Firefox and Thunderbird
Beyond Browsing and Email
Published on 10. November 2005
Book
Paperback/Softback
360 pages
978-0-7897-3458-7 (ISBN)
Description
There's a new browser in town: Firefox is quickly becoming a leading alternative to Microsoft Internet Explorer. If you are new to Firefox and want to see what all the buzz is about, Firefox and Thunderbird: Beyond Browsing and Email is the guide that you need. By focusing on how to configure and customize Firefox and Thunderbird, this book will show you how to quickly get a hold of the less intuitive features that most new users struggle to figure out. You will discover which of Firefox's many options should be adjusted, which shouldn't, and how to locate many hidden preferences that will ultimately create a better browsing experience. The author's tips and tricks will teach you how to adjust the browser's appearance and behavior, and how to install the most popular extensions to maximize the browser's performance.
You'll also be introduced to Firefox's e-mail client companion, Thunderbird. You'll cover Thunderbird's built-in spam filters, calendar, and customizeable layout and toolbars. Personalize your e-mail with tips and tricks dedicated to getting the most out of Thunderbird, and learn how to make it work together with Firefox for a seamless online experience.
You can even find out how to contribute to the development of Firefox and Thunderbird. A special section on Web development will show you how you can add new extensions, themes, and customizations to each one and make an impact on the future of Firefox and Thunderbird.
You'll also be introduced to Firefox's e-mail client companion, Thunderbird. You'll cover Thunderbird's built-in spam filters, calendar, and customizeable layout and toolbars. Personalize your e-mail with tips and tricks dedicated to getting the most out of Thunderbird, and learn how to make it work together with Firefox for a seamless online experience.
You can even find out how to contribute to the development of Firefox and Thunderbird. A special section on Web development will show you how you can add new extensions, themes, and customizations to each one and make an impact on the future of Firefox and Thunderbird.
More details
Person
Peter D. Hipson is a teacher, author, consultant, electrical engineer, and developer; who is a strong proponent of the open source initiative, and believes that open source software is to be the way of the future. He teaches computer science at Franklin Pierce College, has written more than a dozen books, including three books on the Windows registry. He is also the author and developer of a number of Windows application programs. His computer hardware experience includes many different computer platforms, from PCs to main-frame computers, as well as patents in CPU technology and security.
Content
Introduction.
The Mozilla Project
The Mozilla Suite
Why Firefox Now?
Thunderbird
The Mozilla Open Source Community
Who Should Read This Book?
What Is in This Book?
