What is Software Quality Management And why is it important

Software Quality Management | What & Why it’s Important?

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<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Introduction">1 Introduction:</a></li><li><a href="#Set_Clear_Goals_and_Expectations">2 Set Clear Goals and Expectations:</a><ul><li><a href="#Goalnbsp">2.1 Goal:&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="#Expectationsnbsp">2.2 Expectations:&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="#Foster_a_Culture_of_Collaboration">2.3 Foster a Culture of Collaboration:</a></li><li><a href="#Invest_in_Continuous_Learning_and_Development">2.4 Invest in Continuous Learning and Development:</a></li><li><a href="#Empower_Your_Team">2.5 Empower Your Team:</a></li><li><a href="#Promote_Quality_Advocacy">2.6 Promote Quality Advocacy:</a></li><li><a href="#Implement_Effective_Processes_and_Tools">2.7 Implement Effective Processes and Tools:</a></li><li><a href="#Lead_by_Example">2.8 Lead by Example:</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">3 Conclusion:</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-introduction">Introduction:</h2>



As the Head of Quality Assurance (QA), you have a crucial role in ensuring the success of your team. Effective leadership can significantly impact the productivity, efficiency, and morale of your QA team. Leading a QA team to success requires more than just technical expertise in quality assurance. It entails effective leadership, strong communication, and the ability to inspire and empower your team members.&nbsp;



As a QA leader, you play a vital role in ensuring the <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/software-quality-assurance-plan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quality of software products</a> and driving the team towards excellence. 



In this article, we will explore key strategies and best practices that will help you lead your QA team to success. From setting clear goals and fostering a collaborative environment to promoting continuous learning and embracing innovation, we will cover various aspects that contribute to the success of your QA team. So, let&#8217;s delve into the world of QA leadership and discover how you can guide your team to achieve outstanding results in the realm of software quality.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-set-clear-goals-and-expectations">Set Clear Goals and Expectations:</h2>



A successful QA team needs a clear sense of direction. As the leader, it is your responsibility to define and communicate clear goals and expectations to your team. Establish measurable targets, such as defect reduction rates, test coverage, and customer satisfaction metrics. Ensure that your team understands these objectives and their role in achieving them.&nbsp;



Following example can help you understand how setting up clear goals help in achieving success.



<h3 id="h-goal">Goal:&nbsp;</h3>



Ensure a high-quality and user-friendly e-commerce platform launch within the specified timeline.



<h3 id="h-expectations">Expectations:&nbsp;</h3>



<ul><li><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-coverage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Test Coverage</a>: Clearly define the areas of the e-commerce platform that need to be thoroughly tested. This includes functionality, performance, security, and usability. Communicate the expected test coverage to your team, specifying the critical features that must be tested extensively.</li><li>Defect Management: Set expectations regarding defect management. Define the severity levels and prioritize critical issues that need immediate attention. Clearly communicate the bug reporting process, including the required information in bug reports and the expected response time for addressing issues.</li><li>Test Execution: Establish expectations for test execution, including the test schedule, test environments, and test data requirements.&nbsp;</li><li>Test Documentation: Set guidelines for test documentation, such as test cases, test scripts, and test results reporting.</li><li>Collaboration with Development Team: Emphasize the importance of collaboration between the QA and development teams. Clearly communicate the expectations for bug triaging, bug fixing timelines, and effective communication channels between the two teams.</li><li>Timelines and Milestones: Set clear timelines and milestones for the testing phases, including test planning, test execution, and test closure. Clearly communicate the deadlines and deliverables expected from the QA team at each stage.</li></ul>



<h3 id="h-foster-a-culture-of-collaboration">Foster a Culture of Collaboration:</h3>



Collaboration is essential for a high-performing QA team. Encourage open communication, idea-sharing, and teamwork among your team members. Promote a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable expressing their opinions and contributing to the team&#8217;s success. Encourage cross-functional collaboration with other teams, such as development and product management, to foster a shared responsibility for quality.



