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My 200th Post........Trials of Changing Internet Browsers to Firefox

Some days I just feel old, but thankfully most days I have a lot of energy, and am willing to learn new things. Trying them, on the other hand takes a lot of trust, and knowing that there is a learning curve, which of course for me means frustration, causes indecision. Well I finally listened to The Blog Artist marti garaughty , and am using the Firefox Internet Browser.

Computer Technology and Browsers

When I first downloaded Mozilla Firefox , I wasn't sure if my poor little tablet had enough memory for everything. Any new technology can be like pulling teeth trying to make sure the learning process will be as painless as possible. So many of us just want to do what we're comfortable with, and I'm no exception when it comes to the computer, browsers, and complicated programs.

Anyway, about a month ago now I started my outside blog: California Real Estate and Life. At the time, I was trying to learn the Word Press Platform, and marti kept saying to get rid of IE and use Firefox. No, no, I thought, I am having enough trouble learning a new blogging platform I have no desire to learn the idiosyncrasies of a new Browser also. So I didn't do it. For a month now I have heard.....get rid of IE, use Firefox.

So finally the other day I went to Laurie Manny's outside blog and downloaded it. Yep, a creature of habit, and scared to death that I might mess up all of my Internet stuff......I knew I had seen the Firefox download link on Laurie's site.....so that's where I headed. I checked it out, but didn't download it. Remember I was still paranoid about my available RAM so I went and bought 4 GB's, then went back and downloaded the new Browser.

Even as I am writing this post I am learning more about the Mozilla Firefox Browser. I have no idea why people say that IE isn't good. I like it just fine, but then again what do I know :) Now I got a message that says my Browser, yes Firefox has blocked pop-ups from Active Rain. What....oh gawd...how do I fix this. IE had a pop-up blocker to turn on and off, and I cannot find it on here :( I can see this is going to be interesting....but hey after 200 Posts on Active Rain it's time to learn something new :)

Here are a few things I found with this new Browser:

You can import all your bookmarked sites from IE
My MLS does not like Firefox.....it keeps giving me error messages
Firefox is different than IE when it comes to closing a window.......I learned that there are tabs opened that you just close, and not the big X at the top like in IE (this doesn't even sound right but I know what I mean....LOL :)
Under Tools there is something called an Error Console.....no pop-up[ blocker, or "get rid of my temporary files" like in IE, but I do have an Error Console.....I'm not sure I am liking this right now, but hey it's only been a couple days.......
MY IE icon has disappeared, but I know it's there somewhere because another error popped up and somehow I was back on IE....Once this was fixed, Firefox was again showing.....oh my ~ oh my...this isn't as painless as I'd hoped.

It may not be painless, but again it's not impossible. The best part is I know that IE is in the background somewhere, so it is like having a safety net. I love having a safety net when it comes to learning new technology :)

So, anyway........now I will be working my way through my blogs, writing for my word press one and writing for Active Rain's new localism, as well as setting up my Active Rain Outside Blog all with my new Firefox Browser. It's onward and upward with the things I learn here on Active Rain.

Blogging has become fun, even when you have to learn new things :) :)

By: Kathy McGraw - CELLing Realty and California Real Estate and Life

Posted by Kathy McGraw, Riverside County CA Real Estate on 07/04/2008 02:08 PM

Comments (47)

technology, active rain, blogs, blogging, firefox, motivation

Post is included in group: The Art Of Marketing You
Post is included in group: Everything California
Post is included in group: e-PRO Internet Technology
Post is included in group: POSITIVE ATTITUDE for the Weary Soul
Post is included in group: SO CAL Pass Area Communities and other Interests

47 Comments on My 200th Post........Trials of Changing Internet Browsers to Firefox

JUL

2008

Hi Kathy, the advantage of Firefox is it is not supposed to crash as much as IE and be hacked into as much. The disadvantage as you are finding out is in some instances it is incompatible with some web developed applications. IE is still the dominant browser. I am playing with Safari now on the iPhone which is the Apple browser. I was the biggest fan of the predecessor to Mozilla Firefox which was Netscape which used to have 90% market share until Microsoft got in the game. But then those guys once they went over to AOL abandoned me. I give you a lot of credit for working so hard on an outside blog and Localism. I am only one of a handful here that still doesn't like the Customizer tool in Active Rain cause it takes away from my page size. I guess no one else cares or notices but me. Congratulations on #200. A great milestone Kathy. Happy 4th.

