Introduction
Mozilla Firefox is a free and open-source Web browser. It has been touted as being stabler and safer, less prone to security breaches, viruses, and malware than Microsoft Internet Explorer. Firefox gives you the option of installing add-ons to add features and customize your individual browsing experience.
- Mozilla FirefoxDownload and install the software from Mozilla's official site.
- Add-Ons for FirefoxThousands of extensions and themes that add new features to, and/or change the look of, Firefox.
- Plugins for FirefoxFirefox will usually notify automatically you when you have to install a plug-in to view content on a website (such as Flash on places like YouTube), but you can also choose to manually download plug-ins from the list here.
- Search Engine Plugins for FirefoxThe Mycroft Project is a collection of thousands of plugins that allow you to search individual sites (IMDB, YouTube, Wikipedia, eBay, Amazon -- just to name a few) from the comfort and convenience of the search bar in Firefox.
Firefox Add-Ons
A few select extensions that have features useful for research and for fun:
- Adblock PlusThe most popular add-on in the world. Prevents most ads from loading and trackers from tracing your traffic.
- ScrapbookSave and manage web pages locally onto your computer. Useful for research: you can edit, annotate, and highlight contents of web pages.
- ZoteroA citation manager (like Refworks) that is integrated with your browser. It has a sync feature that allows you to share citations across multiple computers. To learn more, see our starter guide on Zotero.
- Tab Mix PlusManage and modify tab behavior as you see fit. Might be somewhat complicated for beginning users.
- Print EditDelete elements of web pages in print preview so that you won't have to print images, text, or ads you don't want or need, saving you ink, paper, and money.
- SageRead your RSS & Atom feeds via this lightweight extension in Firefox.
- FeedlyTurn the feeds in your Google Reader account into an attractive start page.
Firefox Themes
- Personas PlusAs of version 4.0, Firefox has built-in support for Personas, which are an easy way to change the "skin" of your browser. Personas Plus is a free add-on developed by Mozilla that adds extra features on top of 4.0's basic ones.
- PersonasA gallery of thousands of Personas skins. You can switch between skins under "Tools > Personas" or under "Tools > Add-Ons > Themes."
Why Alternative Browsers?
Learn more about alternative browsers to Internet Explorer, and some reasons why you might want to use them.
- 20 Things I Learned About Browsers and the WebCreated by the folks at Google and designed like a book, an illustrated intro on browsers and the Internet, including key terms and concepts.
- Browse HappyPersonal stories of people who use non-IE browsers.
- What Browser?What your current browser version is, and tips for beginners.
- Alternative Browser AllianceReasons why "browser diversity" is important for online security and innovation.
- Cyber Security TipsFrom the U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team, an overview on how to improve online security, including safer browsing.
List of Other Browsers
Although this guide focuses on Firefox, there are plenty of good browsers that you might want to check out. Here are just a few:
- Google ChromeGoogle's open-source browser emphasizes simplicity, speed, and compliance to modern browsing standards. It has quickly become the fastest-growing browser, amassing an enthusiastic fanbase and a large repository of extensions. (For Windows, Mac OS, Linux.)
- SafariApple's web browser is one of the fastest. Originally for Mac OS, it is now available for Windows.
- OperaAn acclaimed multi-platform browser for computers (Windows, Mac, Linux), phones, and other devices. Known for speed, features, and elegance.
Firefox 4 Powerpoint
Feel free to download and use my Powerpoint presentation that I made for a workshop I held on Firefox 4. (Please credit Leslie Chen when using.)
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