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Need to run firefox 3.6 because of un-supported plugin.

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Hello,

I am looking for advice on how to run Firefox 3.6 as securely as possible. Yes I realize that is an outdated and insecure, but I have no choice. I use a commercial product called Kurzweil Reader. It is a screen reader designed specifically for people with dyslexia. Other alternatives exist, but they are tailored to blind people. The visual and auditory aspects of the Kurzweil plugin are key to it's function. Upgrading to a new version is not an option either, due to the very steep pricing.

So I'm stuck using Firefox 3.6 when I want to use my screen reader. So my questions are:

What is the best way to use the current version of Firefox as my main browser, but have the older Firefox 3.6 available to use when I wish to use the screen reader.

I'm thinking an old version of Firefox Portable, along with some configuration modifications to make it more secure, could be an option. I won't be shopping or doing banking on the older version, but I still do want to harden thing's a bit. I'm thinking disabling all plugins in it and installing "no-script". I need suggestions on settings that I can change or other plugins that I can add to "harden" my Firefox 3.6 installation.

Also running 3.6 in some sort of sandbox could be another option.


Thanks for any ideas!

Hello, I am looking for advice on how to run Firefox 3.6 as securely as possible. Yes I realize that is an outdated and insecure, but I have no choice. I use a commercial product called Kurzweil Reader. It is a screen reader designed specifically for people with dyslexia. Other alternatives exist, but they are tailored to blind people. The visual and auditory aspects of the Kurzweil plugin are key to it's function. Upgrading to a new version is not an option either, due to the very steep pricing. So I'm stuck using Firefox 3.6 when I want to use my screen reader. So my questions are: What is the best way to use the current version of Firefox as my main browser, but have the older Firefox 3.6 available to use when I wish to use the screen reader. I'm thinking an old version of Firefox Portable, along with some configuration modifications to make it more secure, could be an option. I won't be shopping or doing banking on the older version, but I still do want to harden thing's a bit. I'm thinking disabling all plugins in it and installing "no-script". I need suggestions on settings that I can change or other plugins that I can add to "harden" my Firefox 3.6 installation. Also running 3.6 in some sort of sandbox could be another option. Thanks for any ideas!

All Replies (4)

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If anyone is interested in the official statement , here it is:

"If you attempt to launch Read the Web through the K3000 menu, you will get stuck in an installation prompt loop. You will not be able to launch Firefox and Read the Web." -kurzweil

So basically the launching java script is bad, and they want users to buy the new version, so they won't fix the plugin.

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Here is one thought. Rename the current Firefox folder to FireKurzweil, or something like that. Then install the current version normally. If you do this, there will be some things that will need to be modified to give FireKurzweil proper access.

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Did you try to disable hardware acceleration in Firefox to see if that helps?

  • Tools > Options > Advanced > General > Browsing: "Use hardware acceleration when available"

You need close and restart Firefox after toggling this setting.

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Firefox Portable 3.6 should work, but it may not "find" the Kurzwell Plugin for Firefox. You would need to locate the plugin on your hard drive and put a copy of the file in the plugins folder of Firefox 3.6.

There's a support forum for Portable Apps over here: http://portableapps.com/forums/support/firefox_portable

Firefox Portable isn't an official Mozilla product, but does have a close relationship with Mozilla.

Oh, definitely install an older version of NoScript, as you mentioned.