IE 7, there have also been many complaints that it is slower and unstable. This is especially true with Microsoft's new Vista operating system.
Firefox/Mozilla statistics
Mozilla was renamed Firefox in 2005. (Some people also call it Foxfire). Usage of this browser is increasing, although there are some web pages that do not display correctly in Firefox. As of March 2008, the percentages of people using Firefox/Mozilla are:
Firefox = 43.7%
Mozilla = 0.5%
Total popularity Firefox/Mozilla = 44.2%
Speed, security and added features have resulted in increasing popularity of Firefox. Also, some use it simply in protest of Microsoft.
Other browser statistics
Safari, Opera and Netscape browsers are used by a small percentage of people. Safari is Apple Computer's browser. Its use increased slightly, Opera and Netscape have just about gone away:
Safari = 2.6%
Opera = 2.1%
Netscape = 0.01%
Most web designers often don't bother checking the capabilities of these browsers.
Summary
Websites should be designed for Internet Explorer and Firefox browsers. Since the number of people using the other browsers is negligible, it is often not worth the effort to be concerned about them.
Provide an excellent product for your customers
Resources
The following resources provide information on this subject:
Websites
W3 Schools Browser Statistics - Source of our information
Books
Top-rated
books on Website Design
Mini-quiz to check your understanding
If you got all three correct, you are on your way to becoming a Champion in Web Design. If you had problems, you had better look over the material again.
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Web Browser Popularity Statistics