I haven’t used Internet Explorer to browse the web for quite some time.  Part of the reason is because I am running Ubuntu on my computer and Ubuntu comes packaged with Firefox (which I’m not using either) instead of Internet Explorer.  The other reason is that IE just plain stinks.

Anyone out there reading this that is still a bit lazy or nervous to make the switch from IE, you don’t know what you’re putting up with.  In fact, I’d even use Opera instead of IE!

All that being said, for the first time Internet Explorer is second in line to Firefox in Europe.  Microsoft’s browser has never been second in line before but they’d better get used to it.  People like Firefox, Chrome, and like I said, even Opera better than Internet Explorer (“Internet Explorer 8 is available only on PCs running Windows”) and the numbers are making it very obvious.  Apparently it’s Chrome’s nudging into the market that has finally tilted the scales, much like a third party candidate running for American president.

Me?  I’m in love with the third party candidate.  Chrome has been my browser of choice for quite some time.  It’s fast, it has a very simplistic user interface, and installing and updating add-ons and themes is so fluent that even a monkey can do it (I wish I had a picture of that).  What’s your browser of choice?

In its  latest versions, Firefox has begun sporting a new tool called Private Browsing.  It’s really a great tool and it really has more than one use!  Basically when you are in Private Browsing mode, Firefox will not remember the following:

• browser history,
• search history,
• download history,
• web form history,
• cookies, or
• temporary internet files

You’re basically browsing the Internet anonymously.  Its really easy to do, just go to “TOOLS” and then “START PRIVATE BROWSING” (or CTRL-SHIFT-P) and you’re in.

Well, many people on the Internet seem to be highlighting one particular use for such an option and I just wanted to come out and say that there IS more than one use for it!  Basically people are saying that it is a great way to cover your tracks if you have been browsing some less than desirable websites and you don’t want other people to see your browsing habits.  That’s the nice version.

Let’s see if we can list some other uses or reasons we would want to use the Private Browsing feature in Firefox.

1. Gift buying – Christmas is coming soon and it would be nice to shop online on the family computer without ruining the suprise, right?
2. Online banking (and other financial stuff) – If you are using a computer that other people are using, keep your finances to yourself!
3. Other personal sites (email, etc.) – Similarly, Private Browsing does just that, it keeps your personal interactions like email, etc. private
4. Internet caches don’t build up – As you may know, as you browse the Internet, your browser saves files from website to aid in the reloading of the site the next time you visit the site.  Well, these files can build up and eventually bog your computer down if you’re not careful.  Private Browsing mode is another way to help here.

Can you think of some other uses for Private Browsing mode?  Let us know in the comments!

I ran across this cheat sheet the other day.  It was a PDF file and all it contained was plain text, Courier I believe.  There were no graphics, no fancy fonts, and no fancy introductions.  However, what it did contain will probably change the way you use Firefox, forever!

All it contained was 3 full pages of keyboard shortcuts for Firefox!  Memorize these and become a really amazing Firefox power user of sorts!  You’ll learn the quick way to do tasks such as opening, closing and navigating tabs; using bookmarks; and navigating the current page.  Amaze your family and friends with your new-found Firefox keyboarding genius!  All of this is made possible by my friends over at MakeUseOf.com!  They put it together and offer it as an incentive to subscribe to their feed (it’s worth it, I believe).  Once you’re subscribed to the feed, look for a message similar to this:

Check it out and see what you think!

Tonight I finally was able to test a new web app by the name of Wetoku.com.  Wetoku.com is in the process of making video interviewing amazingly simple for the everyday blogger (like myself!).  They are still in private beta but I asked them nice and they gave me an invite!

In the video you’ll find myself (the interviewer) and a long time geek-friend of mine Abelardo (the interviewee) talking about various topics.  You’ll also notice that my volume is way too low which I believe is my fault but bear with me and turn up the volume.  AND I noticed that the timing is off.  Other than that, let me know what you think of the interview, the discussion AND the technical quality, in the comments.

Some of the topics discussed:

1. Safety on the Internet (specifically for kids)
2. WordPress and other blogging stuff
3. Social Networks (Facebook, Twitter, and hosted possibilities such as Drupal and BuddyPress)
4. Data backup (blog and otherwise)
5. Opera, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Chrome, and Safari (some more than others)
6. AND my blog design and a new css option

I believe the chat went well.  It usually does with a good friend, right?  There are a few options I’d like to see added to Wetoku like some editing abilites and the like, but all in all the service is a great idea!  Will I use it more?  Definitely!

Thanks, Abelardo, for the time and the chat!

Welcome to another Firefox Friday post!  Today I want to introduce you to Firefox’s Twitter feed.

Surely you’ve heard of Twitter before, right?  Twitter is an awesome way to keep up with the latest and greatest!  Well, I use it to keep up with a few friends, but also some other technology related tweeters for the cool links they enjoy sharing.  I basically use TwitterFox and then I am notified whenever someone I’m following tweets something.  I then only waste a second or two checking it out.