Kathy, ActiveRain has turned me into a "geek"! lol! I still have IE - but I am using FF for more ane more things. I had so much trouble with the "new" IE with the tabs format that I was glad to switch to FF. I do have to use IE for my multiple - doesn't function on FF. I started with AR, then the free WP.com and after 2 blogs there, went to the WP.org with a free template and yesterday I downloaded a "customizable" template and didn't go to bed until 5am because I wanted to make it almost functional!! Yes AR turned me into a geek - hmm have to write a blog :) Oh - and CONGRATULATIONS ON THE 200TH POST!!

Kathy, Internet Explorer made me kind of crazy for years - yes! That's what it was! I'm using Firefox and like it a lot. And good for you on your 200th post! Looking forward to reading more!

I love firefox..all the apps you can download, particularly the seo aps.......love it....i didn't get rid of IE, but I use firefox a lot,..my mls does not like it either...

Kathy,

Congratulations on 200!!! Thank God we don't have to be techies to voice our opinions!!! LOL, Thanks, Fran

Well, you know us....we don't have many problems. Techie Gary is there to make everything run smooth :) :) For me, I love new technology... and everyone picks what they like for themselves.

Hi Kathy-I love firefox..and encourage as many people as possible to use it. There benefits are awesome especially when you are in the middle of a draft and ar goes down. Yes I do my posts directly to my blog. No words docs..so I love firefox

Kathy-oops I almost forgot Congrats on 200 posts! :)

Kathy! Congratulations on your 200th post! I use Firefox because it does more things for me. My MLS doesn't like Firefox either, so I use IE for that. I love the look of your outside blog and I can't wait until mine is up and running! Have a wonderful rest of the 4th and stay safe!

marti- I deleted you....seriously I did. I have no idea what was on there, but tons of code or something.....messed up the dimensions of this blog major....can you come back and say hi? Thanks...

200th post....woohooooo!

hi Kathy, this techie had tech problems, on my way out for dinner, will re-post my comment later. Congrats on # 200, for always inspiring us and have a great 4th of July!

Hi Kathy, We in real estate with our MLS's have to use both browsers as Gary so ably stated. And it is really confusing, especially when you use use links to favorite sites. I often find myself looking for the link only to realize that the link I saved was on the browser. The one thing that Gary mentioned that really is remarkable is the that I find both crash about the same. The difference is when IE crashes you log in and start over. But Firefox pops up and asks if you would to like Resume and it takes you right back to where you were.

I too downloaded Safari thinking it would be perhaps a hybrid of the two and it isn't. So much for Safari until I get my new Mac. I spoke to Jeff Turner when I was considering a new computer last Jan and I ended up by another Tablet. Jeff encouraged me to buy the Mac and said he loves it , everything about it. I haven't forgotten that I should have listened. With the Dual core processors, you get the best of Mac and the best of Microsoft ( if there really is a best), I haven't discovered it as yet). I like FireFox best of the browsers I have tried and will continue to use it for most things and the way around trying to remember to open IE for the MLS is really easy. Open IE, Locate your MLS. Save the icon on your desk top and it will always open in IE even with your default set to FireFox. It seems to works seamlessly for me.

Hi Kathy, Oops, I forgot to Congratulate you on your 200th Post. Oversight, and I just got carried away about the content of the post. A wonderful milestone! And a great post and know that many share the frustrations with you.

Hi Kathy, congrats on your 200th post. I've used Firefox for about 2 yrs or so, and I love it. I do still use IE for MLS.

Hi Gary-Nice of you to leave the "Beach" and come read my 200th Post .....thanks. And funny you mentioned the page size with the new headers....when I was doing my new Outside one, the CA Real Estate one, marti had designed a header. The size was given to us, and when I saw it realized it took up a lot of the page. I didn't like that.....so the one I ended up with is smaller. Yes, it takes up some of the room, but I'm OK with it :)

Jo Soss-I have been wanting to email you about some Military stuff. I found it interesting you said about AR turning you into a "geek"....your experiences sound like you are definitely learning LOL :) What's the URL for your new blog? Please leave it here.....