<h3 id="h-invest-in-continuous-learning-and-development">Invest in Continuous Learning and Development:</h3>



The world of software testing and quality assurance is constantly evolving. Encourage your team members to stay updated with the latest industry trends, tools, and best practices. Provide opportunities for professional development, such as&nbsp;



<ul><li>Training programs</li><li>Workshops</li><li>Certifications. Foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement, where team members can enhance their skills and grow both personally and professionally.</li></ul>



<h3 id="h-empower-your-team">Empower Your Team:</h3>



To achieve success, empower your team members to make decisions and take ownership of their work. Provide them with the autonomy and authority to execute their tasks effectively. Encourage innovation and creativity in problem-solving. When team members feel trusted and empowered, they become more engaged and motivated to excel in their roles.



<h3 id="h-promote-quality-advocacy">Promote Quality Advocacy:</h3>



As the head of QA, it is crucial to instill a strong sense of quality advocacy within your team. Quality should be everyone&#8217;s responsibility, from developers to testers. Encourage proactive quality assurance practices, such as early involvement in the development process, promoting test-driven development, and conducting thorough code reviews. Emphasize the importance of preventing defects rather than just finding them, fostering a proactive and preventive approach to quality.



<h3 id="h-implement-effective-processes-and-tools">Implement Effective Processes and Tools:</h3>



Efficient processes and reliable tools are the backbone of a successful QA team. Evaluate your team&#8217;s current processes and identify areas for improvement. Implement streamlined workflows, standardized testing methodologies, and effective test management practices. Explore and adopt suitable testing tools and technologies that can enhance productivity and efficiency. Regularly review and refine these processes to ensure continuous improvement.



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 <h3 id="h-lead-by-example">Lead by Example:</h3>



As a leader, your actions speak louder than words. Lead by example and embody the qualities you expect from your team. Demonstrate a strong work ethic, integrity, and a commitment to quality. Be approachable, supportive, and empathetic towards your team members. Celebrate their achievements and recognize their contributions. A positive and inspiring leader can motivate the team to go above and beyond.



<h2 id="h-conclusion">Conclusion:</h2>



Leading a QA team to success requires a combination of effective leadership skills, a supportive work environment, and a focus on continuous improvement. By setting clear goals, fostering collaboration, investing in learning and development, empowering team members, promoting quality advocacy, implementing efficient processes, and leading by example, you can guide your team towards achieving exceptional results. Remember, success is not just about delivering defect-free software; it&#8217;s about building a resilient, proactive, and high-performing team that consistently delivers value and exceeds expectations.

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The software testing landscape constantly evolves, and staying ahead of the curve is crucial for quality assurance (QA) specialists. Fortunately, 2024 offers exciting conferences to expand your knowledge and connect with fellow testers. This blog post provides a detailed overview of some of the top conferences happening throughout the year, categorized by date:



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Top_16_QA_Conferences_List">1 Top 16 QA Conferences List</a></li><li><a href="#Software_Testing_Conferences_8211_January_and_February_2025">2 Software Testing Conferences &#8211; January and February 2025</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">3 Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="top-16-qa-conferences-list">Top 16 QA Conferences List</h2>



Late Summer/Early Fall



<ul><li>AI Con USA (2024, June 2-7, Las Vegas, Nevada): While not strictly focused on testing, AI Con USA offers valuable insights into artificial intelligence and its transformative impact on businesses. This event is an excellent opportunity to explore AI&#8217;s potential in the QA domain. </li><li>EuroStar (2024, June 11-14, Stockholm, Sweden): Held in Stockholm, EuroSTAR is Europe&#8217;s leading testing conference. Over four days, highly skilled QA professionals will educate attendees on the latest trends and best practices. </li><li>Selenium Conference (2024, June 21, Bangalore, India): This Bangalore event provides a space for networking and knowledge sharing in web automation, <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test automation</a>, and ecosystem integration.</li></ul>



Mid-Fall



<ul><li>TribeQonf (2024, July 12-13, Bangalore, India): Don&#8217;t miss! TribeQonf in Bangalore for valuable insights from leading testers from established companies and startups. Expect discussions and presentations on a wide range of testing topics. </li><li>Testμ 2024 (2024, August 21-23, Online): This online conference embodies a &#8220;by the community, for the community&#8221; spirit. Testμ offers interactive workshops, cultural discussions, and opportunities to discover emerging trends in the testing world.</li></ul>



