Firefox nomming memory!

Niall · Sep 13, 2009, 18:26:27

I was sitting here before wondering why Firefox was REALLY sluggish, like something using a lot of memory. Sure enough, when I checked it was using 1gb! I uninstalled Flagfox thinking it might be an addon, then it occurred to me I've got no way of knowing what's causing it.

It's just occurred to me as I'm typing this that there was an update for Adobe flash a couple of days ago, so it's probably that again as it did that a while ago after an update, I seem to remember.

Anyone else seeing this? As I type my memory usage has gone over 500mb!

Rik · Sep 13, 2009, 18:27:52

85MB after a day's running, Niall. I do run Flagfox, so I don't think it's that. What other addons do you use?

Ray · Sep 13, 2009, 18:47:10

375Mb here, though I use quite a few add-ons.

Simon · Sep 13, 2009, 18:53:57

84Mb, running Sea Monkey. Yes, I know we're talking about Firefox, but I just thought I'd add it into the mix.

Rik · Sep 13, 2009, 18:56:58

Sounds like a recipe for disaster.

Ray · Sep 13, 2009, 18:57:27

Simon · Sep 13, 2009, 18:58:06

Nooo... it's using less resources than Firefox ever does on my machine, and that's with the email client running as well. It also doesn't take 3 or 4 minutes to start.

Rik · Sep 13, 2009, 19:01:38

We must get you off that 286, Simon, and onto a real processor.

Niall · Sep 13, 2009, 19:04:31

I'm sure it's the adobe flash plugin. It's the only thing I've updated in the last couple of days. I'm sure there's a thread (or was) on these forums about the same thing a while ago. I never have any problems with Firefox itself.

The only extensions I have are Twitterfox, adblock plus, flagfox, English dictionary, download helper, Google opt out and finally the .net framework assistant. None of which I've ever had problems with.

Plugins...

Adobe acrobat
Google update
Java platform
Windows media player
Quicktime
Realplayer
Shockwave flash

Basically the normal ones that come with Firefox, or ones you need to watch videos (like on teamtalk.com)

Rik · Sep 13, 2009, 19:06:20

Dump Acrobat Reader, Niall and get a copy of Foxit or better, PDF-XChange Viewer:

http://www.docu-track.com/downloads/users/

The rest should be OK.

Niall · Sep 13, 2009, 20:01:46

I forgot to mention that Firefox normally uses 50-60mb ram. I've just restarted it after readding Flagfox and it's running at 54mb.

I remember when people would moan if anything used more than 11

Den · Sep 13, 2009, 21:01:09

I changed across to Foxit and liked it very much until I found it would not open documents that I required each day from the Alarm Receiving Station I use. I uninstalled Foxit and installed the latest version of acrobat and have had no problems with it at all.

Sebby · Sep 13, 2009, 21:12:31

I've recently starting the switch from Firefox to Safari on my Mac. I've always been a big fan of Firefox, and I still prefer it, but it's getting to be a real memory hog, even with no add-ons.

Steve · Sep 13, 2009, 21:45:37

Not used FF for awhile now on the mac don't see any need for me personally.

Sebby · Sep 13, 2009, 22:03:22

I have to admit, there is actually quite a few Safari plugins available that give me the extras that I want from my browser (particularly Glims and Safari AdBlock), the only slight complication being that a few are awaiting Snow Leopard updates (though if you launch Safari in 32-bit mode, most work).

Supanova · Sep 14, 2009, 12:48:00

I used to use firefox but switch to google Chrome a while ago and I'm loving it. Quick, agile with a simple clean interface. Plus they moved 'open in new tab' to the top of the right-click menu

Rik · Sep 14, 2009, 12:49:47

I wonder what will end up being the 'new Firefox'?

JB · Sep 14, 2009, 13:04:21

Quote from: Niall on Sep 13, 2009, 19:04:31
I'm sure it's the adobe flash plugin. It's the only thing I've updated in the last couple of days.

This is interesting.

I too received the Adobe Flash upgrade for Firefox but noted that it insisted in installing an Adobe Download Manager as well. It also wanted to install a virus scanner, but I unticked that box. There didn't seem to be any way to have the Flash update without the Download Manager. I wasn't happy with this so restored from that mornings backup and am again running with the previous version of Flash.

