Backup Browser: Waterfox vs Floorp
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This General Discussion board is meant for topics that are still relevant to Pale Moon, web browsers, browser tech, UXP applications, and related, but don't have a more fitting board available.
Please stick to the relevance of this forum here, which focuses on everything around the Pale Moon project and its user community. "Random" subjects don't belong here, and should be posted in the Off-Topic board.
This General Discussion board is meant for topics that are still relevant to Pale Moon, web browsers, browser tech, UXP applications, and related, but don't have a more fitting board available.
Please stick to the relevance of this forum here, which focuses on everything around the Pale Moon project and its user community. "Random" subjects don't belong here, and should be posted in the Off-Topic board.
- Night Wing
- Knows the dark side
- Posts: 5361
- Joined: 2011-10-03, 10:19
- Location: Piney Woods of Southeast Texas, USA
Backup Browser: Waterfox vs Floorp
I have been running Pale Moon as my daily driver since 2011. First it was windows Pale Moon and then when I got fed up with Windows 8, I started looking at linux distros and I finally settled on Mint back in 2013. At that time there was no linux Pale Moon. But in January of 2014 linux Pale Moon came into being.
Getting on point.
With the advent of Google Chrome, many website maintainers used Chrome to test their websites with. Pale Moon was discriminated against. So I needed a good backup browser to compliment linux Pale Moon.
At first I used linux Firefox since many linux distros use Firefox since it is installed by default in their distros. But I grew tired of Firefox and I won't go into any details why. I looked for another linux browser to replace Firefox. Eventually I settled on linux Waterfox. And I have been happy with it.
Linux Waterfox updated today with linux version (6.5.3). But I think Alex made a huge mistake with this linux version when it comes to Firefox extensions which download and install in Waterfox. The download button is basically off color. All I got was a circle outlined in red with a red line through the circle. And this affects four of my computers (2 desktop towers, 2 laptops).
With the previous version 6.5.2, all Firefox extensions downloaded and installed. So if you are using Waterfox 6.5.3 and you have Firefox extensions installed from version 6.5.2, they will still work. But if you want to download and install a different Firefox extension or a new theme using version 6.5.3, the extension will not download. I have not found any new Firefox extension which will download using version (6.5.3).
So with no extensions, if this is supposed to be this way, Alex is going to take a lot of heat. I just hope this is a bug and there will be a new version of Waterfox which fixes this issue.
Now linux Floorp 11.21.0 also updated today. This version will download and install any Firefox extension or theme. Since I have been comparing Waterfox and Floorp, this is a game changer for me when choosing a backup browser. If Waterfox cannot use any Firefox extensions or themes anymore, then my backup browser to Pale Moon is now going to be Floorp.
In closing.
If anyone is using Waterfox and using Firefox extensions or themes, I would like to know if you can download and install any "new" Firefox extension you have not tried before using (linux) version (6.5.3). Since I do not use the Windows operating system anymore, I cannot test what I have found with linux Waterfox to see if this affects windows Waterfox (6.5.3).
Getting on point.
With the advent of Google Chrome, many website maintainers used Chrome to test their websites with. Pale Moon was discriminated against. So I needed a good backup browser to compliment linux Pale Moon.
At first I used linux Firefox since many linux distros use Firefox since it is installed by default in their distros. But I grew tired of Firefox and I won't go into any details why. I looked for another linux browser to replace Firefox. Eventually I settled on linux Waterfox. And I have been happy with it.
Linux Waterfox updated today with linux version (6.5.3). But I think Alex made a huge mistake with this linux version when it comes to Firefox extensions which download and install in Waterfox. The download button is basically off color. All I got was a circle outlined in red with a red line through the circle. And this affects four of my computers (2 desktop towers, 2 laptops).
With the previous version 6.5.2, all Firefox extensions downloaded and installed. So if you are using Waterfox 6.5.3 and you have Firefox extensions installed from version 6.5.2, they will still work. But if you want to download and install a different Firefox extension or a new theme using version 6.5.3, the extension will not download. I have not found any new Firefox extension which will download using version (6.5.3).
So with no extensions, if this is supposed to be this way, Alex is going to take a lot of heat. I just hope this is a bug and there will be a new version of Waterfox which fixes this issue.
Now linux Floorp 11.21.0 also updated today. This version will download and install any Firefox extension or theme. Since I have been comparing Waterfox and Floorp, this is a game changer for me when choosing a backup browser. If Waterfox cannot use any Firefox extensions or themes anymore, then my backup browser to Pale Moon is now going to be Floorp.
In closing.
If anyone is using Waterfox and using Firefox extensions or themes, I would like to know if you can download and install any "new" Firefox extension you have not tried before using (linux) version (6.5.3). Since I do not use the Windows operating system anymore, I cannot test what I have found with linux Waterfox to see if this affects windows Waterfox (6.5.3).
