Firefox

[Detox]

wooo-hooo!

Imust say, this is impressive! Fast, nice options like the tabs (never had those before myself) and love the "ask for cookie setting"... with exceptions such as this forum, of course. I don't think I've used a beta program that was less than version 1 that was so complete )at least it feels that way to me) as this. I'm impressed and I think JayK will be happy to know I'm deleting my IE quicklaunch icon *puppy*

[Detox]

Oh yeah; not to mention the fact that Firefox was so courteous as to go ahead and import my IE favorites to a special folder without me having to manually transfer them!

[bigc73542]

I have opera and firefox and opera was my default .But I have been useing firefox and I really like it. ;D ;) *puppy*

[meneer]

Must be the best browser ever *puppy*.
Ít's running as smoothly on my Windows system as on my linux box. And all for free!

[crockett]

Hi guys; hope everything's fine...

Well, following the above comments about FFox, I enthusiastically decided to go and give it a try myself.

Dwlded it, installed on a completely fresh system (DriveImage always so useful for backing up smooth systems), and then tried to import my previous FireBird Bookmarks through the Import Bookmarks option. The the fox simply crashed. :(

Not getting easily discouraged, I restarted and went to pc flank, and tried to 'add to Bookmarks'. Again, crash.

Not exactly what I expected to say the least. :(

Rgds, Crockett 8)

[JayK]

-{ Quote: "
wooo-hooo!

Imust say, this is impressive! Fast, nice options like the tabs (never had those before myself) and love the "ask for cookie setting"... with exceptions such as this forum, of course. I don't think I've used a beta program that was less than version 1 that was so complete )at least it feels that way to me) as this.

" }-

Sounds to me you still haven't discovered the rough edges yet, I'll let you find them out yourself.

::)

-{ Quote: "
I'm impressed and I think JayK will be happy to know I'm deleting my IE quicklaunch icon " }-

With stuff like http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=22189

and http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/354447/2004-02-19/2004-02-25/0

It's a very very good idea not to use IE.

PS A malicious url based on this is being spread through ICQ too .

[Detox]

Hmm well I may not find the rough edges you speak of... because I might be a more casual user than you? Or.. maybe I will yet since this is still my second day ;) I liked it enough to install it also on the Win98se machine and it's running great there; just takes al ittle bit to load when I start it.. but that may be because I installed the "KIDS" theme so it would look cuter for my daughter. Anyway that puter is pretty outdated so I'm not concerned if something is a bit slow to load.

Really sorry to hear it didn't work out for you though Crockett; hopefully it's some kind of incompatability issue that migth be worked out by version 1.

[JayK]

-{ Quote: "
Hi guys; hope everything's fine...

Well, following the above comments about FFox, I enthusiastically decided to go and give it a try myself.

Dwlded it, installed on a completely fresh system (DriveImage always so useful for backing up smooth systems), and then tried to import my previous FireBird Bookmarks through the Import Bookmarks option. The the fox simply crashed. :(

Not getting easily discouraged, I restarted and went to pc flank, and tried to 'add to Bookmarks'. Again, crash.

Not exactly what I expected to say the least. :(

Rgds, Crockett 8)
" }-

Hmm, I didn't know there was an import bookmarks options. I just manually replace the bookmark.html file if switching profiles. I could be wrong but I think the import bookmarks is for IE bookmarks.

[bbfi]

-{ Quote: " wooo-hooo!" }-
You got that right Detox. Firefox has some idiosyncrasies to get used to but it is like a diamond in the rough compared to IE which is like a piece of coal. ;)

Firefox is a breath of fresh air and Tab Extensions is a delight to have. Also, the following extensions are great - spell checking, adblock, conquery, and RSS Reader panel. ::)

I've tried just about every browser out there - IE and the various wrap arounds like MyIE2, Avant, Crazy, etc., and non IE browsers like Opera and Mozilla 1.6. But I have made Firefox my default browser. It is the best in my view. ;D

Sure, I still have to use IE for updates and when I use Roboform (there is an adapter for Firefox but it slows down Firefox and causes the cursor to disappear for a time when the enter key is hit while entering text). :'(

-{ Quote: "I just manually replace the bookmark.html file if switching profiles." }-
That's what I do also. I also had problems using the import option. :o

BTW - I also opted out of Outlook Express and replaced it with Mozilla Thunderbird .5 which also has some rough edges but it is my default email client now. No more Microsoft here either. ::)

[JayK]

-{ Quote: "

BTW - I also opted out of Outlook Express and replaced it with Mozilla Thunderbird .5 which also has some rough edges but it is my default email client now. No more Microsoft here either. ::)
" }-

