Font display in Firefox 3 on Ubuntu

Hello

http://forums.mozillazine.org/viewtopic.php?t=619955

The LCD patches might have patent problems. So mozilla compiles firefox against stock cairo.
Also here is a nice discussion on the same

http://forums.mozillazine.org/viewtopic.php?t=602280

and its a well known bug:

https://bugs.edge.launchpad.net/firefox/+bug/189720

Regards

Bhavani Shankar.

Thanks for the explanation and links Bhavani. I must admit I am not up on all this tech stuff - so did not really understand the launchpad discussion. I am curious however as to why a now discontinued browser like Galeon can work perfectly while the latest Firefox has such a basic problem. A browser is the most important software on a computer for the majority of users and can be the difference between a user sticking with Linux or running back to Windows.

Why did development on Galeon stop? Such a shame...

Finally, I don't know if this is the appropriate place to post this query, however...

I installed the pre LTS version of Ubuntu using the wubi installer from Windows. Will it have automatically upgraded itself to the LTS version? It did seem to download and install a lot of updates around the time the LTS version was issued.

Hi Peter,

I have been back to the page and you are right it now displays correctly! Had upgraded to Ubuntu 8.04LTS before I noticed this. Everything now seems to be lot better especially after adjusting font sizes on Mozilla and hinting, etc. in the Appearances menu.

Hello [b]msee[/b]
I'm a bit confused in following the discussion here. Did you find a solution to the problem ?
If so, would please write here how to improve the fonts appearance ?
I have same problem with Hardy Heron
Thank you

Assuming you are using an LCD monitor Merel, the first thing you need to do is go to System/Preferences/Appearance. Then select the Fonts tab and choose the Subpixel smoothing (LCDs) option at the bottom right of the dialog box.

You can then select the "Details..." option below that to fine tune the "Hinting" to further enhance the font display. I find that the "Slight" option works better on my screen. You should not need to alter any of the other options (Smoothing and Subpixel Order).

If Firefox is running you might need to restart it to see any changes. Don't forget you can also select alternate fonts and sizes in Firefox (Edit/Preferences/Content) to fine-tune the display. I personally think the standard Serif and SanSerif fonts are fine although I use a smaller size for each to bring the display in line with how pages are displayed in Windows.

Hope this helps.

msee ,
Thank you very very much ! I'l very happy with this.
You help is giving very valuable information to improve the fonts.
It sure makes a difference ! But one has to know it. It is not very user friendly.

There is a surprising thing that occurs when closing the last window (Hinting set on "Slight") and coming back to the first window (Fonts tab / subpixel smoothing). Looking at this window (remained open) one can see that all options are now marked with some small icon like a minus sign in a circle. This seems to inhibit any further changes.

Like some other users, I was already tempted to go back to Windows if the fonts were not any better in Ubuntu last version.

Glad you were able to fix fonts.

"It sure makes a difference ! But one has to know it. It is not very user friendly." Windows also has a similar feature hidden away in the Display Properties menu that the average user does not know about...

I think with Linux/Ubuntu one has to remember that unlike with Windows, you are not just buying software off the shelf with a set of manuals that no one bothers to read - instead you are joining a "community" that is not only willing to share knowledge and skills freely, but is one in which you can participate in up to the level of your ability and inclination.

I know how frustrating these problems can be - but one faces similar problems using Windows without the buzz of being part of something worthwhile. Just make sure you backup your data then you are free to explore, learn and become more familiar with system. I feel this route will be ultimately more rewarding than buying a limited license for Windows off Mr Gates every few years.

"Looking at this window (remained open) one can see that all options are now marked with some small icon like a minus sign in a circle"

I wouldn't worry about this - I think this is just a way of showing that you have altered the Detail settings. It doesn't prevent you making further changes - just click again on the option you want to select.

msee,
I didn' worry about that, since after relaunching the browser, it was obvious that the requested changes were made.
It is however surprising. In Windows I never saw any occurence where requested settings are somehow "altered"
(but not changed) after going down to details.

As for our "community" philosphy ... what else can be said ? I fully agree.
Launchpad organizes the information exchange in a very smart way.

Thanks again

Is there an easy way to have Firefox in ubuntu display a windows font ? I really don't like the standard fonts in ubuntu and prefer the crisps clear font of windows (especially since they are readable when they are small(saving visual space) and bold .