Web browsing is becoming a favourite past time of many households around the world.  With the introduction of broadband internet over the last several years, access to the World Wide Web has never been easier.  You are now just one step away from a library of information, but you need to be safe from unsavoury software like pop-ups and viruses;

So you need Mozilla Firefox…   

What Mozilla say about Mozilla Firefox

“A Better Web Experience

Mozilla 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. Packed with useful features like tabbed browsing, Live Bookmarks, and an integrated Search bar, Mozilla Firefox will change the way you experience the Web, for the better.”

Other features include:

• Faster Browsing

• Automatic Updates

• Tabbed Browsing

• mproved Pop-up Blocking

• Integrated Search

• Stronger Security

• Clear Private Data

• Live Bookmarks

• Accessibility

• Customise Mozilla Firefox

• Next Generation Web Support

Mozilla Firefox is undoubtedly a very good, safe and practical alternative to Internet Explorer and over the next few paragraphs I will explain how you can install Mozilla Firefox and describe how to set it as your default internet browser, replacing Internet Explorer in your Start Menu.

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Ok lets get started; firstly you will need to download Mozilla Firefox if you haven’t already.  For those of you who have not yet downloaded Mozilla Firefox I have included a link in the top right hand corner of this page.

Step 1

Installing Mozilla Firefox

Double (left) click on the Mozilla Firefox Setup.exe (exe is short for executable).  This will open the Welcome to Mozilla Firefox setup window.  Click next in the set up window.

Mozilla Firefox Setup exe

Step 2

Software License Agreement Window

You are now at the software license screen where you have to select I Accept the terms of the License Agreement.  To do this place your cursor over the white radio button and left click.  You should see a black dot in the area you clicked.  Now you can continue with the Mozilla Firefox installation by clicking on the next button in the bottom right of the Software License Agreement Window.

Mozilla Firefox Software License

Step 3

Setup Type Window

The setup type window allows you to select either a Standard installation or a Custom installation.  In this instance we only require the standard Mozilla Firefox installation as this installs all of the necessary components that you will need to use Mozilla Firefox as your internet browser.  Click next in the bottom right of the Setup Type window.

Mozilla Firefox Setup Type Window

Step 4

Summary Window 

You are now at the Summary window which details the location of the Mozilla Firefox internet browser on your computer hard drive.  By clicking the next button in the bottom right of the Summary window you will begin the installation procedure.  This may take a few minutes depending on the speed of your computer.  Once the installation has been completed the Install Complete window is displayed.

Mozilla Firefox Summary Window

Mozilla Firefox Installation Window

Mozilla Firefox Installation Complete

Congratulations you have just installed Mozilla Firefox.  Left clicking on the finish button in the bottom right of the screen will launch Mozilla Firefox for the first time.

Welcome to Mozilla Firefox

Now that we have installed Mozilla Firefox lets make it your default internet browser.

Making Mozilla Firefox your default internet browser

Step 1

Properties Box

Right click on the windows start button in the bottom left of your screen.  You will see that a box appears with a list of items.  Don’t worry if your listed items do not match mine, the Properties button is always displayed.  Look down the list until you find the Properties button and left click on it.

Properties Window

Step 2

Taskbar and Start Menu Properties Window

The Taskbar and Start Menu Properties window is now displayed.  You will see that the Start Menu is already highlighted.  To the right of the Start menu is the Customize button.  Left click on the customize button to open the Customize Start Menu.

Taskbar & Start Menu Properties Window

Step 3

Customize Start Menu Window

As you can see the Customize Start Menu Window has a number of items displayed.  We need to focus on the bottom section of the window in the box titled Show on Start Menu.  You will see that the top drop down box has Internet Explorer highlighted.  To change this to Mozilla Firefox left click on the down arrow to the right of Internet Explorer.  A list of internet browsers will be displayed.  Locate Mozilla Firefox and left click on it.  Once you have done that click on the OK button in the bottom of the window.

Selecting Mozilla Firefox

Step 4

Taskbar and Start Menu Properties Window

We are now back at the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties Window.  In the bottom right of the screen you will notice that the Apply button is now highlighted, left click on the Apply button to confirm the change from Internet Explorer to Mozilla Firefox.  Now click on the OK button and the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties Window will close.

Taskbar & Start Menu Window Apply

Congratulations you have now replaced Internet Explorer with Mozilla Firefox as your default internet browser.  Click on the Start button in the left hand corner of the screen.  At the top of the Start Window you will see Mozilla Firefox.  Well done.

Mozilla Firefox Set as your internet browser

Now that you have installed Mozilla Firefox why not give it a whirl, happy browsing.