Firefox includes some protection for Spectre and Meltdown, https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/security/advisories/mfsa2018-01/. It isnt perfect, but it's the best that a browser can do to protect against such attacks.

You should also update to Windows 10, which you still can for free, as that as much better security than 8

I had read that Mozilla was working on a better defense for Spectre and wondered if this was true and when it might be released. Windows 10 is no longer a free upgrade, and I didn't upgrade when it was free as Windows 10 has no Windows Media Center which I use as my only TV. I would have definitely upgraded if Windows 10 included WMC.

Foxyfir said

I had read that Mozilla was working on a better defense for Spectre and wondered if this was true and when it might be released.

This meta-bug is of the highest priority, so you can expect it very soon.

Thank you. That's what I was hoping!

Hi, just a fyi: you can still upgrade this way : https://www.howtogeek.com/272201/all-the-ways-you-can-still-get-windows-10-for-free/ Should backup all things. Once updated you can revert back to Win8 and later once figure out a new Media Center for your self as there are several can go up again as MS will have the info of your cpu to allow it. So can update, then go back down right afterwards.

Please let us know if this solved your issue or if need further assistance.