How to Change Your Security Options in Firefox

The importance of being able to change security options in a Web browser is not lost on most people, especially in today's world of online charlatans. Mozilla has made sure to include multiple security options within its latest release of the popular browser Firefox.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet access

Instructions

Find the Security Options

1. Bring your mouse to the top menu bar and click on Tools (for Windows) or Firefox (for Mac users). Then click on Options (for Windows) and Preferences (for Macs).

2. Click on the 'Security' icon.

Change Security Options in Firefox

1. Make any necessary changes to your security options by checking or un-checking the first two boxes. These boxes have to do with allowing add-ons and checking for sites with suspected forgery. By clicking 'Exceptions,' you can add sites that are permitted to install add-ons onto your computer.

2. Scan down to the next section, Passwords, and decide if you want Firefox to remember passwords for all sites and whether you want to implement a master password.

3. Establish the warning message rules for Firefox. In the Warning Messages box, click the 'Settings' button to open a drop-down box. Check the boxes listing the warnings you would like to receive and click 'OK.'

4. Click 'OK' in Windows or close the preferences box on a Mac to affect the security changes.

Tips & Warnings

• Put the latest Firefox browser version on your hard drive with a simple click of the mouse. Visit the download page (see Resources below).

• Peek at your computer and make sure it has the minimum system requirements for Firefox. Windows owners will need at least 50 MB of free disk space, a 233 Mhz processor, 64 MB of RAM and Windows 98 or higher. Mac users should have a 233 Mhz processor, 64 MB of RAM, 50 MB of free disk and Mac OS X 10.2 or higher. Linux users need the Linux kernel 2.2.14, a 233 Mhz processor, 64 MB of RAM and 50 MB of free disk space.

• Learn more by visiting the Firefox support page (see Resources below), where you'll find many articles, tips and tricks about using Firefox.

• Check out the many security features included with the Firefox browser. There is a built-in function that will warn you if a site is attempting to install an add-on to your computer.

• This guide was written for Firefox 2.0.0.2. If you're running a different version, these steps might not apply.