Firefox Tips and Tricks

Most people I know use Firefox. If you don't you need to get it now, no questions asked. Download the newest Firefox here

Firefox will make your online experience better regardless if you are on a Windows, Mac or any other operating system out there. It has the ability to be tweaked, or tuned if you will to your likings slimming down or expanding certain areas that you think need improvement on. I have my userChrome.css file available for use found here: userChrome.css In order to use this, simply copy the file into notepad or any text editor and save it as userChrome.css or simply download from the link provided. For the operating systems below, place the file in their respective chrome folders.

WindowsXP - C:\Documents and Settings\\ Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\Chrome

Windows Vista – C:\Users\\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\\chrome

Mac OS X - ~/Library/Application Support/Firefox/Profiles/[profile-name]/chrome/

Upon completion, restart Firefox and the changes will be applied. I have removed the Home button who uses it anyway? The back and forward buttons if they are not used, the star for bookmarks, the RSS feed logo, widened the active tab and altered the tab layout. For those that are familiar with CSS, you can modify this to your liking. I have used the same syntax found all over the Mozilla support pages, most of this is not my original idea, but an altered form from the creator.

Firefox also has the ability to run extensions or plugins to enhance the online experience. Some of these are simply just for appeal but others do come in handy for those annoying sites with pop ups or flash applets that just won't quit. Below are most of the add-ons I think you can benefit from. Simply click on the add-on name to be directed to the installation page.

FoxTab - Displays tabs in gallery view reducing clutter

NoScript - Disables all scripts on a page by default. Scripts need to be enabled in the bottom left where the blue S is, click on the S click enable script for Facebook or Google for example. This has helped a great deal with annoying pages and advertisements that scroll across the screen. It can be a pain to get going, but after it has been running for a while, I am sure you will agree that it was worth the trouble.

Greasemonkey - Allows JavaScripts to be installed to tweak websites. I will later post links to cool userscripts that will modify some of your favorite websites.

Stylish - This add-on will allow users to add customizations to any website with the proper CSS file. I have this installed to block all Facebook Ads, and to make Facebook all black and grey text.

Delicious - Allows you to click tag on a site to post to your online bookmarking account. Very useful when you need to remember a site and are on the go, or need to access this from multiple computers. Not sure what this is? Check out my Delicious Bookmarks and/or create your Delicious account now

Google Redesigned - Very cool way of looking at your Gmail, GCal, GReader, GDocs and anything else Google related.

For those into web development

Firebug- Allows view of all coding for a website and on the fly editing to suit your needs.

Web Developer - Toolbar to edit, implement and view website design.

ChromEdit Plus - Edit on the fly for Firefox layout and usability. Beats having a CSS editor installed.

This should be enough to get some people going. Whenever I can, I will be posting more cool things to do on the web most people don't know can be done. I will give a preview of what is to come. I apologize for the picture, I am a n00b when it comes to Photoshop, but I had to blur out people's information, I am sure they don't want that out on the internet for anyone's viewing pleasure. Click here for a better view.