Internet Explorer and Netscape in Different OSes

[alocurto]

I was wondering if anyone knows for sure if the Operating System effects how a browser displays pages.

For example (I am talking PC only, no linux, only windows OSes) if I have IE 5.0 on windows 98 and IE 5.0 on windows ME can one assume that both will display identicle pages? What about AOL on those two platforms? Netscape?

My opinion is that Netscape would, IE might and AOL might depending on what browser it relies on (IE for now I believe, soon to be mozilla).\

Any links u know about that shows info on this would be great.

I need this information because I am going to test many websites and I want to know how many machines I would need to build inorder to get every current browser and OS combo in use.

 

[alocurto]

Anyone have a comment?

 

[alocurto]

^

 

[Nothinman]

(I am talking PC only, no linux, only windows OSes)

Linux runs on my Personal Computer.

if I have IE 5.0 on windows 98 and IE 5.0 on windows ME can one assume that both will display identicle pages?

You can assume nothing, especially with MS software, although there's a good chance that's right.

What about AOL on those two platforms? Netscape?

AOL uses IE's renderer. Netscape is consistant across all platforms IME.

I need this information because I am going to test many websites and I want to know how many machines I would need to build inorder to get every current browser and OS combo in use.

1, if you buy VMWare.