Late Fall



<ul><li>TestBash Brighton 2024 (September 12-13, 2024, Brighton, England): Held in Brighton, TestBash is a global gathering of testers where you can learn about the evolving role of <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/is-ai-really-important-in-software-test-automation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI in testing</a> and connect with colleagues from around the world. </li><li>HUSTEF Conference (2024, October 8-10, Budapest, Hungary): The biennial Central European Software Testing Forum (HUSTEF) offers a chance to explore cutting-edge testing techniques, tools, and practices. This year, the conference takes place in Budapest, Hungary. </li><li>Pacific Northwest Software Quality Conference (PNSQC) (2024, October 14-16, Portland, Oregon): With a rich 42-year history, PNSQC brings together industry leaders to discuss and share innovative approaches to software quality. Join this event in Portland, Oregon, to learn from the best. </li><li>TestCon Europe (2024, October 22-25, Vilnius, Lithuania &amp; Online): TestCon Europe offers a hybrid format catering to in-person and online attendees. Expect workshops, presentations, and in-depth discussions on various testing topics.</li></ul>



Winter



<ul><li>Testing United (2024, November 7-8, Vienna, Austria): This Vienna conference delves into the intricate connections between AI and QA. By examining past experiences and present possibilities, Testing United offers a fresh perspective on AI-augmented <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/quality-assurance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quality assurance</a>. </li><li>Agile Testing Days (2024, November 19-22, Potsdam, Germany): Attend the world&#8217;s largest agile testing event, featuring over 140 seminars covering various hot topics.</li></ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/jjr_FGVZxTLknJxDg7ecthufjw_u8B3k18_N9WX8ao2yWa6nnJNF9VeC-OJmeCtsULzAit-el5afQ-Nx4Dflar1gV23xcwSdMGznThv5UnaGLaQ6kkjf2U3uQ9zOp2PM21ZgEmbh-TeAvFiPcd6xamU" alt="Software Testing Conferences - January and February 2025"/></figure>



Here is a list of software testing (QA) conferences scheduled for January and February 2025.



<h2 id="software-testing-conferences-january-and-february-2025">Software Testing Conferences &#8211; January and February 2025</h2>



Winter&nbsp;



<ul><li>International Conference on Software Engineering and Design (ICSED) &#8211; Tokyo, Japan (Jan 07, 2025): This conference focuses on software engineering and design research, including software development methods and user experience design. </li><li>International Conference on Computer and Software Engineering (ICCSE)—Zurich, Switzerland (Jan 14, 2025): This conference explores advancements in computer and software engineering. It may cover topics like software development, algorithms, and computer architecture.</li><li>International Conference on Testing Software and Systems (ICTSS)—Mandalay, Myanmar (Jan 21, 2025): This conference is dedicated to software testing and will discuss methodologies, tools, and best practices for ensuring software quality. </li><li>International Conference on Software Engineering Advances (ICSEA)—Mandalay, Myanmar (Jan 21, 2025): This conference focuses on recent developments and innovations in software engineering. It may include presentations on new programming languages, frameworks, and software development processes. </li><li>International Conference on Software Engineering and Technology (ICSET) &#8211; Paris, France (Jan 25, 2025) &amp; Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Jan 28, 2025): These two locations for ICSET might be separate conferences, though the titles are identical. Both likely cover advancements in software engineering and related technologies. </li><li>International Conference on Software Science and Technology (ICSST), Bengaluru, India (Jan 28, 2025): This conference will explore the science behind software development, potentially including areas like formal methods, software verification, and software reliability.&nbsp;</li></ul>



Winter/Summer



<ul><li>International Conference on Software Engineering and Design (ICSED) &#8211; Melbourne, Australia (Feb 01, 2025): This conference focuses on research in software engineering and design, potentially including areas like software development methods and user experience design. </li><li>International Conference on Software Engineering and Software Development Life Cycle (ICSESDLC)—Bogota, Colombia (Feb 15, 2025): This conference will explore the entire software development lifecycle, likely covering topics such as software development methodologies, project management, and testing practices. </li><li>International Conference on Global Software Development (ICGSD) &#8211; London, United Kingdom (Feb 15, 2025): This conference examines the challenges and opportunities of software development in a globalized environment, including topics on distributed teams, communication strategies, and cultural considerations. </li><li>International Conference on Computer and Software Engineering (ICCSE) &#8211; Rome, Italy (Feb 18, 2025): This conference explores computer and software engineering advancements. It may cover topics like software development, algorithms, and computer architecture. </li><li>International Conference on Software Engineering and Technology (ICSET)—Tokyo, Japan (Feb 25, 2025): This conference will explore advancements in software engineering and related technologies. It may include presentations on new programming languages, frameworks, and <a href="https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/software-development-process/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software development processes</a>.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-conclusion">Conclusion</h2>



