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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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What the heck is this trash shipping with firefox? about:compat (self.linux)

submitted 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) by mvirts to c/[email protected]

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Visit about:compat in your firefox. I find it insane that these exist.

Edit: I've learned that this is part of the webcompat system addon developed by Mozilla and other contributors. I see why this is beneficial default behavior, since FF has no chance of getting enough market share to matter more if things are broken.

However, this behavior is too intrusive for my taste. For example this injection: https://hg.mozilla.org/mozilla-central/file/8a4afb4d34f8/browser/extensions/webcompat/injections/js/bug1472075-bankofamerica.com-ua-change.js is basically just to silence annoying user reports.

Also, Every site FF pretends to be a different UA on is artificially reducing FF market share data.

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[–] [email protected] 57 points 2 months ago (2 children)

There are so many legitimate things to complain about with Mozilla, why do people go out of their way to complain about the most innocuous shit.

[–] [email protected] 14 points 2 months ago

I’m starting to think there’s a wave of people realizing that the internet is government surveillance technology and trying to square the circle.

[+] mvirts -11 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Lol I just happened across it :/ I know there are bigger issues at hand

[–] [email protected] 37 points 2 months ago (1 children)

This isn't even an issue though, its just to fix bugs with certain websites that block Firefox for no reason or have other weird compatibility issues. Which I would think is a good thing?

[+] mvirts -14 points 2 months ago (2 children)

You're right, for a browser meant for the masses it is probably a net benefit. I posted because I was surprised by this hidden behavior that seems better suited for a browser extension. Sneaky behavior like this is what I'm paranoid about in closed software like windows.

To your point, Linux itself is probably the #1 example of hacky patches to work around other people's problems.

[–] [email protected] 19 points 2 months ago

All web browsers have semi hidden pages like this for all sorts of purposes. Its not really intended to be secret, its just not stuff worth even adding to a file menu. Some of the about: pages in firefox are in some submenus, some on settings, but def not all. Tho you'll fimd them mentioned and linked in support guides.

If anything, the ability to access these is better than them being blocked...

[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 months ago

I don’t think that Sneaky or Secret are good descriptions for this. A better word might be “plumbing”.

When you realize that your house use full of hidden pipes and wires, it would be a strange take indeed to conclude that anybody is being “sneaky” about these “secret” features.