The Firefox browser has gained notoriety for being the first browser to effectively compete with Microsoft’s Internet Explorer since Netscape. Millions of people have downloaded it and are using it as their primary browser.

Jim Scheef, one of members and an ex-president of DACS, will present its functions, discuss the many extensions that have been written and give us a demonstration at the October 3, DACS General Meeting.

If you haven’t heard of Firefox you must be living under a rock. It has many cool features that the current version of IE doesn’t and is one of the prime reasons that Microsoft is about to release its first browser update in years. It’s also free.

A few of the more interesting capabilities that Firefox brings to the table are:

A Better Web Experience

Firefox 1.5 has an intuitive interface and blocks viruses, spyware, and popup ads. It delivers Web pages faster than ever. And it’s easy to install and import your favorites. It is packed with useful features like tabbed browsing, Live Bookmarks, and an integrated Search bar.

Faster Browsing

Enjoy quick page loading as you navigate back and forward in a browsing session. Improvements to the engine that powers Firefox deliver more accurate display of complex Web sites, support for new Web standards, and better overall performance.

Automatic Updates

The new Software Update feature makes it easy to get the latest security and feature updates to Firefox. Firefox automatically downloads these small updates in the background and prompts you when they are ready to be installed.

Tabbed Browsing

Use tabbed browsing to open multiple Web pages in a single browser window, and quickly flip back and forth. Drag and drop open tabs to keep related pages together.

Improved Pop-up Blocking

Firefox’s built-in pop-up blocker has been enhanced to block more unwanted pop-up and pop-under ads.

Integrated Search

Tap into the power of the Web’s most popular search engines with the built-in Search bar, and easily add new engines.

Stronger Security

Firefox keeps you more secure when you’re browsing the Web, closing the door on spyware, worms, and viruses. The Firefox community of developers and security experts works around the clock to monitor security issues and release updates to better protect you.

Clearing of Private Data

Protect your privacy with the new Clear Private Data tool. With a single click, you can delete all personal data, including browsing history, cookies, Web form entries and passwords.

Live Bookmarks

Stay up to date with your favorite Web sites and blogs. Use Live Bookmarks that update themselves automatically with the latest content from the Web.

Customizing of Firefox

Select new button controls for your toolbars, install extensions to add new features, or change the look of your browser with themes - the way Firefox looks and works is under your control. There a currently several thousand extensions available.

Come to this presentation and learn more about Firefox. After seeing what it can do you may even decide you want to give it a try.

DACS meetings are held at the Danbury Hospital auditorium. Activities begin at 6:30 p.m. with registration and casual networking. The meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. with a general question and answer period (Ask DACS) and a discussion of what’s new in technology followed by a short break. The featured evening presentation begins at 8:00.

As a reminder, our General Meetings are free and open to the public so invite anyone you know who would be interested in this topic.