Impressive you were using Outlook Express and MSIE on Linux before? :)

[bbfi]

-{ Quote: "Impressive you were using Outlook Express and MSIE on Linux before? " }-
Nope, on Windows XP. :) Still using their operating system. ::)

[meneer]

OT @bbfi: you can also dump spampal, as TB has some decent anti spam rules ;)

[bbfi]

-{ Quote: "you can also dump spampal, as TB has some decent anti spam rules" }-
Tried that for a while. Doesn't work well enough for me, even with weeks of training. Thunderbird's bayesian filter was letting through more than 50% spam. :'( SpamPal only lets through about 1% now. After only a few days, it was only allowing about 8% spam to get through. ;)

I have also tried just about every freeware spam checker and SpamPal does the best job for my computer. We run a nationwide Christian prison ministry and therefore the spam filters have to be tailored fit for us, whereas for most people other spam checkers like Thunderbird's, K9, Spamilator, etc. will work just fine. ;)

I need the capabilities that SpamPal has which includes bad words, good words, bayesian, HTML Modify, URL Body, white lists, black lists, and DNSBL's. Until Thunderbird has all of those, I will continue to use SpamPal along with PopTray for notifications. ::)

This combination is working extremely well for me and has marked just about every instance of the new email viruses as spam also. I was receiving up to 300 MyDoom viruses per day. But with SpamPal's bad words and HTML Modify and PopTray's rules, every virus is marked and easily removed with one click and never being downloaded to my computer. ;D

And, if any got through these lines of defense, Avast killed it in its tracks. ;D

[Detox]

ahh BTW - playing around today I installed the "skypilot" theme and firefox looks like a totally new (very nice looking) browser and I really like the way it looks with it. Highly-recommended-by-Tox ;D

[projectX]

I have to agree with everyone here. FB was nice, and FF is better, even if it is a beta release. I can't wait for the final milestone. BTW, there is a speed tweak you can apply to FF. Most of you are probably aware of it, but for those who aren't, here it is;

For Mozilla,

Find your user profile for Mozilla and paste this into a new file named user.js (or insert it in if it's already there)

C:\Documents and Settings\[username]\Application Data\Mozilla\Profiles\default\[randomstring].slt\user.js [2000/XP]
C:\Windows\Profiles\[username]\Application Data\Mozilla\Profiles\default\[randomstring].slt\user.js [98/ME]

network.http.max-connections", 128);
network.http.max-connections-per-server", 48);
network.http.max-persistent-connections-per-proxy", 24);
network.http.max-persistent-connections-per-server", 12);

Close and restart Mozilla. You'll have to type about:config in the address bar to make sure the settings changed.


More or less the same tweak for Internet Explorer:
http://www.winguides.com/registry/display.php/536/

More or less the same tweak for Opera:
Options > Network

Max connections to server >> 48
Max total connections >> 128
Size of network buffer >> 32KB (not sure about this one. Maybe increasing will raise speed)

You can play with these numbers. Dialup users will probably need lower numbers. Extremely high speed broadband users can probably get away with higher numbers. I'm sure there's a point somewhere that it becomes counter productive.

Obviously, there are tweaks available for IE (if anyone still uses it! :o) and Opera, also.
Also, for FB/FF users, you can also just type in about:config in your address bar and hit enter, then scroll down until you find the values to change. Right-click each value, select modify, type in new value, then ok. I noticed moderate speed increase on most sites, even though I'm using cable broadband. A couple friends at work who use dial-up claimed dramatic speed increases. Hope this helps speed-up someones surfing.

[bigc73542]

I have used the skypilot theme on several mozilla versions but I will admit I like the looks of it on firefox the best, it makes for a very clean and smooth looking browser. ;) *puppy*

[beetlejuice]

OK guys. Meet the latest user of Firefox, Me. ;D Couple of questions.
1. I'm going to have to keep IE on the box as I have 1 program I run alot that is dependent on the IE dll's. I shouldn't run any risk of IE exploits if IE is never allowed to connect to the internet right?

2. I haven't installed any plugins (still playing) to Firefox except for Roboform. Are there any special settings that should be employeed to make it really secure or is it like that "out of the box" so to speak?

No more IE for me, well at least not connected. ;D

[bbfi]

Welcome aboard to a new way of browsing the internet. Have tried just about every browser out there. Which is my default browser now? Foxfire! ;D

1) You will still have to use IE for some sites and also to use Windows Update.

