Step-By-Step Guide to Installing Firefox and Add-Ons

If you've read about the advantages of Firefox and have made the decision to go ahead and install it, here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started along with a few suggestions of add-ons to download once you've set it up.

1. Go to the following web address to download Firefox:

http://www.mozilla.org/products/Firefox/

At the moment, Firefox is offering V2.0 and will take 5.6MB of memory.

2. If your computer happens to already have a previous version downloaded, you're going to need to uninstall them before installing the new one. Firefox is set up for this kind of thing, thankfully, so none of your customizations or extensions will be lost-they'll get transferred to the new installation. Although uninstalling is required, it makes the transition cleaner for your computer and there won't be any problems down the line.

3. Find where the "Firefox Setup 2.0.exe" file went (the downloaded setup file.) Click "I agree" for the license, and go with the recommended default setup. It will ask if you want to make Firefox your default browser; it's up to you, but I would definitely recommend it. If you choose not to, you can change your mind at a later time.

Firefox will then ask if you want to import your bookmarks, passwords, and other important settings from Internet Explorer. Say "yes to all", especially if you rely on saved passwords throughout your browsing experience.

4. Next we look at what Firefox is really known for: its wide variety of add-ons to suit your needs. It already comes equipped with a popup filter and the ability to load different pages in a single window via tabs, but the browser shines when it comes to customization. There are literally hundreds of different themes and extensions you can download Visit http://update.mozilla.org/extensions/ or do a search on Google for extensions. Just don't overdo it, or you may find your browser looking more like a carnival than a useful tool. AdBlock is the one most people download first, as it offers greater protection from popups and other ads online. Fasterfox improves your browser's speed, and IEView Lite will open Internet Explorer when the page you're viewing requires it. There are many, many more options that will affect everything from the way you save and display files to how Firefox looks when you open it.

Installing an extension is fairly simple and self-explanatory. When you see an extension you want,just click the "Install" button that's next to it. Firefox will normally require you to restart, but even that's simple since it will remember the pages you were browsing and restore them after restarting. Once you've installed the extension, you'll be able to access setup options by clicking on Tools, then Add-Ons in the Firefox toolbar and right clicking on the particular add-on.

I strongly recommend installing all add-ons through the Mozilla website only, because they have strict security that prevents any viruses from piggybacking on the extension. If you install the add-on from any other website, Firefox will prevent the installation unless you authorize it. Click on "edit options", then on "allow". Now Firefox won't interfere with the installation.

So there you have it. You should find Firefox an infinitely easier and more customizable browser than any you have ever known.