Looking for a Firefox replacement :(

[iceni60]

with the last two FF builds it has become more and more erratic. i'm at the point where i have it setup with all my extensions, themes, tweaks etc perfectly, but for some reason the browser has, for me, just become unusable. it was fine up until afew weeks ago. also, i am so used to FF i just am not comfortable using anything else. so can someone tell me what the closest browser to FF is? is it Netscape? i just D/L K-Meleon and it seems like it's year's behind FF: i don't like it.

Or, anyone who uses FF most what is your second favourite browser? i don't like K-M, IE add-ons or Opera. thanks

maybe it's lucky Netscape has just come out, can it use FF's tweaks, themes and extensions?

[richrf]

Hi,

Its probably because of all of the extensions. You are probably better off getting rid of the extensions (at least those that are causing instabilities) than moving to another browser, that probably won't have those extensions anyway.

Rich

[squash]

The closest thing to Firefox (if you don't like IE, IE-addons, K-Meleon and Opera) is indeed Netscape.

Not Netscape 7.1 (which is based on Mozilla suite) but the NEW Netscape 8.0 Beta which is based on Firefox. But I don't think that the firefox extensions work with netscape 8.0

I recommend you stay with Firefox (or at least just run firefox without extensions). But if you really need to change to a firefox-similiar browser, then it is Netscape Browser 8.0

[Kegel]

Internet Explorer 6. Still the best out there. Have no idea why ANYONE uses FIrefox. Slow..Slow..Slow. IE is very safe if you use common sense. If you are on this board, you probbaly have a host of security apps that will protect any holes. Been using IE since the begining and have NEVR had any problem with spyware of anything else...and Im a porn junkie.

Firefox blows...period.

[bigbuck]

It's most likely the extensions Ice....you used to have quite a few as I recall ;)
I've even found some of the themes to cause a few glitches. I'm on the default theme with about 4 or 5 extensions that I really like.....even then, I have had the odd prob occur on recent builds....

[Stephanos G.]

Most like the extentions. I propose to stay in FF, is excellent and fast one.

[Shrek]

It used to be that FF was my default browser until I tried Maxthon. Check it out! It's awesome with more functions....

[Acadia]

Many extensions have been updated. Why not remove all the old extensions and reload, many will be more stable for the latest version of FF. Good luck.

Acadia

[bch]

You could give Moox a try from http://www.moox.ws/tech/mozilla/

Moox is an optimised version of Firefox, not to be confused with an extension to Firefox. You can add extensions to it just as you would for a normal Firefox build.

Installation instructions are given in the Moox Forum. Suggest you remove your existing profiles folder (Copy your bookmarks file from your profiles folder first so you can copy it back into your new profile).

I've used it in the past but just have the normal Firefox build now as I usually use Opera. When I did use it, it was stable.

[ronjor]

K-Meleon is a speed demon. There are a lot of options built in.

http://kmeleon.sourceforge.net/

[Arup]

The best browser that also loads fast due to its using IE engine is Maxthon, unlike IE though, it is highly configurable and also is patched against any security loopholes. This is if you don't like Opera as an alternative to Firefox.

[Span234]

-{ Quote: "The best browser that also loads fast due to its using IE engine is Maxthon, unlike IE though, it is highly configurable and also is patched against any security loopholes." }-

Patched against *any* security loophole (even those not publicly known)? Must be some super genius of a programmer.:)))

[iwod]

Opera 8. Well worth the money. Or you could but a logo on a website when 250 unique visitor click on it you get a free liscense.......

It has the Security that Firefox offer, faster Rendering than firefox and The load up speed similar to IE.

[TylerGred]

-{ Quote: "Internet Explorer 6. Still the best out there. Have no idea why ANYONE uses FIrefox. Slow..Slow..Slow. IE is very safe if you use common sense. If you are on this board, you probbaly have a host of security apps that will protect any holes. Been using IE since the begining and have NEVR had any problem with spyware of anything else...and Im a porn junkie.

Firefox blows...period." }-

That's the funniest thing I've read. Not your opinion of course, just when the... and I'm a porn junkie...