Check out this list of the top QA conferences in 2024.&nbsp;



These events offer excellent opportunities to learn, network, and stay ahead in this field. So, mark your calendars and prepare to experience a year of learning and growth in <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/software-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software testing</a>!



Don&#8217;t forget to plan ahead for the events in 2025. Be an early bird!🐦

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<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“If you&#8217;re not paying for the product, you are the product.”<cite>Andrew Lewis</cite></blockquote>



When the 2020 documentary, ‘<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11464826/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">The Social Dilemma</a>,’ directed by Jeff Orlowski, dropped on Netflix, it sounded the alarm bell that was already ringing loudly. It highlighted the familiar quote among millions of viewers globally by driving the point of how Big Tech has been misusing our data without our consent.



The documentary came in a backdrop of tumultuous times &#8211; with the CEOs of Google, Facebook, and Twitter questioned by the US Senate Judiciary and Senate Commerce Committees. If you had followed the Facebook hearings minutely, you must have frequently come across the term ‘cross-website tracking’. 



During one such grilling session, Missouri Senator Josh Hawley questioned Facebook (now Meta) CEO Mark Zuckerberg about a tentative internal tool named ‘Centra.’ The tool purportedly tracked all Facebook users across the internet.&nbsp;



While tracking user activity was not an alien concept, very few could grasp its implications and the extent to which it is used. With the Facebook hearings and the viral Netflix documentary, suddenly, it was out in the open. The practice of cross-site tracking ushered in serious privacy concerns and rightly so among the billions of internet users worldwide. In this article, we will try to understand cross website tracking, its impact on user privacy, and how to minimize its effects.







<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_Cross_Website_Tracking">1 What is Cross Website Tracking?</a></li><li><a href="#How_Does_Cross_Website_Tracking_Work">2 How Does Cross Website Tracking Work?</a><ul><li><a href="#Cookies">2.1 Cookies</a></li><li><a href="#Web_Beacons">2.2 Web Beacons</a></li><li><a href="#Canvas_Fingerprinting">2.3 Canvas Fingerprinting</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#What_is_the_Purpose_of_Cross_Website_Tracking">3 What is the Purpose of Cross Website Tracking?</a><ul><li><a href="#Website_Analytics">3.1 Website Analytics</a></li><li><a href="#Website_Performance">3.2 Website Performance</a></li><li><a href="#Advertising">3.3 Advertising</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#When_Does_it_Become_Potentially_Problematic">4 When Does it Become Potentially Problematic?</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_Stop_Cross_Website_Tracking">5 How to Stop Cross Website Tracking?</a></li><li><a href="#To_Conclude">6 To Conclude</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-cross-website-tracking">What is Cross Website Tracking?</h2>



It is precisely what its name entails! Cross website tracking refers to the practice of advertisers, businesses, and other digital agencies and entities tracking your online activity to monitor your browsing habits. The website visited by the user primarily does the tracking, but third-party apps can also gather and access this data. There are multiple reasons to justify this practice &#8211; product improvement, personalized user experience, and targetted advertising. Cross website tracking eases your experience by remembering basic information, like your language preferences. It also makes browsing easier and publisher service better.&nbsp;



While Big Tech and other agencies portray cross website tracking as an innocuous marketing act, it also poses some serious privacy threats. For one, it is a breach of privacy when websites engage in cross-site tracking without seeking consent from the users. Secondly, very few websites offer information in layman’s terms regarding how they will use the collected user data. Hence, unless you are willing to wade through the technical terms of every website you visit, it might be impossible to understand where your data might end up.&nbsp;&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-how-does-cross-website-tracking-work">How Does Cross Website Tracking Work?</h2>



