see https://support.mozilla.com/en-US/questions/837330

This might help. To stop auto downloads try: classic version: Click on 'Tools' select 'Options' then click on 'Advanced' tab and select the 'updates' tab. Under the section that says what to do when updates are found select 'Ask me what I want to do' and ok.

New style: click on top left 'Firefox' then select 'Options' and then 'Options' again then click on 'Advanced' tab and select the 'updates' tab. Under the section that says what to do when updates are found select 'Ask me what I want to do' and ok.

You can set the first tab on start up to display any homepage, but all subsequent tabs are blank at the moment :( classic version: Click on 'Tools' select 'Options' then click on 'General' tab and set your homepage by either using a default or the current page you are on or tying in something such as http://www.google.co.uk then click 'ok'..

New style: click on top left 'Firefox' then select 'Options' and then 'Options' again then click on 'General' tab and set your homepage by either using a default or the current page you are on or tying in something such as http://www.google.co.uk then click 'ok'.

Thank you Toad-Hall:) I was unable to locate this info on Mozilla's site anywhere and this is very helpful.

After much research, I have decided to go with Explorer 9. It looks like they've fixed the security and speed problems that has plagued Internet Explorer for so long.

Firefox used to be faster and safer but I'm no longer convinced. Here's link to a study that was done: http://www.vikitech.com/301/internet-explorer-8-is-the-safest-browser-among-firefox-chrome-and-safari

Maybe Microsoft will care enough about their customers to not screw-up everything just for an update.

Again, thank you for the great information.

Note that Explorer 9 can ONLY be used with Windows 7 - no use for those of us still with XP!