Firefox
Getting Started with Firefox
Introduction
Firefox is a free web browser from Mozilla. Firefox is one of the world's most popular browsers, along with Google Chrome and Internet Explorer. In this lesson, we'll talk about how to download and install Firefox to your computer.
Downloading Firefox
Unlike Internet Explorer or Safari, Firefox does not come pre-installed with your operating system. To use Firefox, you must first download and install it to your computer. The process is very simple and should take no more than a few minutes.
To download and install Firefox:
- Using your current web browser, navigate to www.mozilla.org.
- The Firefox download page will appear. Locate and select the download button.
Downloading Firefox - Run or download the Firefox installer. This process may vary depending on your current web browser and operating system. Step-by-step instructions will appear in the browser window if you are not sure how to proceed.
Clicking Run - The Firefox Installer will appear. Click Install.
Installing Firefox - The installer will close when finished, and Firefox will open.
Opening Firefox for the first time
Accessing Firefox
- If you are using Windows, Firefox will add a shortcut to your desktop. Whenever you want to open Firefox, just double-click the icon. You can also access it from the Start menu, or you can pin it to the taskbar.
Opening Firefox on a Windows computer - If you are using a Mac, you can open Firefox from the Applications folder. You can also drag Firefox to the Dock for quick access.
Opening Firefox on a Mac
If you want to use Firefox as your only web browser, you can set it as your default browser. Check out our lesson on Customizing Firefox to learn how.
Getting to know Firefox
Firefox offers many of the same features as most web browsers, in addition to its own unique tools. While Firefox is relatively simple to use, you'll need to spend some time becoming familiar with its different features.
Click the buttons in the interactive below to learn more about using the Firefox interface.
Firefox Menu
Click here to open the Firefox menu. From there, you can organize your bookmarks, view your downloads, customize your settings, and much more.
Tabs
Firefox allows you to view multiple websites in the same window using tabs. Just click a tab to view that page.
To create a new tab, click the New tab button. Alternatively, press Ctrl+T on your keyboard. If you're using a Mac, press Command+T.
Address Bar
You'll use the address bar to navigate to different websites. Simply enter the URL, for example www.tumblr.com, and then press Enter on your keyboard, or click the arrow.
Add Bookmark
Click the Star to save the current page as a bookmark. Alternatively, you can press Ctrl+D on your keyboard, or Command+D if you're using a Mac.
Bookmarks
Click here to view and organize your bookmarks.
Home Button
Click here to navigate to your home page.
Downloads
Click here to see your recent downloads, along with files you are currently downloading.
Navigation Buttons
The Back and Forward buttons allow you to move between sites you have recently visited.
Search Box
From here, you can conduct a web search. Simply enter a search term and press Enter to perform a search.
Click the drop-down arrow to select a different search engine or add other search engines.
Firefox for mobile devices
Firefox can also be used as a web browser on mobile devices. Available for Android, the Firefox app allows you to browse the Web, open multiple tabs, conduct searches, and more. You'll even have the option to sign in to Firefox on your mobile device, allowing you to sync bookmarks, saved passwords, browsing history, and settings across all of your devices.
Installing Firefox on an Android phone
Viewing multiple tabs in Firefox