A new version of the Firefox Web browser debuted on Tuesday, promising speedier browsing, swifter updates and better pop-up blocking.
Firefox 1.5, available free via download, is the browser's first major update since creator, the Mozilla Foundation, introduced it about a year ago. Since then, Firefox has emerged as one of the most popular alternatives to Microsoft's Internet Explorer, with more than 100 million copies downloaded in the first year, more than 40 million active users and about 8 percent of the browser market.
Firefox is also one of the most widely distributed open source programs, meaning anyone can use and modify the code. Thousands of volunteer programmers contributed to the new version of the browser, and more than 750,000 people were involved in testing it since Mozilla, a not-for-profit organisation, released the first test version on 1 November.
New in the 1.5 version are more sophisticated security and performance features. In addition to a more effective pop-up blocker, the updated browser is designed to ease security updates. The program checks daily for patches, downloads them automatically and then prompts users to install them, said Chris Beard, vice-president of products at Mozilla.
Other improvements include forward and backward browsing buttons designed to load Web pages more quickly and a new drag-and-drop feature for browser tabs lets users keep related pages together.
Firefox 1.5 also supports new Web programming standards, such as AJAX, that enable more graphical capabilities in Web pages. And the browser features more sophisticated application programming interfaces for people who build and use add-on programs, such as browser-based weather updates.
Mozilla plans to introduce new versions more frequently from now on. Firefox 2.0 is due in mid-2006, and the 3.0 release is set for the first quarter of 2007. The group expects to release security and stability updates every six to eight weeks.
In keeping with its grassroots image, Mozilla is tapping its users to help promote the new version of Firefox. It plans to publish their amateur video endorsements on its Web site. Anyone can upload a video for the group's review.
Talkback
Mozilla firefox , is good for a few weeks then it wears out and starts branching out and crating its own setup systems and different ports.
Firefox 1.5 is by far the slickest, most polished browser on the market today!
I've been using the previous versions of Firefox for about 4 months now and I think I am yet to have a single program crash! ...something which was an occasional annoyance with Internet Explorer (especially when writing long emails on Hotmail and then loosing the lot because I tried to open another window).
I find the tabbed browsing is especially useful, stops the taskbar from getting cluttered with browser windows.
I therefor must recommend it to anyone who uses the internet.
The best thing about the new Firefox is the fast back and forward buttons! No more long wait simply to visit the last page!
What is it about Firefox? So much for Microsoft's 'innovation', IE is still stuck in the 90's. Firefox on the other hand has introduced (along with other browsers I'm sure) Tabbed Browsing, Poppup Blocking, Decent Form Saving, RSS feeds and now fast working back/forward buttons.
Can't wait for whats next!
I like it.
A lot.
Yea, but this will break a lot of my extensions. These are what keep me 'tied' to FF, in a good way. If anything I hope the updating for extensions is more accurate and the C&P URL issue is sorted out.
The first post here is a complete lie.
-- an airforce intelligence officer who can't spell 'creating' ? come off it-- Firefox does none of those things, it does not 'wear out' in any way.
What it *does* is set the standard of excellence for browsers of the future.
If you are thinking of switching consider this: the previous version of Firefox is more advanced than the next version of Internet Explorer.
I'm already in Deer Park.
Sleeping Gaint!
Having been in technology for past 10 years. I've seen alot of company's come and go. All this hype about Google and how Google will crush Microsoft.
Technology companies hate being second to anyone. I was a Microsoft developer sometime ago. If Micosoft feels that their position is being threated by a new comer. Remember the days of the "browser" wars. Microsoft came from behind and crushed Netscape.
Microsoft has been challenged my times in the past and come out on top. Micosoft is a sleeping giant, all this hype about Google has woke this mighty beast.
My money is on Microsoft where's yours?
Ofcourse extensions are a matter of personal taste. If you want or need certain ones that aren't updated yet then the best thing to do is to wait for the updated versions. My guess is that it'll be just a matter of time before that'll happen or an equally good or better alternative becomes available. So no need to rush, move at your own leasure.
Sleeping giant? Look towards the East. Think of Darwin. Research history.
Well, I actually think Apple are the ones that Microsoft is most worried about, not Google. The sleeping giant as woken up alot smaller and things are changing on the tech landscape. Microsoft as a dominant force is coming to and end, if you ask me. Within 10 years, things will look very different. Microsoft will still be there but not nearly has strong as they are now! Oh, and this opinion comes from someone who has also been doing this for a long time!
Arthur B.: I actually did update and found none of them to brake, sure I edited them to get them working in the first place, so I guess my credit didn't run out.
The best thing about extensions is that its like a new browser every time you find one. Think, when IE comes out it will have the usual bug fixes, security this and that but most notably a couple of new features; I can get those on a whim.
Extensions are also special because they are not just feature providers, but regualtors. I can add the things I want and deffinately get the 'misc' features I want. That's simply not possible with IE, its a one-size-fits-all mentality, I much preffer the community spirit and thought put into the idea of extensions.