Nov. 14th, 2015 06:54 pm
alternative browsers
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tofuhouseAnd how to make them function like Firefox and Chrome. This is here for people who find that Firefox and Chrome's functions might not be suitable for them, but don't know where to start! In no means does this mean that Firefox and Chrome are bad, cos they do update frequently. But sometimes you just want more variety because of (insert a reason here.) Reasons are usually Chrome being a total privacy hack (oh yeah I went there). Also, Chrome will be turning off adblock support for anything but Adblock Plus for non-enterprise, which actually whitelists ads already so it's not a true adblocker. It makes sense for Chrome because it's a business decision, but for those who want to use it on their own terms (for free), then continue on.
If you want your browsers to function like FF or Chrome and be able to use their add-ons and extensions, then this list is here 4 u. Note that this is made with Dreamwidth usage in mind, and also that my add-ons/extensions aren't the same as yours. This is just a resource list.
Recently, phone browsers has been added too. Once again, a resource list.
UPDATED: 14th January 2024
Firefox Alternatives
FLOORP: Okay so this is a pretty new player, and the only one I have tested as of late for Firefox, cos to be fair, Firefox has been getting pretty good again, and its security is very tight. So what's the purpose of this? Floorp is a Japanese based fork which has a lot more features than Firefox, so its ambition is to be fully customisable like Vivaldi. It also has a very active group of volunteers working on it who will answer all questions that they could.
There is one huge downside: It can't afford the DRM Usage meaning you can't play videos that need it. Stuff like Netflix, for example. The volunteers working on Floorp are very active in the community, and they sadly have to talk about this all the time.
Main Site + Downloads
Add-ons:
I think all you need to do is just go to the Firefox Add-on page and that's it? So I am told! Ditto with going to unsigned add-on pages and it will be fine. I know not everyone will need it, but some people might need:
LJ-Juggler: Chrome's extension is now available on Firefox! Can use with Dreamwidth!
Dreamwidth Tools: Chrome's extension is now available on Firefox! Can use with Dreamwidth! Find the link for the Firefox version.
Auto Text Expander: A fork of Magical that is available on Chrome. Use this instead of DWTools for shortcuts.
uBlock Origin: With Adblock Plus whitelisting, if you want a true adblocker, here's a popular one.
WATERFOX: I've taken this off the list and I'm leaving this note here just to explain why. It's been purchased by a Chinese advertising company, which means it runs risk of privacy issues that browsers based in China encounter. You've had a good run, Waterfox.
Chrome Alternatives
OPERA: Opera has changed a lot since it once was, having adopted the same engine as Chrome. While this makes old Opera users yearn for days of old (like a good number of Firefox users), this actually makes it a suitable alternative for Chrome because they're practically the same, only that Opera has a drop-down menu for its tabs even after they're squished tiny like Chrome tabs (the one thing that power users or tab abusers [like me] dislike about Chrome; no other way to navigate squished tabs in default form.)
Opera also has a lot of really good features that Chrome does not have, such as an in built conversion tool by highlighting over values/text, and taking browser screenshots without need of an image software. As well as its own adblocker and VPN. It is one of the best browsers available, thanks to low ram usage and great features, but is often overshadowed by Chrome because of big names.
Opera ONE actually looks pretty good.
HOWEVER: Note now that Opera's parent company is Chinese based, which means that there has been privacy compromises as of late. I'd also recommend looking this up now.
Main Site + Downloads (Win, Linux, Mac, mobile OS's)
Important Add-ons and Extensions to get it working like your Chrome (should you want it to)
Opera has its own Add-ons and Extensions page where you can get Disconnect and the like, so search them up. However, for Chrome Extensions that aren't available for Opera?
Extensions:
Install Chrome Extensions: As Opera and Chrome share a similar system, use this to turn the Chrome Extensions website into "Install for Opera". Eventually, Opera will be moving over to not needing this add on in order to install Chrome Extensions. In the meantime, try it now for--
LJ-Juggler: This is a Chrome Extension you can install using the above add-on. Can use with Dreamwidth!