2) If you want to deny referrer logging, put this in your Foxfire user.js -

// STOP REFERRER LOGGING
// 0=don't send any, 1=send only on clicks, 2=send on image requests as well
user_pref("network.http.sendRefererHeader", 0);

This means that whenever you click a link, part of the header it sends to the server is "what page referred you to this one." It is used for advertising to track which client sent you a customer, search engine referrals, etc. Some sites require the referrer to be sent so if it doesn't work for sites you use often, try a setting of 1 instead of 0 for total denial. ::)

There are many extensions to play around with too. You can make the browser of your dreams with Firefox. ;D

[bigc73542]

I think you will like it a lot once you get it customized like you like it. I still use opera for about half of my browsing. But firefox is a very good browser. Welcome to secure browsing ;D ;)

[JayK]

-{ Quote: "
OK guys. Meet the latest user of Firefox, Me. ;D Couple of questions.
1. I'm going to have to keep IE on the box as I have 1 program I run alot that is dependent on the IE dll's. I shouldn't run any risk of IE exploits if IE is never allowed to connect to the internet right?

" }-

Wrong.

[beetlejuice]

-{ Quote: "

2) If you want to deny referrer logging, put this in your Foxfire user.js -

// STOP REFERRER LOGGING
// 0=don't send any, 1=send only on clicks, 2=send on image requests as well
user_pref("network.http.sendRefererHeader", 0);

This means that whenever you click a link, part of the header it sends to the server is "what page referred you to this one." It is used for advertising to track which client sent you a customer, search engine referrals, etc. Some sites require the referrer to be sent so if it doesn't work for sites you use often, try a setting of 1 instead of 0 for total denial. ::)
" }-

I think I'm having a brain freeze or something. Where is user.js -? I've looked through everything and can't find it anywhere. :'(

[JayK]

You have to create the file. It's kind of geeky.

Easier is to type about:config in the address bar of firefox then search for

network.http.sendRefererHeader

Right click on it and modify value to zero.

[JayK]

-{ Quote: " quoting: bbfi link=board=9;threadid=22602;start=15#msg137280 date=1078017923]
Welcome aboard to a new way of browsing the internet. Have tried just about every browser out there. Which is my default browser now? Foxfire! ;D

1) You will still have to use IE for some sites and also to use Windows Update.

-{ Quote: "

I use the extension IEview for this, rightclick a link and have it opened with IE.

http://ieview.mozdev.org/index.html


-{ Quote: "
You can make the browser of your dreams with Firefox. ;D
" }-

I wouldn't go so far." }-" }-

[beetlejuice]

-{ Quote: "

Easier is to type about:config in the address bar of firefox then search for

network.http.sendRefererHeader

Right click on it and modify value to zero.


" }-

Thanks loads JayK. You're right. That is so easy, even I can do it. It looks like you can do a He!l of a lot with that. I think that Wilders should sit up a forum just for Firefox (yes I know they have one) and you can be Mod. Have a cookie.

[bbfi]

-{ Quote: "You can make the browser of your dreams with Firefox.
I wouldn't go so far." }-

Okay. Maybe that's a slight exaggeration. ::)
But you can have a better browser than anything out there in my opinion. ;D
And with 153 extensions, 1005 Mycroft search plugins, and skins, you can make a browser that does almost anything. :o
Is that more like the way it is with Firefox, JayK? ;)

[beetlejuice]

-{ Quote: "
But you can have a better browser than anything out there in my opinion. ;D
" }-

Well IMHO, it's the easiest thing I've ever worked with!!!! Install and go!! Now that I know about-about:config, modifications are a breeze. Anybody got anymore? ;D

[JayK]

-{ Quote: " quoting: bbfi link=board=9;threadid=22602;start=15#msg137579 date=1078068441]
-{ Quote: "You can make the browser of your dreams with Firefox.
I wouldn't go so far." }-

Okay. Maybe that's a slight exaggeration. ::)
But you can have a better browser than anything out there in my opinion. ;D
And with 153 extensions, 1005 Mycroft search plugins, and skins, you can make a browser that does almost anything. :o
Is that more like the way it is with Firefox, JayK? ;)
" }-

In the interests of being objective, let me say

1) Many of the extensions duplicate the same functions, yet some of the more desired functions with regards to cookie management,popup blocking is not addressed.

2) Many of the extensions don't work properly when used with others. Many are usually broken when upgrading Firefox due to Firefox changes. Same for themes

3) The toolbar is not fully configurable

4) Mycroft plugins are nice, but even with Opera and the like you can easily define search engines to search.

5) Firefox hijiacks your jpg file association.

