Firefox, the Browser

Firefox is a browser written by the Mozilla group. Mozilla is a browser that is part of the standard software load on the college computers. Why distribute another browser? Firefox is only a browser, unlike the Mozilla browser which also includes Mail for email and Composer to help you create web pages. Because Firefox is just a browser, it is smaller to download and faster to install. Firefox imports bookmarks/favorites from other browsers (Mozilla, Internet Explorer).

Firefox version 3, released in summer 2008, has improved speed, stability, performance, and security.

To set Firefox as your default browser (on administered Windows computers), go to Start | All Programs | Web & Web Tools | Set Firefox as Default Browser.

Extras, Search

Even though Firefox is only a browser, it includes features that other browsers have copied. Search tools are built into the toolbar. From the built-in search bar, you can easily search Amazon, Ask, BBC, Creative Commons, del.icio.us, Dictionary.com, Flickr, Google, IMDB (Internet Movie Data Base), Wikipedia, Yahoo, and many more. If there are searches you make often, you can add search engines by clicking Manage Search Engines... from the arrow to the left of the search bar. Popup windows are automatically blocked, but you can change the setting in Tools | Options | Web Features to allow those annoying ads. For information about why use Firefox, read Mozilla’s page.

Extensions

Firefox allows you (no administrator needed) to add extensions to your browser. Extensions are add-ons that add functionality. Try ForecastFox Enhanced, which displays the weather on the browser toolbar or status bar. Here's an example:

Launchy opens links with other applications; use this when a web site demands IE, for example. launchy dialogue box

Colorful Tabs adds a different color to each open tab. Adblock Plus blocks annoying ads and banners. Cooliris Preview gives you a view of a linked page. StumbleUpon discovers web sites based on your interests. PicLens transforms your browser into a 3D wall when viewing photos on Flickr, Google Images, YouTube, and more. Go to the Firefox extensions site to see all the available extensions and a brief description of what each does.

Try It

You’ll find Firefox from Start | All Programs | Web & Web Tools | Mozilla Firefox. If you want help adding extensions, please talk to a consultant in 1253 SC, 335-5055.

At Home

You can download Firefox from Mozilla.org. Installation is simple.

updated: 14 July 2008