214523 - First Run and Throbber Pages

Status: RESOLVED WONTFIX

(Firefox :: General, defect, P2)

Description

[Ben Goodger (use ben at mozilla dot org for email)]

We need a "first run" page for Firebird - an entirely-above-the-fold page that
briefly shows users how to use major components of browser window, and some
links to support sites. 

Throbber also needs to be pointed at the products page so users can use it to
get updates.

Comment 1

[Pham]

Throbber also needs to be pointed at the products page so users can use it to
get updates.

Mozilla.org is the only place I know that uses the throbber as something other
than a progress indicator

Comment 2

[Pham]

Also, Home is a link but no link cursor

Comment 3

[Pham]

*** Bug 219759 has been marked as a duplicate of this bug. ***

Comment 4

[Neil Paris]

*** Bug 245802 has been marked as a duplicate of this bug. ***

Comment 5

[John Lee]

The first run page should make a *cursory* introduction to extensions and themes
and explicitly link to them so people can take full advantage of Firefox. Just a
suggestion.

Comment 6

[David Hallowell]

(In reply to comment #1)
> Mozilla.org is the only place I know that uses the throbber as something other
> than a progress indicator

All versions of Netscape did, IE used to ages ago (IE3 for sure, not sure about 4).

Comment 7

[Jonathan Hirshon]

(In reply to comment #5)
> The first run page should make a *cursory* introduction to extensions and themes
> and explicitly link to them so people can take full advantage of Firefox. Just a
> suggestion.

My suggested take on this:

Upon the first running of a *new* install of Firefox (or Tbird), via the default
installer (which is what a new user will use anyway, particularly on Windows and
Mac) on ANY operating system , the program should FOR THE FIRST INSTANCE ONLY OF
THE PROGRAM'S RUNNING, send the user to a default page which says *IN THE VERY
FIRST SENTENCES* someting akin to the following:

"On behalf of both the Developers and the Mozilla community, welcome to what
users and reviewers alike consider the finest Internet software available - as
you will shortly discover, Mozilla programs allow you, the user, an
unprecedented level of customization to the appearance and functionality of your
Internet experience. By way of example, if you would prefer to change the
appearance of this software - its 'look and feel' - click this link to see a
wide range of alternate user interfaces and extensions designed by others in the
community. Again, our thanks for your support of what is rapidly becoming a new
standard of excellence for browsing and email - the Mozilla solution."

The link should be to a jump page with options to go to the Texturizer or
Firefox/Tbird/Mozilla theme / extension page(s).

I believe this approach serves two functions - it THANKS the user for trying
this new software (always a good thing to appear 'kindler and gentler' than the
default solution you are seeking to replace) AND instantly shows them how to
change the theme IF and I say IF they don't like it - right when they first run
the software.

Comment 8

[Ben Goodger (use ben at mozilla dot org for email)]

We are no longer doing this. Throbber page -> Product Page, Start Page -> Start
Page.