Lynx and multi-level tables

[Bailey, Bruce]

> Welcome back. The Unix/Linux waters are still warm and inviting.

Thank you Janina!

> I'm sorry you had to work so hard to get access to lynx,
> though I'm sure the exercise wasn't wasted effort.

It certainly was worth the effort.  It just makes me feel like such a newb.  I really shouldn't be so whiny.  After one knows how to do things, it is so easy!  Isn't that usually the case?

> While there are significant challenges thrown at lynx by today's
> content coding practices, lynx continues to be a highly effective
> user agent in most circumstances.

I think so too.  Now that I know the trick of increasing column width, I feel even stronger about this.

> And, in my experiences, many of the insurmountable
> problems one encounters with lynx would be readily
> remedied by small fixes on the content side, such as
> the javascripted submit buttons used by Ebay and PayPal.
> What excuse is there for javascripting a submit which
> does nothing but submit a form, anyway?

Agreed!  I regret that such a ridiculous construct is usually allowed by the 508 web standards.  I have yet to encounter JavaScript that is actually essential to the functionality of a site.  Client-side data validation is convenient for the host site, but it is hardly required, and had better be backed by server-side validation anyway.

> Most of us here have not probably compiled our own lynx.

Well, that's encouraging.  I figured compiling code is a rite of passage!
Is impolitic to plead to this list when I get around to trying to compile NFBtrans?

> Years ago, I did that, but it's no longer necessary as lynx
> is made readily available through various Linux distributions
> and is handily acquired and installed.

Indeed, the build I used is hosted at and uses their preferred bundle format (.pkg) and native installer.

> Also, I'm sure any number of us would offer the good folks on the WAI
> list a user account they could ssh into to directly experience lynx for
> themselves. I know I would happily do that. Please convey my offer. In
> making this offer, however, I must also point out that the accessibility
> of available ssh clients on Windows is questionable--certainly when
> compared against their robust and unobtrusive usefulness on Linux.

I like to encourage my Windows-only colleagues to try this trick:  From the Start menu select run and enter:
telnet guest.sailor.lib.md.us

This is a public Lynx browser hosted by the Maryland Public Library system.  There are also local dial-up numbers available throughout the state that are compatible with HyperTerminal.  This isn't the secure version of Lynx, and I doubt that one can change the column width, but it is quite convenient.