Week in review: A speedier new Firefox

Mozilla's latest browser version, Firefox 3.5, made its official public debut this week, pleasing users with new, faster features, but in no particular way leaping ahead of its predecessor or its growing host of competitors.

Firefox 3.5, the embodiment of Mozilla's attempt to "upgrade the Web," was released Thursday for Windows, Windows Portable, Mac, and Linux. Some of its key improvements are a new a new JavaScript engine for faster Web applications such as Google Docs; the ability to show video built into Web pages without plug-ins; a private browsing mode; fancy downloadable fonts; and geolocation technology that can let Web sites know where you are.

Firefox 3.5 slideshow

These features excited users, though they came as little surprise. The release followed a testing process that involved four beta builds, three release candidates, and a version number change.

But the thing is, even though Mozilla's browser broke Microsoft's lock on the market--Internet Explorer's market share is down a dramatic 8 percentage points to 65.5 percent in about the last year--Firefox is no longer the only scrappy, alternative browser in town. Other serious contenders now include Apple's Safari, Google's Chrome, and Opera.

And of course, there's also the challenge of getting Web programmers to employ Firefox 3.5's features.

Still, Firefox has come a long way, as we illustrate in this history of its big interface changes, from version 0.8 up to this week's release. And don't miss our list of Firefox extensions we've found to work--or break--in the new Firefox 3.5.

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[lfreel]

I not been able to use FF long enough with XP SP3 to make any comparison with IE8. The latest version as well as previous versions crash after 24 hours or so. So no FF for me.

[nuprn1]

I'd have to agree... faithful user over the last few version this is by far the worst. Crashes a lot, corrupted the profiles on upgrade (lost logins/bookmarks), hanging processes on exit (and even double if you try to start it up)

[Fil0403]

I use 32-bit and 64-bit IE8 daily and heavily on my Vista 64-bit and I don't remember the last time it crashed (if it ever did), so I'd say it's pretty brainless to conclude that IE8 > FF3.5 (unless you consider loading webpages 0,1 s faster to be more important than crashing considerable less, that is).

[ddesy]

Maybe you have these problems, but I'm running it without issues on three computers running Windows XP SP3, one running Windows 7 RC, and one running Mac OS X 10.4.

[jake3373]

Firefox 3.5 is working fine for me on Win7 RC 64-bit, Vista 32-bit, and multiple XP machines. Also, it used to be the best browser on my old Windows ME (which has been gone for a few years)

The only credit I give to IE is that it starts up faster. Besidfes that, FF is the best (although Chrome is faster, but I can't live w/o add-ons)

[FF2009]

I have tried Chrome, Opera, and Safari..but I always come back to Firefox. Nothing comes closer to Firefox with it's endless add-ons I cant live without... hands down, the best Browser.

[Fil0403]

It's no wonder you find FF the best browser, you haven't tried IE8.

[jake3373]

@Fil0403:
I have tried IE8, and FF is still better (there are several HTML4/XHTML pages that I developed that run fine in FF and won't even work at all in IE, and if I have a PHP script that takes a few minutes to load (mostly video conversion), FF displays it perfectly while IE just gives up and displays an Internal Server Error)

[Pliskin101]

I tried IE8, FF3.5, Opera 10 beta, Chrome Dev, Safari 4, but eventually, I use Safari for daily use (because of nice font smoothing), Chrome when I want something fast (fast startup, fast loading...).

I only use Firefox when I need to use addon such as downthemall, other than that, i don't need Firefox at all...

[Fil0403]

I liked your well-supported argument regarding the reason not to use IE8 (could it be simply because you have no real good reason other than it being from Microsoft?).

[ddesy]

Fil0403 : There is a great reason to not use IE8. Microsoft still isn't doing a good job of properly supporting web standards!

[tm_anon]

If I happened to use Windows and wanted more viruses, I'd use IE. I use Linux though, no IE for me even if wanted it for some strange reason.

I've also done my research, IE8 comes in dead last for any of the modern browsers when it comes to speed and web compatibility (standards).

Now, perhaps the fanboy can stop talking or at least give some argument to why his particular browser choice is, in fact, better than anyone elses.

[goodspeed8701]

Tm_anus its your research. And its baseless research. When real people do the research I will consider it. But research from you is pointless and biased. So I consider it a troll.

[jake3373]

I ran SunSpider on IE8 and FF 3.5 and FF was 3.5x faster, so there's proof.

