Getting slower - is it Firefox or my 'puter?

[RonB]

Recently my Firefox experience has been getting slower and I don't know where the problem originates:
When I go to a forum that has many topics I want to read, I open each topic in a tab and then go back and read them. Recently it has been taking longer for each new tab to be added to the "tab bar". It used to be as fast as I could click on a new topic, but now I have to wait for each new topic to be added.
I'm using a 5 yr old computer with XP Pro and the latest ver of firefox. Images load quickly...

So is it the machine or Firefox?

Thanx,
Ron

 

[KauaiMark]

Same problem...

Recently my Firefox experience has been getting slower ...I'm using a 5 yr old computer with XP Pro and the latest ver of firefox. Images load quickly...
So is it the machine or Firefox?
Thanx,
Ron

Same here It started a couple weeks ago. Click on Firefox and it and it takes FOREVER to come up and long delays to bring up multiple tabs.

The task manager shows 90-99% CPU usage and the disk thrashes for a LONG time before settling down. I bought this "state of the art" machine in 2003 and upgraded it to 1Gb of memory. Still stuck with a measily 120Gb drive (was HUGE at the time I bought it)

I check the remaining free space on the HD and it showed about 18Gb left. I offloaded a bunch of photos and defragged the HD that resulted in a gain of free disk space to about 26Gb

Still slow and disk thrashing so I suspected I might have virus/worms/other "bad" stuff. I've had bad luck with Norton Anti-Virus before. When installed it practically ground the computer to a halt at times.

I just installed ZoneAlarm did scans, removed detected AdWare and didn't find any viruses, virusus, viri, (whatever the plural of virus is).

It ran a bit better but not great until I turned off the "Force Field browser protection" feature (Firewall and Anti-virus and Anti-spyware features left engaged)

It's now running like the old days, I might experiment with the Force Field stuff when I'm not rushed.

You aren't by change running McAfee's Site Advisor are you? As I understand it it performs much the same function as ForceField from ZoneAlarm.

Just a thought...

...Mark

 

[Icarus]

Update to firefox 3.5. It's much faster.

Take a look at your add-ons. Some of them are great, some not so great. If you still have problems after moving to 3.5, disable them one at a time until you find the problem, then re-enable the others one at a time.

I have no idea what Force Field is. I don't use it. I use eset nod32 for A/V. It's very fast, very non-intrusive. It's also not free.

-David

 

[Icarus]

The task manager shows 90-99% CPU usage and the disk thrashes for a LONG time before settling down.

do you mean when you first turn it on? That's normal, because you probably have several startup programs that want to scan the disk. Just leave them on, to avoid that lag when you first turn it on. Enable the power saving features so you aren't using too much energy when it's not doing anything. Or live with it, but eliminate any startup programs you don't need to run when the computer turns on and you log in for the first time.

I have the same lap on my home laptop. I just leave it on, and let it go into sleep mode when it's not doing anything.

I bought this "state of the art" machine in 2003 and upgraded it to 1Gb of memory. Still stuck with a measily 120Gb drive (was HUGE at the time I bought it)

Uhm, time for a new computer, Mark.

-David

 

[GadgetRick]

I'm on FF on my Mac. Over the last few months I noticed it has slowed down substantially. Seems to use up its available memory or something and slows to a crawl--sometimes even when just typing. I have the latest version, etc. It's been getting worse and worse.

Not sure what's happening. Been meaning to try tracking it down, just haven't had the time.

 

[Passepartout]

I posted about similar results a couple months ago. Checked Task Manager, worked a bit on cleaning some of that up etc. But Firefox still drags on start-up.

My solution:..... Chrome.

Took a little getting used to, and I still don't have it set as default browser, but I'm leaning that way.

Jim Ricks

 

[caribbeansun]

I've been finding that add-ons are killing the speed of Firefox so I disabled all but a couple and now there's no issue - running v 3.0.11.

 

[Icarus]

I've been finding that add-ons are killing the speed of Firefox so I disabled all but a couple and now there's no issue - running v 3.0.11.

update to 3.5.1. It's better and much faster. (Including start time, Jim.) Click on the help menu item and select "Check for Updates". It will self-install the update.

One of the bad things about being open is that anybody can write an add-on that does just about anything. Some of them are not so great.

One of the good things about being open is that anybody can write an add-on that does just about anything. Some of them are really great.

I only use a few add-ons. Flashblock, roboform, linkification, google gears (disabled, waiting for an update), Undo Closed Tabs (not needed since FF added it to history in 3.5, but I still like having the button.)

-David

 

[Jamerican71]

update to 3.5.1. It's better and much faster. (Including start time, Jim.) Click on the help menu item and select "Check for Updates". It will self-install the update.

One of the bad things about being open is that anybody can write an add-on that does just about anything. Some of them are not so great.

One of the good things about being open is that anybody can write an add-on that does just about anything. Some of them are really great.

