Pale Moon web browser as an alternative to Firefox
By the Light of the Moon
A new browser with familiar technology: The lean Firefox offshoot Pale Moon is compatible with many cherished Firefox extensions.
Although Firefox is still one of the most popular web browsers, its much shorter release cycles and increasing inertia, even on powerful systems, have dimmed the former star's halo. The new user interface, with a look that is strongly reminiscent of Chrome, has also prompted some users to turn their backs on Firefox.
The alternatives have not, however, been totally convincing: Although Linux has a lot of lean and fast browsers with sophisticated operating concepts, Firefox is the unquestioned leader, primarily because of its many enhancements in terms of data protection and security. Some of the add-ons are available for other browsers, but not all: Using Opera, SeaMonkey, Midori, and the like leaves an uncomfortable feeling.
However, all this is about to change, because a new browser called Pale Moon [1] is ready to launch on Linux. Although it's based on the source code of older versions of Firefox, the developers have definitely cleared away some of the ballast. Thus, Pale Moon not only runs faster than the original but also remains largely compatible with Firefox extensions.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Cairo Dock 3.6 Now Available for More Compositors
If you're a fan of third-party desktop docks, then the latest release of Cairo Dock with Wayland support is for you.
-
System76 Unleashes Pop!_OS 24.04 Beta
System76's first beta of Pop!_OS 24.04 is an impressive feat.
-
Linux Kernel 6.17 is Available
Linus Torvalds has announced that the latest kernel has been released with plenty of core improvements and even more hardware support.
-
Kali Linux 2025.3 Released with New Hacking Tools
If you're a Kali Linux fan, you'll be glad to know that the third release of this famous pen-testing distribution is now available with updates for key components.
-
Zorin OS 18 Beta Available for Testing
The latest release from the team behind Zorin OS is ready for public testing, and it includes plenty of improvements to make it more powerful, user-friendly, and productive.
-
Fedora Linux 43 Beta Now Available for Testing
Fedora Linux 43 Beta ships with Gnome 49 and KDE Plasma 6.4 (and other goodies).
-
USB4 Maintainer Leaves Intel
Michael Jamet, one of the primary maintainers of USB4 and Thunderbolt drivers, has left Intel, leaving a gaping hole for the Linux community to deal with.
-
Budgie 10.9.3 Now Available
The latest version of this elegant and configurable Linux desktop aligns with changes in Gnome 49.
-
KDE Linux Alpha Available for Daring Users
It's official, KDE Linux has arrived, but it's not quite ready for prime time.
-
AMD Initiates Graphics Driver Updates for Linux Kernel 6.18
This new AMD update focuses on power management, display handling, and hardware support for Radeon GPUs.