[guest86]

So why people said Firefox crash often? Alright. Better move to SeaMonkey, I did test on SeaMonkey never get crash. Have very similar to Firefox. You must have use NoScript, FlashBlock, and Adblock Plus to protect your computer. You don't get risk anymore. Like we are still banning all strange java, script, ads, junk dump advertisements website confuse you, and other weird programs from internet. So we know internet is very annoy too far.

Opera, Internet Explorer, Netscape, AOL, Safari, and other programs without NoScript, Flashblock, adblock addon will screw your computer down! But addons are not support. Only support on Firefox and SeaMonkey or possible Flock. Please watch out for infect java or script going install virus on your computer without notice. So please use Firefox or SeaMonkey for best protection against virus come from infect Java or Script jump on your hard drive - worms eat something your files and screw your operating system down. Worms are everywhere drive or swimming through internet everyday happen.

Don't hate Mozilla team! Mozilla is super clever in the world than Microsoft.

[goodspeed8701]

IE works for me FF crash for me. I don't browse the web with ignorance so i don't go to porn site and other warez site. No need for no script if you surf the web with ya brain.

[Fil0403]

Maybe you'd like to explain then why 1) so many people report having FF crashing every day and 2) my girlfriend, her parents, and I have used IE8 ever since it was released and haven't had any significant malware problem yet.

[Fil0403]

@ goodspeed8701: I know people that use IE8 to go to porn and warez sites with default settings and haven't had any significant malware issues, so one more reason to disbelieve ignorant comments like guest86's.

[brienza1975]

I got the feeling this Fil0403 guy works for Microsoft...IE8 sucks and always will!!!!

[Fil0403]

I got the feeling that this brienza1975 guy is another short-minded ignorant for whom anybody that likes IE has to work for Microsoft... You suck and always will!!!!!

[guest86]

I agree with goodspeed8701! That why Java and Script are sucks. Many strange .exe come with download which have virus inside and we are blind not see virus come in our computers and mess up. All virus/worms/malwares can disable System Restore, Lock up, Disable internet, and many more. People do format all over again will hurt hard drive life cycle then replace hard drive again, again.

Hey Fil0403, you miss something.

Someone install infect Java or script on Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, and other social websites can harm millions of computer then become corrupt. Like Confiker worm did it. Remember this on April 2009, that one what people are worry about this one. I saw happen everyday on Google News. Terrible things! Still more coming in the future. Virus can't stopped! Oh my god! More more virues, malwares, spywares, worms are come on way. No! NO! Microsoft and software companies need wake up!


Yes!!! brienza1975 is correct what brienza said that! Microsoft is lazy and forget to fix up.

Mozilla teams told to all people must use Firefox or SeaMonkey with addon will help people a lot. Microsoft is fail and too late add protection for Internet Explorer to be avoid get by to virus, malware, worms, etc.

[goodspeed8701]

I still not see any reason to use firefox. I used it once because I need to use an FTP addon built fot it to upload a site. Ever since I got a license for cuteFTP FF is now eating dust. IE and Opera for me.

[Fil0403]

Welcome in the club: the general lack of any decent arguments/reasons/reasoning from FF users on why to use FF instead of IE is for me probably the greatest proof that the biggest reason to use FF is probably because it's not from Microsoft.

[Fil0403]

Just to make it clear, I mean reasons that are actually true and significant, not things like "because it's safer" (an good and significant advantage of FF that vanished with the release of IE7) or "because it loads pages 0,1 s faster".

[tm_anon]

How about you give a reason why IE8 is better than Firefox since this article was about Firefox. You made the claim, the burden of proof belongs to you, not us.

By the way, I left you a very good response several comments up. Since you insisted on making a reply for every single comment, I'm sure you'll be back.

[cp256]

I have been using FF since it was 0.something and have been using 3.5 since early betas. It works great for me and while it is still slow to initially load, it is faster than 3.0. I had some crashes with 3.5 betas and RC's, but I believe they were related to one or more of the zillion extensions that I had installed that weren't 3.5 ready as I had compatibility checking overridden. I have been running the latest 3.5 since it was available with only "compatible" extensions and it hasn't crashed or misbehaved yet. I have a lot of wintel boxes and notebooks running 2k, XP and Vista with IE6, IE7 and IE8 and FF 2.x, 3.0, and 3.5, Chrome, Opera and Avant and FF is by far my favorite. My daily driver work box is an old overclocked Thoroughbred 2k warhorse and I won't even pollute it with a bloated IE later than v6. It's so comfortable I don't even use my 4ghz QX9650 Vista64 box unless I need to really crunch numbers. Even with my ancient 2k system, FF3.5 runs plenty quick.