If I can find a way of installing just the Flash upgrade without the other stuff (as used to be the case), I'll consider it. I don't want the Download Manager running as Flash is the only Adobe product I use, having Foxit installed for PDF's.

Gary · Sep 14, 2009, 13:12:20

As see it if you have enough Ram whats the worry? Most modern machines have 3GB and more so its there to be used, but on a limited machine Chrome would be a good bet if you do not use any of the firefox add-ons, not sure but I think Opera 10 uses a fair bit now as well. Im using 68mb right now with firefox.

Gary · Sep 14, 2009, 13:15:34

Quote from: 6jb on Sep 14, 2009, 13:04:21
This is interesting.

I too received the Adobe Flash upgrade for Firefox but noted that it insisted in installing an Adobe Download Manager as well. It also wanted to install a virus scanner, but I unticked that box. There didn't seem to be any way to have the Flash update without the Download Manager. I wasn't happy with this so restored from that mornings backup and am again running with the previous version of Flash.

If I can find a way of installing just the Flash upgrade without the other stuff (as used to be the case), I'll consider it. I don't want the Download Manager running as Flash is the only Adobe product I use, having Foxit installed for PDF's.

Just uninstall the download manager afterwards, its not needed.

Sebby · Sep 14, 2009, 14:39:50

Quote from: Rik on Sep 14, 2009, 12:49:47
I wonder what will end up being the 'new Firefox'?

I think it's fast becoming Chrome, which is strange, as I didn't like it when I tried it briefly on Windows. I guess Google have gone for what people want these days - speed and simplicity. I'm looking forward to the Mac version coming out, though I'm pretty happy with Safari for the time being. Firefox just feels quite sluggish in comparison, which is again strange as it once felt very rapid (though I guess anything does against IE!).

Gary · Sep 14, 2009, 14:48:09

Quote from: Sebby on Sep 14, 2009, 14:39:50
I think it's fast becoming Chrome, which is strange, as I didn't like it when I tried it briefly on Windows. I guess Google have gone for what people want these days - speed and simplicity. I'm looking forward to the Mac version coming out, though I'm pretty happy with Safari for the time being. Firefox just feels quite sluggish in comparison, which is again strange as it once felt very rapid (though I guess anything does against IE!).

I agree Sebby, but I have this nagging dubt over all things google which is the only reason I dont have it on my box, but it is fast and very simple from using it on other machines, makes you wonder what the Google OS will be like

Rik · Sep 14, 2009, 15:23:16

Like you, Gary, I don't quite trust Google, which is a shame when you think what they've done for the web.

Sebby · Sep 14, 2009, 15:47:32

I also don't trust them, fwiw.

JB · Sep 14, 2009, 16:06:28

Quote from: Gary on Sep 14, 2009, 13:15:34
Just uninstall the download manager afterwards, its not needed.

I tried that but it wouldn't uninstall. When attempting to uninstall it from "control panel/add or remove programs", although the uninstall button appeared to 'click' nothing happened and there was no error message.

It leads me to believe that there is something wrong with it which may or may not relate to Niall's previous posts.

Rik · Sep 14, 2009, 16:38:39

Have you re-booted, JB?

vitriol · Sep 14, 2009, 19:28:44

Althoug the initial problem seems to have been sorted, for information my Firefox is currently using 56mb.

Rik · Sep 14, 2009, 19:34:52

I'm currently at 58 - it does vary doesn't it...

Niall · Sep 14, 2009, 20:07:35

I disabled the adobe gubbins but as I speak the memory usage is creeping up. Currently it's at 198mb...

It's just ocurred to me that the only other thing I've updated lately is actually Firefox. For some reason the last update hadn't downloaded before, but did when I told it to.

Hmm something doesn't like something, but I dunno what!

Rik · Sep 15, 2009, 06:15:34

What happens if you disable all addons, Niall?

mrapoc · Sep 15, 2009, 08:16:11

Try some of these Niall

JB · Sep 15, 2009, 08:30:06

Quote from: Rik on Sep 14, 2009, 16:38:39
Have you re-booted, JB?

Yes Rik, I had rebooted. I think I will wait for the next update and try again with that.

Gary · Sep 15, 2009, 08:39:46

Quote from: 6jb on Sep 15, 2009, 08:30:06
Yes Rik, I had rebooted. I think I will wait for the next update and try again with that.