I only use a few add-ons. Flashblock, roboform, linkification, google gears (disabled, waiting for an update), Undo Closed Tabs (not needed since FF added it to history in 3.5, but I still like having the button.)

-David

Agree! I was having problems with firefox - slow loading and some pages not even loading. I've now upgraded Firefox and so far there are no issues.

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

Undo Closed Tabs (not needed since FF added it to history in 3.5, but I still like having the button.)

-David

Session Manager is one of my favorite add-ins. Not only does it undo tabs, you can restore entire sessions.

 

[ricoba]

OK, so I downloaded 3.51 and it does go faster.

But I also lost Microsoft framework assistant, where I had all my logins/passwords stored on Norton Identity Safe.

Now I know a lot of folks don't like Norton, but Norton 365 has worked A-OK for me and now I lost the ability to use it on Firefox --- It still works good with IE 8.

Any suggestions?

 

[timeos2]

So there's the problem

OK, so I downloaded 3.51 and it does go faster.

But I also lost Microsoft framework assistant, where I had all my logins/passwords stored on Norton Identity Safe.

Now I know a lot of folks don't like Norton, but Norton 365 has worked A-OK for me and now I lost the ability to use it on Firefox --- It still works good with IE 8.

Any suggestions?

Yes, dump Norton as THAT is a major reason your PC is slow! Can you spell ineffective resource hog? How about waste of money and resources. They both come out as Norton.

 

[ricoba]

Yes, dump Norton as THAT is a major reason your PC is slow! Can you spell ineffective resource hog? How about waste of money and resources. They both come out as Norton.

Ya know, I didn't post this to get flamed about how you hate Norton....

If you don't want to give a helpful answer...please don't share your opinion with me!

 

[timeos2]

Don't trouble me with facts when I have the answer

Ya know, I didn't post this to get flamed about how you hate Norton....

If you don't want to give a helpful answer...please don't share your opinion with me!

The original poster was asking about speed of Firefox. You say you have a speed issue. It is a verified fact that Norton is a resource hog and impacts the speed of PC's. That is neither a flame nor an opinion but a fact. I guess you really don't want to know how to speed things up? Sorry, I thought that was the question.

Software % Boot Delay % Prime Delay % FileIO Delay
Norton Internet Security 2006 46 20 2369
McAfee VirusScan Enterprise 8 7 20 2246
Norton Internet Security 2007 45 8 1515

I see a problem here.

 

[ricoba]

The original poster was asking about speed of Firefox. You say you have a speed issue. It is a verified fact that Norton is a resource hog and impacts the speed of PC's. That is neither a flame nor an opinion but a fact. I guess you really don't want to know how to speed things up? Sorry, I thought that was the question.

Software % Boot Delay % Prime Delay % FileIO Delay
Norton Internet Security 2006 46 20 2369
McAfee VirusScan Enterprise 8 7 20 2246
Norton Internet Security 2007 45 8 1515

I see a problem here.

I apologize for my rude and discourteous response.

But let me explain my annoyance.

I personally chose Norton 365, in spite of the fact I knew many Tuggers do not like Norton. I did my research and it was a program that gets good ratings on CNET and other sites, so I went with it.

Even my son who is far more savvy then me tells me to dump Norton...

But I purchased it with my eyes wide open and made a conscientious decision to do so.

I hesitated to even post this question on TUG, since the standard response is blah...blah...blah....dump Norton.

But I don't want to dump Norton, and up until I did the upgrade to Firefox 3.5, which does run faster, my Norton program ran on the older (but still very recent version of Firefox).

Apparently this new version does not offer an add on for Microsoft.net framework, which I assume is the program I need to run Norton on....

So again, I ask the question...is there anything I can do to still run Norton & Firefox 3.5 at the same time or how do I revert back to an older edition of Firefox.

So again, sorry for my reaction, but it comes from the issue that every time Norton is mentioned here, it is dumped on.

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

The original poster was asking about speed of Firefox. You say you have a speed issue. It is a verified fact that Norton is a resource hog and impacts the speed of PC's. That is neither a flame nor an opinion but a fact. I guess you really don't want to know how to speed things up? Sorry, I thought that was the question.

Software % Boot Delay % Prime Delay % FileIO Delay
Norton Internet Security 2006 46 20 2369
McAfee VirusScan Enterprise 8 7 20 2246
Norton Internet Security 2007 45 8 1515

I see a problem here.

John: Code tags are your friend!

Software                        % Boot Delay   % Prime Delay   % FileIO Delay
Norton Internet Security 2006        46             20             2369
McAfee VirusScan Enterprise 8         7             20             2246
Norton Internet Security 2007        45              8             1515

 

[Icarus]

But I also lost Microsoft framework assistant, where I had all my logins/passwords stored on Norton Identity Safe.

