Newbie needs info about Mozilla et al.

[u2btrfly]

Hello again all you wonderful people who know so much more than I!

After my last bout with IE and my script error, "zapped" dll, spyware, fake virus, and everything else I have to contend with, I am seriously considering switching to Firefox. Courtesy of Deepblue, I read the link regarding Firefox, and it sounds like it would be just what I want.

Now, in plain terms that even I could understand, how difficult would it be to switch?

Would my Limewire Pro still work on it? Would I have to reinstall it?

What about my favorites I have saved in IE and all the files I have saved in Windows 98SE?

Would I have to reinstall any software, printer, CD burner, or anything like that?

Do I keep my OE through my ISP and can I save my address book? Would it just be easier to import my address book from OE to Thunderbird? Hotmail?

I know these may sound like stupid questions, but as one of my professors once said, "The only stupid question is the one not asked." Like I said, I went to their site but could not understand some of the computerese.

Also, should I get the entire Mozilla suite, or start with Firefox and get the rest as I get comfortable with it? What's different between the two?

This is a lot and it sounds like I'm asking for a manual!! But, really, I need some input from you as you've all helped me before.

Thanks so much.

P.S. Billabong - I like your graphics, wanna do one for me?!
PPS: Guess you can tell I'm as aspiring writer LOL!

[Only A Hobo]

I tried Firefox er no it was Camino actually, but I think very similar but hated it. It crashed regularly, but that is totally irellevant as was a specialy made for Mac afair. so

Your LW is not going to be affected atall. Your favourites should transfer easily enough, although you may have to rearange them a little. All the browsers seem to be pretty well set up to take over from M$ or anything else (Except for Opera which has a mind of it's own) If you change your browser you will need to chose one as the default eg which opens when you try to access the LW site from Limewire, and you must make sure you do this before getting rid of your old browser as you may have to change the default from there.

I would however not get rid of IE altogether. You will find one day that you need it as some idiot web designer has designed somethng that will only work with IE

Your address book should transfer to Thunderbird with no problem Thunderbird is the Mail client I seem to remember. I think I had some difficulty with the rules for multiple accounts.but it was probably a couple of versions back. Your isp mail will come to whatever mail client you ask to get you mail, you just have to configure your new client to do what the old one did. Hot mail will be reachable through whatever browser you chose to use

Personally I gave up and went to Opera which combines Browser Newsgroups and Mail in a most unorthodox way and is not greatly compatible with MS as far as transfering Things over as I recall.

I dont think you should have any problems, but don't ditch your old applications until you are sure you don't want them.

Hope that helps a bit.

[Only A Hobo]

As for the poll which I just saw I would say Safari ... this omission smacks of anti Mac discrimination otherwise I'll go for Opera

[et voilà]

Personally on mac my favorites are Safari then Camino, Firefox and Mozilla in that order.

On PC: Firefox, Opera, Mozilla, then IE and its derivatives.

Of course to a newbie, your best bet is Firefox for security and usability. IE is to avoid except when really required IMO.

The mozilla app actually is pretty much outdated Firefox, NVU, and Thunderbird combined. Mozilla can do everything, it is just that good at everything I also recommend Thunderbird over OE, as Thunderbird is as capable and much less prone to virus attacks that target OE.

Ciao

[u2btrfly]

Originally posted by Only A Hobo
As for the poll which I just saw I would say Safari ... this omission smacks of anti Mac discrimination otherwise I'll go for Opera

I am certainly not anit-Mac. I used Mac Classic years ago, only for word processing though, and I really liked it. It really is easy to use, I just wasn't aware of the different browser for it. Again, humbly sorry.

[u2btrfly]

I'm sorry if I broke any of the rules. I did a search and I just couldn't come across any answers, but more than that I Just Didn't Know which forum to put this in, so I thought that Windows General Support would be the best. Maybe I should have posted in the Lounge.

Forgive me, but my brain is a little fried from four days of trying to get rid of a scripts error and restoring a "zapped" (quote by UK Bob) dll.

Once again, sorry.

[Only A Hobo]

I guess this was a bit off topic I hope you are not in trouble. As for my post I thought I had inserted a smillie but it was late and I forgot.. Only a gentle tease ...no apology necessary and as the post was in a windows forum, why should a Mac application be mentioned bye for now...

[u2btrfly]

Just to let you know, in case I need to come back here for help with this, at 3:30 a.m. today I installed the Firefox browser. So far, I would never go back to IE. They have well-written instructions even a newbie (moi) can read. As I go along, I'll be adding extensions and all that, but I am really satisfied.

I don't think I'll have too much of a problem, and if the security is everything good I've heard about it, I can't lose. Have to work with the toolbars a little though - I only have a 15" monitor right now.

OAH, apology accepted, but really, I do like the Mac. I didn't want to make you feel bad or anything. If you can give me any pointers with the Firefox right now, or if anyone can, I would love to hear.

Oh, and since the security is supposed to be so good, do I really need to run anything else but Adaware, Peer Guardian, and AVG? I've ordered "Ghost Surf 2005," another spur of moment decision, but does anyone know about this software. I got it from World Start.

Bye for now - got to get back to my new child!

[et voilà]

Originally posted by u2btrfly
do I really need to run anything else but Adaware, Peer Guardian, and AVG?

No

[u2btrfly]

Thanks for the advice Et Voila. My poor little computer can't handle anymore!

I'm going to have to buy the manual for Firefox, I'm getting a little confused about the security settings. Trying to get into Yahoo was like trying to break into Fort Knox LOL.