Patricia- Thanks for the congratulations....and hope I can say that about FF later :)

Konnie- What apps you can download? I see I have a lot to learn. But I will :)

Fran- Amen to "at least we don't have to be techies to voice our opinion." Have a wonderful 4th of July week-end with the kids.. I think I am almost caught up now with things and can get back to what I like doing best...blogging :)

Sally- You really are very lucky, as is everyone that has a "techie" of their own. I do have to thank you for the tech help both of you have given me....and absolutely true that "we use what works for us and our clients". Thanks......

Midori- I saw your comment in my email before coming here, and my question is HOW? How does FF help you when AR goes down? I too write my Posts directly into Draft on AR. Please tell :) And tank you for the congrats......

Linda-I am not sure who is doing more online stuff right now....me or you LOL :) I can't wait for your new blog, and I know you will give us the URL as soon as it is done.....in fact you can come back here and leave it. You too have a good rest of the 4th. I will be going to my oldest daughters for her Birthday, and my Grandsons 18th......so that should be nice.

Sally-why thank you mame :) :)

marti-Oh that looks so much better :) :) And thank you....inadvertently you made me feel better that even the experts can get caught with tech ....LOL :) :) Hope you enjoyed your dinner, and enjoy the rest of the week-end.

William- Sounds like you have a lot of experience. I even thought of you the other day when I was at FRY's getting my new RAM. I went to buy a cooler for my tablet, but the guy said I didn't really need it....so I just got the RAM. Anyway, I like reading your experiences with tech things :)

Thanks for this....I love this tip, and will try it when I sign off here. "Open IE, Locate your MLS. Save the icon on your desk top and it will always open in IE even with your default set to FireFox."

William #2-Thank you friend....and it is nice to have everyones opinions, both good and bad :)

Bob-I think it's unanimous now....no-ones MLS seems to work with Firefox. I am going to try Williams suggestion for the MLS, but if you, marti, and the others like FF, then I need to explore it more so that I have good things to say :) I'm into whatever makes my Internet life easier and better....:)

Kathy, Congratulations on your 200th post! I have not learned SO much yet....and I love that you learn in areas of my least expertise....anything "techy." I'm glad you shared your experience of Firefox and I hope it works out well for you.

Carole- Oh I like to learn it, but that doesn't mean it's always easy :) I too hope the Firefox works out, and will give it an honest try.....hope your Holiday week-end is going well. I saw you got a nice comment on that post you did on Real Estate and Feng Shui for my blog.....nice.....:) :) See, you do have several tech things you've learned.

Kathy, shoot me an email any time. my new blog/web site is www.westsoundlive.com I am still writing content like a crazy woman because I am getting rid of my website and one blog. This format is working really well. Think I will share once I am 100% :)

hi again K, I'm cheating and copy/pasting my comment from earlier before the tech glitch...

_______________________________________________________________________________________

hi Kathy... first congrats on post #200 and inspiring us along the way. Also Happy 4th of July!

So glad to see you moved to Firefox, as with any new technology it takes a bit of adjustment, I hated Firefox for the first day or two but now I see why so many people recommend it and how much IE sucks! Basically Firefox works with current and future web standards, IE doesn't. That's why some stuff that looks good in Firefox looks weird or different in IE.

Trust me, in a week or two you'll be thrilled you made the switch. So far I haven't heard anyone say that they should have stayed with IE. ;-)

Re your ? to Midori about "How does FF help you when AR goes down?"... If Firefox ever crashes on you, when it restarts it will bring you back to exactly where you were before the crash so you won't lose anything. Later...

