Firefox - idiots Guide Needed

EMcG

Hello,

I been unsuccessfully searching for an online idiots guide to Firefox.

I find Firefox's help pages less than, well, helpful.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

ianian99

what kind of help?

EMcG

Basically, a full guide for a complete novice such as me.

Things like setting up favourites, explaining 'add ons', customising the look etc.

I have looked at the Firefox help pages but found them a bit hard going and not too user friendly.

Hope that helps.

Cheers

foreversomeday

OK, here goes: I am assuming you are used to using Internet Explorer.

When you install firefox, it will ask you if you want to import your "favorites" or "bookmarks" from Internet Explorer. Do this, and your IE Favorites will appear in your firefox "bookmarks" folder. These are both essentially names for the same thing.

You don't need to install any add-ons, unless you want to. They are basically mini programs which work with firefox, like your computer has little mini applications like calculator, the clock etc. For firefox you can get things like extra search bars, weather reports, etc. There are also tools for analysing web pages (for web developers) and adblock which blocks most ads from appearing. Firefox has a built in pop up blocker but it doesn't block every type of pop up.

Personally, I have stumbleupon and adblock installed. You can view firefox add-ons at https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/ and choose which ones you want, if you want any. They come with easy to read instructions.

I haven't changed the look of mine, either, but themes (as they are called) are found here: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/browse/type:2 you can get it to match Vista, for example.

Your back, forward, stop, refresh and home buttons do the same as in IE and easy to remember.

HTH - any more question just ask!

Domokun

As a a security nut, I have a number of addons running at all times to ensure that I am protected from websites. You might think that only going to 'normal' websites would protect you from this, but once you see how many different people are being sent information from your browser, you'll soon refuse to return to IE, who will simply allow everything.

My add-ons are a pain, I'll admit. Sometimes I have to load websites twice. If I want to watch a video or listen to music, I have to click on the object to allow it to run. On the other hand, I don't see any adverts on web pages, I don't have any problems with cookies from dodgy providers, no Javascript or other code can run in my browser without my specific say-so, and I the look of the broswer is totally customised to my liking.

My add ons:

Cookie Safe Lite : Blocks cookies except for websites you define. Make sure "Deny cookies globally on startup" is checked in the options. You will have to load some sites which force cookies upon you twice. The only website that I have problems with on this is with Hotmail, who (I am reliably informed) want to dump 28 cookies on your computer before letting you into your email.

Ad-Block-Plus : Blocks adverts on websites, and allows you to block any other images you like.

No-Script : Blocks potentially harmful code (little programs essentially) being run on the site. 99% of the time I'm sure the code is fine, but *shrug*, why risk it?

English Dictionary : Checks your spelling as you type. Of course, I never need this... >_> <_< >_>

Other random addons : Foxmarks, which automatically copies your bookmarks to firefox on my other computer. Stylish, which allows others (and me, sometimes) to write code to display a website diferently. For example, I might force youtube.com to have a font size of 10 instead of 12. Experts only for this addon.

Hope this helps.

esuhl

"NoScript" and "Adblock Plus" are absolutely essential for a good browsing experience. I'd be tempted to stop using the web if it wasn't for them!

Also, if you type "about:config" into the address bar (without the quotes), you can see (and change) a number of Firefox's settings.

Domokun

*whistles* I wouldn't change too much in there, for fear of not being able to reset it. I've never needed to use about:config, but thanks for the tip.

esuhl

Oh, yeah - I wouldn't go changing things willy nilly! In the past I have toyed with many settings (I have a medical condition known as "tweakers' twitch"), but, for reliability's sake I leave pretty much everything as it is these days. It's interesting to see, though... Actually... maybe it isn't to "normal" people!!!

Hungerdunger

Domokun wrote: »

Other random addons : Foxmarks, which automatically copies your bookmarks to firefox on my other computer. Stylish, which allows others (and me, sometimes) to write code to display a website diferently. For example, I might force youtube.com to have a font size of 10 instead of 12. Experts only for this addon.

And don't forget ColorfulTabs to brighten up your browsing experience.

Ken68

Hi EM good question...I would love Firefox but can't find a desktop...Is there one...I use is on IE as a focal point.

Domokun

Ken68 wrote: »

Hi EM good question...I would love Firefox but can't find a desktop...Is there one...I use is on IE as a focal point.

Early in the morning, yes, but i still don't see what you're asking here >_<.

FF is like IE in all respects, except it's faster, smaller, more secure and easier on the eyes.