So, how exactly do websites track your browsing behavior? Well, any user browsing the web often has trackers pursuing them and keeping a log of every activity. This is achieved with the help of widgets, scripts, or minuscule images embedded on any website user visits. While visiting many websites, you have surely noticed those social media buttons embedded there. Sure, most of the time, they are included for the sites to gain useful analytics regarding their content. But the concerning issue is they also send your data back to those platforms to create user profiles for targeted advertisements.&nbsp;



Some of the most commonly used web tracking systems and web trackers are:&nbsp;



<h3 id="h-cookies">Cookies</h3>



Cookies are the primary tools used by websites in the process of cross-website tracking. It is quite an ingenious concept. You visit a website, and a small packet of data is transferred to your device’s browser courtesy of your <a href="https://www.hostinger.in/tutorials/what-is-a-web-server" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">web server</a>. This small packet is called a computer cookie aka web, internet, browser, or HTTP cookie. Cookies are designed specially to memorize your browsing information and online activity. 



Cookies work in a simple manner:



<ul><li>The browser requests a web page from the web server</li><li>The server transmits the page along with a cookie</li><li>The cookie gets stored in the hard drive of your device</li></ul>



There are three different types of cookies:



<ul><li>Persistent cookie</li><li>First-party or session cookie</li><li>Third-party cookie</li></ul>



While the first two types of cookies are generally used to boost your browsing experience by remembering your passwords and language preferences, it is the third type you should be wary of. Persistent cookies come with an expiration date, and session cookies are temporary ones that get deleted with the closing of your browser. But the third-party cookie that keeps track of your online behavior is the tracking cookie.



<h3 id="h-web-beacons">Web Beacons</h3>



Web beacons are used as a single-pixel transparent graphic image by a website to log user behavior. They work similarly to cookies to monitor user browsing habits and navigation for advertising and analytics purposes. One such web beacon is the Facebook Pixel, enjoying a ubiquitous presence in your browsing activities. It tracks almost every aspect of your web browsing activity and aids advertisers in putting up targeted ads for you or others exhibiting similar behavior. Beacons also enable IP address tracking in emails by logging the exact time and date as well as your IP address when you open any mail embedded with a beacon.&nbsp;



<h3 id="h-canvas-fingerprinting">Canvas Fingerprinting</h3>



The practice of websites deciphering how the user’s browser responds to graphical instructions is known as canvas fingerprinting. Any website with this feature can direct your browser to draw a hidden image. This particular image varies with the individual’s device, graphics card, and hardware settings, resulting in the rendition of a unique image for every user. The distinctive image acts as a unique digital fingerprint for every user and can provide accurate information when coupled with other tracking data.&nbsp;



HTML5, the latest version of the coding language HTML, was developed for animations and drawing graphics on websites. However, it includes canvas fingerprinting, resulting in its co-opting of it as an effective tracking and fingerprinting tool.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-what-is-the-purpose-of-cross-website-tracking">What is the Purpose of Cross Website Tracking?</h2>



There are many legit reasons for websites to keep track of user activity. Most sites do it to boost website performances and personalize user experience. Let’s say that you are into reading books and watching movies at leisure. So, won’t you prefer advertisements from streaming services and publishing houses over furniture and bedsheets? This is exactly achieved through cross website tracking that allows targeted advertising based on the browsing behavior of any user.&nbsp;



Some of the primary reasons behind cross-website tracking are:



<h3 id="h-website-analytics">Website Analytics</h3>



Almost all websites glean user information by using analytics software to gauge how customers use their site and get visitors&#8217; demographics. Information like how visitors arrive on the site and the number of pages they visit help the owners make important business decisions and optimize the site.&nbsp;



For easier understanding, let us take the example of any news publishing website. When publishers notice that most visitors are hitting upon one story only, they opt for better interlinking between posts. It will make the other stories easily accessible too and increase the website’s overall views and footfalls.&nbsp;



Google Analytics makes for the most commonly used analytics software on the internet. With an estimated client base of 29 million sites, Google Analytics is in use in <a href="https://trends.builtwith.com/analytics/Google-Analytics">88.5%</a> of the top 10,000 sites.&nbsp;



<h3 id="h-website-performance">Website Performance</h3>



Many websites require some tracking to perform the intended way. YouTube might make the best case for this. When you are watching YouTube videos, you will find the algorithm recommending videos you might want to view next. This feature is only possible because YouTube tracks your behavior on the platform and on other sites to recommend the best possible options for you.&nbsp;



