Using Parallels to Browser Test
Jun 23, 2006One of the most frustrating things to do as a web developer is to test for compatibility issues between different OSes and browsers. This site still has issues in IE6 and I’ve yet to decide how much effort I want to put into researching CSS hacks to make things look right. I enjoy that valid XHTML and CSS produces very clean code, and am loathe to dirty it up just to satiate IE6’s rendering engine.
Anyway, I digress. As a person who lives and dies by OS X, what’s a good way to test browsers on Windows and Linux?
I believe I’ve found my answer in the Parallels virtulization software.
Installation of Parallels is fairly straightforward, and the disk image comes with a one-click installer. Once you get that done it’s off to getting a Linux distro and Windows XP installed.
Installing Ubuntu
First download the x86 Ubuntu 6.06 ISO, here’s a direct link.
Now create a new VM with the VM Wizard using the typical VM selection. Then choose Linux for the Guest OS Type Other Linux kernel 2.6 for the Guest OS Version. Leave all default settings alone except for the CD drive.
For the CD Drive select “use an image” and choose the ISO you just downloaded.
Then start up the VM and you should boot up into the Ubuntu Live CD. There is an install option on the desktop and that should get you going for installing Ubuntu to the virtual HDD.
Once all is said and done you should have a fully functioning install of Ubuntu and the ability to test the large amount of Linux web browsers out there.
Installing Windows XP
You’ll need a valid Windows XP install CD before you can begin, so track down one first and then continue on.
Create a new VM with the VM Wizard and choose the typical VM selection. Choose Windows for the Guest OS Type and Windows XP for the Guest OS Version. Then make sure your install CD is in the CD drive and start up your VM.
The Windows XP install should start and the install process is fairly standard.
Once you have a functioning install of Windows XP you can test IE6 and Firefox.
Final Notes
Realize that when you are using Parallels to run other operating systems you are effectively emulating computer that has it’s own memory and hard disk requirements. This means that the more memory you have available the better off you will be in having both OS X and the emulated OS being responsive at the same time. I highly recommend maxing out your Intel Mac to a full 2 GB of memory for best results.