From the Author
I. MAKING FIREFOX YOURS.
1. Hitting the Ground Running with Firefox.
Installing Firefox
Windows
Linux
Understanding Bookmarks and Favorites
Internet Explorer's Favorites
Firefox's Bookmarks
Transferring Internet Explorer's Favorites to Firefox
Synchronizing with Internet Explorer
Making Firefox the Default Browser
Installation and Configuration Secrets for Power Users
2. The Power of Tabs and Bookmarks.
Using Tabs to Manage Pages
Opening a New Tab
Opening a Link in a Tab
Changing Tabbrowser Extensions Configuration Options
Navigating Between Tabs
Rearranging Tabs
Rearranging Tabs with the Mouse
Rearranging Tabs with the Keyboard
Opening Multiple Bookmarks in Tabs
Creating and Using TabGroups
Using Live Bookmarks and Bookmarks in Firefox
Live Bookmarks, Live Bookmark Articles, and Bookmarks
Configuring Live Bookmarks and Bookmarks in Tabbrowser
Working with Multiple Home Pages in Tabs
Tabbing and Bookmark Secrets for Power Users
3. Finding Information with Firefox.
Firefox Search Engines
Using the Location Bar
Using the Search Bar
Adding Search Engines to the Search Bar
Switching Search Engines
Working with Firefox's Keywords System
Working with the Find Bar
Storing Searches
Navigating the History
Configuring History
Downloaded History
Searching Secrets for Power Users
4. Managing Profiles.
Locating Your Profile
Configuration File: user.js
Customizing Firefox's Look and Feel with userChrome.css
Customizing How Content Is Displayed with userContent.css
Using about:config
Creating Profiles with the Profile Wizard
Backing Up a Profile
Restoring a Profile
Using Multiple Profiles
Importing Profile Information
Sharing a Profile
Profile Secrets for Power Users
5. Taking Control of Your Browser.
Understanding Web Security Issues
Websites Written for Internet Explorer
Blocking Pop-ups
Blocking Banner Ads
Blocking Ads with Adblock
Importing, Exporting, and Removing Filters
Adblock Preferences
Software Installations from Non-Mozilla Sites
Controlling JavaScript
Using BugMeNot for Anonymous Registration
Understanding Cookies and Firefox Cookie Controls
Password-Protecting Firefox
Determining the Real Location of Sites
Using Firefox's Clear Private Data Feature
Taking Control Secrets for Power Users
II. EXTENDING AND MODIFYING FIREFOX.
6. Power Firefox Tricks and Techniques.
Finding Your Configuration Files
Windows XP and 2000
Windows 95, 98, and Millennium
Mac
Linux
Firefox Global Preferences and Properties
Global Preferences
Global Properties
Defaults.ini and Components.ini
Creating and Editing user.js
Cascading Style Sheets: A Primer
Editing userChrome.css
Creating and Editing userContent.css
Using Themes
Changing Browser Behavior and Appearance
Flexbeta FireTweaker
ChromEdit: User Profile File Editor
Other Browser Performance Improvements
Pipelining More Speed
Miscellaneous Performance Preferences
Reporting Broken Websites
Power Firefox Tricks and Techniques Secrets for Power Users
7. Themes and Plug-ins.
Browsing Mozilla Update
Installing a Theme
Plugging In Content with a Plug-in
Installing Plug-ins
Acrobat Reader
Adobe SVG Viewer
Java Plug-in
Macromedia Flash Player
Macromedia Shockwave Player
QuickTime
RealPlayer 10
Windows Media Player
Other Plug-ins and Toys
Themes and Plug-ins Secrets for Power Users
8. Making Extensions Work for You.
Firefox Extensions: Never a Dull Moment!
Installing an Extension
Manual Installation
Automatic Installation
All Extension Installations
The Most Popular Extension Categories
Blogging
Bookmarks
Developer Tools
Download Tools
Editing and Forms
Entertainment
Humor
Image Browsing
Kiosk Browsing
Languages
Miscellaneous
Navigation
Newsreaders
Privacy and Security
Search Tools
Tabbed Browsing
Web Annoyances
Website Integration
XUL Applications
Working with Extensions: Secrets for Power Users
9. Changing Preferences and Settings.
about:
about:buildconfig
about:cache
about:config, Firefox's Configuration Console
Back Up Before Disaster!
Understanding the about:config Display
Adding New Preferences
Filtering and Sorting the about:config Display
Using Caution with about:config
Modifying Preferences with about:config
Changing Hidden and Undocumented Options
about:credits-Who's Guilty?
about:Mozilla
about:plugins, Plugging into Plug-ins
Working with about: Secrets for Power Users
III. USING THUNDERBIRD.
10. Hitting the Ground Running with Thunderbird.
Thunderbird Is a Better Alternative
Getting Up and Running with Thunderbird
Installing on Windows
Linux
Importing Account Settings
Importing Address Books
Mail
Settings
Setting Up Accounts
Server Settings
Check for New Messages at Startup
Check for New Messages Every 10 Minutes
Automatically Download New Messages
Fetch Headers Only
Leave Messages on Server
Empty Trash on Exit
Creating Your Own Mail Start Page
Composing and Sending a Message
Using the Spell-Checker
Replying to Mail
Creating HTML Mail
Creating and Using a Template
Creating a Signature
Subscribing to RSS Feeds and Blogs
Podcasting
OPML
Reading Newsgroups
Thunderbird Secrets for Power Users
11. Organizing Email with Thunderbird.
Managing Folders
Labeling Messages
Filtering Messages
Sorting and Grouping Messages
Searching
Searching Messages
Using Search Folders
Searching Addresses
Using Thunderbird Address Books
Organizing Mail Secrets for Power Users
12. Fighting Spam.
Security and Privacy Settings
Understanding Bayesian Filtering
Learning About the Adaptive Filter for Junk Mail Control
Training the Adaptive Filter
Changing the Junk Mail Settings
White Lists
Handling
Logging
Handling Spam
Catchall Spam
Living Without Spam
Organizing Mail Secrets for Power Users
13. Customizing Thunderbird for Power Users.
Finding and Installing Themes
Finding a Theme
Installing a Theme
Switching Between Themes
Uninstalling a Theme
Common Theme Problems
Customizing Toolbars
Add Buttons
Rearrange or Remove Buttons
Button Extensions
Changing the Window Layout
Three Layouts
Folder Pane
Message List Pane
Message Pane
Attachments Pane
Changing the Appearance of Email Messages
Plain-text Messages
HTML Messages
Locating and Using Your Thunderbird Profile
Finding Your Profile
What Is in the Profile?