<h3 id="h-advertising">Advertising</h3>



User-based target advertising is possibly the primary reason behind cross-website tracking. The adverts you come across on the internet are primarily because of the <a href="https://leadgenapp.io/data-collection-form/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">data collection</a> by websites based on your location, search interests, browser history, and even the time of the day you prefer to visit certain sites. Retargeting is another common practice where you see a barrage of adverts for products similar to something you might have searched for a while ago. To make your ads stand out and capture your audience&#8217;s attention, consider using After Effects templates from Videvo. These <a href="https://www.videvo.net/after-effects-templates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">professionally designed templates</a> can help create visually stunning and engaging advertisements for your brand. By incorporating eye-catching animations and motion graphics, you can elevate your advertising efforts and make a lasting impression on your target audience.



Again, Google has cemented its place at the top with Google AdSense, the largest web-advertising network.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-when-does-it-become-potentially-problematic">When Does it Become Potentially Problematic?</h2>



While cross-website tracking essentially has its list of pros, security and privacy concerns are a major red flag. Not knowing how much of your data is being collected or its purpose can be a legitimate concern in today&#8217;s digital world. Third-parties like affiliate and advertising networks and data brokers often use cookies and web beacons to collect our data without consent. Lack of transparency in the process and often without the consent of users are some serious concerns that need to be addressed immediately when it comes to this practice.&nbsp;



However, <a href="https://gdpr-info.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)</a> in Europe and California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) are taking heed of these grave concerns and have developed a set of regulations. GDPR requires websites to provide users with opt-in consent forms before collecting personal user data. The websites cannot use pre-ticked boxes in such consent forms, which ensures users take positive steps to provide permission. Also, websites are required to provide users with the option to withdraw their consent any time they want, even if they have initially consented to use their personal data. 



CCPA, while not making it necessary to provide opt-in consent forms, mandates websites to mention upfront how the collected user data will be used and the parties they will be available to. Upcoming regulations will also allow users to view the data collected and the right to get them deleted if they feel so.



<h2 id="h-how-to-stop-cross-website-tracking">How to Stop Cross Website Tracking?</h2>



Well, yes, there are steps you can take to fight this practice and even prevent websites from tracking and storing your data. While if you are based in the European Union (EU) or California, USA, there are strong regulations that prohibit tracking user data without explicit consent. However, if you are from a country that does not have strict regulations in place, you can optimize your browser settings to prevent cross-website tracking.&nbsp;



If you are someone who has legitimate privacy concerns regarding cross-site tracking and finds it intrusive, here are some of the steps you can take to prevent cross-site tracking:



<ol><li>How to prevent cross-site tracking in Chrome?</li></ol>



For computers and laptops &#8211;



<ul><li>Open the Chrome browser and go to Settings</li><li>Click Cookies and other site data under the Privacy and security option</li><li>Turn Send a “Do not track” request with your browsing traffic off</li></ul>



For mobile phones &#8211; 



<ul><li>Open the Chrome app on your android device and go to Settings</li><li>Tap Do Not Track under Privacy and security</li><li>Turn the setting off</li></ul>







<ol start="2"><li>How to prevent cross-site tracking in Firefox?</li></ol>



Firefox has an in-built Private Browsing with Tracking Protection feature that prevents third parties from tracking your browsing activity across multiple websites. You can enable it with the following steps:



<ul><li>Open the Firefox browser and go to Settings</li><li>Tap on the Privacy and Security panel</li><li>Select the Custom radio button under Enhanced Tracking Protection to select what to block</li><li>Tick the Cookies checkbox (Cross-site and social media trackers is the default setting)</li><li>Close the about: preferences page</li></ul>







<ol start="3"><li>How to prevent cross-site tracking in iOS devices?</li></ol>



For Macbooks and PCs &#8211; 



<ul><li>Open the Safari browser on your Mac</li><li>Go to Safari &gt; Preferences and tap on Privacy</li><li>Select Prevent cross-site tracking</li></ul>



For iPhone and iPad &#8211; 



<ul><li>Go to Settings on your iPhone/iPad</li><li>Scroll down until you find Safari and tap on it</li><li>Tap the slider and turn on Prevent Cross-site Tracking under PRIVACY &amp; SECURITY</li></ul>







