Safari Slower than Firefox?

[maclamb]

that's my experence - and yours?

[superninjagoat]

For me, Safari is slightly slower, but I've mitigated that fact with SafariSpeed, which gets rid of much of the one-second delay before Safari renders a page.

The Safari interface is slicker, and bookmark management is better for my workflow. So, for me Safari wins out.

But on the PC side, I use Firefox and love it. s.n.goat

[Isbiten]

I use Firefox mainly because of adblocks without it I would be using Safari.

[solaris]

Safari is definatelly running slower than Firefox.
Firefox lack some work on the gui, but the rendering engine is fast. A big thumb up to the extension support as well! :)

[PlaceofDis]

i cant stand FireFox's interface, it just doesnt work for me, i love safari and i like the way it handles bookmarks too, so i guess ill stick with Safari for now, but i keep Camino around just in case

[hob]

i cant stand FireFox's interface, it just doesnt work for me, i love safari and i like the way it handles bookmarks too, so i guess ill stick with Safari for now, but i keep Camino around just in case

Safari is slower, but I feel the exact same way - FireFox's interface is so yuk!

Hob

[panphage]

Firefox is fast. Plus, safari has a wicked vile memory leak bug triggered by pages with tiled backgrounds. It's been around for a long, long time, and with every new release I hope they've fixed this massive, crippling bug. But it's still there. But even without safari freezing for 5-15 seconds on every page, firefox is still faster.

[maya]

i cant stand FireFox's interface, it just doesnt work for me, i love safari and i like the way it handles bookmarks too, so i guess ill stick with Safari for now, but i keep Camino around just in case

I am in the same boat, I tried FireFox however I cannot stand it interface.Safari is so much better minimal, hope Apple gets back on track to make it excel in speed over FireFox soon. :)

[rueyeet]

I've been meaning to try Firefox, since Gmail only works in post-Panther Safari, but I've gotten used to Safari. Also, AOL webmail always gave me problems in the Mozilla-derivative browsers.

[PlaceofDis]

I've been meaning to try Firefox, since Gmail only works in post-Panther Safari, but I've gotten used to Safari. Also, AOL webmail always gave me problems in the Mozilla-derivative browsers.

if you like safari give camino a try, its one of the best browsers out there, its faster than both safari and firefox, but im just waiting for some more features, like spell check

[AmigoMac]

Safari's GUI rocks, agree, it's a bit slow but I'm still working to get used to camino, it's just terrific... I have it beside to Safari on my dock. Spell checker, Hello? ....

[urban1985_]

All my life I've used internet explorer. And when I switched, I used the same. I came across Safari because there was something internet explorer couldn't download for some reason. I've been using Safari ever since.

I tried Firefox after reading this thread, and like many say, I don't like the interface. It's not THAT much faster than Safari. For someone who've used IE his whole life, Safari is leaps faster lol.

For some reason, I can't access my school's personal student websites on Safari, so I use Firefox for that.

[maclamb]

thanks-
what about the GUI of firefox don't you like? the washed out appearance? - not a biggie for me - sppe dis much better than safari - i'll try camino

[markjones05]

Safari definately has the better interface. BUT. FIrefox is much quicker and has a reasonably decent interface, it also opens more webpages without a problem. So when it comes down to it, I want speed and compatibility when im surfing the net. Firefox is the way to go.

[mklos]

I use Firefox mainly because of adblocks without it I would be using Safari.

Umm....Safari blocks ads too. Just press Apple+K when in Safari and it will start blocking pop-ups.

So start using Safari now! :D

[saabmp3]

Umm....Safari blocks ads too. Just press Apple+K when in Safari and it will start blocking pop-ups.

So start using Safari now! :D

Hmm, me thinks you should give firefox a try and actually see what the heck ad block is. I'll give you a hint, it's not pop-up windows :-p.

BEN

[mcarvin]

I would love a browser that was as fast (not only speed, but launch/responsiveness) as Safari, had the true Aqua UI of OmniWeb, and could use the Firefox extensions.

