Firefox4.0 beta 9

[Fulvio]

I, just, got an upgrade to FF 4.0 beta 9. The long release notes tell what is going on.

UserAgent: Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 5.1; rv:2.0b9) Gecko/20100101 Firefox/4.0b9

[James]

I'm awaiting the final version due to be released in a few weeks. So, how are you finding this newer version of FF, Fulvio, in terms of speed of rendering, speed of loading, customization (skins, extensions) and memory usage?

UserAgent: Opera/9.80 (Windows NT 6.1; U; en) Presto/2.7.62 Version/11.00

[Mandrake]

Words can hardly describe the massive leap forward that Firefox 4 is over 3.6. Why not just try the beta yourself? Just create a new profile to use with the beta and you'll be good to go.

UserAgent: Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 6.1; WOW64; rv:2.0b9) Gecko/20100101 Firefox/4.0b9

[James]

Mandrake... in truth... I'm just afraid to mess around with it at this stage given that we're so close to a final version. I've had some issues with my computer and only recently gain control once more. I'm curious (hence my questions in my former post) but I'm also cautious and patient enough to just wait these few more weeks while any final bugs are ironed out.

UserAgent: Mozilla/5.0 (Windows; U; Windows NT 6.1; en-US; rv:1.9.2.13) Gecko/20101203 Firefox/3.6.13

[humpd]

I, too, will wait for the final version. However, just one question. Will you have to uninstall the 3.6 version if you do not want to put v. 4 in a new folder? I assume not but just thought I'd ask.

UserAgent: Mozilla/5.0 (Windows; U; Windows NT 6.1; en-US; rv:1.9.2.13) Gecko/20101203 Firefox/3.6.13 ( .NET CLR 3.5.30729; .NET4.0C)

[James]

When it's my turn, I will definitely uninstall my current version (3.6.13) but of course preserve my profile which is always given as an option.

UserAgent: Mozilla/5.0 (Windows; U; Windows NT 6.1; en-US; rv:1.9.2.13) Gecko/20101203 Firefox/3.6.13

[Fulvio]

I'm awaiting the final version due to be released in a few weeks. So, how are you finding this newer version of FF, Fulvio, in terms of speed of rendering, speed of loading, customization (skins, extensions) and memory usage?

As for the first two items, I feel that FF4.0b9 loads a bit faster, and renders rapidly. As for customizations, you know that addons and skins are from outside, and, so, it is up to the developers to make them acceptable. But, I have compatibility checking disabled, so I am doing fine. As for memory usage, there may be be little or no difference between 3.6 and 4.0 (max. of 127MB with 3.6, and 113 MB with 4.0).
Since I have 3.6 and 4.0 installed in different folders, it is a non-problem. I, generally, get rid of previous versions, sooner or later. I don't know if it necessary to uninstall the 3.6. I remember that going from TB2.x to 3.x, involved some changes in the file format, so the upgrade did not need an uninstall. I would expect that the program would tell me if I need to uninstall.

UserAgent: Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 5.1; rv:2.0b9) Gecko/20100101 Firefox/4.0b9

[James]

Thanks for the information.

The extensions that I currently have and that I would not want to do without are: flash block, web of trust, adblock plus and LastPass. The question is... are they available in beta 4? I haven't checked; perhaps I should.

UserAgent: Mozilla/5.0 (Windows; U; Windows NT 6.1; en-US; rv:1.9.2.13) Gecko/20101203 Firefox/3.6.13

[James]

Well... I've checked and the main extensions are covered so here I am... in the beta. So far, so good. I do, however, have some questions relating to using this browser but perhaps I should voice them in another thread and not highjack this one.

UserAgent: Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 6.1; rv:2.0b9) Gecko/20100101 Firefox/4.0b9

[Fulvio]

Thanks for the information.

The extensions that I currently have and that I would not want to do without are: flash block, web of trust, adblock plus and LastPass. The question is... are they available in beta 4? I haven't checked; perhaps I should.

I, never, used any of them, but could try to do a Search. The way that I am doing things, I had to download IE Tab (for 3.6). While getting it, I thought I read that Adblock was part of the IE Tab Plus. I had a terrible time getting to the list of addons, i.e. when I entered IE Tab, I got a couple of addons which were not it. But, I will try to retrace my steps, and see if I can help.

UserAgent: Mozilla/5.0 (Windows; U; Windows NT 5.1; en-US; rv:1.9.2.13) Gecko/20101203 Firefox/3.6.13

[James]

Fulvio, although I am currently in Opera, there is no need to search. I found the add-ons that I mentioned and they work perfectly in Firefox 4 beta. Thanks for your offer to help. All is well. This appears to be a great browser (the Firefox beta) but right now I have reason to be in Opera. Thanks again.

UserAgent: Opera/9.80 (Windows NT 6.1; U; en) Presto/2.7.62 Version/11.00

[Fulvio]

Funny that I loved Opera so much that I purchased it, far back when it was not available for free.
But, I uninstalled it a while ago finding no particular advantage in it. At this point, I am very ambivalent about which browser is best, but it is matter of getting used to certain things, rather than expecting something, because you are accustomed to.

UserAgent: Mozilla/5.0 (Windows; U; Windows NT 5.1; en-US; rv:1.9.2.13) Gecko/20101203 Firefox/3.6.13

[James]

As a matter of fact, I also purchased Opera back around version 3. I still use it (as you can see from my user agent string) on a regular basis. It's a very capable and unique browser rather than a Me-Too program.

UserAgent: Opera/9.80 (Windows NT 6.1; U; en) Presto/2.7.62 Version/11.00

[Fulvio]

I will continue, from now on, where this belongs. I, just downloaded and installed Opera 11. It is ok, but I feel like a fish out of water, and I can't crack a number of features.

UserAgent: Opera/9.80 (Windows NT 5.1; U; en) Presto/2.7.62 Version/11.00

[James]

Sorry, Fulvio. I can't help you since:

1. I don't use Opera's e-mail. I use gmail and Windows Live Mail so I have no use for what Opera has to offer. I find with too many e-mail programs that it just muddies the water for me.

2. For some reason Opera never grabbed default from me. It asked to be made default just as all the other browsers I have installed on my computer have asked.

3. I never open to multiple tabs so I'm not sure how to go about it. Again... it's something that doesn't interest me and pertains to the way in which I browse. In fact, it was the theme of my question: How do you set up your browser.

Perhaps Edward can provide the answers for you. I knew you were aware of my using Opera so I wanted to make sure you knew I wasn't ignoring you. I simply don't know the answers.

btw... I absolutely love this browser so it will be a very difficult fight between Opera 11 and FF 4 when it finalizes.

UserAgent: Opera/9.80 (Windows NT 6.1; U; en) Presto/2.7.62 Version/11.00