How to Install Mozilla Firefox

Level of difficulty: Easy

The Mozilla Firefox application is a type of Web browser developed as part of the Mozilla Application Suite and is currently managed by the Mozilla Corporation as one of the more popular Web browsers used in the computer industry with a 22.05 percent market share as of the end of March, 2009. In this context, it is considered as the second most widely used browser next to the Microsoft Internet Explorer Web browser which is used as the foundation by many third party Web browser programs to improve their basic features. The Mozilla Firefox Web browser makes use of the Gecko layout engine with tab browsing functionality. This represents one of the few Web browsers in use today which do not make use of the Internet Explorer Web browser as their foundation. This Web browser was designed for cross-platform implementation allowing it to be deployed in various Operating System environments like the UNIX, Linux, Mac OS X, and Microsoft Windows among others with a huge community of developers that provide third party plug-in modules for additional functionality.

Materials Needed:
- Computer
- Internet connection
- Web browser
Step 1
To install the Mozilla Firefox browser, open the current Web browser and connect to the http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/ie.html website.
Step 2
Download the latest version of the Web browser and store it into the local hard drive. Make sure not to begin the installation process yet.
Step 3
Depending on the underlying Operating System of the machine, uninstall any older versions of Mozilla Firefox in the system. It is important that any older version (even if no longer used) be removed from the machine to prevent any undue problems that may arise either during the installation or the actual operation of the browser. The presence of Internet Explorer in the computer system is not an issue.
Step 4
After completion of the uninstall method, navigate to the folder where the downloaded Mozilla Firefox setup file was stored. Launch the file to begin the installation process. It would be better if no other browser is currently open at this time.
Step 5
The licensing agreement will initially be displayed. The user has to accept the license in order for the installation process to continue; otherwise, the setup program will terminate.
Step 6
When the installer asks if you would like to make Mozilla Firefox the default Web browser, initially choose 'No'. This will allow you to test the Web browser after the installation without necessarily modifying any current settings in the machine. This function can be activated within Mozilla Firefox.
Step 7
The Import Setting Wizard will be executed and prompt the user if the Favorites, Cookies, Saved Passwords, Internet Options, and a host of other settings will be imported from the Internet Explorer. Simply click on the 'Yes' option to have a smoother transition from Internet Explorer to the Mozilla Firefox.
Step 8
After completion of the installation process, open Mozilla Firefox and go to the http://update.mozilla.org/extensions/ to download extensions that will enhance the performance and functionality of the browser. Install only extensions that you find useful because there are too many of them on the Internet.
Step 9
If you want to customize your copy of Mozilla Firefox, download themes by selecting the 'Tools' menu and clicking on the 'Themes' option. Choose the 'Get More Themes' function.
Step 10
Install necessary plug-in modules like Adobe Reader and others to allow access to other types of data on the Internet.
Step 11
Restart the machine and launch Mozilla Firefox. When prompted to make it the default browser, choose 'Yes'.