Other Modifications and Tasks
Backups
Compact Folders
Profile Management
Antivirus Software Issues
Account Pane Order
Signature Display in Color Versus Gray
Turn Off Color Quote Bars-Use > Instead
Throbber URL
Finding and Installing Extensions
Installing an Extension
Uninstalling an Extension
Safe Mode
Changing Hidden Options with about:config
Installing the about:config Extension
Modifying Preferences
Editing Thunderbird Configuration Files
Changing Configuration Settings Manually
Thunderbird Customization Secrets for Power Users
IV. WEB DEVELOPMENT AND FIREFOX EXTENSIONS.
14. Web Development with Firefox.
Firefox and Compliance with Web Standards
The Mozilla Developer Interface
Web Developer Tools
DebugLogger
View Cookies
View Rendered Source
Web Developer
JavaScript for Developers
JavaScript Console
The Venkman Extension
Debugging Preferences
Firefox Command-line Options
Understanding CSS
CSS Level 1
CSS Levels 2 and 2.1
CSS Level 3
Using CSS with Firefox
userChrome.css
userContent.css
DOM Inspector
Web Development Secrets for Power Users
15. Creating Your Own Theme.
Preparing Your Theme
Creating the Working Theme
Configuring Firefox for Theme Development
Graphics Images
Creating Themes
Classic
Multibutton Images
Background Images
An Example: global.css
Final Results
Theme Writing Secrets for Power Users
16. Writing an Extension.
Setting Up the Development Environment
Preferences for Extension Developers
Tools for Extension Development
The Extension Developer Extension
Debugging Consoles
Multiple Instances of Firefox
Understanding XML User Interface Language
XUL Syntax
XUL Example
Working with JavaScript
JavaScript Reference
The Firefox window Object
Creating a Unique GUID
Firefox Command Options for Developers
Working Through an Extension Development Example
Development Profile Save and Restore
The Development Folders
Extension Files
An Extension for Firefox 1.0.x
An Extension for Firefox 1.5
Extension Writing Secrets for Power Users
V. THE WAY OF MOZILLA FOR PROGRAMMERS.
17. Mozilla's Tools for Developers.
Open Source As a Way of Life
Developer Tools
Mozilla Developer Support Tools
Bugzilla
Looking Up a Bug
Filing a Bug
Updating and Modifying a Bug
Fixing a Bug
Tinderbox
Bonsai
LXR
Working with Mozilla Development Tools Secrets for Power Users
18. Browsing the Code.
Mozilla Firefox Trunk
Mozilla Code Development Cycle
Coding Practices
Setting Up and Building Firefox
Necessary Software
Performing a Build
Packaging Firefox for Distribution
Check-in Requirements
Mozilla Source Code Secrets for Power Users
19. The Future of Firefox and Thunderbird.
The History of Mozilla
In the Future
Firefox 1.5 (Deer Park)
Firefox 2.0 (The Ocho)
Firefox Versus Internet Explorer
Thunderbird, Outlook, and Outlook Express
The Internet As the Internet Should Be
Glossary.
Index.
The Mozilla Project
The Mozilla Suite
Why Firefox Now?
Thunderbird
The Mozilla Open Source Community
Who Should Read This Book?
What Is in This Book?
