Clicking an URL to evoke a browser
 

Hi folks,

FedoreCore2
KDE desktop

To evoke an URL on a OpenOffice document I have to start Mozilla browser first. Then on clicking the URL the web page will start. Otherwise without starting Mozilla browser clicking an URL has no effect.

Please advice where I have to edit/configure so that clicking an URL will start the default browser and then the webpage without starting browser first. If I need to use Firebox as the default browser where shall I edit/configure.

TIA

B.R.
satimis

firefox nowadays has the startup script 'firefox' a tad modified to incorporate behaviour like you described.. IF no firefox is around, itll start a new one, if one is around it will open a new window, or a new tab based on your preferences.. So, calling 'firefox URL' will get you there no matter what the situation..

Now, configuring that OOo would use 'firefox URL' as the method of opening them, thats another story indeed.. A story I have no idea of, ive allways hated OOo..

edit: well, had a go at it anyways, a quick grepping in OOo:s installdir revealed:
/usr/local/OpenOffice.org1.1.4/program/python-core-2.2.2/lib/webbrowser.py

The directory will most likely vary for you, but now you know what file to edit.. well, perhaps not edit.. it contains lots of useful info on how OOo handles browsers..

another edit:
well, my experiments with the file led to only one thing: a corrupted config file -> OOo error that reveals the location of the setting in the OOo setup, and voila, there is a field to set the browser.. So: Tools -> Options -> External Programs ->HTTP etc.. I keyed in firefox, and voila, it opens my dummy link to the existing firefox, or starts a new one if I close it first..

Hi Artanicus,

Tks for your advice.

I found out the trick.

If I add full path to HTTP and HTTPS under "Execute link using" e.g.

/usr/bin/firefox

It won't work.

If just add
firefox

there it works. Clinking URL on OOo doc will start Firefox and then the webpage.

B.R.
satimis