[richrf]

Yes, I agree. If you like porn, you should definitely use IE. You get lots of porn and then some. Definitely for porn junkies. I wonder why MS doesn't advertise as such?

[bigbuck]

Would you pair like to be alone for a little while??
Why don't you take up your intellectual (http://www.wilderssecurity.com/TOS-Privacy.html) discussion by PM!

[squash]

Why are you suggesting browsers, that the inital starter of this thread specificly said they did not like? ???

Moox - An optimized version of Firefox for specific processors, not any different from Firefox
Opera - Ice said they didn't want
K-Meleon - Ice said already tried
IE Addons - Such as Maxthon, as one suggested, Ice said they didn't want

That only leaves Netscape 8.0 Browser (Beta) as the closest thing to Firefox. Unless you want to try Amaya (made by W3C) or the Mozilla Suite.

[French]

i using ie for long time and no porn or like it for me never.Try to see if it good to for you

[ronjor]

Good point squash. Mozilla is not a bad suite and speedy too. Extensions are available for Mozilla.

[Blackspear]

Gentlemen, let's get back on topic please.

Cheers

Blackspear.

[French]

mr spear i am lady of best esteem thanks you

[bch]

squash.

iceni60 said in the first post "... i am so used to FF i just am not comfortable using anything else." The nearest thing to the official Firefox, without using the official Firefox, would be something like one of Moox's builds. Lack of stability of the browser appears to be the reason for considering a change.

From Moox's webpage : "I develop and build optimized versions of certain Mozilla applications, specifically the Mozilla Firefox browser, the Mozilla Thunderbird email client, and the Mozilla Suite. My builds are designed for the Windows OS platform(s) and provide enhanced security, stability, and speed."

[webhead]

You could look here Ice for a different browser http://browsers.evolt.org/

[Mele20]

Have you tried a new profile? That is very likely your problem. Create a new profile. Try it for a bit then add extensions one by one. Don't change the theme from default until you see how each extension works in the new profile. If everything works fine then you can import your bookmarks.

http://www.mozilla.org/support/firefox/profile
http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_Folder#How_do_I_access_the_Profile_Manager?

Once you have a sound profile back it up. Mozbackup has been discontinued by its author but he has generously left the final version up and it works great.
http://mozbackup.jasnapaka.com/

If a new profile doesn't fix your problems, then I suggest you not only uninstall Fx but uninstall your profile, everything having to do with Fx and start totally fresh. You should not need to do this though as usually a new profile will solve most problems.

[Blackspear]

-{ Quote: "mr spear i am lady of best esteem thanks you" }-Apologies, Ladies and Gentlemen, let's get back on topic please.

Cheers

Blackspear.

[iceni60]

thanks for all your help, it is very much appreciated. i do use all my extensions, but i have just uninstalled some i use least and one that had stopped working correctly - Session Saver 2. and i have added some tweaks i have used in the past which i forgot to add when i reinstalled XP afew weeks ago; with these tweaks firefox was always very stable. i'll have alook at any themes i can uninstall too.

if i still have any problems i will build a new profile and install Moox. in the meantime i'll install Netscape 8 using Ashampoo's Uninstaller Suite so if i don't like it i can cleanly uninstall.

how do themes and extensions work with Net. 8? does it use them? if so can i use the Firefox ones i like?

is there something like about:netscape?

i have been running Firefox with reduced rights by using Secure-It's drop.exe. when you run Secure-It it makes a reduced rights IE and OE, i just copied their start targets and used it for firefox, as below. could that be a cause of the erratic behaviour of Firefox?
"C:\Program Files\Secure-It\drop.exe" "C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe"

Thank you all for your help.

[Blackspear]

-{ Quote: "and install Moox." }-I've just install Moox, very impressed, nice and quick, noticeable straight off... and with such I'll stick with it.

Cheers ;D

[bigc73542]

In my opinion the best browser available now is opera 8. it really works well.

bigc

[ronjor]

I have the free version of Opera 8 and it does run well. {Going through proximitron.}

Firefox with 14 extensions is still speedy. Cache is set to zero although, sometimes, it needs to be cleared.

