Firefox add-ons can improve one’s internet browsing experience and improve security but there are some that slow down the performance of the browser. Mozilla is looking for ways on how to improve the slow extensions.
The slowdown can be apparent when the user is running several add-ons at the same time. Mozilla said that each add-on adds around 10 percent to the Firefox’s startup time. When ten add-ons are used, it would double the amount of time it takes to launch Firefox.
Because the users want more speed, it is important for Mozilla to deliver the fastest browser around and leave Google Chrome and Microsoft Internet Explorer behind. Firefox 4 is said to have faster graphics rendering, startup times, and page loads. Faster add-ons will improve its standings among the web browsers.
To determine what needs to be improved, Mozilla tested the top 1—add-ons and determined that FoxLingo Translator/Dictionary and Firebugs are the slowest. It posted the results so that the users will know what to avoid if they want a faster browser.
Then Mozilla is asking the developers of the slow add-ons to improve the speed of the programs. In the add-on gallery, there will be warnings of add-ons that slow down Firefox’s startup by 25 percent or above.
I’ve noticed that uninstalling a few add-ons decreased loading times(like my SEO toolbar) and freed up some RAM but, didn’t realize it was 10%.I like the idea that they will provide a warning for add-on toolbars. I never download these and always pay careful attention to any SUN install that I do(hey, they have to make money some how). We also wrote a post about some add-ons that improve the Firefox experience. You can check it out here:http://www.softwarecrew.com/2011/04/10-great-add-ons-for-tweaking-customising-and-improving-firefox-4/
The standard software requirements:
1. Feature rich
2. Performance
Now all add on developers should focus these two at the same time.