Yes. Putting untrusted web widgets on a web page is risky, because the Javascript in the widget can read the web page and send that information back to the developer of the widget. This is called Cross Site Scripting, and it’s the one of the key reasons that blog, start page and social networking systems are increasingly restricting the use of JavaScript (a key widget technology) in their systems. Widgetbox provides an IFrame-based security layer around widgets that prevents XSS attacks.
How much does Widgetbox cost?
It’s completely free. Free for users to get widgets, and free for developers to make and distribute widgets.
What browsers do you support?
To browse and develop on Widgetbox, you need a modern web browser with Javascript turned on (we officially support IE 6 or later on Windows, Firefox 1.5 or later on Mac, Windows, Linux, and Safari 2.0 or later on Mac). We do not support IE 5.x on Windows or Mac.
For users(widget subscribers) to view widgets, they must have the same sort of browser. In addition, a widget’s developer might have used advanced Javascript techniques, Flash, Java applets, and so on. Widgetbox can’t predict compatiblity of each widget.
If Javascript is not enabled, a page visitor will not see a widget or error message. No space will be taken up.
Do page visitors have to have Javascript to use my widget?
Yes, though widgets disappear nicely if they don’t. Here’s more about it.
Are there limits on the types of widgets I can build?
When displaying a widget, you can do pretty much anything that HTML allows. However, there’s two areas you might feel limited:
Style and Resizing
Because our security model requires that most widgets be served within IFrames, you don’t get the automatic style and resizing that the widget would otherwise have. We’ve taken steps to assist with that, and have more planned. We’d love to hear your thoughts on the matter in our forums.
Configuration
A lot of widgets out there have very nice configuration screens. Widgetbox currently requires you to build a configuration screen in our form building system, and every form building system has limits. Use the Widgetbox forums to let us know what you’d like to see in the future.
I’m having trouble signing up for an account, what can I do?
If you’re having trouble with our popup registration form, give it a shot here: Widgetbox Sign Up.
I’m having trouble logging in, what can I do?
If you’re having trouble with our popup sign in form, give it a shot here: Widgetbox Sign In.
