BeatnikPad has long been releasing optimized versions of Firefox for G4 and G5 PowerPC processor Macs. Today Neil from BeatnikPad has released optimized versions of Mozilla Firefox 2.0 for G4, G5 and Intel processor Macs. I just installed it on my Core 2 Duo iMac and wow, this really is faster, noticeably faster. Pages load faster, Firefox loads faster – everything.
One thing Neil mentions with every optimized Firefox release is that the Firefox icon is not included as it is protected under a copyright. However, after you download and install his optimized release, you can use the Firefox icon from your unoptimized install. On your Mac open up the applications folder and right-click > get info for the unoptimized Firefox. Select the icon and Cmd+C it; then get the info and select the icon for the optimized Firefox release and paste it. For more details on quickly changing icons in OS X, check out this article I wrote a while back.
Things might look a bit different depending on which Firefox version you download – with Firefoxy-form widgets or Aqua-styled widgets. However, I think they are both for the better. I’m using the Firefoxy-form widget version now and am loving the differences; more prevalent highlighting around selected forms, beautified buttons (on websites, not Firefox) and other things like checkboxes, etcetera.
For example, this is what buttons in Gmail look like with Firefoxy-form widgets.
For example, this is what buttons in Gmail look like with Aqua widgets.
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I’ll give it a try but I’ve never noticed any speed enhancements on my G5 with the previous optimized builds.
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That’s probably just the G4/G5 releases.. the Intel one is INSANE!
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I have to say, I was a bit skeptical at first as well… did all those little about:config hacks that Lifehacker suggested, but this really beats it out. Now to just change the name and icon, and I’ll be good. :)
Thanks for the tip Stammy.
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Ok I installed it and it’s a bit faster. Thanks Stammy.
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Now I need a Firefoxy-form build for the G5.
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Another thing.. where is Flock ? I mean, there’s a lot of buzz around Mozilla lately with FF 2 and all.
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I think they are working on Release 0.8, based on Firefox 2.0.. last I heard a Nov. release.
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Thanks Paul! I was hoping though that the mouse pointer/cursor has been aquafied too. Camino (and even NeoOffice) has it but why not Firefox?
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I installed FF2 on my iMac G5 and it’s very faster.
A definite speed increase.
Thanks for the link.
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I didn’t really notice a huge speed difference with older versions. But if Bryan Veloso gives it a thumbs up, then it has to be true! I’ll probably check out the 2.0 version when I have some free time.
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I can’t cmd+C the icon. Are you talking about the icon below “Preview”? I try right clicking it too.
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Never mind… Found it. LOL icon at the top left.
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Oooh, I love the Aqua widget build! I too noticed it was blazingly faster on my MacBook Core Duo than before. The only thing I wish I could change was that it still says “BonEcho” in the menu bar and Activity Monitor even after I changed it to “Firefox.app”
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