From the Author
I. MAKING FIREFOX YOURS.
1. Hitting the Ground Running with Firefox.
Installing Firefox
Windows
Linux
Understanding Bookmarks and Favorites
Internet Explorer's Favorites
Firefox's Bookmarks
Transferring Internet Explorer's Favorites to Firefox
Synchronizing with Internet Explorer
Making Firefox the Default Browser
Installation and Configuration Secrets for Power Users
2. The Power of Tabs and Bookmarks.
Using Tabs to Manage Pages
Opening a New Tab
Opening a Link in a Tab
Changing Tabbrowser Extensions Configuration Options
Navigating Between Tabs
Rearranging Tabs
Rearranging Tabs with the Mouse
Rearranging Tabs with the Keyboard
Opening Multiple Bookmarks in Tabs
Creating and Using TabGroups
Using Live Bookmarks and Bookmarks in Firefox
Live Bookmarks, Live Bookmark Articles, and Bookmarks
Configuring Live Bookmarks and Bookmarks in Tabbrowser
Working with Multiple Home Pages in Tabs
Tabbing and Bookmark Secrets for Power Users
3. Finding Information with Firefox.
Firefox Search Engines
Using the Location Bar
Using the Search Bar
Adding Search Engines to the Search Bar
Switching Search Engines
Working with Firefox's Keywords System
Working with the Find Bar
Storing Searches
Navigating the History
Configuring History
Downloaded History
Searching Secrets for Power Users
4. Managing Profiles.
Locating Your Profile
Configuration File: user.js
Customizing Firefox's Look and Feel with userChrome.css
Customizing How Content Is Displayed with userContent.css
Using about:config
Creating Profiles with the Profile Wizard
Backing Up a Profile
Restoring a Profile
Using Multiple Profiles
Importing Profile Information
Sharing a Profile
Profile Secrets for Power Users
5. Taking Control of Your Browser.
Understanding Web Security Issues
Websites Written for Internet Explorer
Blocking Pop-ups
Blocking Banner Ads
Blocking Ads with Adblock
Importing, Exporting, and Removing Filters
Adblock Preferences
Software Installations from Non-Mozilla Sites
Controlling JavaScript
Using BugMeNot for Anonymous Registration
Understanding Cookies and Firefox Cookie Controls
Password-Protecting Firefox
Determining the Real Location of Sites
Using Firefox's Clear Private Data Feature
Taking Control Secrets for Power Users
II. EXTENDING AND MODIFYING FIREFOX.
6. Power Firefox Tricks and Techniques.
Finding Your Configuration Files
Windows XP and 2000
Windows 95, 98, and Millennium
Mac
Linux
Firefox Global Preferences and Properties
Global Preferences
Global Properties
Defaults.ini and Components.ini
Creating and Editing user.js
Cascading Style Sheets: A Primer
Editing userChrome.css
Creating and Editing userContent.css
Using Themes
Changing Browser Behavior and Appearance
Flexbeta FireTweaker
ChromEdit: User Profile File Editor
Other Browser Performance Improvements
Pipelining More Speed
Miscellaneous Performance Preferences
Reporting Broken Websites
Power Firefox Tricks and Techniques Secrets for Power Users
7. Themes and Plug-ins.
Browsing Mozilla Update
Installing a Theme
Plugging In Content with a Plug-in
Installing Plug-ins
Acrobat Reader
Adobe SVG Viewer
Java Plug-in
Macromedia Flash Player
Macromedia Shockwave Player
QuickTime
RealPlayer 10
Windows Media Player
Other Plug-ins and Toys
Themes and Plug-ins Secrets for Power Users
8. Making Extensions Work for You.
Firefox Extensions: Never a Dull Moment!
Installing an Extension
Manual Installation
Automatic Installation
All Extension Installations
The Most Popular Extension Categories
Blogging
Bookmarks
Developer Tools
Download Tools
Editing and Forms
Entertainment
Humor
Image Browsing
Kiosk Browsing
Languages
Miscellaneous
Navigation
Newsreaders
Privacy and Security
Search Tools
Tabbed Browsing
Web Annoyances
Website Integration
XUL Applications
Working with Extensions: Secrets for Power Users
9. Changing Preferences and Settings.
about:
about:buildconfig
about:cache
about:config, Firefox's Configuration Console
Back Up Before Disaster!
Understanding the about:config Display
Adding New Preferences
Filtering and Sorting the about:config Display
Using Caution with about:config
Modifying Preferences with about:config
Changing Hidden and Undocumented Options
about:credits-Who's Guilty?