[Fil0403]

Judging from your comments regarding IE, your definition of "bloated" is "something that is compatible, safe, and reliable".
[CNET editor's note: Personal attack deleted.]

[ddesy]

Regardless of what Fil0403 says, I think you have it about right.

[jake3373]

I agree with cp256 and I also have experience with running firefox on low-spec system.

@Fil0403:
I think by "bloated" he meant "is not compatible with web standards, is the slowest browser, is torture for web developers, is not easily customizable ($$ for add-ons on ieaddons.com), looks horrible on my screen, and only has any market share because most people (ie. the ones who don't visit cnet) don't know of any alternatives"

[jscott418]

Browser news is pretty boring now. They all work pretty well and its more about features or lack their of that will make users choose. I can certainly see that every browser is actually trying to attract a different user to some extent. But they all appear to have enough speed for the average user and the geeks will always have their favorites. Fo me I use IE 8 or Firefox on Windows and Safari on my Mac.

[gfsdfge]

Well put.

[Fil0403]

I generally agree with you: IMO they are all good browsers, IE8 being IMO the best thanks to its compatibility with most Webpages, its reliability and security, and features like Accelerators, Protected Mode, and Web Slices.

[Fil0403]

@ gfsfge: Nice to see not everyone here is short-minded to the point of thinking anybody that uses or liked IE works for Microsoft.

[tm_anon]

@Fil0403

Didn't say you work for Microsoft. Although, you certainly do a lot of advertising for a browser invented specifically for the purpose of taking out Netscape and which has (through previous versions) done more harm to the internet than any other force by use of proprietary technologies.

Now, how about trying to point out some of those features that you think makes IE8 so much better than Firefox 3.5. After all, this article was about Firefox, you made the claim IE8 was better under every single comment. If it's so much better, where's the proof?

[jake3373]

@Fil0403:
You said IE was "compatible with most webpages", well... Firefox is W3C-compliant so it is compatible with ALL web pages (except those written by people who don't follow modern standards, such as HTML4 or XHTML)

[Fil0403]

IMO FF3.5 is a good browser and the best one of the bunch trying to steal some market share from IE, but still not as good as IE8 (reasons: compatibility with most Webpages, reliability, security, Accelerators, Protected Mode, Web Slices, etc.).

[krisr2005]

Do you plan on sitting around all day drilling people's opinion on liking anything other than IE? Go spread you fanatical web browser "god" banter in the Microsoft forums. People are entitled to like what they want to like, facts aren't always relevant. People may like it for its layout, because they are comfortable with its style, etc.

[ddesy]

Wait.... what actual problems are you having with Firefox? It sounds like nothing but Microsoft fanboy speak.

Firefox doesn't have much for real-world security issues, especially compared with IE. Reliability? No issues there for me at all on different computers with different OSes. Compatibility with web pages? I haven't hit a decent one that had issues in years. Accelerators? Don't need them. Protected mode and Web Slices? Don't need those either.

So again, why is IE8 so wonderful?

[FF2009]

yes, IE8 it's so good that you need anti-Virus and anti Spywear installed in order to defend yourself from IE browsing left overs ...now run along Microsoft employ. You FAILED!!!!!!!

[goodspeed8701]

ff2009 I can't really remember the last time I used AVS. Its pretty clear that we all like what we want and feel comfortable with. But in the real world IE is way better than FF. my reason is most people who has ff don't have time to look for plugins. Same goes to IE. but out of the box web site will give IE more functionality with the help of active x. FF was good when I had no IE7 but ever since I don't use FF. Survey also point that IE is more secured than FF.

[seven7dust]

ie8 is reliable ? Lol ! thats a good one !

[jake3373]

goodspeed8701: I'd like to see proof.

[Inconnux]

I use FF under XP, Vista and Ubuntu daily as my main browser. Generally I have been happy with it but it crashes more than any other program on any of my systems. I would be happier with a version of FF that is more stable. I've tried Chrome, but didn't care for its interface/look. I've used IE until a 0-day exploit caused major problems with my XP system (remedied by wiping system and starting from scratch). If Microsoft wouldn't have tied IE so closely to the core OS I would go back to IE, but until they figure this one out I don't want to use IE for security reasons. Both FF and IE need work on being more stable / secure.

