CompuSkills Blog

What is Javascript? Firstly, Javascript has little in common with Java, which is a full-scale programming language. Javascript is a scripting language, mainly used to add functionality to web pages, through actions performed on the user’s computer (client-side) Javascript can carry out actions that aren’t possible using standard HTML. These actions include opening pop-up windows, setting cookies and validating user input on forms before they are submitted.

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Previously this blog, and the others managed by Compuskills web design service, has suffered from massive deluges of comment spam. This has resulted in the institution of practices such as the Captcha which was frowned up on for its lack of accessibility.

Since upgrading a multitude of sites to WordPress 2.1, the level of comment spam has dropped considerably and as a result we have changed the way comments are moderated on this blog.

I hope everyone finds it a bit better now.

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What are the disadvantages of using AJAX techniques? In practice, AJAX applications are subject to the effects of latency, often leading to baffling delays for the end-user.

AJAX is not well integrated with any browsers; so again, users may experience unexplained effects, such as failure of the back button, incapacity to bookmark pages. Search engines may not see the content, which can have severe effects on a company’s page ranking.

Accessibility requirements may be contravened, so a site may have to provide a non-AJAX version for users of non-compliant browsers.

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What can I do to make my sure my site is accessible? The sorts of limitations covered by the DDA include visual impairments, colour blindness, dyslexia and physical impairments that prevent use of a keyboard or mouse. The actions you can take include ensuring that screen readers can read your site, that colours are not crucial to its meaning, that navigation does not require image shape recognition. Make sure your site can be viewed on all browsers (including outdated and text only browsers) and on a variety of output devices - including mobile phones and PDAs.

There are some simple steps you can take. For example, use ALT tags on images, so that a blind user knows what content an image has. Allow users to resize fonts. Make sure there is a high contrast between text and background. Other steps may require a major redesign and you might benefit from specialist knowledge.

Compuskills Web Design service endeavour to adhere to the DDA with all our sites and are able to provide specialist advice on request.

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