Regarding Compatibility

Since the Internet is a cross-platform network connecting many types of computer systems, standards compliance is more essential here than anywhere else.

Since all Triskelon products and services seek to maintain the highest levels of standards compliance, by choosing Triskelon, any compatibility-related headaches are reduced to optimal levels, the best possible considering the current state of the industry.

Still, taking a moment to consider possible compatibility issues when deciding on web browsers, web server operating systems, web hosting providers, and related factors can sometimes reduce your headaches later.

The Best Web Browser Available

If it comes down to a discretionary preference, and you're interested in a web browser recommendation, we recommend Firefox, which is available for all desktop platforms, including Windows, Macintosh, and Linux. For cross-platform compatibility, reliability, broad support, and standards compliance, Firefox is the best browser available today.

As of February, 2011, only 26% of web professionals use Microsoft Internet Explorer, down 9% from the previous year; while 42% of web professionals use Firefox, making it the most popular browser among those “in the know”. See statistics. (When including people who use the browser that comes preinstalled with their computer [not a choice, but rather a lack of choices, and therefore not an indicator of merit], Microsoft Internet Explorer is the most popular. See statistics.)

Compatibility & Web Browsers

However, Firefox is not the only browser we support.

Our original web management software, Web Builder, and websites we've built with it, below version 6, were intended to be fully compatible with Firefox and Internet Explorer, which traditionally comprised about 85% of all web browsers in use. Other web browsers sought to make themselves compatible with these two. That was good enough for a long time.

But it's not anymore. As the minor browsers (Chrome, Safari, etc.) grow, and especially as the use of mobile devices to access websites grows, this level of compatibility is no longer sufficient. Beginning with Web Builder version 6 (and websites built with it), we now offer expanded browser support and new mobile device support.

Compatibility & Web Hosting Providers

We recommend always ordering web hosting services on a Linux server, as Linux is the industry standard operating system for web servers, and therefore provides better compatibility for Web Builder and many other software titles designed to run on web servers.

PHP support on your web server is required for all Web Builder users. Users who require the Authorize.Net SIM API interface for their eCommerce functions must have PHP version 5 installed on their web server. (Not sure whether this applies to you? Ask us.) MySQL support on your web server is required if you are interested in shopping cart, customer relationship management, classified ads, pay-per-download, eTicketing, calendar, customer service chat, or other database functionality.

Many web hosting companies support PHP and MySQL, so you may have support for these already included in your web hosting account. If in doubt, check with your web hosting provider. If you host with us, see hosting plans to find out about PHP and MySQL support.

Apache HTTP server is required on your web server if you are interested in our optional pay-per-download module. ImageMagick support is required on your web server if you are interested in our large-store shopping cart, image editing, classified ads, or gallery modules.

Beware Partial PHP Support

Please note that some web hosting providers claim to offer PHP support, but actually support only a limited subset of PHP functions, which may create obstacles for Web Builder users.

If you already have a web hosting provider not shown in our review, we will test at no charge to you and add your provider to our list. Most providers are compatible, so there's a good chance you can keep your existing web hosting account.

If you do not already have a web hosting provider, avoid the risk of wasted effort by ordering hosting from us or selecting a provider based on their compatibility rating in our Review of Web Hosting Providers.