Odd, it uninstalled fine here, maybe run the adobe flash removal tool and reinstal? then remove it as soon as you have installed flash player

JB · Sep 15, 2009, 17:00:38

Thanks Gary. I'll try that.

Rik · Sep 15, 2009, 17:03:05

Curiously, I got that download today, JB, but only on one machine.

Gary · Sep 15, 2009, 17:37:38

Quote from: Rik on Sep 15, 2009, 17:03:05
Curiously, I got that download today, JB, but only on one machine.

what was that Rik, Flash player?

Rik · Sep 15, 2009, 17:48:07

Flash Player and the d/l manager.

Gary · Sep 15, 2009, 17:58:01

Quote from: Rik on Sep 15, 2009, 17:48:07
Flash Player and the d/l manager.

That fix came out a few weeks ago I think, Rik

its annoying they have the downloader attached to it now though

Rik · Sep 15, 2009, 18:00:51

I wonder why I got it today, and just on one machine?

mrapoc · Sep 15, 2009, 18:11:04

mines usin 35mb atm

my main issue is wen u complete a download, nod32 seems to freeze it up

Rik · Sep 15, 2009, 18:15:44

v4, Sam?

Gary · Sep 15, 2009, 18:24:04

Quote from: mrapoc on Sep 15, 2009, 18:11:04
mines usin 35mb atm

my main issue is wen u complete a download, nod32 seems to freeze it up

I'm using version 4 and don't have that issue, Nod carries on fine, it scans in the background anyway so should be ok really

Rik · Sep 15, 2009, 18:25:07

I've seen some versions of v4 'freeze' for a while at the end of a d/l, Gary. Not sure which or why.

Gary · Sep 15, 2009, 18:29:13

Quote from: Rik on Sep 15, 2009, 18:25:07
I've seen some versions of v4 'freeze' for a while at the end of a d/l, Gary. Not sure which or why.

Odd there is a new version 3 out which may help some people but I seem to be pretty bug free on V4 so far, sometimes it has issues with windows firewall on boot, but thats generally after a MS update, apart from that it just sits and does its thing, its about time for another v4 update really.

Niall · Sep 17, 2009, 21:47:11

My laptop updated tonight (I've not used it much in the last 2 weeks) and lo and behold, memory usage is going through the roof.

I think that settles where the issue lies, as the only thing in common with the two PCs is Firefox. The only add ons I have on this laptop for the browser is the ebay one. 296mb ram used at the moment.

{edit} I tell a lie, the only other thing is adobe flash updated tonight too, but I'm pretty sure that it's not that.

It's just occurred to me that I've also recently installed that Natwest rapport thing. Maybe that is causing issues. I'll have a go at uninstalling it.

Technical Ben · Sep 17, 2009, 22:53:41

One second... um... Let me google that for you...
It appears to be a feature, not a bug. Firefox caches pages. This eats up memory. I don't know how to limit the cache. Perhaps in options, or the more advances settings file/page?

[edit]
Apparently, you need to type "about:config" into the address bar.
Then go to "browser.sessionhistory.max_entries" in the list and reduce it to like 5, for 5 pages. Or 10, 25 etc. Depends on what kind of speed you want and how much you go back and forth between pages. Hope that helps.
More tips here.More tips here. Guess you can reduce the cache size itself to 50mb etc.

Niall · Sep 19, 2009, 11:40:38

It's not the cache that's the problem. It's a memory issue. I can sit here with one page open, having browsed no other sites and watch the memory usage go through the roof. For example I've only looked at this forum in my current session and the memory use has risen to 195mb and is rising as I type.

Sebby · Sep 19, 2009, 12:31:43

I've seen the same, Niall.

Gary · Sep 19, 2009, 13:47:55

I'm using 51mb at the moment, never had useage as high as you Nial though, have you turned off Firefox precaching of pages? it does this when you search google etc, so you end up with cookies from pages you do not visit, that may use more resources, I always turn that off. Type about:config look for Network Prefetch Next and double click it to make it false and restart firefox, also you dont have pilelining turned on do you? Thats not good to use even though people think it is.

Niall · Sep 19, 2009, 14:18:38

Whatever settings I have, everything gets cleared. As I say, it does it with only one page viewed, no links, no cookies, nothing extra. I've uninstalled add ons too, and it still happens. I'm now wondering if Firefox is knackered or the recent windows updates are conflicting with something it relies on.