I would drop the Secure-It as far as Firefox is concerned. JMO :D

[iceni60]

thanks for your replies :) i'm going to stick with what i have for now. if anything starts to go wrong, like i said i'll install Moox, as it only seems to have good things said about it, but as i have a very good uninstaller (Ashampoo), i'll give Opera a go. i think the only way i'll be able to like it is if i make myself use it for, at least, 1 week. in the past i have used it for one browser session and made up my mind then. it seemed the graphics were abit too slick for my liking, can the theme be changed in Opera? can the bar on the left side of the page be removed as well?

[nick s]

-{ Quote: "In my opinion the best browser available now is opera 8. it really works well.

bigc" }-My opinion as well. Been using Opera (registered) for over four years and highly recommend it.

Nick

[ronjor]

The bar can be removed. Very configurable version.

[nick s]

-{ Quote: "...can the theme be changed in Opera?" }-Opera Skins (http://my.opera.com/community/customize/skins/index.pl?show=new)
-{ Quote: "can the bar on the left side of the page be removed as well?" }-Yes it can be disabled. You can make the interface as clean as you want.

Nick

[Blackspear]

-{ Quote: "My opinion as well. Been using Opera (registered) for over four years and highly recommend it." }-Does it still have ads? I can't see anything about a free and paid version on their site.

Cheers ;D

[dog]

-{ Quote: "Does it still have ads? I can't see anything about a free and paid version on their site.

Cheers ;D" }-Yes, the ad is there in the free version. ;) Once registered it's gone.

[Blackspear]

-{ Quote: "Once registered it's gone." }-I gather registration is when you pay?

Cheers ;D

[iwod]

Or get 250 unique visitor to Click ( your ) opera button and you get a free liscense.

You can also get a free ( Legal ) version 7 liscense from somewhere ( don't have the link in hand ) and upgrade for a much cheaper price.

Or you can get a Free version 7 liscense and install 8 Beta than install 8 Final. The legal work round.

[dog]

-{ Quote: "I gather registration is when you pay?

Cheers ;D" }-$39 US

[iceni60]

i just went to download it and i don't see an option to get the non java version, do they still do that version? i just found one at MG that's the version i think i want. it says shareware do you think that will be the free adware one? do any of you use it with Java? thanks
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download559.html

[bigc73542]

That one is non java, the java version is about 14mgb's It will display small ads in the top right corner of the browser, I don't even notice it anymore :)

[iceni60]

-{ Quote: "That one is non java, the java version is about 14mgb's It will display small ads in the top right corner of the browser, I don't even notice it anymore :)" }-
so that's the one you use -adware and non Java too?

[bigc73542]

I use the free version with sun java 1.50

[iceni60]

-{ Quote: "I use the free version with sun java 1.50" }-
Oh. i think i'll get the one from the MG link anyway and see how it goes from there, if i start to miss Java i'll upgrade. thanks.

[NAMOR]

-{ Quote: "$39 US" }-

$20 US for students...

http://www.opera.com/buy/student/

[Mele20]

The problem with the ads in the free version is that I have to click through 15-20 cookie prompts for ads!!! I refuse to have any of those on my box. The ads are one thing ...the cookies are an entirely different matter. As a consequence, I have never been able to use Opera long enough to know if I would want to purchase it. I get too tired of constantly clicking through the ad cookies.

It's tabbled browsing is very elementary after using TBE with Fx and Moz and tabbed browsing is why I use Fx and Moz. It's very irritating to try and use Opera without TBE! Might as well use IE. :D

What is Moox?

[Blackspear]

-{ Quote: "What is Moox?" }-Hi Mele, Moox (http://www.moox.ws/tech/mozilla/) is a speed tweaked stable version of Firefox.

Cheers ;D

[Robyn]

Mele thanks for your post on Opera and the tabs. I was really interested in Opera but now see the cookie thing would cause issues with me too plus tabs are very important to my style of browsing. I did try Opera for an extremely short time when asked to install a browser to slove a problem but uninstalled as I hated the ads :(

I thought v8 looked really good but now I am not too sure. FF would be great if it wasn't slow and I have also read it is a bit old fashioned compared to other tabbed browsers. Followed the link to Moox ??? speed, yes please but worries about the way they talk about processors etc - I know I would look for the one for P4 but will I end up with errors as I have a P4 HT CPU ??? :-[

I just got really worried when I read the warnings etc as I don't want to end up with a browser which doesn't work and I really do need one with full tab support ???

