Firefox 57
Just one question...Why?
The reason I had used Firefox for a number of years is for the extensions. 90% of them no longer work with v57 and suitable replacements are not available. It seems that many developers have already jumped ship, so the chances of getting Firefox back to the same level of useability as before is very slim.
What is the incentive for me to stay a FF user with the latest version? Faster browser, prettier GUI. Meh, as far as I was concerned the browser was fine and I loved the way it looked and felt with the extensions I used. There just is no incentive for me to upgrade.
My choices are limited to using an older version that allows legacy extension, or using a different browser. That's it.
I appreciate the need for change but this seems pretty drastic as so many existing users are affected. It kinda reminds me of Microsoft messing around with Windows Phone, then offering to rewrite apps and offer support to developers, only to pull the plug when most people had voted with their feet.
Firefox will soon be the browser version of Windows Phone/Lumia.
All Replies (2)
Here is an option;
First, Type about:preferences#advanced<enter> in the address bar. Under Advanced, Select Update.
[v57+] Type about:preferences#general<enter> in the address bar. Select Update.
Check the settings.
Also turn off Use a background service to install updates
Install Older Version Of Firefox {web link} Be sure to read everything here.
If you still want to downgrade, look under; I still want to downgrade. Click the Directory of other versions and languages link. Look for the directory of the version that you want. But, remember that old versions may have security issues.
You should also check out Firefox; Extended Support Release {web link} ESR Notes System Requirements
Add-on developers were notified of the changes coming to Firefox over 2 years ago; they had sufficient warning to get prepared for the demise of Legacy extensions and the coming of WebExtensions. Some developers took heed and rewrote / adapted their extensions (and some are still working on their WE version), while others just decided it wasn't worth their time and quit. For the most part the most popular extensions are available, if they fit within the new parameters for WebExtensions.
As far as warnings for Firefox users, first there was signing for extensions back in the early Fx 40's versions, then there was the Legacy message with a yellow highlight in the Addons Manager with the Fx 55 & 56 versions. It seems that too many users ignored the signs that major changes have been going on for quite awhile now over the last 1 1/2 years.
Given the choice between using a different browser or using an old version that supports Legacy extensions; the smart choice might be a different browser first or using the Firefox 53 ESR version which will get security fixes until May 2018.