Frequently Asked Questions

Does AlertFox run in all of today’s most popular browsers?

Only AlertFox measures the true user experience by using REAL Web browsers: Firefox, Internet Explorer and the iMacros Browser. This allows us to monitor even complicated steps (e.g., the complete check out process, not just store uptime).

What is Classic Monitoring?

Classic monitoring refers to monitoring the uptime and page load time of a given URL.

What is Global Monitoring?

AlertFox runs tests from globally distributed data centers in North America, Europe and Asia.

Does AlertFox work with Flash applets?

Yes, it does. AlertFox uses the iMacros DirectScreen technology to automate and monitor Flash applets directly inside the web browser. The response time measurements always reflect the true user experience because only AlertFox uses real IE and Firefox browsers and the original browser plug-ins such as Adobe Flash Player, Microsoft Silverlight and SUN Java runtime.

Does AlertFox have AJAX support?

AlertFox has full AJAX support: Many AJAX elements are already supported by the HTML based recording available in the iMacros for Firefox add-on. For some tasks, such as monitoring AJAX drag & drop, you can use the iMacros DirectScreen Technology, which is available in our PRO2 and PRO3 accounts.

How do I use the iMacros add-on? Can you provide assistance?

Sure! AlertFox runs thousands of iMacros every day. We know this tool inside out and have a close relationship with the iMacros developers. We look forward to assisting you. Please email any technical questions to support@alertfox.com.

Can I use image recognition to find and test certain elements?

iMacros software includes image recognition support and AlertFox fully supports this with its build-in image uploader.

Why can’t I use a free email address to sign up?

Since even our free AlertFox accounts contain the powerful transaction monitoring service, to avoid abuse we require signing up with your business email address (e. g. yourname@yourdomain.com) and not a freemail address (@gmail.com, @yahoo or @hotmail). However, all of our AlertFox PRO accounts include the option of adding up to five additional freemail or business email addresses.

Can I upgrade later?

You can upgrade from a Free to a PRO1/2/3 account anytime by clicking on any of the “Sign Up” links. When you purchase an upgrade your current user account and sensor data are preserved. You can also upgrade or downgrade the commercial packages anytime. To upgrade or downgrade between the PRO1/2/3 packages simply use the any of the “Sign-Up” links. Signing up for another package will automatically cancel your current subscription.

What is the “Macros Creation Service”?

The AlertFox PRO3 subscription includes the free Macro Creation Service. If you prefer, you can send us a description of the tasks you wish to monitor (e.g., as a series of screenshots) and we will create the required transaction monitoring macro(s) for you and add them to your account. Of course, you can always edit and change the macros yourself within the web interface. This allows you to have the best of both worlds: the ability to change things quickly yourself and full (and free) support when you need it.

What is the “iMacros Standard license”?

The AlertFox PRO2 and PRO3 subscriptions include a free iMacros software license for creating and modifying test scripts and running all tests on your local system. This can be especially useful for investigating tricky web performances issues. But of course, if you prefer, we can create the test macros for you.

Why is AlertFox so much cheaper than other website monitoring services?

Good question! Alertfox is able to offer free options and competitively priced PRO accounts because it uses self-service script creation based on the popular iMacros browser add-on. AlertFox users can go one step further by using innovative iMacros technology to create transaction monitoring macros that run directly in the Firefox or Internet Explorer web browsers. Also, we do not have an unnecessary network of hundreds of global monitoring stations. We have proven that three globally distributed centers (in Asia, Europe, and North America) are more than enough.