I'm stumped.

Simon · Sep 19, 2009, 15:48:52

Would it be worth trying SeaMonkey as an experiment, Niall? You can install the browser only, if you don't want the mail client and stuff. Just choose Custom from the install menu.

http://www.seamonkey-project.org/

Niall · Sep 19, 2009, 16:34:53

I think I've figured it out. I uninstalled Rapport (protection thing from Natwest) and I've sat here with 8 webpages open and my usage is 69mb after about 30 minutes. I even played a pig throwing game on the national lottery site as I won £6.90 last night, and I won £15

Rik · Sep 19, 2009, 16:42:12

Nice to know, thanks, Niall.

Niall · Sep 19, 2009, 17:01:15

The best part is, the £18.90 I won on the lottery paid for last night drinks in the Acton pub

(just to be nerdy, the photo I posted before of the four dogs gateway, is 50 yards to the right of the pub. There, you can rest easy now

)

Rik · Sep 19, 2009, 17:05:40

Technical Ben · Sep 19, 2009, 20:28:03

Quote from: Niall on Sep 19, 2009, 11:40:38
It's not the cache that's the problem. It's a memory issue. I can sit here with one page open, having browsed no other sites and watch the memory usage go through the roof. For example I've only looked at this forum in my current session and the memory use has risen to 195mb and is rising as I type.

Hmmm. The cache does affect memory (both hdd and ram, depending on what FF wan;t to do with it). But if you have not checked the pages yet, then I'm stumped. Do you have RSS feeds setup that might be updating/caching? I know FF is know for memory leaks.

Niall · Sep 19, 2009, 20:38:41

It's funny you should mention that. I've deliberately left Firefox running since I posted and the memory use has actually crept up slowly to 111mb, whereas before with Rappport installed it was shooting up within minutes. I was just wondering about RSS feeds as it would make sense that they are cached and constantly update, so that may well explain it. I've got 9 feeds on there so I'll start deleting some to test.

P.S. Mexican chilli Mcoys are awesome

Niall · Sep 20, 2009, 17:11:06

Okay I give up. Memory use currently 122mb. I've uninstalled all add ons on the laptop to test it and it's doing it there too. So it's on XP and Vista, with and without add ons/plugins, with some add ons making the problem worse. I've also removed any and all RSS feeds, and even the shortcuts I had on the bar too. There is literally no reason I can see for it happening.

Therefore it's my opinion that the latest update for Firefox is to blame.

Oh, I should add that it seems totally random too. Currently my laptop is running at 66mb looking at ebay. I could close Firefox, clearing the cache, etc and it would look at that same page 5 minutes later and have memory issues.

I think I'll have a nose at Opera until the next patch

Niall · Sep 20, 2009, 17:45:36

Ew that was a horrible experience. Opera seems okay at first until you realise the way they've organised the bookmark feature is stupid. There is a speed dial page which initially I thought was a good idea, then I realised it's a separate tab again, which defeats the point. Then I realised there's no ad blocking as Firefox has, which was very annoying. Doing a search for various things, most links seemed to return info from 2005 and Opera 9, with people arguing about ad blocking.

Ah balls to it, I just give up. I've spent far too long fannying around when I should be playing guitar. I'm off!

Gary · Sep 20, 2009, 19:53:47

Quote from: Niall on Sep 20, 2009, 17:45:36
Ew that was a horrible experience. Opera seems okay at first until you realise the way they've organised the bookmark feature is stupid. There is a speed dial page which initially I thought was a good idea, then I realised it's a separate tab again, which defeats the point. Then I realised there's no ad blocking as Firefox has, which was very annoying. Doing a search for various things, most links seemed to return info from 2005 and Opera 9, with people arguing about ad blocking.

Ah balls to it, I just give up. I've spent far too long fannying around when I should be playing guitar. I'm off!

use AdMuncher to block adverts, it blocks ads in all aps like msn messenger etc not just firefox.

Niall · Sep 20, 2009, 20:43:57

No I'm sulking now, so ner

Sebby · Sep 20, 2009, 22:21:42

How about Chrome, Niall?

