Tech help - slow Firefox

kmwest · 12-03-2007, 01:27 PM

I've loved using Firefox, but ever since I upgraded to v2.00.11 it's sucked - the program is extremely slow (not my internet connection - Internet Explorer works fine), hangs a lot, etc. Wondering if anybody else has this problem and if so, what to do about it. I've done the usual - restart program, restart computer, virus/spyware scan.

Luke Denley · 12-03-2007, 01:57 PM

I am using it and have had no problems with it. Try reinstalling?

Frank.S · 12-03-2007, 01:58 PM

Firefox uses alot of system resources. Is your computer older? If so, id use IE (..and I am not a fan of ie) or at least an oldler version of FF.

kmwest · 12-03-2007, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank.S

Firefox uses alot of system resources. Is your computer older? If so, id use IE (..and I am not a fan of ie) or at least an oldler version of FF.

Thought so myself, but FF was only using ~21k memory whereas IE is using ~54k and running fine...

(For the record, my comp is 1.66GHz Celeron, 512mb RAM, XP)

Frank.S · 12-03-2007, 05:13 PM

memory access isn't quite that simple unfortunatley.. but that is a bit weird. Also, firefox has a bit more graphics etc.

id check:
-Temp folder is where you want it to be
-harddrive isn't full
-firefox isnt launching any other programs on startup

if all else fails, downgrade lol

Firefox isn't the best coded program out there (even though, its probally still the best..) and it takes then a while sometimes to fix their flaws.

Mark57 · 12-03-2007, 05:19 PM

Mine upgraded a to 2.0.0.11 few days ago but I haven't seen any problems. I use Opera for most stuff now, but a couple sites, like msnbc news, don't like it too well so I still use Firefox on those.

kmwest · 12-03-2007, 05:55 PM

I just downloaded Opera and despite my best efforts to break it (lots of new tabs quickly, clicking on lots of menus) it's flying. Looks good.

Cynic · 12-03-2007, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kmwest

I've loved using Firefox, but ever since I upgraded to v2.00.11 it's sucked - the program is extremely slow (not my internet connection - Internet Explorer works fine), hangs a lot, etc.

I'm experiencing that.

Let's see if there is anything common between the two of us.

What is your equipment? Vid card, CPU, Mobo, ram, etc.

kmwest · 12-03-2007, 07:19 PM

Celeron 1.46Mhz
HP mobo model 30A8
512MB SDRAM
XP SP2

Video driver: Mobile Intel(R) 945GM Express Chipset Family (default with the laptop)

accessing the internet through Sprint wireless broadband (Novatel card)

Cynic · 12-03-2007, 07:38 PM

Not a single thing you have that I have...other than XP SP2.

I've started using IE more because FF is failing so much. Usually on sites heavy with eye candy.

projectR · 12-03-2007, 07:38 PM

kmwest, check how many extensions you have installed and enabled. I find that this can considerably slow down Firefox. (it's under Tools-Add-ons -- I'm on a mac, I think it's the same on a PC)

kmwest · 12-03-2007, 07:49 PM

I only had forecastfox. Then uninstalled/reinstalled FF with no extensions and it was still slow. F-it, Opera works well.

Mark57 · 12-03-2007, 08:11 PM

I've only had a couple problems with Opera. My bank's bill pay site doesn't render very well so I still use Firefox for that. And the msnbc.msn.com site just underwent an "upgrade" that made it so slow on Opera it became unusable. But for the most part it's the only one I use now.

Opera even lets you masquerade as IE on specific sites if you need to, like when a site tests for IE.

Phaedrus49er · 12-04-2007, 07:32 AM

I had the same issue with FF two versions ago, but now I'm okay. Not great, but okay. For those of you using IE, when I move over to that browser (for work), it takes FOR-EH-VER (think Sandlot) to load but flies once it's loaded, and I have no add-ons for IE. I tried Maxthon for a bit, but it's basically an IE knock-off. Maybe Opera...

pjb923 · 12-04-2007, 08:12 AM

I am pleasantly surprised by the number of people talking about Opera and have to add my recommendation as well. I have been using Opera as my primary browser since version 5 and it has come a long way since then. I still run into the occasional site that doesn't work and I keep a copy of Firefox around for that reason. I even have a button that will take the current page and open it in either firefox or IE with 1 click.

If you are into tweaking and are comfortable playing around with ini files you can customize Opera down to the very last detail. Every menu, toolbar and keyboard shortcut can be edited to your liking.

If you aren't afraid of a few bugs check out the latest alpha builds.
Desktop Team - by Desktop Team

For anyone into the technical side of browsers, run a few of your favorites through the Acid2 test. Opera is one of the few browsers that can render it correctly.
Acid2: The Guided Tour - The Web Standards Project

Lost Dog · 12-07-2007, 02:30 PM

Mine upgraded itself two days ago. It seems okay for the most part, but periodically takes up 90-95% of my CPU and I have to kill it and open it again. When this is going on, it's VERY slow. And, so is everything else.