Improving Speed and Efficiency

Improving Speed and Efficiency

Managing Different File Types
Firefox can handle many types of files. However, for some files suchas movies or music, Firefox needs Plugins or external applications that can handle those files. If Firefox doesn't have the needed Plugin or doesn't know what application to use to open the file, it can still save the file to your hard disk. When saving files, you can keep track of them using the Download Manager.

Plugins extend Firefox's functionality and run within it. Plugins like Sun Java, Macromedia Flash, and RealNetworks RealPlayer allow Firefox to show multimedia files and run small applications such asmovies, animations, and games. You can find common Plugins on the Plugins page at Mozilla Update.

When files cannot be opened within Firefox, you can choose to open them with applications outside of Firefox. For example, you can use the media player of your choice to play MP3 files.

You can specify how Firefox handles files it can't display in the Download Actions dialog. To open this dialog, select Tools > Options open the Content panel, and click the Manage... button in the File Types section. You can change the action for a file type or remove it. More information about this dialog is available in File Types.

When you click on a file and Firefox doesn't know how to handle it, an Opening dialog box is displayed, offering these choices:

* Open with: Firefox opens the file using the default program in your system settings. You can also choose a different program by selecting Other... in the drop-down list.

* Save to Disk: Firefox allows you to select a location to save the file. If you have selected Save all files to (this folder) in the Main panel of OptionsPreferences, the file will automatically be saved to the default folder; otherwise Firefox will ask you where to save it.

* Do this automatically for files like this from now on:
When this is selected, Firefox will automatically perform the selected action the next time you download a file of this type.

Tip: You can clear your saved optionspreferences for Do this automatically for files like this from now on in the Download Actions dialog.