[JayK]

-{ Quote: " quoting: beetlejuice link=board=9;threadid=22602;start=15#msg137583 date=1078068792]
-{ Quote: "
But you can have a better browser than anything out there in my opinion. ;D
" }-

Well IMHO, it's the easiest thing I've ever worked with!!!! Install and go!! Now that I know about-about:config, modifications are a breeze. Anybody got anymore? ;D
" }-

Well you might want to use the x extension to add a button on your toolbar to allow you to clear history,cache,cookies,etc with one click.

http://extensionroom.mozdev.org/more-info/x

Also the extension useragent switcher makes spoofing your user agent easier for visiting some sites that use scripts to block non-ie browsers.

http://extensionroom.mozdev.org/more-info/useragentswitcher

For adblocking use either the css method (which doesn't really block them, just downloads but hides it) or just use the extension Adblock (dev build blocks ads).

Might also want to go to http://mycroft.mozdev.org/download.html and get some search engines that you want.

Beyond that there are many extensions you can try depending on what you need.

Eg you might want TBE for more tab browsing features, Totally remove the search bar, and use the googlebox extension, or use conquery for highlighting and searching terms with whatever search engine you want, All in one for mouse gestures etc etc,.

Also read the following, to learn about the various geeky configuration files.

http://texturizer.net/firefox/tips.html
http://texturizer.net/firefox/faq.html
http://texturizer.net/firefox/edit.html

There are many many tweaks, to speed up browsing, configure Firefox etc, it will take time to learn all the secerts.

[bbfi]

JayK,

Thanks for the extra input. I believe that beetlejuice is now a convert. I hope others will read this post and also give Firefox a try. It still has some rough edges but then again it's not even reached version 1.0 yet. I think that it will only get better over time. I also use Mozilla Thunderbird for email now. Did away with Outlook Express and I never look back. ;)

[beetlejuice]

-{ Quote: "
I believe that beetlejuice is now a convert.
" }-

You betcha I am. Outlook--Bah. IE--double Bah! ;D

[JayK]

-{ Quote: "
JayK,

Thanks for the extra input. I believe that beetlejuice is now a convert. I hope others will read this post and also give Firefox a try. It still has some rough edges but then again it's not even reached version 1.0 yet.
" }-

Yes, I just want to guard against the all too understandable passion of a new Firefox convert to speak as if Firefox is the ultimate solution to the questions of Life the universe and everthing in it, hence the comments about Firefox weaknesses.

There is no point in raising expectations too high. For example the Opera users who already use a very good browser, might or might not find Firefox better.



-{ Quote: "
I think that it will only get better over time. I also use Mozilla Thunderbird for email now. Did away with Outlook Express and I never look back. ;)
" }-

Well no offence, but comapred to Outlook Express, everything looks great. For now, I don't think Thunderbird is mature enough for me to use.

[beetlejuice]

-{ Quote: "
Yes, I just want to guard against the all too understandable passion of a new Firefox convert to speak as if Firefox is the ultimate solution to the questions of Life the universe and everthing in it, hence the comments about Firefox weaknesses.
" }-

No expectations here, well that's not exactly true. I do expect to feel better about not using IE anymore! ;D

[bbfi]

-{ Quote: "Well no offense, but compared to Outlook Express, everything looks great. For now, I don't think Thunderbird is mature enough for me to use." }-

No problem. I have heard of some disasters with Thunderbird. Thank God, it works great for me. ;D

The best part of Thunderbird for me is its templates abilities. I can have categories with sub folders which could not be done with Outlook Express with any ease. For years I had to make my templates that had to be opened in the browser not email client. :'( Those days are over with Thunderbird. Everything is done in the email client which makes it a breeze to work with.

Plus, Thunderbird's security is better than Outlook Express. Just think of all the viruses and worms opened because of Outlook Express. But, you are right in saying that it is not quite prime time for Thunderbird yet. Perhaps by version 1.0, it will be a complete and safe email program for people to migrate to and not have to be under the rule of Microsoft and its poor security. :o

[Grummy]

-{ Quote: "
You have to create the file. It's kind of geeky.

Easier is to type about:config in the address bar of firefox then search for

network.http.sendRefererHeader

Right click on it and modify value to zero.

" }-

OK tried the tweek however my internet banking site would not respond to any other value except 2 . Therefore, I'll leave it at 2. Really nice to learn the about:config tho :o

[bigc73542]

I do have both browsers but I do prefer opera. But firefox is an excellent program. ;)

[JayK]

-{ Quote: " quoting: Grummy link=board=9;threadid=22602;start=30#msg137804 date=1078094057]
-{ Quote: " quoting: JayK link=board=9;threadid=22602;start=15#msg137549 date=1078064391]
You have to create the file. It's kind of geeky.

