One thing that makes my internet surfing a much better experience, is Firefox, the open-source browser launched by the Mozilla Foundation in 2004. I’ve not been a fan of Microsoft’s Internet Explorer for a long time now, and even though it’s still the most widely used browser in the world by some margin, Firefox does just about everything better.
Whether surfing and reading pages, downloading media files, or buying online, the programme that uses the fox wrapped around the world as its logo makes the internet simplicity itself. Others agree; most of my friends use it, and 15% of worldwide online users are Firefoxers, too. And with plentiful plug-ins, smooth running on both PCs and Macs, and customisable looks, it’s easy to see why.
And so it’s with great anticipation that the latest version, Firefox 3.0, is launched today. Mozilla senses that anticipation, too, and so aims to set a record for the most software downloaded in 24 hours. It’s not even just any record either; it’s aiming for a Guinness World Record.
‘It’s a global effort to make history,’ the developer says. Is it aiming too high? Who knows, but with over 1.6 million downloads of version 2.0 in 2006, it might just do it. A reported 1.3 million users have already pledged to download the new version (myself included) when it goes live at 18.00 BST.
Tech-savvy users love Firefox, and the update promises many new features. Automatic warnings when users stray onto web pages booby-trapped with malicious code is one, and the ‘Smart Location Bar’ is another. This lets users return to sites they have visited before, but not necessarily bookmarked, also helping those who cannot remember the name of a site that they really liked. Improved security and faster browsing are but bonuses.
There’s no actual record for software downloaded in 24 hours, but ‘Download Day 2008’ aims to get 5 million copies of the programme onto existing users’ machines. Around 2 million users currently use the ‘fox, so Mozilla are obviously counting on word of mouth and promotional internet campaigns. Click the banner below to get your copy of Firefox 3.0, and help challenge Internet Explorer’s dominance.
Tags: Firefox, Technology