By the way, I just tried searching while using IE6, and it worked fine.

Boy is that a surprise, thanks.

I haven't read the other posts but I felt the need to encourage you to make the switch. FF is very cool and user-friendly; the geeks are always working to improve it and I've never encountered a blank page unless my system is down. Really, IE isn't all that...I'm even thinking of moving to Mac when I upgrade my laptop. Imagine a world with no viruses...

You have nothing to fear from FF. Try it -- you just may like it.

I just switched to FF and I really like it so far, but when I tried the search I still get a blank page. I think I'll try it for a while as it is faster. Thanks again everybody.

PS, does the spell check work on the forum as well.

I don't think what browser you're using has diddly-squat to do with the blank page you're getting with this site's search function.

Since about a month or so ago (after the complete meltdown of the search function), I've noticed this site returns a blank page if you search on any fairly common term. For example, if you go into search right now and enter the keyword "bicycle", you'll get a blank page after a few seconds, whether you're using IE, Firefox, or any other browser. IT HAS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH THE BROWSER.

My guess is that the admins, in order to reduce the search overhead, decided to stick a bail out in the search function - if any term you're searching for returns over a certain number of hits, they don't bother generating a results page - the software just bails you to a blank page.

I think the browser wars are over folks. Use whatever you like because frankly there just isn't that much difference anymore.

- Mark

yeah, the search really sucks on this site no matter what browser.

Yea, I found that out.

I find it amusing that MS is allowed to integrate its IE browser into its operating system (in a way that cannot be undone by users), and then users and developers alike sing about how IE should take precedence because 9x% of computer users will be using it as their browser.

I can user either (and have them both installed), but generally use FF or opera or epiphany because I don't care to be bullied by MS. I dutifully protest to website developers of corporate website that require IE. I have yet to be given a reasonable explanation. My guess is that MS is plying them somewhere in the chain with cash or disincentives.

What other explanation might possibly make any sense?
Why restrict a site to IE?

Caruso

Brian said he's going to look into it, thanks for the help guys.

You know, I hadn't even thought of it as anything other than a glitch, but I have been getting a "blank page" when attempting to perform a search as well. However I only use FF, unless a page is opened in IE by default.

First, it can be undone quite easily. Beyond, give this anti-bundling argument a rest - it's been argued ad infinitum on thousands of forums for millions of posts and believe me, you're not going to add any new insight.

This whole thread is a classic example of how people, when they encounter a problem, tend to blame the closest available target without knowing what the hell they're talking about.

- Mark

Someone has misinformed a BF moderator.

IE still has something like eighty percent of the browser market. FF has ten or eleven.

Since FF comes much closer to following standards, many developers much prefer it and many support people will recommend it.

If you have problems using a function here, trying opening the relevant page in a new IE7 or FF tab.

I use Firefox because I am prejudiced against Microsoft's market dominance. I also don't use Word, Excel, Outllook, etc. If you aren't part of the solution, you are part of the problem.

I use Firefox. If a page requires IE, I just use the "open tab in IE" extension for Firefox. This opens up a new tab that emulates IE exactly.

Firefox is by far the superior browser, IMO, and when you load its extensions and themes, it blows IE out of the water.

+1

I use Firefox on my desktop unless a site refuses to operate with it and in those rare instances I use IE. If I am looking to buy something and I have a choice of purchasing the item from a site that refuses to work with anything except IE or another site that works with Firefox and anything else I will not purchase anything from the IE only site. I use Blazer which is the browser that comes with the Palm TIX and it works very well as the site will normally redirect it to the Mobile version of the web page (if available). That removes all those nasty plug-ins like flash and all the advertisements go away as well. I like Mobile pages so much I use them on my desktop as well! MSN Hotmail is a prime example. No clutter and crap to wade through, just your mail. Try it sometime!

I've never had a site refuse Firefox. What are you people doing? Cruising porn sites?

I started using Firefox two days ago and so far I think it's great. Super fast too, but I think I'll have to buy a book or do a lot more reading about extensions and themes on the web. I still can't use the search here, but I think I gained something out of the mess.

Best do a bit of research before you leap, Apple has had their hands full this year.

I've had Macs since 1984 and have yet to have a virus problem.

Hackers have been ignoring Macs due to the fact that it's was a small niche market. This has changed and now there are viruses which attack Macs. Do not assume you'll never get a virus on your Mac.

Ken, I'm not sure how this is so. I mean we now live in a world where relationships can exist globally with ease well beyond what anyone might have imagined 30 years ago (this forum is an example). Getting reliable information and transacting business has been transformed in ways that make the amount, type and quality of work incredible. I can shop for obscure Colnago steel lugged frames that exist thousands of miles away from my home. And, much of this is the result of Microsoft's dominance in the market. Please don't get me wrong, I'm not a great fan of what feels to be a heavy handed approach to how they market their products, but I'd much sooner have had them pushing the envelope in a way that has encouraged others to join the fray. Any problems that exist are relatively minor when I think of how my life was in 1980.

I have been using Linux (PCLOS) and Firefox for well over a year now and
have not even booted windows except to see if it still would. There
have been glitches form time to time but nothing like the troubles I have had with MS
windows over the years. I am currently using Firefox 3 beta 1 and have no
problems. Even in MS Windows Firefox is a snap to install.
There are some reports that the search function returns a blank page but that
doesn't appear to be a browser problem.

By the way, I don't miss the frustration that came boxed with
Microsoft products.