On Fri, 13 Nov 1998, Brian Kelly wrote:
Brian,
> I agree with the replies from Miles, Chris and David that Java and
> JavaScript support should be left on in order to provide access to rich,
> interactive web services.
It seems to me that the use of client side scripting is a vital element in
providing better web services, and my view is that JavaScript etc should
not be disabled in the network supplied browser. It is important though
to ensure users are aware of possible implications so that they can make
an objective decision about using certain features (cookies are a good
example). I have also stressed the importance of upgrading the network
browser (currently Netscape 4.04) as new versions become available.
David's use of web based teaching applications using JavaScript and Flash
is being reflected by developments here at Cardiff, and I'm sure that use
will increase. I believe that the benefits of these technologies are
widely accepted at Cardiff, but centrally there is an argument based on
security issues that is blocking further development and proper support.
It would be very useful to know what experience other institutions have of
user problems related to JavaScript in browsers - or lack of reported
problems. My impression so far from replies, both to the list and
privately, is that JavaScript is not being disabled in browsers, and that
this is not causing security problems.
> Is there a solution to this? Could, institutions, for example, put up a
> list of their policies so that we could get a national picture? Should
> someone be defining national recommendations?
> What do people think?
It would be very useful here if we could refer to expert, objective advice
based on the national experience.
Derek
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Derek Phillips - Web Service Administrator - Web Team
Cardiff University - http://www.cf.ac.uk/
Email: [log in to unmask] - Tel: 01222 874497
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