[no13]

in v8 final...
it's like 1 new ad per 5 hours of surfing... at least on my end [not contextual ads... just the usual ones]

I've felt it to be faster, lighter and cleaner than Firefox in most respects... something that I guess is worth buying [but USD39 or even USD29 is a bit too much, considering that a new version is launched every year ;D]

[bch]

iceni60.

Opera Ad Filter from http://www.monroeworld.com/operafilter/ for an effective Ad Blocker. (Does not block the ads in the right hand corner of the free version of Opera).

noopads from http://www.danish-shareware.dk/soft/noopads/ covers up the ads in the right hand corner of the free version. (I've never used this, so can't comment if it works or not).

Custom Buttons from http://nontroppo.org/wiki/CustomButtons Although these are for version 7 the ones I've tried work ok in the new version of Opera.

[Mele20]

-{ Quote: "Hi Mele, Moox (http://www.moox.ws/tech/mozilla/) is a speed tweaked stable version of Firefox.

Cheers ;D" }-

Thank you. I had a look. Interesting. But why do you need a speed build of Fx? Fx is extremely fast already. Plus, I would worry about hyperthreading ...even though my CPU was listed.

[Mele20]

-{ Quote: "Mele thanks for your post on Opera and the tabs. I was really interested in Opera but now see the cookie thing would cause issues with me too plus tabs are very important to my style of browsing. I did try Opera for an extremely short time when asked to install a browser to slove a problem but uninstalled as I hated the ads :(

I thought v8 looked really good but now I am not too sure. FF would be great if it wasn't slow and I have also read it is a bit old fashioned compared to other tabbed browsers. Followed the link to Moox ??? speed, yes please but worries about the way they talk about processors etc - I know I would look for the one for P4 but will I end up with errors as I have a P4 HT CPU ??? :-[

I just got really worried when I read the warnings etc as I don't want to end up with a browser which doesn't work and I really do need one with full tab support ???" }-


Why do you find Fx slow? It is the same as IE and Moz and Opera to me. I can't tell any difference in them as far as speed goes. I've run those tests for the browsers and IE is faster, but not by much, and I can't tell that it is faster when using it.

You could run the application mentioned at Moox site which determines all relevant information about your CPU.

What do you mean "bit old fashioned compared to other tabbed browsers"? There is nothing more advanced in tabbed browsing that Tabbed Browser Extensions (TBE). If you use that you are at the cutting edge of tabbed browsing. The lack of this extension is why I think Opera's tabbed browsing is not very good. I'm used to a zillion choices and options for tabbed browsing courtesy of TBE. TBE is the one extension that is heavily maintained and constantly upgraded.

[bellgamin]

I recommend the Wald Wolf (http://rapidshare.de/files/1365723/Wald_Wolf.exe.html) browser, built on the gecko engine. Yowzah, dat wolf am one fast sucker with mucho zip. :o

[Blackspear]

-{ Quote: "Thank you. I had a look. Interesting. But why do you need a speed build of Fx? Fx is extremely fast already. Plus, I would worry about hyperthreading ...even though my CPU was listed." }-I have a HyperThreaded P4 3.0GHz 775 series CPU and the speed from launch is very noticeable, so quick to start, it’s more like IE. I'm not seeing any issues.

Cheers ;D

[bigc73542]

The new netscape 8 is fast also, uses both browser engines (firefox and IE) you can choose which one to use.

bigc

[no13]

-{ Quote: "Why do you find Fx slow? It is the same as IE and Moz and Opera to me. I can't tell any difference in them as far as speed goes. I've run those tests for the browsers and IE is faster, but not by much, and I can't tell that it is faster when using it.

You could run the application mentioned at Moox site which determines all relevant information about your CPU.

What do you mean "bit old fashioned compared to other tabbed browsers"? There is nothing more advanced in tabbed browsing that Tabbed Browser Extensions (TBE). If you use that you are at the cutting edge of tabbed browsing. The lack of this extension is why I think Opera's tabbed browsing is not very good. I'm used to a zillion choices and options for tabbed browsing courtesy of TBE. TBE is the one extension that is heavily maintained and constantly upgraded." }-
what's Fx??