Dreamwidth Tools: Follow the link for the original Chrome version, which has a bunch of shortcuts to make your Dreamwidth RP life easier.
OPERA GX: Next? Opera GX. Opera has a subsidiary in Europe which creates a browser for "gamers". There's a reason for this, considering that it is a pretty stripped down version of Opera.
The reason is the additional options that allows it to throttle it's usage in a computer. Namely, stuff like network and RAM. This is a REAL game (hah) changer for potato computers especially because of how little resources it actually uses.
Also, the subsidiary is still based in Europe unlike the parent Opera browser, so it runs into less issues than the above.
Main Site + Downloads (Win, Linux, Mac, mobile OS's)
VIVALDI: So remember when I said that Opera moved to a Chromium browser and users of old yearn for old Opera? Well, the people who designed the original Opera are now making Vivaldi, as the ultimate browser for power users. And boy, is it glorious.
However, the major setback is that it's still in an endless beta. It's a working browser and it is packed with features, but it's actually incomplete and parts of it show if you need to be a heavy user.
On the other hand, I don't even need to list extensions you should install because it installs every Chrome Extension available. Done, it's that easy.
Main Site + Downloads (Win, Linux, Mac)
Phone Browsers
NOTE: With Dreamwidth's updates, the bottom stuff is becoming less and less relevant. Basically just pick the safest mobile browser (spoilers: In this list? It's Firefox. The importance of add-ons.)
So the reason why this is here is because of the importance of responsive browsers on your phone. Dreamwidth is not a responsive site if you use the default skins and not the layouts (where they're all responsive). As such, we need to kick out Chrome for being the default on Android. Also Chrome's a pretty terrible phone browser anyway, there are many out there that are good.
So what would be the options for Mobile Browsing in a Dreamwidth world? Anything with Text-Wrap/Reflow. What the hell is Text-Wrap or Text Reflow? Basically, it crams and sometimes resizes all your text into the screen properly, making sure it flows naturally when you read or zoom in. Meaning you don't have to keep swiping side to side just to read your entire page.
Sadly, there are only two browsers in existence (at the time of me writing this) that still have it.
OPERA: Hey, it's our pal Opera again! Opera has text relow options and word wrap as they call it. However, only one Opera mobile browser option has this. And that's the regular full sized Opera mobile app. Opera Mini (getting booted) and Opera Touch (the new one) do not have text reflow. As such, iOS can't use Opera because it only has Mini and Touch as options. Sorry, iOS.
Download at Google Play. Sorry iOS.
FIREFOX: Wait what? Didn't I just slap a Firefox Alternative at the top? Sure did, but hear me out here. Firefox has no text-reflow, but it does have the abilities to use add-ons like the full desktop browser. What does this mean? There are add-ons to implement Text-Wrap/Reflow, as well as you being able to use LJ Juggler and the like. I haven't tested it myself, but I know a lot of people use it for the add-on funtionality anyway. Once again, will still pick over Chrome on phone just because utility.
Download at Google Play and at iOS
Add-ons:
uBlock origin works on mobile thanks for Firefox browser.
This post will be constantly updated because of new developments. And maybe if more new browsers crop up (but I'll only put up ones I feel are pretty decent alternatives, so should be long-lived at least!). Feel free to make some suggestions with how you got it working like the above.
If you want your browsers to function like FF or Chrome and be able to use their add-ons and extensions, then this list is here 4 u. Note that this is made with Dreamwidth usage in mind, and also that my add-ons/extensions aren't the same as yours. This is just a resource list.
Recently, phone browsers has been added too. Once again, a resource list.
UPDATED: 14th January 2024
Firefox Alternatives
FLOORP: Okay so this is a pretty new player, and the only one I have tested as of late for Firefox, cos to be fair, Firefox has been getting pretty good again, and its security is very tight. So what's the purpose of this? Floorp is a Japanese based fork which has a lot more features than Firefox, so its ambition is to be fully customisable like Vivaldi. It also has a very active group of volunteers working on it who will answer all questions that they could.