Download and install this, then restart firefox. Check your add-ons, and it will notice it's been updated (or click on check for updates) and you have to restart it again from there.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...dc-96a7-4657-af91-6383ba034eab&displaylang=en

-David

 

[HatTrick]

OK, so I downloaded 3.51 and it does go faster.

But I also lost Microsoft framework assistant, where I had all my logins/passwords stored on Norton Identity Safe.

Now I know a lot of folks don't like Norton, but Norton 365 has worked A-OK for me and now I lost the ability to use it on Firefox --- It still works good with IE 8.

Any suggestions?

For those who lost the Norton Toolbar when upgrading to Firefox 3.5, this will fix the problem.

http://www.digitalpurview.com/norton-toolbar-extension-for-firefox-3-5-released

 

[ricoba]

After doing further snooping around on the Norton site, I found the answer, and it's a glitch between Norton and FF 3.5 -- so I go to the link (same one suggested by Hattrick) and try to do the download and find it only fixes Norton 360 2009 v 3. Of course I have a 2008 version with a half year subscription left, so unless Norton fixes the glitch for v 2.5, I either have to buy the Norton upgrade or use IE if I want to use the Norton toolbar.

 

[Icarus]

Rick,

Did you install the microsoft framework assistant update? I had that add-on also, and found that update for it by searching for something like "microsoft .net framework assistant firefox 3.5". I don't know why I had it (I probably accepted a plug-in at some point) but it was on 3 of my systems, 2 with XP and 1 with vista 64-bit. I think it provides glue between the browser and the windows media player, among other things, but I'm guessing.

for password/form management, you should really consider using Roboform, and yeah, you should dump Norton. Eset Nod32 is worth the money for A/V. Roboform is also worth the money. They both offer free trials, so you can try them before you buy. For A/V I don't mess around with the free ones anymore. It's not worth the trouble. If it must be free, then you might try either AVG Free or Avira.

-David

 

[ricoba]

Yes David, I did try the framework download you provided and it didn't solve the problem. I only became aware of the glitch when I searched Norton forums.

To be honest, I can't remember why I chose to install Norton, I have never installed it before, but when I bought this new machine, I did some research and Norton 360 got some very good reviews as I remember.

I used to use Roboform, but then dropped it when I got the Identity Safe with Norton.

What would you recommend as a security suite replacement for Norton 360?

I am like you, I am willing to pay if it provides the needed security and features.

 

[Icarus]

Yes David, I did try the framework download you provided and it didn't solve the problem.

the plugin should be enabled now, is it? You might need to go to tools/add-ons and tell it to search for updates, if it's still not enabled after you installed it via the link I gave you. Then FF will notice it's been updated and tell you it will be enabled after you restart FF and you can click that button to restart it.

What would you recommend as a security suite replacement for Norton 360?

eset nod32. they have a suite, but I only download and use the A/V only product. If you really want a suite, try it. Otherwise, just get the eset nod32 A/V only and enable windows firewall if you want to, and use spybot s&d or windows defender or something like that for anti-spyware protection. My main home machine is setup with vista, eset nod32 a/v only, windows firewall and windows defender and UAC disabled. My main travel machine is vista, eset nod32 a/v only, windows firewall, windows defender and UAC enabled.

the best a/v and anti-spyware protection you have is to not click on links you don't know what they are and to not run or install programs you download unless you really trust them. Also, use gmail rather than other free email services. gmail has the best a/v and spam filters out there of all the free email services.

Honestly, there are better firewalls out there than the windows firewall, but they are annoying. Windows firewall is probably good enough for most people. Experts can do better, but their prompts will confuse most non-experts.

-David

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

Also, use gmail rather than other free email services. gmail has the best a/v and spam filters out there of all the free email services.

My yahoo account easily out does my gmail account in filtering spam and virus.

 

[Icarus]

My yahoo account easily out does my gmail account in filtering spam and virus.

Anytime I check my yahoo inbox, all it has is 1000s of spam messages there. They are in my inbox, not in the spam or junk folder. I have pretty much abandoned yahoo mail, but I do use other yahoo services, so I still have a yahoo account. (eg, messenger). Yes, I used to mark spam/junk messages as spam, but it never seemed to help.

gmail acquired a company a few years ago that had the best proprietary a/v and spam filter and their filtering got even better after that. Some spam inevitably gets through.

Is this a recent change, Steve? Or is that because you use your gmail account for all your junk registrations?

Oh well, you are free to ignore anything I say. You know that. My opinions are my own.

Anyway, you picked on one item in that reply to a post in which I was asked my opinion about what to replace a security suite with. It's easy to do stuff like that, isn't it?

-David

 

[Icarus]

Just for fun, I just looked at my yahoo inbox. It's full of spam, with obvious subject lines that should have been caught by even the simplest spam filter.

My inbox has 188 messages. My spam folder has 47 messages.

yahoo is a spam magnet with poor filtering, IMO. If your experience is better than mine, great.

-David