If the thought of using Microsoft Edge makes you want to bang your head against a wall, and you’re not a fan of Google’s Chrome snooping, then Mozilla has hit back with the launch of Firefox 40. It’s a new look for Mozilla’s old-in-the-tooth browser, bringing it bang up to date for Windows 10.
Mozilla has also taken a prod at Microsoft by making it easier than ever to make Firefox your default browser, an aspect which Microsoft has been pushing hard with Edge. In Windows 10 there is no way for an application to alter the default settings, so if you want a browser other than Edge to be your default, you'll need to head into the Windows 10 settings and change it manually.
Everything’s been given a once-over to ensure Firefox works better with Windows 10, beginning with the interface. Aesthetically it matches Windows 10’s design, but now it also has a bigger text bar, bolder icons, and larger ‘close’ buttons to make Firefox 40 easier to use with touch devices.
Security has also been tightened, so any pages which Google considers to be a dodgy or deceptive will be flagged as such and provide a warning. This feature is on by default, and it’s sending data to and from Google, so if you’d prefer Google not to know your every move then it could be worth disabling this feature.
Browser extensions are also being given the once over in Firefox 40, with unsigned, or ‘unofficial’ addons popping up a warning. This should help prevent bad add-ons which can insert their own, sometimes malicious scripts, into web pages.
When you load up Firefox 40 for the first time you’ll be welcome by a screen detailing the steps needed to make it your default browser. This comes after Mozilla’s Chris Beard lashed out atMicrosoft’s aggressive pushing of Edge to Windows 10 users.
How have you found Edge so far? Are you contemplating heading back to Firefox with this update? Let us know what you think!
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