The about configuration is a hidden feature in some web browsers , such as Firefox or Chrome, that allows access to advanced settings and customization of the browsing experience. By typing about:config in the address bar, you can modify hundreds of options, such as page load speed , security, appearance, and extensions.
But be warned, about configuration shouldn't be taken lightly. It's a powerful tool that can have significant consequences for how your browser and even your system work. Therefore, you need to be careful and know what you're doing before changing the default values. In this article, we'll explain how to use about configuration and which settings are the most important to modify.
How do I access the about configuration?
To access the about configuration, simply type about:config in your browser's address bar and press Enter. You will then see a warning informing you of the risks involved in modifying the advanced settings. If you agree to continue, you will be taken to the about configuration .
On this page, you will see a list of preferences with their name, type ( string, boolean, or integer ), and value. You can search for a specific preference using the search bar at the top of the page. You can also sort the preferences by name , status (modified or not), or type by clicking on the column headers.
To modify a preference, simply double-click on it. Depending on the type of preference, you can either change its value directly, switch between true and false , or choose a value from a drop-down list. Once the change is made, it will be applied immediately without needing to restart the browser.
If you want to revert to the default value of a preference you've changed, simply right-click on it and choose Reset . You can also reset all changed preferences by clicking the Reset button at the bottom of the page.
Which parameters are the most interesting to modify?
There are hundreds of settings you can change using the about configuration, but not all of them are useful or relevant to your needs. Here's a selection of settings that can improve your browsing experience :
browser.tabs.closeWindowWithLastTab
This boolean setting determines whether the browser closes when you close the last tab. By default, it is set to true, meaning the browser closes. If you want to keep the browser open with a blank page , set it to false.
browser.urlbar.trimURLs
This boolean setting determines whether the browser displays the protocol ( http:// or https:// ) in the address bar. By default, it is set to true, meaning the protocol is hidden. If you want to see the full protocol, set it to false.
dom.event.clipboardevents.enabled
This boolean setting determines whether the browser allows websites to access the clipboard (copy and paste). By default, it is set to true, meaning websites can access the clipboard. If you want to protect your privacy and prevent websites from reading or modifying the clipboard's contents, set it to false.
network.http.pipelining
This boolean setting determines whether the browser uses pipelining to speed up page loading. Pipelining involves sending multiple HTTP requests in a single connection instead of waiting for a response for each request. By default, it is set to false, meaning pipelining is not used. If you want to speed up page loading, set it to true.
privacy.trackingprotection.enabled
This boolean setting determines whether the browser enables tracking protection. Tracking protection blocks content that can follow you across websites, such as ads, social media buttons, or analytics scripts. By default, it is set to false, meaning tracking protection is not enabled. If you want to protect your privacy and reduce unwanted ads , set it to true.
FAQs
How do I fix a setting I broke using about configuration?
If you changed a setting that caused a problem with your browser, you can try resetting it by right-clicking on it and choosing Reset . If that doesn't work, you can also reset all changed settings by clicking the Reset button at the bottom of the About settings page.
How do I add or remove a preference using the about configuration?
If you want to add a new preference that isn't in the list, right-click on the about configuration page and select New . You can then choose the preference type ( string, boolean, or integer ) and give it a name and value. If you want to delete a preference you've added or modified, right-click on it and select Delete .
How do I save my changes using the about configuration?
The changes you make using the about configuration are automatically saved to a file named prefs.js located in your browser's profile folder. You can copy this file to another computer or browser to transfer your changes. You can also use extensions like FEBE or MozBackup to back up and restore your settings .
How do I enable or disable the about configuration warning?
The warning that appears when you access the about configuration is intended to remind you of the risks involved in modifying advanced settings . If you wish to disable it, you can change the browser.aboutConfig.showWarning to false . If you wish to re-enable it, change it back to true .
Conclusion
About configuration is a powerful tool that allows you to customize your web browser to your needs and preferences . However, it must be used with caution, as it can also lead to malfunctions or security vulnerabilities. Before changing any setting, make sure you fully understand its role and impact. And don't forget to save your changes in case of problems.