Linux Mint 22.1 (Xia) Xfce w/Pale Moon, Waterfox, Firefox
MX Linux 23.5 (Libretto) Xfce w/Pale Moon, Waterfox, Firefox
Linux Debian 12.9 (Bookworm) Xfce w/Pale Moon, Waterfox, Firefox
MX Linux 23.5 (Libretto) Xfce w/Pale Moon, Waterfox, Firefox
Linux Debian 12.9 (Bookworm) Xfce w/Pale Moon, Waterfox, Firefox
- andyprough
- Board Warrior
- Posts: 1015
- Joined: 2020-05-31, 04:33
Re: Backup Browser: Waterfox vs Floorp
You're right. I haven't tried Waterfox in years, but I downloaded it tonight and it doesn't allow direct installation of extensions right now for some reason. I was able to install them - the workaround is to right-click on the 'Add to Firefox' button and select 'Open Link in New Tab' in the pop-up menu. That will open the add-on installer in a new tab, where you can complete the process.Night Wing wrote: ↑2025-01-08, 03:03Linux Waterfox updated today with linux version (6.5.3). But I think Alex made a huge mistake with this linux version when it comes to Firefox extensions which download and install in Waterfox. The download button is basically off color. All I got was a circle outlined in red with a red line through the circle.
I would imagine that Alex will be having to release an update very quickly to fix this. I created a bug report on the Waterfox github page to alert him to the problem.
- Night Wing
- Knows the dark side
- Posts: 5361
- Joined: 2011-10-03, 10:19
- Location: Piney Woods of Southeast Texas, USA
Re: Backup Browser: Waterfox vs Floorp
@ andyprough
Thanks for checking this out to confirm this for me. Waterfox is supposed to be able to use Firefox extensions. I only found out about this when I put linux Waterfox 6.5.3 on my wife's 64 bit 14" HP dv4-5213cl laptop.
I went to put uBlock Origin 1.61.2 on her linux Waterfox 6.5.3 version, it would not download. Surfed for other extensions such as the Atlantic Peach theme and no go either.
Then I went over to my three other computers, two desktop towers and my laptop. I could not get version 6.5.3 to download any Firefox extension on my other three computers.
Your workaround works, but it makes me jump through hoops which I do not care for. A power user like yourself can figure this out if there is a workaround available. But a non technical person like myself will (usually) not find this method. We are used to clicking on the Install button and everything "works".
Waterfox's one big attribute is the ability to download and run any Firefox extensions or themes. If it cannot because of a serious error on Alex's part, this will basically "kill" Waterfox overnight because many people like myself will drop Waterfox "like a very hot potato" in a heart beat if this debacle is not fixed quickly.
In essence, Alex might have been pressed for time. The old adage of "in a BIG hurry to go no where.....FAST". What Alex did comes down to "shooting one's self with a bullet in both feet, followed up by shooting themselves in the ass and then to top it off, shooting themselves in the head".
This is the most serious mistake I've ever seen Alex make.
Thanks for checking this out to confirm this for me. Waterfox is supposed to be able to use Firefox extensions. I only found out about this when I put linux Waterfox 6.5.3 on my wife's 64 bit 14" HP dv4-5213cl laptop.
I went to put uBlock Origin 1.61.2 on her linux Waterfox 6.5.3 version, it would not download. Surfed for other extensions such as the Atlantic Peach theme and no go either.
Then I went over to my three other computers, two desktop towers and my laptop. I could not get version 6.5.3 to download any Firefox extension on my other three computers.
Your workaround works, but it makes me jump through hoops which I do not care for. A power user like yourself can figure this out if there is a workaround available. But a non technical person like myself will (usually) not find this method. We are used to clicking on the Install button and everything "works".
Waterfox's one big attribute is the ability to download and run any Firefox extensions or themes. If it cannot because of a serious error on Alex's part, this will basically "kill" Waterfox overnight because many people like myself will drop Waterfox "like a very hot potato" in a heart beat if this debacle is not fixed quickly.
In essence, Alex might have been pressed for time. The old adage of "in a BIG hurry to go no where.....FAST". What Alex did comes down to "shooting one's self with a bullet in both feet, followed up by shooting themselves in the ass and then to top it off, shooting themselves in the head".
This is the most serious mistake I've ever seen Alex make.
Linux Mint 22.1 (Xia) Xfce w/Pale Moon, Waterfox, Firefox
MX Linux 23.5 (Libretto) Xfce w/Pale Moon, Waterfox, Firefox
Linux Debian 12.9 (Bookworm) Xfce w/Pale Moon, Waterfox, Firefox
MX Linux 23.5 (Libretto) Xfce w/Pale Moon, Waterfox, Firefox
Linux Debian 12.9 (Bookworm) Xfce w/Pale Moon, Waterfox, Firefox
Re: Backup Browser: Waterfox vs Floorp
Toss us a link?andyprough wrote: ↑2025-01-08, 05:07I created a bug report on the Waterfox github page to alert him to the problem.
Re: Backup Browser: Waterfox vs Floorp
https://github.com/BrowserWorks/Waterfox/issues/3665
Thanks, this has been fixed in build 20250108120000 which is now live for download. You'll also get an auto-update tomorrow in the existing build with this issue.
