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RE: opening new browser windows?

for

From: julian.rickards
Date: Nov 6, 2003 1:12PM

It applies to scripted open windows (ie JavaScript) or HTML coded windows,
target="_blank".

The first point is not to open new windows (whatever the method) but if you
must, then please inform the user first using either the title element or
information in the link such as:

<a href="webpage.html" title="Link opens in new window">link text</a>

or

<a href="webpage.html">Link text (link opens in new window)</a>

The problem with the first option is that not all JAWS users will "read" the
title text - I believe they have to ask for it so the second option would
guarantee that all of them will be alerted to the new window.

This rule also applies to <meta http-equiv="refresh"> where this meta tag
will redirect a user to another page after so many seconds (0 seconds to how
ever many you specify). Apparently, JAWS users will be informed that they
have been presented with a new page and then it is gone and replaced by
another. In this case, if, for example, the webpage the visitor is looking
for has been moved, provide a link instead so the user can choose to move on
at their own request.

Jules

---------------------------------------------------------
Julian Rickards
Digital Publications Distribution Coordinator
Publications Services Section
Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines
Phone: (705) 670-5608
Fax: (705) 670-5690


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