The current Firefox uses only the flash plugin. As to removing those others, other programs may still use them. But it is safe to remove them if you want.

Hi FredMcD and thanks for reolying. I thought all 3 'plugins?' were used in every computer, especially Adobe Reader and Java (not that i know much about them assuming they ensured language is correct?). If I delete them will I still receive their updates? One last thought, have you any ideas of where to look for new email providers and where can I review which is easiest and best for my needs. Again many thanks.

Hi Linux3, even though Firefox will not use the Adobe Acrobat/Reader plugin in a tab, you may still want to open a PDF in Adobe Acrobat/Reader from time to time when the built-in viewer doesn't handle it well or for the best fidelity in printing. So I suggest hanging on to the program and keep it updated. Firefox will just ignore its plugin.

You also could keep Java updated. You might occasionally use it in Internet Explorer 11 for older websites. Also, some sites use Java Network Launch Protocol (JNLP) to pop out a program into Java outside the browser. That requires Java on your system to work.

Linux3 said

have you any ideas of where to look for new email providers and where can I review which is easiest and best for my needs

I would suggest a web search. There are many providers out there.

Note that your ISP also may offer email support unless you already use this and want a secondary email provider.

Hi Jscher2000 thanks for your good info. The more information I receive from computer experts the more I realise I know nothing (or next to nothing) about my computer. My files with printed replies are growing which is all to the good for me. thanks again. I now have one further question and hope I can attach the screenshot taken a few minutes ago which shows what I see when I go onto some websites, i.e. headings, boxes, pointers but no other info - and I don't know how to get back to normal viewing - sorry can't attach. Put screenshot in Microsoft Word, know its been saved but can't view it from browse on this forum page. Oh well.

Hi Linux3, you are correct that you can only attach image files to replies here. A good way to save a screenshot on Windows 7 is to paste it into the Windows Paint program and then save in PNG format (I think that is the default format).

If a site doesn't load completely, these are some things to try:

Double-check content blockers: Firefox's Content Blocking feature and extensions that counter ads and tracking may break websites that embed third party content (meaning, from a secondary server).

(A) Do you see a shield icon toward the left end of the address bar, near the lock icon? More info on managing the Tracking Protection feature in this article: Content Blocking.

(B) Extensions such as Adblock Plus, Blur, Disconnect, Ghostery, NoScript, Privacy Badger, uBlock Origin or uMatrix should provide toolbar buttons to manage blocked content in a page. There may or may not be a number on the icon indicating the number of blocked items; you may need to click the button to see what's going on and test whether you need to make an exception for this site.

Cache and Cookies: When you have a problem with one particular site that you've visited before, a good "first thing to try" is clearing your Firefox cache and deleting your saved cookies for the site.

(1) Clear Firefox's Cache

See: How to clear the Firefox cache

If you have a large hard drive, this might take a few minutes.

(2) Remove the site's cookies (save any pending work first). While viewing a page on the site, try either:

• right-click (on Mac Ctrl+click) a blank area of the page and choose View Page Info > Security > "Clear Cookies and Site Data"
• (menu bar) Tools > Page Info > Security > "Clear Cookies and Site Data"
• click the padlock or "i" icon in the address bar, then the ">" button, then More Information, and finally the "Clear Cookies and Site Data" button

In the dialog that opens, you will see one or more matches to the current address so you can remove the site's cookies individually without affecting other sites.

Then try reloading the page. Does that help?

Testing in Firefox's Safe Mode: In its Safe Mode, Firefox temporarily deactivates extensions, hardware acceleration, and some other advanced features to help you assess whether these are causing the problem.

If Firefox is not running: Hold down the Shift key when starting Firefox. (On Mac, hold down the option/alt key instead of the Shift key.)

If Firefox is running: You can restart Firefox in Safe Mode using either:

• "3-bar" menu button > "?" Help > Restart with Add-ons Disabled
• (menu bar) Help menu > Restart with Add-ons Disabled

and OK the restart.

Both scenarios: A small dialog should appear. Click "Start in Safe Mode" (not Refresh).

Any improvement?

This is a message for Cor-el. Sorry, I almost missed your reply - lucky for me the forum's email notified you had posted a reply to my question. I'm sorry to say that i don't understand 'your ISP may offer email support etc'. (that's how much I know about computers!). I just want an email address to give to friends and companies because I am experiencing difficulties with Windows Mail 12 since it has stopped being supported.

jscher2000 - goodness you must type fast and such an inclusive reply re. screenshots. I will print your answer out so that I can digest and try your answers out Friday when I'm able to devote more time than I presently have. Hope I can find Windows paint programme - used to have it years ago but so far can't now find it. Thanks again. will let you know how I get on.

The ISP is your Internet Service Provider that you use to access internet. Most offer an email address and an email service for this email address.

Hello Linux3,

Personally, I prefer the email service that is provided by my ISP (see cor-el's posts) and use that account most of the time.

Second best (for me) is Gmail :

https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-create-a-gmail-account-1171924

https://support.google.com/mail/answer/56256?hl=en