Thank you. I see your point.
Thanks for supporting me ![]()
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Strange. I use Firefox (.apt) on Z17.3Core and settings are unchanged by version updates. Could you have had self-contained Firefox packaged by Snap or Flatpak maybe?
I am using both LibreWolf and Firefox on different platforms, just my personal choice, but also to keep alive some choice other than Chromium based browsers.
"Hi zabadabadoo, thanks for the suggestion. I actually always use the .deb (APT) version of Firefox because it is very stable. My Firefox disappeared after a system update, but now I am reinstalling it from the official APT source as the system suggested. It's good to see other users supporting non-Chromium browsers!"
I only use Brave now. I installed Librewolf but never used it. Both were from the Software store in Zorin.
I read that some things are changing in Mozilla. I'll keep reading and maybe try it again one day but Brave works for me.
Deceptive topic title. Should be changed to reflect topic content.
This topic did not naturally evolve into a "lively discussion" of off topic content, as sometimes happens and is completely understandable and usually very interesting. This topic never was anything to do with the title, which just tricked me into clicking on something I was not interested in.
I do not mean to be harsh to you @piyush. There are probably many people who are interested in the topic "Why Firefox’s Gecko Engine Makes It a Trusted Alternative to Chromium for Privacy-Conscious Users". You can simply accurately entitle your future topics to connect with those people that are interested in lively debating such things, without tricking those of us that aren't.
And for the record I stand with @Bonny on this one. Good for you, Bonny, that you address the clickbait nature of this title/content with:
I too felt like someone was trying to force their ideas on me. I would not have felt this way had the topic been named honestly. I could enter the topic, read the arguments, read the debates, do research, decide for myself. But when someone names a topic "My experience switching from Windows 10 to Zorin 18" and I enter the topic and am ambushed at the very first post with the horrors of eating meat and why I should switch to veganism, it feels like quite another thing.
This is a strong observation.
While switching from WIndows is mentioned, it is more of an aside.
I have changed the thread title to be more aligned with the intended topic, now, to quickly mitigate negative reactions.
@piyush, this is flexible and if you dislike the current title as changed, please let us know.
"Hi @Aravisian, thank you for being helpful and changing the title to 'Diversity in browser engines'. It definitely fits the discussion better. I appreciate your support in keeping the topic constructive."
"Hi @j_luz, I understand your point. My intention wasn't to trick anyone or force my choices. I was just sharing my personal journey from Windows 10 to Zorin and why I prefer Firefox. I'll be more careful with my topic titles in the future."
"Hi @Bonny, it's interesting that you find Brave better for your needs. Everyone has their own preference. I chose Firefox for its engine, but it's good to know Brave is working well for you on Zorin."
Hi everyone,
I am Piyush from India. I have been using Zorin OS for about 2 months now . As I grow more comfortable with Linux, I’ve realized how vital privacy and open choice are for our digital future.
Today, I saw some deeply concerning news about Firefox (Mozilla). Their revenue has plummeted from $600M to $366M, and they remain dangerously dependent on Google’s search deal.
Unlike many other browsers that simply use Google's Chromium engine to save costs (like Brave), Firefox continues to build and maintain its own Gecko engine. This independence is expensive, but it is the only thing keeping the web from becoming a total Google monopoly.
How can we, as a community, help?
- Stick with Firefox: Don't leave them in their dark hour.
- Promote Privacy: Explain to others why a non-Chromium browser is essential.
- Support if possible: Consider using Mozilla’s paid services like VPN or Relay to help diversify their income.
I refuse to leave Firefox when they need us most. Who’s with me? ![]()
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#SaveFirefox #PrivacyMatters #ZorinOS #OpenSource #Mozilla #LinuxCommunity
When You think about the near Past and Mozilla's Actions, I don't wonder why it is dropped. That doesn't come out of nowhere. Zorin switches from Firefox to Brave as Default for a Reason:
No, not again...
sorry I will not follow you
Mozilla has been alienating users for almost a decade. A long series of poor choices on their part dropped them from Top Spot (And my own favorite browser) to where they are now.
