Standard Screen Resolution
Summary
1024 x 768 as of this writting (2008/January) is currently the most popular resolution to design for. By taking into account browser chrome and that a significant percentage of visitors do not maximize their browser window, something between 900 and 1000 is a safe bet. By averaging the dimensions of the most popular sites, this number sits at 925. As liquid layout is suggested, most of the top visited sites do not employ liquid layouts - those that do, put the flexibility in the columns so that the text never runs on indefinitely.
Links/Research
ZDNet Articlehttp://roho2003.blogspot.com/2007/04/standard-screen-resolution.html
Blog with good research
http://justaddwater.dk/2006/08/17/design-for-browser-size-not-screen-size/
Great article looking at browser size vs. screen size:
Conclusion:
Web designs should optimize for a maximum available browser window of 1000×600 pixels. As screens get better and bigger, users rarely maximize browser windows, which is why we’re probably better off optimizing for a smaller window, such as 900×600.
http://blog.compete.com/2007/10/30/top-50-websites-domains-digg-youtube-flickr-facebook/
Top 50 websites by traffic/unique visitors
Analysis
Using the above and doing screen captures of the top sites, the following produces an average:| Top traffic sites in decending order | horizontal width | Liquid |
| Yahoo.com | 952 | No |
| Ebay.com | 931 | No |
| MSN.com | 980 | No |
| AOL | 961 | No |
| Youtube.com | 877 | No |
| Amazon.com | 989 | Yes |
| About.com | 789 | No |
| Average | 925.6 |
Conclusion:
If liquid layout is used - 779 low to 925 max
If not liquid, 925 max