This Firefox tweak release memory when minimized

One common issue with Firefox is, it is utilizing too much memory in the long usage, and not releasing it back after the tabs closed. It even took sometime to fully released the memory when it was closed.

This tip however manage to solve this problem. While it still maintain the memory rate it use before, it will at least release back the memory upon minimization.

On my quick test below,when Firefox maximized, it is utilizing 101,149kb memory and 28% CPU. Once the screen minimized, the memory consumption immediately dropped to 29,444kb with 19% CPU.

After running it for 2 days, I’m more than happy with the whole performance. It’s not an issue with powerful computer powered by multi core CPU with huge memory, but for old computer owner with less memory that still want to use Firefox, this is great help indeed.

Use with caution however, since some commentators point out this tweak, has slightly effecting the computer performance.

Firefox screen maximized with 14 tabs opened – 101,149k

firefox opened This Firefox tweak release memory when minimized

Firefox screen minimized with 14 tabs opened – 29,444k

firefox minimized This Firefox tweak release memory when minimized

via

Perform search query in the Firefox’s address bar

I’m not sure how long has it been there, but when i discover it, I think this is cool. Now, another Chrome’s feature available in Firefox. You can perform any search by just typing anything into your Firefox’s address bar. Remember, the performing search from address bar is using Google by default.  There are 2 ways how it works.

First, it works like Google’s Feeling Lucky. Searching any key phrase will return and open a new website automatically. My search for ‘ezera‘ bring me to ezerasurf.com

address bar1 Perform search query in the Firefoxs address bar

Secondly, it works just like normal search. Type any key phrase will return the search result.

address bar2 Perform search query in the Firefoxs address bar

I believe this functionality come with Google Toolbar although I don’t see it being introduced on the latest Google Toolbar 5 blog post. It might has been there before, only me that didn’t notice about it.

Have you notice this before?

Live Search goes Firefox, even it is little too late

As expected, most of the respond to the new Live Search add-on for Firefox is far fromlive addons Live Search goes Firefox, even it is little too late overwhelming. It is way too late, when Google and Yahoo have been there few years back.

This add-on includes the Live Search’s auto-suggestions right in the search box while typing the query.

I just install it although I’m not sure how often it will be used. But anyway it still good idea to have other alternative in case the whole internet flagged as malware again. Who knows..

MobileFirefox – Bring Firefox on your thumbdrive.

It is funny that Firefox(and the rest of web browser except IE6 which is the default browser) are not allowed to be installed in the computer where I’m currently working at, due to virus/security concern. Seriously, I’ve never seen such restriction anywhere before. Leave that alone, for whatever reason is, that computer is their right?

To use Firefox, I use MobileFirefox (not a Firefox for mobile phone code named Fennec), that I stumbled upon while looking for Fennec.

According to the homepage, MobileFirefox is a ‘compressed’ version of Firefox, and no installation required. Once the copy of MobileFirefox downloaded, put it into the optical drive such as thumb drive/hardisk or even CDROM.

On my case, I put it onto my external hard drive, so I can add any plugins I wants, just like normal Firefox.

However MobileFirefox is little bit outdated, where it still on version 2.0. Anyway, it still provide an alternative to IE6 and better internet browsing.

If you’re on the same boat like me, just give it a try.

Firefox 3 for beginners

Ok, by now, current Firefox users should have Firefox 3 installed and you’re excited with the new features. But how about new Firefox users or someone who has never used Firefox before?

Firefox is the 2nd most use internet browser (IE still topping the list), and the recent Firefox 3 was downloaded 8 millions times, in 24 hour! Great isn’t it? What makes Firefox different from IE? It is customizable with tonnes of add ons to make your internet browser better, and it is also community based software.

To get started, please allow me to provide you some guide, what you need to know, so that you can get readyfirefox Firefox 3 for beginners if anything happens (I know that even some of our system architects do not know Firefox, all they know is IE).

Do this first

Download Firefox 3 before you read further. To get familiar, read tips and tricks, features and security

Firefox add on – Where you can get new plugins, themes, extensions, language packs to make your browser a lot better than just internet browser.

Firefox theme on Customize.org – May not be compatible with Firefox 3

Community & Fun

SpreadFirefox – Firefox Marketing Community

Mozilla Store – Get yourself Firefox merchandise such as t-shirt, sticker and etc

Mozilla Blog

Helpdesk

Firefox Forum – Discuss everything about Firefox here

Known issue – It lists down all known issues on this version

Mozilla knowledge base – It’s like microsoft knowledge base where you can search everything about Firefox and other Mozilla products

Firefox3 Wiki – Everything you need to know about Firefox

Firefox related blog

firefoxmastery

mozillalinks

Asa Dotzler

Alex Faaborg

For Developers

Firefox 3 developer center

Mozilla Development blog and news

gran paradiso Firefox 3 for beginners

Before this post ends, download Gran Paradiso (Grand Paradise) picture beside – the codename for Firefox 3, if you’re interested.

And the rest is history for Mozilla Firefox.