There is one huge downside: It can't afford the DRM Usage meaning you can't play videos that need it. Stuff like Netflix, for example. The volunteers working on Floorp are very active in the community, and they sadly have to talk about this all the time.
Main Site + Downloads
Add-ons:
I think all you need to do is just go to the Firefox Add-on page and that's it? So I am told! Ditto with going to unsigned add-on pages and it will be fine. I know not everyone will need it, but some people might need:
LJ-Juggler: Chrome's extension is now available on Firefox! Can use with Dreamwidth!
Auto Text Expander: A fork of Magical that is available on Chrome. Use this instead of DWTools for shortcuts.
uBlock Origin: With Adblock Plus whitelisting, if you want a true adblocker, here's a popular one.
WATERFOX: I've taken this off the list and I'm leaving this note here just to explain why. It's been purchased by a Chinese advertising company, which means it runs risk of privacy issues that browsers based in China encounter. You've had a good run, Waterfox.
Chrome Alternatives
OPERA: Opera has changed a lot since it once was, having adopted the same engine as Chrome. While this makes old Opera users yearn for days of old (like a good number of Firefox users), this actually makes it a suitable alternative for Chrome because they're practically the same, only that Opera has a drop-down menu for its tabs even after they're squished tiny like Chrome tabs (the one thing that power users or tab abusers [like me] dislike about Chrome; no other way to navigate squished tabs in default form.)
Opera also has a lot of really good features that Chrome does not have, such as an in built conversion tool by highlighting over values/text, and taking browser screenshots without need of an image software. As well as its own adblocker and VPN. It is one of the best browsers available, thanks to low ram usage and great features, but is often overshadowed by Chrome because of big names.
Opera ONE actually looks pretty good.
HOWEVER: Note now that Opera's parent company is Chinese based, which means that there has been privacy compromises as of late. I'd also recommend looking this up now.
Main Site + Downloads (Win, Linux, Mac, mobile OS's)
Important Add-ons and Extensions to get it working like your Chrome (should you want it to)
Opera has its own Add-ons and Extensions page where you can get Disconnect and the like, so search them up. However, for Chrome Extensions that aren't available for Opera?
Extensions:
Install Chrome Extensions: As Opera and Chrome share a similar system, use this to turn the Chrome Extensions website into "Install for Opera". Eventually, Opera will be moving over to not needing this add on in order to install Chrome Extensions. In the meantime, try it now for--
LJ-Juggler: This is a Chrome Extension you can install using the above add-on. Can use with Dreamwidth!
Dreamwidth Tools: Follow the link for the original Chrome version, which has a bunch of shortcuts to make your Dreamwidth RP life easier.
OPERA GX: Next? Opera GX. Opera has a subsidiary in Europe which creates a browser for "gamers". There's a reason for this, considering that it is a pretty stripped down version of Opera.
The reason is the additional options that allows it to throttle it's usage in a computer. Namely, stuff like network and RAM. This is a REAL game (hah) changer for potato computers especially because of how little resources it actually uses.
Also, the subsidiary is still based in Europe unlike the parent Opera browser, so it runs into less issues than the above.
Main Site + Downloads (Win, Linux, Mac, mobile OS's)
VIVALDI: So remember when I said that Opera moved to a Chromium browser and users of old yearn for old Opera? Well, the people who designed the original Opera are now making Vivaldi, as the ultimate browser for power users. And boy, is it glorious.
However, the major setback is that it's still in an endless beta. It's a working browser and it is packed with features, but it's actually incomplete and parts of it show if you need to be a heavy user.
On the other hand, I don't even need to list extensions you should install because it installs every Chrome Extension available. Done, it's that easy.
Main Site + Downloads (Win, Linux, Mac)
Phone Browsers
NOTE: With Dreamwidth's updates, the bottom stuff is becoming less and less relevant. Basically just pick the safest mobile browser (spoilers: In this list? It's Firefox. The importance of add-ons.)