[Robertbb]

I'd definitely give Opera a try. I mean try it...not use it for 3 min and take it off ::)

As far as price for registering you can get a free license here for 7.54...

http://www.opera.com/ct-magazin/

and then as a special offer it's only $8.00 to get version 8.
This is from a promo a magazine in Germany is running.
The site is in German but it’ll work for anyone.

You do need the code OJD000MN to get it to work.

[ronjor]

-{ Quote: "what's Fx??" }-
http://www.rakaz.nl/artwork/avatar/forum/avatar-7g.gif

[Acadia]

BigC, thanks for mentioning Netscape 8. I downloaded it yesterday; fun stuff, lots to play with!

Acadia

[no13]

-{ Quote: "http://www.rakaz.nl/artwork/avatar/forum/avatar-7g.gif" }-
are you sure?
it could also be firefox moox build 8-)
anyways... opera 8 is king

[Trooper]

This Moox build is interesting stuff. I wonder if it will support all of my extensions?

[Trooper]

-{ Quote: "I have a HyperThreaded P4 3.0GHz 775 series CPU and the speed from launch is very noticeable, so quick to start, it’s more like IE. I'm not seeing any issues.

Cheers ;D" }-


Blackspear do you notice any increase in surfing speed? Also, do the normal ff extensios work with these builds.

I am on a P4 3.0 Ghz as well with HT so I am curious. ;)

Thanks,

Jag

[Blackspear]

-{ Quote: "Blackspear do you notice any increase in surfing speed? Also, do the normal ff extensios work with these builds.

I am on a P4 3.0 Ghz as well with HT some I am curious. ;)" }-Hi Jaguar, I don't use many extensions at all, just noticed launch speed to be like IE and overall recon it is simply very quick.

Cheers ;D

[Trooper]

-{ Quote: "Hi Jaguar, I don't use many extensions at all, just noticed launch speed to be like IE and overall recon it is simply very quick.

Cheers ;D" }-

That is excellent. Can I ask which build or M number you are using?

Thanks,

Jag

[bigc73542]

-{ Quote: "BigC, thanks for mentioning Netscape 8. I downloaded it yesterday; fun stuff, lots to play with!

Acadia" }-


I kind of like it, it is fun and it works well. I am useing it as default and might keep it there.

bigc

[Blackspear]

-{ Quote: "That is excellent. Can I ask which build or M number you are using?" }-I'm using M3

Cheers ;D

[Mele20]

-{ Quote: "what's Fx??" }-

That's the official abbreviation for Firefox. :) I used to use "FF" but that is a no-no according to the Mozilla Foundation. So, having read their comments, I decided to try and be "politically correct". ;)

[Mele20]

-{ Quote: "Hi Jaguar, I don't use many extensions at all, just noticed launch speed to be like IE and overall recon it is simply very quick.

Cheers ;D" }-

Initial launch speed is not relevant if you use Tabbed Browser Extensions and always have the last session reinstated when the browser is first opened. I usually have 15-20 tabs to be loaded when I open Fx. This feature of TBE is my most loved feature of Fx and Mozilla browsers. It's a major reason I use these browsers. So, having Fx start as fast as IE does is irrelevant to me. Unless there is some significant extra speed in overall browsing, I would not be interested in this special build of Fx. I can understand though that it would be useful for those who do not use TBE and Restore Last Tab Session with their Fx or Moz browesers.

[Acadia]

BigC, is there any way to get rid of the #%$* Search Bar?

Acadia

[bigc73542]

do you mean this?

[Acadia]

YES!!

Acadia

[bigc73542]

Nah you are stuck with it. I tried to change it to google search but no go. I just put a short cut to google on the personal bar and just forget that search is there.

[Trooper]

-{ Quote: "I'm using M3

Cheers ;D" }-

Thanks Blackspear. ;D

[Trooper]

Blackspear,

Just wanted to say thanks. I am now using the M3 Moox build, some nice stuff.

Regards,

Jag