For the last couple weeks I've been focusing on Windows basics ("Windows Explorer Explained: Tips for Newbies" and "Windows Explorer Tips: Select Files Fast, Show Extensions, Rename Setup Files"). This week let's move on to a new topic: getting Mozilla Firefox to run more efficiently. Read on if you've ever been frustrated by slow performance in Firefox.
Improve Firefox Performance by Clearing the Downloads List
Recently I noticed that whenever I downloaded a file in Firefox, the program turned into molasses--especially just after the download finished. The browser would literally freeze up for seconds at a time for about a minute after.
You know what? The next time I downloaded a file, Firefox hummed along like its regular speedy self. No hangs, no delays. I'm not sure why this made the difference, but it definitely did. If you're encountering a similar issue, I recommend trying the same procedure.
Remove Old Versions of the Java Console From Firefox
Java, of course, is the programming language/platform that's used by various Web sites and apps--you know, the thing that's constantly nagging you to install updates.
Every time you do so, Firefox inherits a new version of the Java Console (a debugging tool that's useless to the vast majority of users). Unfortunately, the old ones don't get deleted. Does that impact Firefox performance? I don't know for sure, but it can't help--and I do know I don't want half a dozen Java Consoles cluttering things up!
Simple: Exit Firefox, then run it as an administrator. To do so, right-click your Firefox desktop icon, then choose Run as administrator. Now, when you go back to the Add-ons list, you'll have the option of uninstalling Java Consoles.
You can probably get rid of them all, though I recommend keeping the one with the highest version number, just in case the Java Runtime Environment needs it for some reason.
Make Firefox Immediately Switch to a Newly Opened Tab
Normally, when you click a link that opens a new tab (or hold down the Ctrl key while clicking a link, which forces a new tab to open), Firefox doesn't actually switch to that tab. It keeps you where you were. That doesn't make a ton of sense. After all, why would you open a new tab if you didn't want to view it right away?
If you've got a hassle that needs solving, send it my way. I can't promise a response, but I'll definitely read every e-mail I get--and do my best to address at least some of them in the PCWorld Hassle-Free PC blog. My 411: hasslefree@pcworld.com. You can also sign up to have the Hassle-Free PC newsletter e-mailed to you each week .