Using IE/Firefox, links opening in a new window drives me completely batty. On the other hand, links opening in new tabs is good. Unfortunately Firefox doesn't provide a means for developers to open a new tab except through the chrome--extension developers can create tabs, web devs cannot. Firefox now has "tab browsing" options though, doesn't it -- to force tab usage instead of window?
Opera is another story, being a true MDI and all. "New Window" stays within the main Opera window, nicely contained -- as it should be.
I like to be in control of what links open in the same window and which open new windows, but I imagine there are enough people who don't know/won't be bothered to middle click, you'd get all manner of complaints. . .
But, as a designer who has had "Do not open links in new windows" pounded into his head, I feel compelled to homilize just a bit.
[blockquote]Opening up new browser windows is like a vacuum cleaner sales person who starts a visit by emptying an ash tray on the customer's carpet. Don't pollute my screen with any more windows, thanks (particularly since current operating systems have miserable window management). If I want a new window, I will open it myself!
Designers open new browser windows on the theory that it keeps users on their site. But even disregarding the user-hostile message implied in taking over the user's machine, the strategy is self-defeating since it disables the Back button which is the normal way users return to previous sites. Users often don't notice that a new window has opened, especially if they are using a small monitor where the windows are maximized to fill up the screen. So a user who tries to return to the origin will be confused by a grayed out Back button. [/blockquote]
A read on the matter:
http://www.sitepoint...ing-links-new-windowI find it ironic that this article, initially, has advertising taking up a significant portion of your lower viewport . . . which, to me, should be some sort of huge no-no. At least it's not a new window, they say, at least we give you a "turn it off" button, they say . . .
Show Posts