about:Mozilla
about:plugins, Plugging into Plug-ins
Working with about: Secrets for Power Users
III. USING THUNDERBIRD.
10. Hitting the Ground Running with Thunderbird.
Thunderbird Is a Better Alternative
Getting Up and Running with Thunderbird
Installing on Windows
Linux
Importing Account Settings
Importing Address Books
Settings
Setting Up Accounts
Server Settings
Check for New Messages at Startup
Check for New Messages Every 10 Minutes
Automatically Download New Messages
Fetch Headers Only
Leave Messages on Server
Empty Trash on Exit
Creating Your Own Mail Start Page
Composing and Sending a Message
Using the Spell-Checker
Replying to Mail
Creating HTML Mail
Creating and Using a Template
Creating a Signature
Subscribing to RSS Feeds and Blogs
Podcasting
OPML
Reading Newsgroups
Thunderbird Secrets for Power Users
11. Organizing Email with Thunderbird.
Managing Folders
Labeling Messages
Filtering Messages
Sorting and Grouping Messages
Searching
Searching Messages
Using Search Folders
Searching Addresses
Using Thunderbird Address Books
Organizing Mail Secrets for Power Users
12. Fighting Spam.
Security and Privacy Settings
Understanding Bayesian Filtering
Learning About the Adaptive Filter for Junk Mail Control
Training the Adaptive Filter
Changing the Junk Mail Settings
White Lists
Handling
Logging
Handling Spam
Catchall Spam
Living Without Spam
Organizing Mail Secrets for Power Users
13. Customizing Thunderbird for Power Users.
Finding and Installing Themes
Finding a Theme
Installing a Theme
Switching Between Themes
Uninstalling a Theme
Common Theme Problems
Customizing Toolbars
Add Buttons
Rearrange or Remove Buttons
Button Extensions
Changing the Window Layout
Three Layouts
Folder Pane
Message List Pane
Message Pane
Attachments Pane
Changing the Appearance of Email Messages
Plain-text Messages
HTML Messages
Locating and Using Your Thunderbird Profile
Finding Your Profile
What Is in the Profile?
Other Modifications and Tasks
Backups
Compact Folders
Profile Management
Antivirus Software Issues
Account Pane Order
Signature Display in Color Versus Gray
Turn Off Color Quote Bars-Use > Instead
Throbber URL
Finding and Installing Extensions
Installing an Extension
Uninstalling an Extension
Safe Mode
Changing Hidden Options with about:config
Installing the about:config Extension
Modifying Preferences
Editing Thunderbird Configuration Files
Changing Configuration Settings Manually
Thunderbird Customization Secrets for Power Users
IV. WEB DEVELOPMENT AND FIREFOX EXTENSIONS.
14. Web Development with Firefox.
Firefox and Compliance with Web Standards
The Mozilla Developer Interface
Web Developer Tools
DebugLogger
View Cookies
View Rendered Source
Web Developer
JavaScript for Developers
JavaScript Console
The Venkman Extension
Debugging Preferences
Firefox Command-line Options
Understanding CSS
CSS Level 1
CSS Levels 2 and 2.1
CSS Level 3
Using CSS with Firefox
userChrome.css
userContent.css
DOM Inspector
Web Development Secrets for Power Users
15. Creating Your Own Theme.
Preparing Your Theme
Creating the Working Theme
Configuring Firefox for Theme Development
Graphics Images
Creating Themes
Classic
Multibutton Images
Background Images
An Example: global.css
Final Results
Theme Writing Secrets for Power Users
16. Writing an Extension.
Setting Up the Development Environment
Preferences for Extension Developers
Tools for Extension Development
The Extension Developer Extension
Debugging Consoles
Multiple Instances of Firefox
Understanding XML User Interface Language
XUL Syntax
XUL Example
Working with JavaScript
JavaScript Reference
The Firefox window Object
Creating a Unique GUID
Firefox Command Options for Developers
Working Through an Extension Development Example
Development Profile Save and Restore
The Development Folders
Extension Files
An Extension for Firefox 1.0.x
An Extension for Firefox 1.5
Extension Writing Secrets for Power Users
V. THE WAY OF MOZILLA FOR PROGRAMMERS.
17. Mozilla's Tools for Developers.
Open Source As a Way of Life
Developer Tools
Mozilla Developer Support Tools
Bugzilla
Looking Up a Bug
Filing a Bug
Updating and Modifying a Bug
Fixing a Bug
Tinderbox
Bonsai
LXR
Working with Mozilla Development Tools Secrets for Power Users
18. Browsing the Code.
Mozilla Firefox Trunk
Mozilla Code Development Cycle
Coding Practices
Setting Up and Building Firefox
Necessary Software
Performing a Build
Packaging Firefox for Distribution
Check-in Requirements
Mozilla Source Code Secrets for Power Users
19. The Future of Firefox and Thunderbird.
The History of Mozilla
In the Future
Firefox 1.5 (Deer Park)
Firefox 2.0 (The Ocho)
Firefox Versus Internet Explorer
Thunderbird, Outlook, and Outlook Express
The Internet As the Internet Should Be
Glossary.
Index.