Introduction

Firefox is Ainer.org’s recommended web browser. It’s an easy to use and user friendly browser that still allows for robust expansion courtesy of it’s mature and developed add-ons. Additionally, it regularly brings in functions that have originated in the add-on community (and proved popular) which helps to drive innovation and prevent stagnation.

With its new regular release schedule (about every six weeks) Firefox is seeing a quicker and more directed developmental progress. Firefox and its non-profit governing body, the Mozilla Foundation, has shown a true dedication to placing the users of its software first. Firefox and Mozilla has shown that they are committed to providing user friendly options to protect our privacy and security. When combined with Ainer.org’s Recommended Operating System, Ubuntu and Firefox provide a first class platform for safely and securely browsing the web, doing online banking, shopping, or anything else you might wish to do!

Firefox should be installed as Ubuntu’s default Web browser, and can be updated and upgraded via the Update Manager. Also, since its 11.04 release, Ubuntu now provides major updates to Firefox so your system should always have the latest and greatest version without any further work needed on your behalf other than a standard update!

Extensions & Add-ons

As Firefox has matured, the features it provides have increased and the need to expand the program through add-ons has arguably been reduced. However, there are definitely some extensions that can still help to smooth out your browsing experience by customizing Firefox to better meet your needs.

HTTPS Everywhere

This is an add-on that comes courtesy of the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF). It maintains a list of sites that have encrypted versions of their websites available and automatically causes Firefox to use the secured version whenever you visit the site. For example with HTTPS Everywhere installed you will be taken to https://encrypted.google.com/ instead of http://www.google.com whenever you type in Google.com or use their search engine.

HTTPS Everywhere can be downloaded directly from the EFF’s website.