- Night Wing
- Knows the dark side
- Posts: 5361
- Joined: 2011-10-03, 10:19
- Location: Piney Woods of Southeast Texas, USA
Re: Backup Browser: Waterfox vs Floorp
Thought I would give an update.
Since 1-8-25 when the Waterfox fix was coming through the auto update which was a "Plan A", I have been waiting for it. I've got patience, but not infinite patience. It is now 1-11-25 and the fix never has come through my Waterfox auto updater.
So I went for a "Plan B".
Using Waterfox, since the fix was in version 6.5.3 on 1-8-25, I downloaded this linux version again using the tarball. Once on the tarball was on my Desktop, I opened up my Thunar file manager and deleted the extracted tarball from the original first version. I also deleted the WF launcher icon (with it's logo) from my Panel.
From the second downloaded tarball sitting on my Desktop, I extracted the Waterfox folder and put it back to where I keep it in my Thunar file manager. I again added a launcher icon and proceeded to create the path to the launcher along with the WF logo for the launcher on my Panel.
When that was done, I left clicked on the WF launcher and up came Waterfox. Since this was the same version number, 6.5.3, it had all of my bookmarks in their labeled folders installed on the Bookmarks Toolbar.
I opened my Ext (Extensions) folder and left clicked on my uBlock Origin extension (which install in linux Firefox, Waterfox, Floorp) which took me to version (1.61.2). And there was the blue colored "Add to Firefox" button and not the off colored one which originally did not work. I left clicked on it, followed the usual prompt and linux UBO was installed.
All is now good and working like it should.
BTW, the Floorp browser works too. But Floorp has more settings in their Settings than Waterfox does in it's Settings. I am not a power user thereby I lean towards Waterfox over Floorp since I do not use many of those settings in Settings. Just personal preference on my part.
Since 1-8-25 when the Waterfox fix was coming through the auto update which was a "Plan A", I have been waiting for it. I've got patience, but not infinite patience. It is now 1-11-25 and the fix never has come through my Waterfox auto updater.
So I went for a "Plan B".
Using Waterfox, since the fix was in version 6.5.3 on 1-8-25, I downloaded this linux version again using the tarball. Once on the tarball was on my Desktop, I opened up my Thunar file manager and deleted the extracted tarball from the original first version. I also deleted the WF launcher icon (with it's logo) from my Panel.
From the second downloaded tarball sitting on my Desktop, I extracted the Waterfox folder and put it back to where I keep it in my Thunar file manager. I again added a launcher icon and proceeded to create the path to the launcher along with the WF logo for the launcher on my Panel.
When that was done, I left clicked on the WF launcher and up came Waterfox. Since this was the same version number, 6.5.3, it had all of my bookmarks in their labeled folders installed on the Bookmarks Toolbar.
I opened my Ext (Extensions) folder and left clicked on my uBlock Origin extension (which install in linux Firefox, Waterfox, Floorp) which took me to version (1.61.2). And there was the blue colored "Add to Firefox" button and not the off colored one which originally did not work. I left clicked on it, followed the usual prompt and linux UBO was installed.
All is now good and working like it should.
BTW, the Floorp browser works too. But Floorp has more settings in their Settings than Waterfox does in it's Settings. I am not a power user thereby I lean towards Waterfox over Floorp since I do not use many of those settings in Settings. Just personal preference on my part.
Linux Mint 22.1 (Xia) Xfce w/Pale Moon, Waterfox, Firefox
MX Linux 23.5 (Libretto) Xfce w/Pale Moon, Waterfox, Firefox
Linux Debian 12.9 (Bookworm) Xfce w/Pale Moon, Waterfox, Firefox
MX Linux 23.5 (Libretto) Xfce w/Pale Moon, Waterfox, Firefox
Linux Debian 12.9 (Bookworm) Xfce w/Pale Moon, Waterfox, Firefox
Re: Backup Browser: Waterfox vs Floorp
I am using both, and suspect that Waterfox is just a copy of Floorp? Floorp is the base for the new Midori browser as well. I am keeping them installed to monitor their progress. Floorp 12 promises to be even faster than what it is now, so am keen to see that. https://blog.ablaze.one/4364/2024-06-14/
I recently stopped using both, and just went with Firefox Nightly with fastfox user.js.
Both Waterfox and Floorp have weird bugs. One in floorp is, if you hit the reader mode shortcut Ctrl+Alt+r, the browser crashes and restarts. Waterfox had some other weird niggles, which made me stop using it.
I recently stopped using both, and just went with Firefox Nightly with fastfox user.js.
Both Waterfox and Floorp have weird bugs. One in floorp is, if you hit the reader mode shortcut Ctrl+Alt+r, the browser crashes and restarts. Waterfox had some other weird niggles, which made me stop using it.
Systemd Free - MX Linux, Antix Linux & Artix Linux
Re: Backup Browser: Waterfox vs Floorp
I don't think so. Obviously none of the two diverge from Firefox as much as Pale Moon and Basilisk. UI options are different, Floorp opens more strange connections (both claim to be "private"), Floorp is compiled with SSE 4.1 optimizations, so it doesn't run on certain older CPUs etc.