<h2 id="h-to-conclude">To Conclude</h2>



It is often claimed that data is possibly the most valuable resource today. As aptly put by the Former Global Head of Research and Senior Vice-President of Gartner, Inc., Peter Sondergaard, “Information is the oil of the 21st century, and analytics is the combustion engine.” While the debate whether data has surpassed oil or gold in value and importance is raging on, it is undeniable that data plays a major role in today’s world of digital information.&nbsp;



Hence, it is imperative that billions of internet users worldwide pay attention to their data being tracked and stored. Even though cross-website tracking may have a lot of things going for it, tracking and making your data available to third parties without any transparency or consent is a legitimate concern. To ensure a healthy trade-off, it is critical that the concerns of users are acknowledged, fully informed regarding the use of their personal information, and given a choice to not opt for sharing any data.&nbsp;

What is Cross Website Tracking | How to Prevent It?

<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/6CekEeAi1joWG2iHIV8DtwB5ntH2Dpy-qRdIcWkpddxrbn8SAvEikjSVFn0AtVj7nVPCqiyMO6cAsF4jaHlppDSL2SSmAP8o6bswSfcQrjLFzzpOrYftFO0mBW5008Z8toj0ioCIGhupZrHpao83nmA" alt="Testsigma - Test automation platform" width="600" height="400"/></figure></div>



Hello Folks,



Great to meet you all with another interesting blog. There are many relationships between Games and Testing. Many people use that as a metaphor and define testing. Why is it so? Every game requires strategy and analytical skills to play and win. In today’s blog, I will be explaining how chess and the pieces in chess are related to software testers and what we learn from them.



Chess is one of the brilliant games. No one could deny it. But have you ever wondered that the chess pieces have a lot of similarities with the different roles that testers can have and our everyday life?&nbsp;



Yes, we are facing a lot of challenges every day and we take on new roles and responsibilities based on them. We need to act differently in different situations. We all know that life is a game, and we all are players here. So let’s see in detail each chess piece and what it symbolizes.&nbsp;



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#The_King">1 The King</a></li><li><a href="#The_Queen">2 The Queen</a></li><li><a href="#The_Bishop">3 The Bishop</a></li><li><a href="#The_Knight">4 The Knight</a></li><li><a href="#The_Rook">5 The Rook</a></li><li><a href="#Pawns">6 Pawns</a></li><li><a href="#Closing_thoughts">7 Closing thoughts:</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-the-king">The King</h2>



The King is the most important one among the chess coins because the entire game revolves around the King. He is the most influential decision-maker. He doesn’t have much power, but he decides the fate of the entire game. All other pieces are meant to play the game of protecting the King. If there’s no King, then there’s no game at all.&nbsp;



Sometimes, we should act as King to avoid conflicts in the team. There should be only one decision-maker and multiple ones will lead to chaos. Of course, getting multiple options and feedback from the team is the first step. 



You need power, and authority to decide and everything in the project is revolving around you. This role helps you to make the right decisions, and guide and build the team better. Overall the King piece is advocating leadership that every tester of all levels should learn and implement. For instance, every Project/Test Manager should think and act like a king in most scenarios.&nbsp;



<h2 id="the-queen">The Queen</h2>



The Queen is the most powerful piece of all, with a lot of freedom provided she tends to save her King and the territory. She can move in any direction and take down anything that comes her way. She is aware of her strengths and weaknesses.&nbsp;



Also, I strongly believe that the QUEEN is a demonstration that implies that women are given more freedom since they are capable of handling it. Women are good at multitasking and delivering quality at the same time. 