Firefox suffers from self inflicted wounds.
And sadly, they do not learn from them. Despite losses and slow decline, recently, they unveiled a new privacy policy that allows them more ownership over your data.
When they were called out on it - they doubled down while trying to talk circles around it and minimize what it meant.
I do agree that having more than one Browser Engine is to our benefit.
Even so, Firefox is not in the top slot or slots for Privacy, either.
Admittedly, many of the top slots are occupied by Gecko engine users.
If Mozilla topples, these forks may topple, too.
I hope LadyBird Browser lives up to expecations... That will add another engine.
I won't use Brave browser myself.
I appreciate your enthusiasm. But Firefox burned its bridges with me, as well.
You are right - we need more Browser Engines - less monopoly. We also need browser companies to be less vampiric.
Thank you for the detailed response. I respect the Zorin team's decision, but I have a huge concern.
By switching to Brave as the default, aren't we indirectly helping Google's monopoly? Brave uses the Chromium engine. If every OS moves away from Firefox, we will be left with only one engine (Chromium) controlling the entire internet.
Mozilla might have internal issues, but the Gecko engine is the last wall standing against a total Google-controlled web. As a Zorin user for 2 months, I feel that our community stands for 'Choice' and 'Privacy'. If we lose the only non-Chromium alternative, we lose that choice forever.
Is there no way Zorin can support a truly independent web engine instead of joining the Chromium crowd? ![]()
Well, You still can install Firefox on Zorin if You want. You don't have to use Brave. So, You can decide what You want to use.
And Mozilla is in the Situation in what they are because of themself; it is there own Fault.
Firefox gets Money from Google; so, You could argue, that You would help google with using Firefox, too. And with that Money Mozilla/Firefox isn't really independent, too. Without this Money, Mozilla would be at the End.
currently i am using firefox...but once ladybird becomes avalible ill be going to that
Yes, but with important considerations.
The majority of users are quite picky about their browser. While a small number will try out Brave Browser in switching to Zorin OS, most people will install their preferred Browser.
Brave Browser is not Google Chrome:
Though the engine in use is the same, keep in mind that is just the engine. Yes, we want diversity in Engines, but that is only a small part of the bigger picture.
The real item in question is about Data and Telemetry. The things going on outside of the engine.
The engine can only set standards based on the entirety of the web. Not based on Google's direct wants.
Chromium is Open Source. It can be independently audited.
Brave browser blocks telemetry that Google wants - and the engine cannot stop them.
Despite this, your concern is real, since the engine is a strong influence on standards implementation.
The same can be said for Zorin OS dropping XFCE and choosing a Gnome-Only direction. In so doing, they are indirectly helping Gnome's dominance and it's hopes of becoming the only monopolized Desktop Environment in GnuLinux.
I can install Firefox.
I can install XFCE.
But by setting their defaults, ZorinGroup is sending a helpful message to companies whose side they are choosing, even if we End Users choose differently.
They are leaning influence into that direction and slowly, it will take hold.
Had Firefox (Mozilla) handled its affairs better and stood by the End User as it once did in the distant past - it would be a lot easier to argue in its favor.
Sadly, they also turned against the End User and ignored user critical user feedback for years.
What happened to Mozilla is indicative of what can happen to Gnome and can happen to Zorin OS, too.
It is. Today.
Ladybird- tomorrow.
Ladybird represents not just a browser - but the reality that a new engine can be introduced.
The existing engines matter - but an upstart can come along.
@piyush, I have moved the new thread you created into this already existing, open (and even re-titled) thread.
So, the correct course of action is to keep things organized and together - on topic.
By opening a new thread on this topic - you are actually repeating actions that you engaged in previously, starting multiple threads all aimed at promoting a Company's Product, following on this thread:
You are certainly allowed to and encouraged to discuss the topic.
However, by the guidelines, posts must be contained on-topic. Creating multiple threads on one topic was the issue that resulted in closures of the duplicate topics.
Sidestepping those closures by starting new threads is a further violation.