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Don't force 64 bit on me!

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I just read over on Ghacks that 32 bit Firefox is going to "Automatically" update to the 64 bit version in Sept.

Source: https://www.ghacks.net/2017/07/22/firefox-56-automatic-32-bit-to-64-bit-upgrade/#comment-4218061

Firefox is supposed to be about "Choice" not "do what we say because your too stupid to make your own decisions and only we know what's best for you!"

The PC in my living room is our media center. This is it's main purpose. We use Plex (Plex runs in a web browser) as a front end to organize several Terabytes of locally stored media files. Although Plex is an awesome GUI for organizing a Media collection, it's built in media player is garbage and it no longer natively supports external players due to monetization efforts.

Luckily some nice person created "PlexExternalPlayerAgent" and put it on Github. It lets us open the files with VLC directly from the Plex GUI but, it only works with the 32 bit version of Firefox.

So, if I'm forced onto 64 bit Firefox, Firefox on that PC is made useless to me :(

I've already submitted an issue on Github but there's no guarantee the author even monitors the software any more. Those are just people making stuff for themselves and kindly sharing it over there.

If Mozilla would just let "ME" decided what software "I" want to run on "MY" computer, there would be no problem :(

I just read over on Ghacks that 32 bit Firefox is going to "Automatically" update to the 64 bit version in Sept. Source: https://www.ghacks.net/2017/07/22/firefox-56-automatic-32-bit-to-64-bit-upgrade/#comment-4218061 Firefox is supposed to be about "Choice" not "do what we say because your too stupid to make your own decisions and only we know what's best for you!" The PC in my living room is our media center. This is it's main purpose. We use Plex (Plex runs in a web browser) as a front end to organize several Terabytes of locally stored media files. Although Plex is an awesome GUI for organizing a Media collection, it's built in media player is garbage and it no longer natively supports external players due to monetization efforts. Luckily some nice person created "PlexExternalPlayerAgent" and put it on Github. It lets us open the files with VLC directly from the Plex GUI but, it only works with the 32 bit version of Firefox. So, if I'm forced onto 64 bit Firefox, Firefox on that PC is made useless to me :( I've already submitted an issue on Github but there's no guarantee the author even monitors the software any more. Those are just people making stuff for themselves and kindly sharing it over there. If Mozilla would just let "ME" decided what software "I" want to run on "MY" computer, there would be no problem :(

All Replies (5)

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You could send here also https://qsurvey.mozilla.com/s3/FirefoxInput/

I am not sure but since I run Windows 64 I have lots of programs that a 32bit and it is backwards compatible. I would think that things will be so for Firefox or the makers of Plex will be making a 64bit.

Also sorts of things can happen a year from now.

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

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First, set Firefox to alert you when an update is available but not install it automatically. See: Advanced panel - Accessibility, browsing, network, updates, and other advanced settings in Firefox.

Second, keep a note of this link where you can choose your own version: https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/all/ (or the less user-friendly http://archive.mozilla.org/pub/firefox/releases/)

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Pkshadow said

Also sorts of things can happen a year from now.

But I think we have more like 8 weeks before Firefox 56...

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this migration will happen one time - if you have dependencies on 32bit you can go back & install that version and won't be bothered anymore afterwards...

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i think the change is in part to combat all the evil that has been done by the malware writers of 32bit apps for FF.

the malware is becoming out of control and is causing many people all over the world to lose money and credit, and their email accounts are being hijacked, etc, etc, etc...

in my opinion, if you can switch over to 64bit and you dont see a decrease in computer efficiency, then why not take the extra step to stay clear from becoming a victim.

i mean if you had a choice in buying a car with 32 cylinders or 64, i bet you be choosing the one that burns rubber!