As I mentioned about three weeks ago, I got myself a new laptop.

At my age, switching to a new version of an operating system can be a little daunting.  Learning is not the problem.  I have no problem with the learning.  What I do have problems with is habit.  I get into the habit of doing things a particular way, and if I am forced off that way, I tend to get annoyed.

I mentioned before that I liked my “Classic Menu”.  I found a nice little programme (Classic Shell) that does exactly what I wanted.  What’s more, it gives be a configurable dual option – left click (for example) on the Start button gives the new Windows 7 Menu, whereas right click gives the “Classic”.  What I find interesting is that more and more I am using the Windows 7 version, and soon there will be no need for that programme at all.

For the last couple of days, I have been playing around with Firefox 4. 

At first glance there is little difference from Firefox 3, apart from little tweaks such as the tabs now extending to the full width of the screen, whereas in the old version, they were moved to the right by the Bookmarks/History panel.

One area where there is a significant difference is in the way the tabbed preview works.

In the case above, the curser is over the Firefox tab on the menu bar, which gives a preview of the tab currently open.

In Firefox 4 however, moving the curser over the menu gives a preview of every tab open in Firefox.  Moving the curser over the previews immediately shows that tab in the main screen, allowing for very easy and quick selection.

I don’t know if it is my imagination, but the screen seems a lot crisper in 4, as well.

Normally I only run Beta versions for test purposes, and will rever to the production version for normal use.  I find with Firefos 4 though that I use it all the time, and would be loath to revert.

Nice one, Firefox!