Redirecting browsers of different versions/platforms to separate pages
This tutorial has two sections: first some basics on how to organize a site which will use browser redirect actions, then a section showing how to use the Browser Switch CyberObject included in GoLive 4.0 and CyberStudio 3.x.
Why Redirect?
Let's say you have a site. It's a good site, and you're happy with it. Pat yourself on the back. Now you've got this amazing tool called Adobe GoLive and want to unleash some of its power. All of your pages work really well across platforms and across browsers, so you don't want to change that.
Browser Switch allows you to redirect more advanced browsers to a new start page (of your choice) where you can load up on all the DHTML and CSS goodies you think your visitors can handle.
Before We Start:
If you decide to have a version of your site for version 4.0+ browsers, one of the best things you can do is organize your site towards this end. Below is an example of how you can layout the basic structure for a site that will have two versions.
The index.html file should be a regular start page that is friendly to version 3.0 and below browsers. By including the Browser Switch CyberObject in your header, version 4.0+ viewers will be redirected to the enhanced page (in the above window, that would be "version4.html"). You will notice that the rest of the site here has only been split into three folders: one contains all the HTML files for v. 2-3, another for v. 4.0+, and the two can share all the images in the images folder.
Using GoLive's CyberObject:
Open the index page for your site, then expand the header window of the page. Drag the Browser Switch Headitem from the Palatte's CyberObjects window onto the header window.
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The Browser Switch Inspector now shows you some options. The default setting is for Auto switching. If you only tested your new site pages with version 4.0+ browsers, deselect Auto and check off those browsers you want to be switched to your DHTML/CSS pages. Below is how it would look if you had tested your site to be compatible with versions 4.0+ of both Netscape and Explorer.
Now choose which platform should be redirected. Say, for example, you have developed an enhanced site that caters to Macintosh users. Select Mac OS in the Supported Platform pulldown menu.
Finally, where do you want them to go? Enter the page name in the Alternate Link box.
For this example, only version 4.0+ Netscape and Explorer browsers running on Macs will be automatically redirected to the page "version4.html". All other browsers will remain on the original page (so don't forget to put in some content!).
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