[eye4bear]

I can't remember the last time FF crashed on me, either 3.1 or 3.5, running it on Windows 7 RC and before that on the beta.

[FF2009]

Fil0403 wrote( "It's no wonder you find FF the best browser, you haven't tried IE8" )

Why would any one try IE8 where there are better alternatives? are you out of your mind? or are you an MS troll?

[jake3373]

I'm guessing he's a MS employee

[FF2009]

by goodspeed8701 July 3, 2009 3:47 PM PDT
"Survey also point that IE is more secured than FF."

LMAOF, You embarrassing yourself now. Your posts on CNET are epic FAIL!!! ..together with your alter-ego twin surfer > Fil0403

[jake3373]

Agreed

[JonRey43]

In general, IE still needs more work for it to be really good with the other browsers. It may have pass Acid2 test but failed Acid3 with an 20 and that's really bad considering that the other browsers except Opera (problems with smooth animation) pass Acid3 with high numbers.

[goodspeed8701]

What exactly is your point. I do every thing with IE and visit all site with ease. I have not been to a site that said my browser is slow in acid or java test or what ever that i can't view the site. You guys need a better excuse than acid test.

[Inconnux]

My biggest problem with IE is how closely it is tied into the OS. This by far is the biggest problem with IE. This is probably the #1 security risk with Microsoft OS's. Microsoft has recently acknowledged this when they have announced that their email package will no longer use IE to render its email but will use MS Word. This was a design mistake right from the beginning, and until they stop using IE in core services, I won't risk using their browser. I have had to fix several systems because of IE's 0-day exploits trashing their systems. For security reasons people PLEASE don't use IE unless you absolutely have to.

[jake3373]

I've just reinstalled XP on an older system (512mb RAM) and was using IE for a while, until I discovered that some pages just wouldn't load unless I pressed refresh several times. Switched to FF, problem solved.

And yes, I was using IE8 (I hate how it tells you to download windows search 4.0, which really bogs down my system, to activate its attempt at copying FF's "awesome bar")

[make_or_break]

Firefox 3.5 for me so far absolutely sucks. 3.0.11 was a slug, but it rarely froze up like 3.5 is doing over the past several days. In some cases it manages to work through the glitch given LOTS of time. But there have been times that I have to force a hard shut down of the XP Pro SP3 box (via the power switch) just to get things moving again. I'm not sure what the problem is, but it seems like some forms of scripting are giving it headaches, or some of the add-ons like No Script or Adblock are themselves doing this. CNN's website seems to do more than others, but even Amazon has had a page or two that's caused 3.5 fits.

For now I'm sticking with Google Chrome...and rolling back to an older version of FF. Right now these lockups even make running IE8 seem palatable.

[jake3373]

I love how you use IE as a last resort :)

Good choice

[kjohio]

I have been using FF since it was released. However, I upgraded to 3.5 and started having crashes - usually 4-5 times a day. This is happening on my personal PC as well as work PC - and I go to trusted websites like Cnet, CNN, Amazon etc only. If this continues, I may have to abandon FF altogether :(

[HeavyJim]

Another new version of ff, more time spent on mozilla forums and such looking to make it work right.

[jake3373]

Or, maybe it's your fault that FF isn't working. I upgraded to FF3.5 and it works fine (although I did create a new profile to get rid of old temporary files from uninstalled add-ons, but this is not mozilla's fault)

If you are having trouble, click Start>Run, type "firefox -P" (without quotes), and create a new profile

[danathompson]

I have upgraded to Firefox 3.5. It is faster. I like the new tabbed browsing feature as well as the private browsing options. It hasn't crashed yet. Let's just hope it doesn't. The only drawback is that not all of the add-ons are compatible with 3.5. Some of my favorite add-ons load are: Billeo, Stumbleupon & Google toolbar, FoxTab, Personas and ColorfulTab. https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/12715

[Clayerod]

Ive got microsoft IE7, and google chrome, but I can't live without my FIREFOX 3.5

When i bought my computer it came from the store with MICROSOFT IE7, (which is still there) but i really hate all those pop-ups, just way too many.
My e-mail search engine is GOOGLE, so i installed google chrome, which for me works okay (I'm happy)
Ever since i was introduced to FIRE FOX, it just spoiled me and i can't live without it, my computer default is now set to firefox. (I love it and no more problems with pop-ups,etc., it just neutralizes it all and i can just keep on working) It really is great.