OmniGroup may implement AdBlock filter importing. If they could only make OW5 faster... :rolleyes:

[markjones05]

Hmm, me thinks you should give firefox a try and actually see what the heck ad block is. I'll give you a hint, it's not pop-up windows :-p.

BEN


What is ad block and how do you enable it?

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

What is ad block and how do you enable it?

Adblock is an Extention. You can find these by accessing Tools > Extentions in your Firefox menubar. In the Extentions window there's a link where to "Get More Extentions".

Enjoy!

[markjones05]

Adblock is an Extention. You can find these by accessing Tools > Extentions in your Firefox menubar. In the Extentions window there's a link where to "Get More Extentions".

Enjoy!


I got it however im still not absolutely sure what it does. Can anyone explain?

[marcfiszman]

I use Firefox mainly because of adblocks without it I would be using Safari.
http://www.floppymoose.com

[mcarvin]

I got it however im still not absolutely sure what it does. Can anyone explain?

AdBlock blocks banner ads and most images from ad servers. Basically, pages load much faster and aren't nearly as distracting when using AdBlock.

I do have a question here about a possible bug in AdBlock or Firefox. I've been having trouble viewing Versiontracker in Firefox. It's not a seriously big deal, but the large white area obscuring the main navigation can get annoying. I've temporarily disabled AdBlock, but it still occurs. There are some DIVs in their HTML which may be at fault, but I'm not sure.

[mkrishnan]

Hmm, me thinks you should give firefox a try and actually see what the heck ad block is. I'll give you a hint, it's not pop-up windows :-p.

BEN

Hello, PithHelmet! :) PithHelmet is the Safari equivalent to AdBlock. And since they are both ad-in packages, it really is apples-to-apples. ;) Safari can block ads that are in the page (as opposed to pop-ups) when using PithHelmet. I have mixed feelings about whether PithHelmet or AdBlock is better. Adblock seems to me to handle Flash better, but needs a lot more training. PithHelmet is probably much more usable by people who are not computer savvy than AdBlock, not that any of us fall into that category. ;)

And I like how PithHelmet ads a quickly accessible toggle item on the Safari menu right next to the pop-up blocker item, to turn it off temporarily.

But right now I'm using Firefox because I also use Win2k PCs at school and I wanted a consistent experience across all of them, so I installed Firefox on everything. But

[mkrishnan]

I do have a question here about a possible bug in AdBlock or Firefox. I've been having trouble viewing Versiontracker in Firefox. It's not a seriously big deal, but the large white area obscuring the main navigation can get annoying. I've temporarily disabled AdBlock, but it still occurs. There are some DIVs in their HTML which may be at fault, but I'm not sure.

Do you mean the main navigation area in the upper left, with the tabs MacOS X, MacOS, Windows, .... and the sub-tabs such as Software Updates? It doesn't obscure on mine. I do get a blank space where the top banner ad, which is directly below, should be, with AdBlock enabled. But I didn't really see any impaired navigation. Maybe you have set the ad filter as too liberal, and you are losing some of the nav elements? Or else maybe I'm not loading the site with the right ad....does it happen every time you go there?

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

I have mixed feelings about whether PithHelmet or AdBlock is better.

I think the combination Firefox/Adblock is better. Though it requires some training. The decisive thing is the possibility to allow some sites the ability to open pop-ups, while with Safari it's all or nothing. Some sites, like protals and internet banks, depend on pop-ups. (Yes, I know that stinks!)

As to the topic: I think the difference in speed is minimal. Ok, so Firefox renders some pages a bit faster, but Safari has shorter startup time, so this is not why I prefer Firefox (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=1145694#post1145694).

