First post, by keenmaster486
- Rank
- l33t
Well, the subject line summarizes the question somewhat.
There aren't that many websites that are still compatible with old browsers. Of course the framework and protocols are still in place to access websites with old browsers; the problems are all on the server end: requiring heavy security, HTTPS, newer versions of HTML and CSS, HTML5 videos, non-compatible file formats, etc, etc.
Suppose I wanted to create a vintage-style website that old browsers can connect to and use fully, and that I could edit using my vintage PCs. How best to go about this?
I can think of a few things I'd have to figure out right off the bat:
1. Domain name - buy from Google? They have a lot of them for tens of dollars.
2. Server space? Is there a free hosting service I could use? Would I have to set up my own server? How much bandwidth would I need if I set up my own thing? And I suppose I'd have to worry about security in that case? If I use some other hosting service, do I still get control over what security protocols they require so I can make it compatible with old web browsers? I guess if I can minimize the risk to me and my home network, that'd be great.
3. Which versions of HTML/CSS to code for? Go all the way back? Aim for mid-90's or late-90's? I guess the "era" I'm aiming for would affect this the most. Let's say mid to late 90's just for kicks. I've been messing around with coding some HTML/CSS in Windows 95 with Internet Explorer 3.0, and I haven't been able to get it to break yet with my limited knowledge. I made a front page with a header and paragraph and it accepts the basics like text-align and font-family, etc. I feel like I could even make it look like a modern website. It's even blazing fast too (no Trident engine, I guess - 4.0 probably would be slower). Running Firefox 2.0 on the same system is like trying to get honey out of the bottom of the bottle. Makes you wonder how websites got so bloated.
It would be great if I could also have an FTP server and cultivate it as a repository of free software/utilities/patches/etc for old operating systems, all in one place, and downloadable from said operating systems.
Anyway, I'm continually frustrated with the modern bloated web loading so slowly on my old computers. I think it'd be cool to have this website available for people who want to regain some functionality with old web browsers without weird patches or maxing out their system specs just to run a modern web renderer with all the overhead that requires.
So, I'm open to suggestions and help from people who know more than I do about this sort of thing.
World's foremost 486 enjoyer.