So the reason why this is here is because of the importance of responsive browsers on your phone. Dreamwidth is not a responsive site if you use the default skins and not the layouts (where they're all responsive). As such, we need to kick out Chrome for being the default on Android. Also Chrome's a pretty terrible phone browser anyway, there are many out there that are good.
So what would be the options for Mobile Browsing in a Dreamwidth world? Anything with Text-Wrap/Reflow. What the hell is Text-Wrap or Text Reflow? Basically, it crams and sometimes resizes all your text into the screen properly, making sure it flows naturally when you read or zoom in. Meaning you don't have to keep swiping side to side just to read your entire page.
Sadly, there are only two browsers in existence (at the time of me writing this) that still have it.
OPERA: Hey, it's our pal Opera again! Opera has text relow options and word wrap as they call it. However, only one Opera mobile browser option has this. And that's the regular full sized Opera mobile app. Opera Mini (getting booted) and Opera Touch (the new one) do not have text reflow. As such, iOS can't use Opera because it only has Mini and Touch as options. Sorry, iOS.
Download at Google Play. Sorry iOS.
FIREFOX: Wait what? Didn't I just slap a Firefox Alternative at the top? Sure did, but hear me out here. Firefox has no text-reflow, but it does have the abilities to use add-ons like the full desktop browser. What does this mean? There are add-ons to implement Text-Wrap/Reflow, as well as you being able to use LJ Juggler and the like. I haven't tested it myself, but I know a lot of people use it for the add-on funtionality anyway. Once again, will still pick over Chrome on phone just because utility.
Download at Google Play and at iOS
Add-ons:
uBlock origin works on mobile thanks for Firefox browser.
This post will be constantly updated because of new developments. And maybe if more new browsers crop up (but I'll only put up ones I feel are pretty decent alternatives, so should be long-lived at least!). Feel free to make some suggestions with how you got it working like the above.
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And speaking as the relative of someone who has a Chromebook... ugh. Clearly, Firefox has become delusional if it wants to be that.
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Oh god...I'm morbidly curious hahaha.
(Same person, just switched to my RL journal instead of a RP one)
That's exactly what she got. She even has to hand me her debit card and a list and I have to do monthly shopping on Walmart.com for her because she can't get Chrome to let Walmart's checkout page work. Now, I really don't know how much of it is her technological incompetence (she refuses to learn even simple things like how to cut and paste) and how much is Chrome itself... but that and other random things she's mentioned have been enough to make me wary of the device and all its kin.
The only thing worse was the Android tablet I bought, and I think that's more a hardware than a software issue. The antenna must be defective, as it wouldn't connect to the internet even laying on top of the router box. That's what I get for buying a no-name device on sale... at least it makes a good notepad/alarm clock!
I seem to have a weird love/hate relationship with technology. Back in the ol' Windows 3.1 days, I somehow did something to Autoexec.bat so that Windows would not run unless booted from the DosShell program. I never found out just what, as it corrected itself later. I'm competent enough to install my own hardware, and have used Linux... but if there is a bug in the system, I'm almost guaranteed to stumble on it eventually. XD
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I hope Pale Moon works on a 32bit, otherwise I'm doomed to keep the backdated version of FF.
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Pale Moon does have 32bit version (it's their current standard one, I think), but cos I can use 64bit I haven't tested it myself :( Hopefully it will work for you!
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The only thing I'm a little enh over is trying to get rid of an unnecessary bar up on top: Seen here. Outside of that? It's running perfectly. =)
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And ohhh I see! I wonder if there's a way to get rid of it, like a "title bar" option or something. I'm defs glad it's working well though YEEAAAAH.
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Except that after all that, LJLogin doesn't even work now. It won't let me add any accounts; I can't even add Dreamwidth. It shows up in my taskbar and I can click and get to preferences but everything is greyed out and I can't make any changes.
I uninstalled it and reinstalled it and no dice. Anyone else have this issue? I have Windows 10, if that makes any difference.
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