[wrldwzrd89]

For me, Firefox isn't any faster than Safari, at least on the pages I've tested it with. I have NOT used the appropriate optimized build for my machine. When started for the first time (ever, not the first time after a restart), Firefox launches, quits, launches, quits, launches, and displays the browser window. Safari launches, delays for 1-2 seconds while it configures itself, and displays the browser window. On subsequent launches, Firefox behaves like Safari's first launch, while Safari comes up immediately (1 bounce, then the browser window appears). Also, Firefox puts a bunch of files in your user library - not all of them are obviously associated with Firefox (the FullCircle folder in ~/Library/Application Support is a good example), whereas Safari puts its preferences in the preferences folder, its cookies in a special Cookies folder, and everything else in the Safari folder - much cleaner. This is why I prefer Safari over Firefox.

[falcoboy7]

firefox is good for windows users

but im sticking with safari

[Steven1621]

Firefox is fast. Plus, safari has a wicked vile memory leak bug triggered by pages with tiled backgrounds. It's been around for a long, long time, and with every new release I hope they've fixed this massive, crippling bug. But it's still there. But even without safari freezing for 5-15 seconds on every page, firefox is still faster.

I find it to be the opposite. I think Firefox usually take 20-30 MB of RAM in comparision to Safari.

Another nice thing about Firefox is the multiple search options. I hate the interface though. ehh

[mcarvin]

Do you mean the main navigation area in the upper left, with the tabs MacOS X, MacOS, Windows, .... and the sub-tabs such as Software Updates? It doesn't obscure on mine. I do get a blank space where the top banner ad, which is directly below, should be, with AdBlock enabled. But I didn't really see any impaired navigation. Maybe you have set the ad filter as too liberal, and you are losing some of the nav elements? Or else maybe I'm not loading the site with the right ad....does it happen every time you go there?

http://www.bigorangesign.com/VT-Firefox-crop.jpg

The location you described is right on and my filter file only blocks out stuff from spinbox.versiontracker.com.

[mkrishnan]

Weirdness...for me it looks like the pic below, and my block filter is also

http://spinbox.versiontracker.com/*

It almost seems like, for some reason, you are getting one of those flash pop-up ads that pop over the current window but aren't in a separate window, doesn't it? The way it overlaps the other elements...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v210/mkrishnan/webcache/versiontracker.jpg

[mcarvin]

Weirdness...for me it looks like the pic below, and my block filter is also

http://spinbox.versiontracker.com/*

It almost seems like, for some reason, you are getting one of those flash pop-up ads that pop over the current window but aren't in a separate window, doesn't it? The way it overlaps the other elements...

http://www.bigorangesign.com/VT-Scratchpad.jpg

It looks like they have extra hidden stuff going on which isn't playing well with my browser. Just below their BODY tag are DIVs for ScratchPadCOVER and ScratchPad. Contained therein is a bad IFRAME.

Time to contact VT.

[markjones05]

Does anyone know how to stop those three default tabs from loading and opening in the tab bar? Its annoying and I dont want them there. I like when apple opens as my hompage but the other tabs I could do without.

[madog]

I like Firefox and how it is that whole "1-2" seconds faster loading than Safari. The only things keeping me from switching are all my Safari bookmark's and cookies (I can never remember my passwords) and the fact that I have Saft. Which is another "What Safari should be" app.

[Timelessblur]

I like Firefox and how it is that whole "1-2" seconds faster loading than Safari. The only things keeping me from switching are all my Safari bookmark's and cookies (I can never remember my passwords) and the fact that I have Saft. Which is another "What Safari should be" app.


I beleive you can export you Safari book marks from safari then use firefox to import that file and you have moved over all of your book marks. as for the lost of cookies I dont see that being a big deal since all you really would have to do is just resign into everything. Also word of advice on passwords make some geniric password that can be used for all none critical stuff (forums and what not) so it is easier to remeber it if you can not keep track of it. that or have a bank of like 6 or so passwords that you use so you will not have that problem

[mcarvin]

I like Firefox and how it is that whole "1-2" seconds faster loading than Safari. The only things keeping me from switching are all my Safari bookmark's and cookies (I can never remember my passwords) and the fact that I have Saft. Which is another "What Safari should be" app.

