Hi Sam!
I run Firefox as my browser as well.
https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/connection-settings-firefox
Not an IT dude either. But on the www since before Al Gore invented it.
Sometimes tuning your settings can help. The variables include other things specific to your computer. So, for example, my settings probably would not necessarily work for your computer.
When fine tuning your browser, do it slowly. Make a tuning change, try it for a few minutes or days, then change it back if it doesn't help.
When you hit onto ones that do seem to help, leave them. Eventually you will find the ones that behave for you and your web travels.
A few other things you might explore are
AdBlock.
https://getadblock.com/
This specifically works well with Firefox. I was getting VERY aggravated with ads when farting around on the web. Not anymore.
Now I have some sites asking me to turn it off for their site. Maybe I will, but usually I don't.
I go places for the Meat and Potatoes. Maybe I don't want their gravy on my time there?
Another Firefox add on I like is
Dashlane https://www.dashlane.com/firefox-install
It can remember log in's for sites. As long as your computer is yours, or if you don't care about others who might use your PC (No security issues, ie: Jackass Nephew's, stray dogs, etc.). I like it because it can help me get in places faster. Or not, if I choose to not let it run loose on some sites, Say bank sites...
Anyway, hope some of that helps.