Easier is to type about:config in the address bar of firefox then search for

network.http.sendRefererHeader

Right click on it and modify value to zero.

" }-

OK tried the tweek however my internet banking site would not respond to any other value except 2 . Therefore, I'll leave it at 2. Really nice to learn the about:config tho :o
" }-

Yes, sadly some sites don't work if there is no referrer sent.

Unfortunately, unlike say Opera, Firefox doesn't have selective referrer blocking, though a patch exists

[bbfi]

JayK,

-{ Quote: "Firefox doesn't have selective referrer blocking, though a patch exists" }-
Do you happen to know where this patch can be found? I would be quite helpful to those of us who want to block referrers selectively (like me and perhaps Gummy, etc.). ::)

[JayK]

-{ Quote: " quoting: bbfi link=board=9;threadid=22602;start=30#msg138101 date=1078159340]
JayK,

-{ Quote: "Firefox doesn't have selective referrer blocking, though a patch exists" }-
Do you happen to know where this patch can be found? I would be quite helpful to those of us who want to block referrers selectively (like me and perhaps Gummy, etc.). ::)
" }-

You would have to merge the patch in yourself and compile it yourself. It's on bugzilla, I can go look it up if you really think you are up to it.

Much easier would be to use Beonex which has that patch built in. Unfortunately it's based on a old mozilla version. I think Mozilla 1.0

Yet another alternative is the extension Referspoof

http://refspoof.mozdev.org/installation.html#

It's (the site) is very slow and might or might not work with Firefox.

[bbfi]

JayK,

-{ Quote: "You would have to merge the patch in yourself and compile it yourself. It's on bugzilla, I can go look it up if you really think you are up to it." }-
Not up to it. Don't know how to compile it.

-{ Quote: "Much easier would be to use Beonex which has that patch built in. Unfortunately it's based on a old mozilla version. I think Mozilla 1.0" }-
I like Firefox and don't want to switch.

-{ Quote: "Yet another alternative is the extension Referspoof
http://refspoof.mozdev.org/installation.html#
It's (the site) is very slow and might or might not work with Firefox." }-
It sure is slow. Tried it. Doesn't work in Firefox.

Okay, I guess I will have to stick with what I got. Block all referrers or none until something better comes along. I appreciate your time and efforts in your suggestions. Thanks a lot JayK, it was worth the try anyway. ;)

[beetlejuice]

When running an online scan (such as a²'s) what config? settings in Firefox must be changed to keep OS and Browser info from being picked up by the scanner? If possible I'd like to be completely invisible to them. No info given at all. I checked on the Firefox forum but couldn't find anything. Just thought someone here might know.

[lynchknot]

Yeah, Firefox is ok - I guess - :D

[ronjor]

-{ Quote: "Yeah, Firefox is ok - I guess - :D" }-


Is your page bare or is it me? *puppy*

[lynchknot]

Works for me - try this: http://home.comcast.net/%7Elynchknot/fthemes.html :)

[ronjor]

-{ Quote: "Works for me - try this: http://home.comcast.net/%7Elynchknot/fthemes.html :)" }-


Are these themes compatible with 0.9 soon to be 0.9.1?

[lynchknot]

-{ Quote: "Is your page bare or is it me? *puppy*" }-

For heaven's sake put some clothes on ronjor. Someone might see you running around the forums naked!

Some themes are compatible with 9 and 9+

[ronjor]

-{ Quote: "For heaven's sake put some clothes on ronjor. Someone might see you running around the forums naked!

Some themes are compatible with 9 and 9+" }-

I guess I need to work on my sentence structuring so I don't get any more replies like this one. ;D


;D ;D ;D 8)

[justhelping]

-{ Quote: "JayK,


Do you happen to know where this patch can be found? I would be quite helpful to those of us who want to block referrers selectively (like me and perhaps Gummy, etc.). ::)" }-

http://www.pryan.org/mozilla/firefox/amano/Fx-0_9-O1-Gopher-MNG-Exp.exe

type about:config in the url address, search for

network.http.sendRefererHeader

Then change it to either 4 ,5 or 6.

* "Send no referrer to 3rd party servers" (network.http.sendRefererHeader = 4).

* "Send a fake referrer to 3rd party servers" (network.http.sendRefererHeader = 5).

* "Send the actual referrer to all hosts, but strip off the path for 3rd
party requests. (network.http.sendRefererHeader = 6).