So this role, in the game of chess, is suitable for Testers who are given a lot of freedom in the project and in turn they deliver the best. They are aware of the granular level details of the projects. They use their power to fight for the team, and they use their smartness to handle and tackle the stakeholders. We testers should be fierce and utilize emancipation in a righter way.&nbsp;



Under certain circumstances, we need testers to behave smart as the Queen and make use of the freedom in a realistic and diligent way. Here comes the role of the Test Lead. I would say that a Test Lead should react and play the game with Queen’s attitude. This is helpful for the entire team to be led in the right way.&nbsp;



<h2 id="the-bishop">The Bishop</h2>



There are two bishops and they are close to the king and queen. They are considered the third most powerful pieces. Next to the King and Queen, they have the power and authority to make decisions. But they play the game the same way and same move.&nbsp;



Bishop is a highly respected and valued piece. Sometimes, we need to provide authority to someone and watch. This builds the team rapport and confidence in everyone and brings out the leadership in them. Delegating small chunks of work and asking our team to take responsibility, helps the team to grow and be productive.&nbsp;



Sometimes we have our senior associates in the team who possess a greater knowledge of the project and systems. Along with the power, experience helps a lot. So should try to gain real-time hands-on experience in the tools or projects we are being a part of.&nbsp;



<h2 id="the-knight">The Knight</h2>



The Knight is the only piece, that can skip or jump between pieces on the chessboard. They are happy-go-lucky and smarter ones. Other than Pawns, they have the power to start the game. It is on equal footing with Bishop and holds military ranking. Along with the power, you need strategic and pragmatic thinking.&nbsp;



A horse is used to denote and illustrate the Knight. It is an elegantly designed chessman. Just like the knight in a game of chess, testers should be versatile and clever. For instance, I can relate the Knight with some new joiners to the team with a few years of experience and knowledge in new tools/technologies. 



They are energetic, vibrant, and enthusiastic. They are well aware of their roles and responsibilities. They needed a little mentorship initially and they can work smart and play the game and make unexpected magic happen.&nbsp;



<h2 id="the-rook">The Rook</h2>



They are strong, hefty, and powerful ones and the front-liners during the war. They provide support to the remaining pieces. They form a protective layer to the castle and that’s why even the piece designed represents the Castle with the turrets on top.&nbsp;



We as testers should be strong-headed and face the challenges. We should be defending our team. In every project, there will be a handful of techy, nerd people. They like to play around with the tools and make our work easier. They are super smart and will be ready to take on challenges at any time. I would say everyone in the project should act as a rook.&nbsp;



<h2 id="pawns">Pawns</h2>



Pawns are the underrated pieces on the chessboard, due to their power limitation. They are more in number with less power on the chessboard. In history, they have great stories to share. They are considered weak. 



But they are more in numbers which make happen anything. We have to learn teamwork and humility from the pawns. Also, they showcase the traits like bravery and sacrifice. So never underestimate the presence and the strategy of the pawns.&nbsp;



I would relate this to the trainees in our team. If they receive proper guidance they thrive. We all need to understand their needs and should work together for the team&#8217;s success.



<h2 id="closing-thoughts">Closing thoughts:</h2> 



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/ojDYeOQgG4EHK04CbG1h3i50I-xkFFQSFjqGiQMDRLkvrcOIh1cBq_lscS5p0B6b19MNXY1MhLPiMpY-58mF4hDBgOJeWRJSMTlkmbxoGsIV_CpegVfkd3otuG53Bfl2NIf_5UwVt3kszsc-OPrYaWQ" alt="Testsigma - Test automation platform" width="600" height="400"/></figure></div>



Every chess piece has a meaning and some elegant takeaway for us. These are different roles which I can relate to a few of our roles. Sometimes we need to play more than one role. I hope you will be able to relate the roles along with me. Lots of roles to play and act in a single day. That’s the life of a software tester.&nbsp;



To face the challenges or roadblocks we wear different hats every day. Just like this chess board and the chessmen we testers are juggling different roles and responsibilities.&nbsp;



Which one are you? Life is a long game. Of course, this is your game, and you need to play it your way. Please comment, let’s hear it out from you. Let’s celebrate each other!



PC: <a href="https://www.freepik.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Freepik</a>



Disclaimer: Inspired by the Queen’s Gambit series on Netflix and this is written based on Author’s sole views and opinions, not with an intention to hurt others.



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



Just like, the pieces of chess can be related to different members of the testing team, the gaming strategies can be related to testing strategies. Read more about testing types and strategies here:



<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/the-different-software-testing-types-explained/"> Software Testing Types</a>



Test Automation, is one of the major strategies and requires tools for implementation, read more about such tools for automation here:



<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/most-popular-tools-for-cloud-automation-testing/">Popular tools for cloud automation testing</a>



<a href="https://testsigma.com/cross-browser-testing-tools">cross-browser testing tools</a>



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