I don't understand your question since it's full of half-rant / half-incoherent ramblings about iPads, but if you care to rephrase it in a way that actually makes sense and isn't trying to be "clever" then we can try to help.

To rephrase the question. It is EXTREMELY ANNOYING to have "Tabs" popping up when we don't want any tabs AT ALL. It is understood that this alleged feature is put in to accommodate the mass migration to the various "Pads" and "Smart Phones" but the rest of us would like to get some meaningful work done to pay for all this!

HOW CAN THE TABS BE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF!!!

First off, tabs have been around for many years, and have absolutely nothing to do with touch-screen mobile devices. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tab_%28GUI%29

If you would like links to not open in a new tab, simply uncheck "Open new windows in a new tab instead" in the Firefox options. There is however, no way to completely disable tabs, just as there is no way to completely disable opening a new window.

Thank you for your prompt reply. Previous versions of Firefox did in fact allow us to un-check the "Open in new tab" function. This version (v39.0) however seems to ignore that setting (all the tab setting boxes are unchecked)! We are tiring of hearing all of the complaints coming from our clients, as much as we like promoting Firefox, my boss is demanding a workaround! Thank you!

That setting works for me, please try testing with Firefox 40 in safe mode to rule out any addons. If it still happens,please clearly explain what exactly is happening.

Thank you again. We have updated ver 39.0 to ver 40.0.3 and now have a new set of problems on top of the original ones. Now when we try to respond to your email link all we get is a blank/locked page. This reply was only possible when we entered Safe mode after trying numerous variations to respond to your email which had worked before. While calmer now due to your helpful support we did have to cancel appointments with clients who are desperate to have this problem (and now the new one) resolved. Thank you

If this works in safe mode, it sounds like one of the modifications or extensions you have is causing all the trouble. Try disabling your extensions or using a Firefox refresh to further troubleshoot.

Tyler Downer said

First off, tabs have been around for many years, and have absolutely nothing to do with touch-screen mobile devices. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tab_%28GUI%29 If you would like links to not open in a new tab, simply uncheck "Open new windows in a new tab instead" in the Firefox options. There is however, no way to completely disable tabs, just as there is no way to completely disable opening a new window.

This, also was helpful. Also one can just right click and open a link in a new window...

There are other things that need attention.

Your System Details List shows multiple Flash plugins.

• Shockwave Flash 11.2 r202
• Shockwave Flash 13.1 r2

The latter is probably a PepperFlash version that is installed via a wrapper.

You can find the installation path of all plugins on the about:plugins page.

• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Issues_related_to_plugins#Identifying_installed_plugins

Does Firefox switch to another tab or window unexpectedly?

Thank you for all your help. We solved the problem by ourselves. First, many of us have been working with computers since the 1960's and when one says that a computer program "can't" or won't do something it usually means that someone either does not know or does not want to do that thing usually what one would expect from Microsoft or Apple programmers! That is why we prefer the various Linux Distros. Fortunately it is the practice of our company to make Image copies of client systems using Live CD's like Acronis or Clonezilla. Windows 10 seems to be trying to block that ability! After following the previous instructions to "Upgrade Firefox" our test computer died completely (rebooting repeatedly). We then installed a fresh, new copy of Ubuntu 14.04.3 and a fresh new copy of Firefox. Pointing out the duplicity of Shockwave plugins provided us with an important clue and reminder that simply "installing updates" can lead to a lot of additional problems in and of itself. We teach our clients to never "backup to the Cloud" and ALWAYS store data on separate LOCAL hard drives or LOCAL LAN Drives! The hard part is keeping backup lists of all software added to any given system and to keep track of plugins, and other add ons to Firefox in a simple and easily restorable fashion. Thank you again we hope this helps others as well.