Simon · Sep 20, 2009, 22:23:43

I did mention SeaMonkey earlier, as well. It's the closest you can get to Firefox, without all the crud.

Sebby · Sep 20, 2009, 22:26:13

Yep, probably a good suggestion if you particularly want to keep something that's similar to FF.

Gary · Sep 21, 2009, 11:39:50

Quote from: Sebby on Sep 20, 2009, 22:21:42
How about Chrome, Niall?

I prefer a less shiny finish myself

Sebby · Sep 21, 2009, 19:28:33

Niall · Sep 21, 2009, 22:24:24

Quote from: Sebby on Sep 21, 2009, 19:28:33

That smiley entertains me

Sebby · Sep 21, 2009, 23:36:43

Gary · Sep 22, 2009, 00:23:14

Quote from: Sebby on Sep 21, 2009, 19:28:33

Rik · Sep 22, 2009, 09:53:06

Quote from: Niall on Sep 21, 2009, 22:24:24
That smiley entertains me

You should meet it on a dark night!

Gary · Sep 24, 2009, 09:25:16

Quote from: Rik on Sep 22, 2009, 09:53:06
You should meet it on a dark night!

It wears a Mac

Rik · Sep 24, 2009, 09:39:50

Well, the poster does.

Gary · Sep 24, 2009, 09:46:06

Quote from: Rik on Sep 24, 2009, 09:39:50
Well, the poster does.

That brings to mind alleys, and Sebby doing bad bad things

Rik · Sep 24, 2009, 09:47:08

You mean giving money to Apple?

Sebby · Sep 24, 2009, 19:18:18

Niall · Oct 17, 2009, 22:35:41

Has anyone else noticed that Firefox has just blocked "windows presentation plugin" and the .net framework extension?

Now my memory use is 67K-74K. I think that's sorted what the problem was.

Simon · Oct 18, 2009, 00:58:44

Ray · Oct 18, 2009, 08:58:55

Quote from: Niall on Oct 17, 2009, 22:35:41
Has anyone else noticed that Firefox has just blocked "windows presentation plugin" and the .net framework extension?

Now my memory use is 67K-74K. I think that's sorted what the problem was.

Yes I've just had that, Niall, in fact I've been having a lot of problems over the last few days with FF freezing and having to restart, since it blocked those 2 items I haven't had a problem with it and my memory usage has dropped right down as well.

Lona · Oct 18, 2009, 11:10:36

Was just reading this thread and thought I would add that a Flash update is going the rounds that is in fact a virus. I just wonder if that could be affecting memory.

Gary · Oct 18, 2009, 11:26:50

The blocking of the windows presentation plugin" and the .net framework extension were done as even though they have been patched this week Mozilla considered the plugins to still be a security risk as some users may not be patched, so they added them to the block list.

http://www.networkworld.com/news/2009/101709-mozilla-blocks-microsofts-buggy-firefox.html

Trouble is they are now stuck in the GUI and cannot be removed

Gary · Oct 18, 2009, 11:29:15

Quote from: Lona on Oct 18, 2009, 11:10:36
Was just reading this thread and thought I would add that a Flash update is going the rounds that is in fact a virus. I just wonder if that could be affecting memory.

I only ever take updates from Adobe web page never from third party sites, also if something dodgy gets installed 9/10 times Prevx 3 will find it as soon as it launches. Its amazing what slips past most AV's these days

Lona · Oct 18, 2009, 11:40:02

I've just checked Task Manager and under performance the memory reading is 791. Am I checking the correct bit.?

Gary · Oct 18, 2009, 11:44:34

Quote from: Lona on Oct 18, 2009, 11:40:02
I've just checked Task Manager and under performance the memory reading is 791. Am I checking the correct bit.?

In Task manager you should see firefox in image name then user name, then CPU and then Memory that's the value that helps, mine is 81,9280k but I'm listening to radio one on demand through mine.

Lona · Oct 18, 2009, 11:55:43

Firfox on mine is just over 46,000.

Gary · Oct 18, 2009, 12:03:59

Quote from: Lona on Oct 18, 2009, 11:55:43
Firfox on mine is just over 46,000.

Depends on what pluggins you have what FF is doing at the time etc how many tabs open etc, I have a tab open well a pop out for the radio and a bunch of plugins for iTunes etc which all effect usage. That is nice and low so no worries though.