help.start() on linux (fedora 8) when firefox alreading running - a way to open a new tab?

Using linux fedora 8 (x86_64) I get the following when firefox is
already running.  Is there a way to adjust settings in either R or
firefox to open a new tab when help.start() is invoked?  Thanks.
--Dale

help.start()

Making links in per-session dir ...
If '/usr/bin/firefox' is already running, it is *not* restarted, and
    you must switch to its window.
Otherwise, be patient ...