Jo Soss- I like that name...would probably say it wrong though, but I like it :) I have to get back to my writing...I have a couple that are almost done, for posting this week. So, I empathize with you....although I only had to start one....you have much more work :) Will send you a mail, thanks.

marti-it's OK to cut and paste our own stuff.....that's a rule and not cheating LOL :) OK.....thanks for resending it. And thanks for answering the FF Q I asked Midori.....so will it also work if AR is the one that has the problem like those 504 Proxy Errors........ LOL :)

Kathy......congratulations on your 200th post! woohoo. I have firefox but really have never used it. Any idea what it will afford me if i use it.

Great info!!

Hi Pam- did you enjoy the day? I have no idea of the benefit of this other than what I've read here....but if it lets you go back to where you were if there is a break in connection I am happy with that :)

Mike-thanks.

JUL

2008

Kathy, congrats on your 200th post. I've been really excited about all the new technology and things that I've discovered on AR that might make blogging a little easier. But, I simply haven't had time to try them. I really appreciate your post, because I'm working through you vicariously...lol. When you've got it figured out, then maybe I'll have time to jump in "the water" also.

Kathy - what a milestone - 200! And now, Kathy and the Firefox will keep the pages of posts turning... turning our heads and our minds and our hearts around and around as we orbit in the rain... rejoicing, delighting, strengthening, inspiring, directing, understanding what moves us HOME...

Congratulations on your wonderful accomplishment (of 200) AND on your wonderful bravery (for learning so many new things, esp Firefox :-)

Kathy - congratulations on #200 !

I have been a regular firefox user (now ver 3.0) but have had problems with MLS. I like Maxthon for MLS as it seems to be compatible with IE (actually Maxthon seems to be an intelligent front end for IE)

Currently my problem with firefox is cutting text from my blog editor (Blogjet) to paste into AR - seems to go through an intermidiate window and loses all formatting. I'm working on it. (Blogjet posts directly to Blogger and other external blogs)

I am looking forward to your next 200.

Kathy, you sound so much like me ! I was afraid at first to learn a new browser, but I took the plundge and I love it. I rarely get virus etc...

I just use IE for zipforms and MLS, Point2agent, I have no idea why they don't program the real estate sites for us to use FF.

I especially love it because your work is never lost.

Congratulations on post 200!!

I haven't switched because of the MLS either, ours won't even open with Firefox! I just don't get the hype, but people seem to love it, but I don't get the pop-up problems with my browser.

When you figure out what is so great about it, please pass it on to the rest of us, will you?

Our Realtor tech hotline turned me on to firefox when ie went haywire. I like it -- fortunately our mls will work with firefox.

There is now a newer version and I have read mixed reviews. Do the gurus out there have an opinion of the latest download??? I'll check back!

JUL

2008

Congrats, I'm thrilled to have passed 100, I still have ways to go to 200! Congradulations

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Great dialogue and information. I have heard about FoxFire but don't even have it near the top of my to-do list. It sounds like most people love it but keep IE as well. So much to learn! Congratulations on your 200...great job!

I am also just learning about Firefox, Kathy, so I have bookmarked your post so I can go back and absorb all your info. Thanks for sharing your experience!

Wendy Casey - Vancouver, BC

Hi Kathy - Congrats on your 200th post. I was interested to read this because Marti told me as well to download FF and I have it on my agenda this week. I hadn't thought about the learning curve. In addition to my AR blogs I have one on Typepad - I wonder how it will like FF. We shall see.

JUL

2008

Kathy ~ Congrats on post number two hundred :)

Did you download Firefox 2.0 or the new 3.0? I recently upgraded to the 3.0 and I really like it. For me one of the biggest differances between FireFox & IE is the ability to add plugins. I don't know what I would do without my SEO plugins.

Mike- Thanks :)

Sondra- Funny.....so I get to make the mistakes, and then you learn....LOVE it :) :) right now I do see some benefits that IE doesn't offer, but it is hard to give up my IE Internet Options, and the Find button...that one is so useful for going to a long Post and finding exactly where your comment is LOL :) I need to find something like that on AR as I used that feature a lot.