If you like the speed of Firefox's engine, can live without extensions, and want keychain access, maybe give Camino a shot?

[mkrishnan]

Does anyone know how to stop those three default tabs from loading and opening in the tab bar? Its annoying and I dont want them there. I like when apple opens as my hompage but the other tabs I could do without.

Do you have tabbrowser extensions? That sounds like the only reason you'd be getting muiltiple tabs on load. If you do have TBE installed, then look at its preferences, under "startup." It looks like you have a default tab session set to load at startup. You can set it to start just a single blank / home tab, a default set of tabs, or the tabs that were there when it closed. I have noticed the last of these three options is very buggy, both on Mac and on PC, but esp. on Mac. When Firefox restarts, it always says the tab session is broken, and if I ask it to load anyway, half the tabs don't come out right -- they just come out as blank, and the other half of the tabs does load. :(

[markjones05]

Do you have tabbrowser extensions? That sounds like the only reason you'd be getting muiltiple tabs on load. If you do have TBE installed, then look at its preferences, under "startup." It looks like you have a default tab session set to load at startup. You can set it to start just a single blank / home tab, a default set of tabs, or the tabs that were there when it closed. I have noticed the last of these three options is very buggy, both on Mac and on PC, but esp. on Mac. When Firefox restarts, it always says the tab session is broken, and if I ask it to load anyway, half the tabs don't come out right -- they just come out as blank, and the other half of the tabs does load. :(

What are tab browser extensions i have not downloaded anything special to my firefox other than adblock now and some themes. I have the tab bar set to always on and since that is checked i get this mozilla support tab and some mozilla plugin tab that automatically open up every time i oppen a new window. Its not the end of the world its just an annoying thing that i wish didnt happen. Plus i hate when things are out of my control simply because I dont know how to turn them off. Its really just the principle of the thing at this point.

[mcarvin]

What are tab browser extensions i have not downloaded anything special to my firefox other than adblock now and some themes. I have the tab bar set to always on and since that is checked i get this mozilla support tab and some mozilla plugin tab that automatically open up every time i oppen a new window. Its not the end of the world its just an annoying thing that i wish didnt happen. Plus i hate when things are out of my control simply because I dont know how to turn them off. Its really just the principle of the thing at this point.

Try deleting those bookmarks if all else fails.

On a lighter note, the nightly I'm using now supports middle-clicking to open in a new tab! :D :D :D

[panphage]

What are tab browser extensions i have not downloaded anything special to my firefox other than adblock now and some themes. I have the tab bar set to always on and since that is checked i get this mozilla support tab and some mozilla plugin tab that automatically open up every time i oppen a new window. Its not the end of the world its just an annoying thing that i wish didnt happen. Plus i hate when things are out of my control simply because I dont know how to turn them off. Its really just the principle of the thing at this point.
Sounds like you've accidentally set multiple sites as your home page. If you went into your preferences while multiple tabs were opened and hit "Use Current Pages" for the Home Page under general settings, this is what you'd get. Try having only one tab opened to your desired home page, go into your prefs, hit the "General" button, and click "Use Current Page" under the Home Page options. Alternately, copy the URL of your desired homepage and paste it into the Homepage text box.

[markjones05]

Sounds like you've accidentally set multiple sites as your home page. If you went into your preferences while multiple tabs were opened and hit "Use Current Pages" for the Home Page under general settings, this is what you'd get. Try having only one tab opened to your desired home page, go into your prefs, hit the "General" button, and click "Use Current Page" under the Home Page options. Alternately, copy the URL of your desired homepage and paste it into the Homepage text box.


You hit the nail on the head. That was the problem, thank you. I hate when stupid **** like that wastes so much of my time.

[Mord]

ok i'm using my cube running safari 1.2.4 and it's sssslllllooooowwww, i have not used it for i while so i had not realized the difference as i usually use safri 2.0 on my ibook with 10.4 and i can honestly say it's a fair bit faster than firefox.

rest assured that 10.4 fixes the problem