8 Benefits of Moving to Firefox for Your Internet Browser

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8 Benefits of Moving to Firefox for Your Internet Browser

One of the most used productivity tools is the internet browser. It’s often the first place that people go when logging onto their device in the morning and it’s used throughout the day for multiple tasks.

From Google searches to using web-based cloud apps, a browser plays a big part in your user experience.

The average person spends the equivalent of over 100 days per year online.

Just one shortcut that a particular browser offers that another doesn’t, can mean a significant boost in productivity day in and day out. Security is also another big consideration when choosing an internet browser. 

Choosing the right technology solutions is important, and especially one that is infused into a workflow as much as your browser. 

There are four main options out there for supported internet browsers for applications like Gmail, Microsoft 365, and others. One of the best to consider moving to is Firefox.

Why Firefox Over Others?

Here are some of the drawbacks of other popular browser options: 

  • Chrome: While it may be the most popular browser, people worry about privacy and tracking because Google’s main business is advertising. 

  • Edge: While Microsoft’s replacement for Internet Explorer is gaining in popularity, it still has a long way to go before it has comparable plugin & developer support.

  • Safari: Safari can have problems viewing certain webforms and does not support the Windows OS.

  • Other Options: Other fringe browser options like Brave can leave you with less support from multiple web applications and lack of feature options.

Firefox Advantages

Light on Memory Usage 

One of the drawbacks of a browser like Chrome is that it’s known for being memory intensive. This can cause freezing issues when multi-tasking or opening multiple browser tabs. 

Firefox did a major update in 2017 that decreased the memory consumption of the browser, speeding it up for multiple tasks. 

Better Default Privacy Settings

Mozilla, the makers of Firefox, has a reputation for caring about user privacy. This is seen through stronger default security settings in Firefox designed to keep user data secure.

Some of the security options you have in Firefox include:

  • Enhanced Tracking Protection

  • Site Information Panel

  • Content Blocking privacy features

  • Lockwise Anti-Snooping Feature 

  • Breached Website Alerts

  • Fingerprinting Protection

More Customization Options

In many other browsers, you’re very limited in how you can customize. You may be able to add a theme color or image, but not much else.

Firefox gives you more customization options than other browsers, including the ability to move features around and install themes that change the browser’s look and feel.  

You can also customize the toolbars and overflow menu by adding the options you use the most and putting there where you want them.

HTTPS-Only Mode for Security

A new feature that Firefox recently introduced is HTTPS-Only Mode. When this is enabled it helps keep your web experience more secure by ensuring every connection is to a secure site.

If it detects you visiting a site with out HTTPS, you’ll receive a security alert.

Mozilla Keeps Improving Browser Speed

Mozilla continues to improve the speed and performance of Firefox. This focus on user experience is another reason to switch to Firefox as your default browser.

In the latest 83.0 release in November 2020, Firefox’s SpiderMonkey JavaScript engine was improved, which resulted in:

  • An increase in page load performance by up to 15%

  • Improvement in page responsiveness by up to 12%

  • Reduced memory usage by up to 8%

Save to Pocket Feature

A handy feature in Firefox is Pocket, which allows you to save webpages and videos for later at the click of a button. You can then access them through the free Pocket app. 

When webpages are saved to Pocket, it saves a clutter-free version that’s clean and easier to read.

Sync Across Different Devices

Firefox is a well-supported browser by multiple operating systems, including those for mobile devices. There is a Firefox version for both iOS and Android.

You can sign in on your different devices and have your settings, bookmarks, and more synced for a consistent experience wherever you’re browsing.

Blocking of Online Trackers

Every move we make online today is tracked by some type of cookie. From Google to individual websites and advertisers, our digital footprints can be being collected across multiple organizations. 

Mozilla isn’t in the business of selling advertising like Google, so it doesn’t have any “backdoor agreements” with advertisers. Its browser automatically blocks over 2000 online trackers from collecting your browsing data.

Get Help With Migrations & Improving Your Online Productivity

BrainStomp experts can help your business migrate to Firefox, upgrade your workflows, and help you be more productive using the best digital tools available.

Contact us for a consultation at 260-918-3548 or reach out online.