Firefox vs. BonEcho

January 11, 2007 5:03 AM

Is there a difference between BonEcho and Firefox 2.01? Also, why do both programs check from plugin updates EVERY time I load either program?

I have firefox set as my default browser, yet BonEcho launches, not firefox. Is there any discernible difference between the two? I'm running a MacBook Pro...any performance/compatibility differences, or is it the same program? If it's the same, then why have BonEcho at all? I'm confused.

posted by bronxteacher to Computers & Internet (6 answers total)

To help with your second question, in FF, if you go to Tools/Options/Advanced/Update, you should have the "automatically check for updates" options unchecked. In BonEcho it may be the same set-up.
posted by iconomy at 5:32 AM on January 11, 2007

Best answer: Bon Echo was the development nickname for Firefox 2. I don't know why you are seeing that nickname as opposed to Firefox.
posted by KirkJobSluder at 5:40 AM on January 11, 2007

Are you using a non-official build such as this one which is optimized for Intel Macs? If that's the case that is why you're seeing a different name.

From the site:

Why is the name / icon different?

I really shouldn’t have to keep repeating this, but every time I post a new Firefox release I still seem to get people annoyed / pissed off / confused as to why these builds are missing the Firefox name and icon. So here comes the strong emphasis:

The Firefox name and icon are copyrighted and cannot be used with non-official builds. These are non-official builds, so they cannot have the official branding. Pretty straight-forward. Please don’t ask me to build versions with the official branding.

posted by sveskemus at 6:06 AM on January 11, 2007

Yeah, the Mac-specific builds (Intel or otherwise) are branded as Bon Echo with a big Earth icon instead of the cute little scamp of a fox.
posted by yerfatma at 6:30 AM on January 11, 2007

Oops, to finish up: theoretically, Bon Echo is faster, but I never saw it. I trashed my copy earlier this week. Even if it were a bit quicker, it's not worth the headaches. Plus, given your machine is faster than mine, I can't imagine the speed gain was noticeable.
posted by yerfatma at 6:31 AM on January 11, 2007

Bon Echo is faster, but I never saw it.

Ditto.
posted by mkultra at 7:27 AM on January 11, 2007