OStatic

If you're intrigued by what you've heard about open source applications and want to see for yourself what the fuss is about, you might be concerned about getting in over your head or doing irreparable harm to your computer. While that fear is understandable, there are some ways to safely experiment with open source apps, without putting your system in danger. Once you get your feet wet, you'll wonder what you were ever worried about.

If you're already using the Firefox Web browser to surf the Internet, then you've already used open source software! Adding Firefox plugins is a great way to see firsthand how flexible open source apps can be. One of my favorite plugins is PermaTabs, a tool that keeps users from accidentally closing a tab by mistake. To find out for yourself how easy it is to install these little gems, simply navigate to the PermaTab's download page (using your Firefox browser, or course), then click on Show License Agreement. After reading the agreement, click Agree & Install and let Firefox do the rest. Once it's finished downloading (it will only be a matter of seconds with a high-speed connection), you'll see a box letting you know the plugin will complete the installation process the next time Firefox is restarted.

Nearly all Firefox plugins are just as easy to install so try several to find which ones you like best. To remove the ones you don't want, simply click Tools > Add-ons, then select the plugin from the list. Click "Uninstall" and once again, Firefox will do the work for you.

Hundreds of plugins and extensions have been developed by users for all sorts of purposes -- from productivity tools that let you manage your browsing experience to plugins that help you learn to type. That's the beauty of open source software; you can make it work the way you want it to instead of being forced to work within predetermined limitations.

If you liked that tip, then you'll love knowing how to make your Firefox browser uniquely yours by using the about:config feature. Unlike other browsers that let you change only a handful of basic preferences, Firefox users are allowed -- encouraged, actually -- to fine-tune settings under the hood, and it's very easy to do. Indeed, it's so easy that you'll want to make a backup of your preferences before you start tinkering, just in case you change a setting that causes Firefox to misbehave.

Read the instructions from Mozilla on how to edit your about:config settings, then be sure to check out this list of tweaks put together by Lifehacker's Gina Trapani (there's several more in the comments).

One of the best things about open source software is how customizable it is. With a little practice, you can learn how to make your apps work just right for you.

• firefox
• new user
• about:config
• plugins
• extensions
• browser