Firefox 4 - Whats it like - should I upgrade now? Updated: Firefox 5.0 Already?

OnAndUp

Hi everyone!

I keep getting pop ups on firefox encouraging me to upgrade to version 4. I held off for a while originally as a couple of months back people seemed to be having problems with the new version?

Just wondering what peoples thoughts are on it now as I would happily upgrade if it's better/faster but would rather stick with what I have if it's still causing some issues?

TIA!

RussJK

Try it out if you want with a Portable version:
http://portableapps.com/apps/internet/firefox_portable

You can copy your profile in if you want to see what it would be like with your individual settings.

Personally I'm in favour of it, but similarly had held off just to let the dust settle. It's much faster.

You do have to change some settings to get things how you like it - including using About:config. It has an annoying "switch to tab" which prevents you from reloading the same page in two different tabs, unless you hold down shift or something. This interferes with the way I browse, so will have to find an addon for it.

The_Grandmaster

The major visual differences I've noticed is:
1. the tabs are now at the top of the screen (above the URL bar) rather than just above the web page
2. A firefox button next to the tabs with all the settings inside
3. File, edit etc. are now hidden
4. a bookmarks tab on the right hand side just above the web page
5. A bar on the bottom left shows what pages are loading

xbrenx

I had to tweak it a little bit to get it visually how I liked it and it was a shock at first, but I like it now.

debitcardmayhem

I am using now from portable apps as Russ suggested (not his suggestion though....) I find it is OK (and thus works more or less on Linux under Wine too) however I just tried to thank Russ in cooliris preview and show the thanks he got first but that doesn't work (so Thanks Russ i will come back and thank you in a sec) It does seem faster (now...) but I will wait a bit longer before it replaces FF 3.6 permanently.

debitcardmayhem

debitcardmayhem wrote: »

I am using now from portable apps as Russ suggested (not his suggestion though....) I find it is OK (and thus works more or less on Linux under Wine too) however I just tried to thank Russ in cooliris preview and show the thanks he got first but that doesn't work (so Thanks Russ i will come back and thank you in a sec) It does seem faster (now...) but I will wait a bit longer before it replaces FF 3.6 permanently.

OK what a muppet I am , I forgot to allow MSE on my portable apps version in noscript , so ignore the bit in red

imho

If you dont like it you can then go back to your old version like i did.

WhiteChristmas

You can configure it to look and behave exactly like 3.6 if you're that way inclined. Get the speed benefit without any drawbacks.

It only took a day or so to get used to the new style, though.

alanrowell

I like the tabs in the blue area at the top - but that's because I'm using a netbook and I appreciate anything that gives me more usable screen

I've also edited all the buttons, address bar & search bar into a single line and turned the status bar off

Nessie23

I have been using Firefox 4 for a few weeks and on my work and home computer seems to run quicker and have a lower memory footprint than version 3.6
The only reason for not upgrading would be if you use a particular add-on that has not been updated to version 4.

After a using it for a while I now prefer the new look. I use a netbook with a small screen and get more browsing space, however if you want to restore a version 3 look do the following:
Go to the Firefox Button -> Options -> Menu Bar

Hope this helps.
Nessie

RussJK

debitcardmayhem wrote: »

I am using now from portable apps as Russ suggested (not his suggestion though....).

Love portable apps, don't think anyone owns the suggestion though Everything used to be "portable" with self-contained directories like programs should be, now the idea seems revolutionary somehow.

Portable Firefox came in very handy after leaving Australia, as I had to leave my desktop PC behind.