Today I want to introduce you to Firefox on Twitter.  They’re constantly posting links and tweets about Firefox and Mozilla.  Just take a look at a few of the links (fresh off the Firefox Twitter press as of the writting of this post):

• More thinking on the next million Mozillians
• For Mozilla and Google, Group Hugs Get Tricky
• Robot Love is Infectious!

They also post links to the latest updates to Firefox so it’s really a great way to stay informed.  Drop by Twitter.com/Firfox and follow them!  You won’t regret it!

A few Firefox Friday posts back I wrote an article about an easy way to personalize the look of Firefox with Personas.  I also mentioned that I tried my hand at designing my own and had submitted it to the gallery.  Well, yesterday was my lucky day!  I received an email indicating that my Persona has been added!

This means that you can head over there and choose the Timmyjohnboy.com Persona to decorate your Firefox!  Not only will your browser look cool, you’d be helping me get the word out, and remind yourself, about Timmyjohnboy.com!

I heard a rumor, from a friend, that Roadrunner only supports Internet Explorer issues and would not support Firefox users because of security issues. This rumor made me VERY curious. SO, I did what any down-to-earth Firefox fan would do. I emailed Roadrunner support to get to the bottom of it. Here’s the gist of what happened:

My email to them: “I heard that Roadrunner does not support Firefox because of security issues. Is this, or something similar, true?”

Their response to me: “Tim, I would like to inform you that Road Runner offers best effort support to Firefox browser in order to access the Internet.”

My question to them became: “Can you define “best effort support” for me?  Thanks!”

The answer: “Best efforts means installing and any other issues such as connectivity with Firefox are best resolved by Mozilla as they have right tools and resources.”

So I guess that’s the answer. I didn’t get any fear of security issues or any such thing. They just think Mozilla would be better suited to answer installation and connectivity questions because they have the resources. My guess is that they get support calls from people trying to install Firefox or are having trouble connecting because of issues not having anything to do with Roadrunner.

Have you heard anything different? Pass on the link. I would love to know the details of any issues! Oh, and if you’re having trouble installing Firefox, don’t call your ISP! Ask Mozilla! They have all kinds of cool answers for you!

Welcome to Firefox Friday where we keep the discussion all about Firefox, the browser.

Today I want to give a bit of an introduction to Personas.  When I ran into this, I fell in love.  They’re lightweight “skins” that give Firefox a different look.  I’ve messed around a bit with themes but I never really got into them.  Personas, I think, are a lot easier.

Head over to GetPersonas.com and see what they’re all about.  Basically, once you download the add-on, you will be presented with a small fox head at the bottom left of the browser window.  Click on it and you have a menu full of different personas.  As you move your mouse across the options, the browser will change along with them.  It’s that easy to use.

They are basically made up of three components:

1. A header image – shows up behind the buttons, address bar, and toolbars
2. A footer image – shows up behind the bar at the bottom
3. Custom font colors – the colors can change in order to make words readable

These components make designing them very easy.  In fact, there are even instructions on the site th.at show how to design, test, and even upload and share your own personas.  I’m working on getting a Timmyjohnboy.com persona approved so stay tuned!

Check them out!  When you do, come back and tell me about your favorite persona!

I was browsing around looking for something (I forget what) and a fell upon this site full of cool Firefox helps, tricks, add-on suggestions etc. and I knew I had to share about it!  I know there are many MANY Firefox sites out there but this one is worth a check-see.

The site’s called FirefoxFacts.com and it’s run by a guy named Mitch Keeler and he seems to know his stuff.  He is a self-proclaimed “average web hosting worker turned writer turned worker and writer again.”  The site was originally put together to promote an eBook but it has apparently turned into quite a collection of Firefox wisdom.

The site is made up basically of these categories all about Firefox:

1. Add-ons
2. Themes
3. Support
4. Hacks
5. News
6. Security
7. Interviews
8. Best of Firefox

I guess you can say the site is Firefox Friday EVERYDAY!  Check it out!  What other Firefox sites have you come across that you enjoy?  Share them in the comments!

Firefox Friday is once again in full swing!

Today I would like to share another way we can show our support for the good people at Mozilla and Firefox:  wear a t-shirt!

And I obviously don’t mean just any old t-shirt!  If you poke around Mozilla’s websites long enough, you’ll find out that they have SEVERAL t-shirts up for sale on Zazzle!

In what way can a t-shirt help Mozilla?

I can think of several ways that a t-shirt can help Mozilla:

1. Wearing a shirt with their logo or a quip about them can help spread the word about them.
2. Buying a shirt from them helps them financially!  In order to keep developing, they need money and what better way is there?
3. Buying, wearing and commenting on designs helps encourage them that they have fans and that they are involved!  It’s good to know people are thinking about you and appreciate what you do!

Here is a sampling of some of the t-shirts I kind of like:

There you have it!  Yet another way to help support Mozilla and our beloved Firefox!