Best way to test a webdesign for IE on a Mac? [clo

Question

I'm currently designing a website on a Mac. The design works fine in Chrome, Safari and Firefox. Now I'm about to test it with different versions of Internet Explorer. The problem is that I don't have access to a Windows machine at the moment. What's the best way to test a webdesign for IE on a Mac?

Answer 1

Your options are basically, in order of quality:

1. Run Windows under virtualization.
2. Run browsers remotely using a tool like browsershots.org.
3. Ask a friend running Windows to look at the site for you.
4. Run Explorer via WINE / Crossover Desktop.

Answer 2

Update October 2012:

I just found browserling.com which seems to be quite convenient. Basic test are free, for more intensive once there's a subscription.

I used to test with Parallels, but I've grown tired of updating Windows versions (not to mention buying Windoes just for IE is ridiculous) and keeping up with IE version clashes etc. so a subscription based service seems to be a more convenient solution.

Answer 3

Install Crossover, which will allow you to run IE on your Mac without the overhead of a full VM.

http://www.codeweavers.com/compatibility/browse/name/?app_id=4225

I would try out the trial first, because IE8 is listed as "Bronze" compatibility level which is not the greatest.

Answer 4

I know this is old but for anyone who does this regularly enough a service like litmus.com is also an option. Of course having an actual install in some sort of virtual machine is the way to go if you're needing it a lot.