How to unit test my application manually on multiple browsers?

Question

My project requires support on multiple browsers, like Firefox 2.0, firefox 3.0, IE 6, IE 7, etc. My problem is I cannot test the application on lower versions of the browsers. I have to move to other system or other machines for the testing. Is there any way to solve this?

I cannot even use Virtual Box, since my company won't encourage other softwares to be installed.

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Use a browser emulator such as:

1. BrowserShots.org : Free; test your web design in different browsers

2. iCapture : Free; safari screenshots

3. ieCapture : Free; internet explorer screenshots

4. Lynx Viewer : Free; this service allows web authors to see what their pages will look like (sort of) when viewed with Lynx, a text-mode web browser.

5. Browser Cam : Free for 24 hours; Cross-browser screen captures.

6. Multiple Internet Explorers : install multiple Internet Explorer versions on the same machine.

7. Browser Compatibilitytool by NetMechanic : paid service

8. Screenshot Generator : Screenshot generator to see your site on a Macintosh G5 in Safari, MacIE or Mozilla.

9. Browser Archive : Software archive of previous version of browsers at evolt.org

   Source: http://spellbook.infinitiv.it/2006/07/26/top-10-browser-emulators.htm

Answer 2

There are "Portable" versions of Firefox that will let you test 1.5, 2.0, and 3.0 without much trouble... even from a USB key if the pesky IT folks won't let you install locally.