http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bookmark_%28World_Wide_Web%29

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tab_%28GUI%29

Hello there!

Basically, each webpage is displayed in a single tab in Firefox. For example, if you press "Cmd+T", you are opening new tabs. From there, you can navigate to different webpages, hence each webpage is displayed in a single tab.

This image will help you understand what is a tab and the concept of a tab.

• Tab Image

A bookmark is just like a bookmark for reading books, you want to get back into the action quickly. In this case, you want to navigate back to a webpage without typing in the address (URL). For example, if you press "Cmd+D" you can save the webpage address and it is stored in your Bookmarks. Next time instead of typing in the address, just go to your Bookmarks menu and click on the webpage. Easy!

You may also hear the word "Favourites", it's the same concept.

Let me know if you have any other questions!

FIRECHEMIST

Edit:

I can't help but feel that you imply a bookmark is a permanent tab, which it isn't. A bookmark and tab are completely different.

You have the concept and idea of a tab correct:

Each tab holds a different webpage so that you can multitask between sites while surfing. This is done is by clicking on different tabs. Tab Image

On the other hand, a Bookmark is essentially a shortcut to a webpage. This is done by Firefox storing the URL so that you can go to your Bookmarks and then click on the shortcut to the webpage. Bookmark Image

I probably misread your reply, but here it is in case I didn't :D

OK, now I think I understand. The tab is only for working on the web page for a particular session, and then when you log off, the tab goes away.

The bookmark is permanent. Because, you see, when I make a bookmark it looks like a tab.

These are 2 very different functions which are not properly explained in the tutorial - at least I could not find the explanation.

Maybe it is too elementary, but some people need the basics.  :-)

See also:

• https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Tabbed+browsing
• https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Browsing+basics

Hello Firechemist,

I made the mistake of not explaining to you that I was using the bookmark toolbar. And, after trying out the tabs and the tab apps, it looks like that is the simpler way to go.

It seems that using the bookmark toolbar OR the tab app accomplish the same thing.

But the tab app takes up less space.

The bookmark toolbar uses 2 "lines."

Does this make sense?

Thanks so much for your excellent advice.

Can you attach a screenshot of that Bookmarks Toolbar?

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screenshot
• https://support.mozilla.org/kb/how-do-i-create-screenshot-my-problem

Use a compressed image type like PNG or JPG to save the screenshot.

• https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Bookmarks+Toolbar

I get what you are saying now and before!

In that case, you are correct in both replies.

• The tab app is a permanent tab while the regular tab goes away when you log off (reply 1)
• The bookmark toolbar and tab app accomplish the same thing (reply 2).

ADDITIONAL INFO:

Let me add some more of my thoughts if you are interested. I hope this doesn't confuse you. If it does, just go with the info that I confirmed above in this reply :)

In reply 1, you mentioned the word "bookmarks."

• The bookmark is permanent. Because, you see, when I make a bookmark it looks like a tab.

Your context is correct, but technically it should be "tab apps". Bookmarking refers to putting websites on your bookmark toolbar. Tab apps refers to making a permanent tab.

Let me summarize the difference between tab apps and bookmark toolbar, most of which you stated already.

• With tab apps, your page is already loaded when Firefox starts up. Tab apps also takes less space than the bookmark toolbar.
• On the other hand, with the bookmark toolbar, the page is not yet loaded so when you click on the bookmark/shortcut, the page has to load.

This means if you have a lot of tab apps, you will use up your bandwidth faster because the tab app will always open to that webpage when Firefox starts.

Source: Pinned Tabs - keep favorite websites open and just a click away

No problem, I'm happy if I helped a bit ^-^

Firechemist, Thanks again, and your last message was very helpful. I love using the App Tabs. What I think you meant by bandwidth being used up is that if I have a lot of App Tabs then my system could ' slow down'? The screen is so much "cleaner" using App Tabs and there is more room since the bookmark toolbar takes up 2 rows.

I guess it is time to say the question is solved.

Thanks again

See also:

• Firefox > Preferences > General > Startup
  • Don’t load tabs until selected

Note that bookmarks are saved in the Library and if you close a (pinned) tab that that site is lost unless you have bookmarked it.

You can hide the text on the Bookmarks Toolbar and only leave the website favicons to have more bookmarks on one line.

• Roomy Bookmarks Toolbar: https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/roomy-bookmarks-toolbar/

You're welcome! By "bandwidth" I refer to data usage cap. Each time Firefox loads a page, it must be downloaded to your computer. This contributes to your monthly data cap (i.e monthly bandwidth) which is set by your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Since "tab apps" are always loaded when Firefox starts, it will take up part of your monthly data cap (i.e monthly bandwidth) each time Firefox starts. This isn't really a cause for concern but might be something to consider if you ever do hit your monthly data cap. I wouldn't worry about this if I were you because it's a really small issue unless you have thirty or so tab apps.

Cor-el also has a good alternative with the Roomy Bookmarks Toolbar.

@Cor-el, I think the "Don't load tabs until selected" is only valid for the option "When Firefox starts, show my windows and tabs from last time." Even so, the "tab apps" still load without you clicking on them first.

There is a pref browser.sessionstore.restore_pinned_tabs_on_demand (default: false) that sets the behavior for pinned tabs.

• http://kb.mozillazine.org/about:config