Mara- I absolutely love reading your writing, comments and all......and thank you :)

Ted- Why hello there, how have you been? I really am trying this, and a friends husband helped me set up the IE icon on my desktop....see I listened to William :) Anyway, you and CJ are years ahead of me technology wise, and I fondly remember the help you gave me in the e-PRO Group, and with my picture :)

Missy- Thank you....and yes I have already benefited from not losing my work ....that in itself makes me try harder. I am keeping the IE icon for the RE sites like you said :)

Todd- I haven't explored it a lot, but as I said above I love the idea that I don't lose my work if it goes down :) some of us actually sit and write ON the Blog :) :)

Joan- I have no idea about the earlier version cuz the one on Laurie's site was the 3.0 so that's what I have :) Your MLS so far seems to be the only one that FF works with, lucky you.

Ronald- Thanks.....100 is good. Me, I just write a couple days a week, never the allotted amount of Posts...that cuts way into my responsibilities, so both of us are doing well ....we do what we can......Congratulations to you on passing 100 :)

Diane- "So much to learn" is the truth for sure.....Sally and I just had this conversation. Many of our clients don't have the tech know how to be swapping browsers, so if something looks good in IE they are happy, and we are happy. For me, I just felt like trying it, but hey if it stays on the bottom of your list you have a lot of company :)

Wendy- Now I have to figure out all the extras, as well as the Menu. Ryan is saying about SEO plugins??? and I want to know what this is. If it helps my website, that's a good thing. Good luck with it, and if you have any questions put a Post up, and also join our e-PRO Group....someone like Ryan will help you LOL :)

Pam- Nothing ventured, nothing gained LOL :) Don't ya just love marti.....he will make us tech savvy yet :)

Ryan- OK...I have the 3.0. Now, what are the plug-ins, and especially the SEO. What does it do, and how do you download and use them?

On the other hand how have you been? I miss seeing you, and it's always a pleasure when I hear from you :)

Kathy,

Happy 200th post.

I think you will come to love Firefox. One of the best is that it can remember your tabs when you shut down, or your internet connection goes sketchy and shuts down on you. This has been a work saver for me on more than one occassion. I started using Firefox a few years ago when my now 19 year old brother said, "ummm...you are using Firefox aren't you?" I didn't even think to question the surfing guru, he presented the benefits, I downloaded that day.:-)

Rebecca- don't ya just love those younger folks :) I swear my Grandkids know so much that I don't know, and I think it will only get worse. But the good thing is I know things they don't know, so we share our knowledge, just like here on Active Rain. Give and take....

Kathy, congrats on your 200th post AND trying out Firefox. I love it.....I actually have IE 6 and FireFox on my tablet because one of my websites only allows changes with IE6.....On my other computer, I have IE7 and Firefox...my MLS doesn't like Firefox, so I use IE for that.....Good for you with the Wordpress stuff. I've not even dug that deep into that yet, but do have a blog site with WP....a step at a time. ;-)

JUL

2008

Congratulations on your 200th! I downloaded Firefox several months ago because I was having so many problems with IE...when you get used to it I think you'll love it. Now I get annoyed when something tells me it won't run on firefox & I have to switch back.

Teri- It sounds like you have it all "just in case" :) I have IE6 as my backup as I just couldn't get IE7 to work with my stuff. A step at a time...so true, so true.

Lynette- thanks......I am slowly getting used to it.....and it does have some features I like. I was upset about not having the Find Feature...excellent for AR Posts.....well last night I found it....but unlike IE the little box is at the bottom of the screen, not the top.

And as Teri said....one step at a time.

Kathy ~ One of my favorite FF plug-ins is Search Status. I wrote a post about it in January. My favorite features are "no follow" highlights and quick backlink checks in Google & Yahoo.

It is good to check back in to ActiveRain too. It is the busy season in real estate and you know that I have a lot of work to keep up on with my websites, so I had to take a little break from the Rain.

JUL

2008

Kathy
Once you getting used to Firefox, you'll love it. I've been using it for about 1 year now. Good luck.

JUL

2008

I disliked Firefox for the longest time. Hated the way things looked just using it to browse because it looked different.

Now I love it. It makes WP.org a lot easier.

Maureen- I have been getting used to it, but the last 2 days it crashed almost as many times as my IE used to. I am still trying to get used to the double work it takes to do a copy and paste, and some of the other things.....and it does make wordpress so much easier.

JUL

2008

you get a gold star

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