Is there a way to make a Browser window stop jumping around?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the issue of browser windows jumping or shifting when loading websites, particularly those with heavy advertisements. Participants explore potential solutions, browser options, and the impact of operating system versions on this problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that websites with many ads can cause the browser window to jump as content loads, which can be frustrating when trying to click links.
  • One participant mentions that the latest update of Google Chrome has addressed this issue in the mobile app, but expresses uncertainty about the desktop version.
  • Another participant reports that updating Chrome on a Windows 7 laptop did not resolve the jumping issue, suggesting that the mobile fix may not yet be available for desktop users.
  • Some participants propose using ad blockers, with one suggesting that Opera has an integrated ad blocker that can help mitigate the problem.
  • Firefox with the Adblock Plus addon is mentioned as a potential solution that works well for many websites, although some sites remain problematic.
  • Concerns are raised about the use of outdated operating systems like Windows Vista, with suggestions that users should upgrade to supported versions for better security and performance.
  • One participant discusses the possibility of running Windows 10 in a virtual machine for those needing modern software compatibility without replacing their current OS.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the effectiveness of different browsers and ad blockers, with no clear consensus on a definitive solution to the jumping issue. There is also disagreement regarding the merits of using older operating systems.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention limitations related to outdated operating systems and the lack of support for certain browser versions, which may affect the performance and functionality of web browsing.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to users experiencing issues with browser window stability, particularly those using older operating systems or looking for ad-blocking solutions.

berkeman
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Some websites with a lot of advertisements (like news websites) jump all over the place when you first click into them, because it seems like the Browser window is partially painted, and then more pieces are placed into the window moving other parts around and down. Depending on the website and my connection speed, this can take just a second, or up to several seconds before the dang window image settles down.

Are then any Browsers or Browser options that will keep things pinned as more content is added? It's pretty annoying to click into a website and try to click on a link while it is getting moved all around by ads and other things being inserted...

Thanks. :smile:
 
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berkeman said:
Some websites with a lot of advertisements (like news websites) jump all over the place when you first click into them, because it seems like the Browser window is partially painted, and then more pieces are placed into the window moving other parts around and down. Depending on the website and my connection speed, this can take just a second, or up to several seconds before the dang window image settles down.

Are then any Browsers or Browser options that will keep things pinned as more content is added? It's pretty annoying to click into a website and try to click on a link while it is getting moved all around by ads and other things being inserted...

Thanks. :smile:

The latest update of Google chrome has this fixed in mobile app.
I guess same should be for chrome on desktop, I am not sure.
 
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Buffu said:
The latest update of Google chrome has this fixed in mobile app.
I guess same should be for chrome on desktop, I am not sure.
Thanks for the idea... :smile:

Hmm, so I fire up Chrome on my Vista PC here at work to try it out, and get this message...

https://chrome.googleblog.com/2015/11/updates-to-chrome-platform-support.html
Today, we’re announcing the end of Chrome’s support for Windows XP, as well as Windows Vista, and Mac OS X 10.6, 10.7, and 10.8, since these platforms are no longer actively supported by Microsoft and Apple. Starting April 2016, Chrome will continue to function on these platforms but will no longer receive updates and security fixes.
o0)
 
I updated Chrome on my Windows 7 laptop in the lab just now, and still have the jumping issue. This website, for example, throws up an add at the top of the page a couple seconds into loading:

http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/

I checked, and pop-ups are disabled for that Chrome installation. I guess the mobile fix hasn't made it into the desktop/laptop edition yet...
 
berkeman said:
Are then any Browsers or Browser options that will keep things pinned as more content is added?
I really never mind the ads on websites until I had the same problem as you (slow connection and old computer). I had no choice but to use an ad blocker. Opera has one integrated that can be switched on/off.

Other than that, I can't see how a browser can solve this problem. A good web designer should define the width and height of every item added to avoid such problems. But with 3rd party content, often added with javascript, it seems every page is filled with surprises.:woot:
 
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Firefox + Adblock Plus addon seems to keep the noise down the best on most websites, but some sites are just terrible (MSN comes to mind).

Mozilla statement on XP and Vista support.

In the meantime, we strongly encourage our users to upgrade to a version of Windows that is supported by Microsoft. Unsupported operating systems receive no security updates, have known exploits, and are dangerous for you to use. For planning purposes, enterprises using Firefox should consider September 2017 as the support end date for Windows XP and Vista.​
 
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berkeman said:
Hmm, so I fire up Chrome on my Vista PC here at work...

Vista, a good O/S, but your work still uses it on their computers?!
 
StevieTNZ said:
Vista, a good O/S
I've been a user and administrator of Microsoft systems since MS-DOS 6.22, and put Windows Vista in a class with Windows ME and Windows 8: steamy piles of regret they couldn't abandon fast enough. : )
 
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Y'all are scaring me...
 
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berkeman said:
Y'all are scaring me...
Vista came out, I think, in 2007, which makes it right around 10 years old, and I'm guessing that the desktop is about that age, as well. Your company really should spring for some new hardware...
 
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  • #12
berkeman said:
I updated Chrome on my Windows 7 laptop in the lab just now, and still have the jumping issue. This website, for example, throws up an add at the top of the page a couple seconds into loading:

http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/

I checked, and pop-ups are disabled for that Chrome installation. I guess the mobile fix hasn't made it into the desktop/laptop edition yet...
Loads fine for me with Chrome+AdBlock on a Mac. Without AdBlock, an ad shifts the contents shift down once that loads, as you noted, but I don't really see any issue with that. In any case, install AdBlock and that should deal with content shifts due to loading ads.

I installed Win10 on my Mac as a virtual machine. Installing Win10 doesn't require a product key, so it is pretty much free software. It does lock you from personalization options (changing desktop image, etc.). I'm not advocating replacing the OS on your work computer. I don't know if you even have the permissions to do so nor who knows about software compatibility with your Vista stuff. I suppose you could install a Win10 VM (e.g. with VirtualBox) if you ever need to run something modern no longer supported on Vista.
 

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