Firefox Web Browser
| Speed |   |
| Features | |
| Security | |
| Ease of Use | |
| Support | |
There are many players in the internet browser war, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, and Opera among them. While Internet Explorer has been the dominant browser for years, Firefox is quickly gaining popularity and just recently, surpassed Internet Explorer as the most popular web browser in Europe. With the release of version 3.0 late last June, Firefox has reached the level of being a legitimate web browser choice rather than just a cute little toy for alternative software hobbyists. So, what’s to love about Firefox 3.0? Plenty!
First off, and this is a big one, Firefox is built using the Mozilla developed Gecko layout engine. This engine is becoming wildly popular for browsers, email applications, and web authoring tools because of its well known stability and licensing. Gecko is free and open source software, leading the way in developing world wide standards for the Web. As these standards are being developed, Firefox is on the front lines adding new features and add-ons.
One of the most popular features of Firefox is their tabbed browsing. Individual websites can be opened in new tabs instead of the old method of new windows. Of course, those who prefer new windows still have that option, but tabbed browsing lends to a more efficient and seamless browsing experience. The tabs can be configured to change the order in which they are displayed, automatically switch to a new tab just opened, and warn when multiple tabs are being closed. Tabs can even be saved at the end of a session so that they are automatically opened at the start of a new session.
Like most browsers, Firefox has a “find” feature which allows users a way to search for specific text on a web page. But unlike the others, the Firefox “find” interface isn’t an annoying pop-up window that gets in the way of the page. Instead, it is a small search bar that appears at the bottom of the window. Firefox begins to scan with the very first letter entered into the dialogue box without actually scrolling down the window. And something else that’s really helpful: as a word is typed into the search box, the box remains white until a letter that doesn’t appear in that string is entered. At that point the box turns red and the user knows the text string can’t be found in the page. No need to go any further. How cool is that?
For those who work with web based applications, or the general user just typing comments into a text box, Firefox 3.0 includes an integrated spell checker. It works as you go so you’ll immediately know when a word is misspelled. The drag and drop element also makes working a bit easier, allowing you to drag text or links directly into the integrated search bar. Add to that the ability to add notes to web pages for future reference, and you have a browser that takes productivity to a new level.
Bookmarking is easy and intuitive, and the new bookmark organization tool is a vast improvement over previous versions. It now works just like a file manager with drag and drop, in-line editing, and sorting. Menus can be customized and organized with ease, bookmark names can be changed, and extra descriptions and details can be included. Some of the management features, like adding a new folder or deleting an unwanted, can even be done without opening the organization tool.
Fans of customization will be thrilled with the thousands of add-ons available for Firefox. Yes, there are plenty of skins and themes to apply to GUI, but the available add-ons go well beyond just that. There are RSS feeds, blogging tools, and weather applets. There are tools that make digital imaging and multimedia tasks easier and more intuitive, including a YouTube link that appears in search engine results. Clicking the link will play the video without having to open a new tab or window. Social networking is brought to the next level with add-ons that organize your networking locations into a single sidebar and allow customization of your Facebook page.
And the list goes on and on.
Worried about security? Firefox has that covered too with tools to protect against viruses, phishing, spyware, and malware. The standard pop-up blocker works flawlessly and allows for user customization of individual pop-ups. In addition, there’s a small icon on the left side of the location bar which can be clicked to instantly display security information about the current site. With the click of a mouse you can know whether or not you’re in a risky place. If you’re navigating to a site that’s already a well known risk, Firefox will display a security warning forcing you to choose to continue, a nice feature that helps users avoid security accidents.
Vulnerability to security threats is always a concern, but Mozilla works aggressively on that front too. According to a regular review by Symantec, Firefox’s vulnerabilities are patched, on average, within one day of the exploit code being made available. Internet Explorer on the other hand, has an average patch time of nine days. This gives Firefox a major advantage in security.
With all these features, and the dozens more not mentioned here, how is Firefox’s performance? Excellent. Its always been a fast and stable browser, but version 3.0 is the fastest of them all and it’s noticeable. Moving from page to page or between tabs goes quickly while at the same time being very intuitive and natural. The interface is clean and easy to navigate but can be customized to suit individual preferences. Private data can be cleared at the end of a session with a simple mouse click, so future users can’t follow where you’ve been.
Overall Firefox is a great browser worthy of consideration. It’s a free download available for Windows, Mac, Linux, and many Unix-like systems, so there’s no reason not to try it. Go get a copy…. you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Reviews (45)
Jarred
April 29th, 2009 at 5:38 AM
Firefox without a doubt #1
John
May 6th, 2009 at 7:33 PM
Firefox is without a doubt the best browser out there. Lightyears ahead of IE in features, speed, functions, security etc. The others are pretty good too, anything but IE… but with all the extras I’d say Firefox is #1.
Why was IE even listed? LOL
Liam
May 15th, 2009 at 8:01 AM
I like Firefox. But I don’t like its built in DM. Anyway, best there is!
rachit
May 28th, 2009 at 5:28 AM
fire fox is best!!!!!
Busalonium
June 19th, 2009 at 10:44 AM
I find Firefox overrated. In most areas it performs the same as Internet Explorer, ironic considering the amount of time Firefox users spend bashing Internet Explorer.
It’s supposed to block pop-ups but I still get some pop-ups using it.
It’s layout isn’t a eye-pleasing as most of the others, but at least it doesn’t draw much attention.
Some of it’s add-ons are a positive aspect, but mostly they are useless and just make it run a lot slower.
Overall, my fourth favourite browser, maybe if I learnt my way around it better I might put it above IE, but certainly not above Opera or Chrome.
Anonymous
June 26th, 2009 at 9:50 AM
GREAT
anonymous
July 27th, 2009 at 2:22 PM
Awesome i have been using it for like… 6 months and it is fast.
Anonymous
July 28th, 2009 at 12:58 PM
The only category Chrome beats Firefox in is speed. For everything else, Firefox is superior.
Kishan
September 3rd, 2009 at 5:04 PM
For me firefox is best, in chrome it work good with google and its related site. Many times it create problem with other web pages.
but in firefox there is no such problem.
Firefox is best.
Mondoogle Boogle
September 12th, 2009 at 12:07 PM
Hmmm, Ive had firefox and was sick to death of youtube and even ebay not responding.. Must be a problem on firefoxs part as it work on IE.
Then tried Flock.. The same..Still does it to this day.. Not tried Chrome as i dont like the sound of it.
meh..
Might try it again..
kirsty
September 13th, 2009 at 11:49 AM
not very fast
Cal
September 30th, 2009 at 9:45 PM
Dont get me wrong i like firefox but it crashes A LOT!!! Its very annoying
Anonymous
October 11th, 2009 at 6:48 PM
Best browser ever!
bhargav
October 16th, 2009 at 6:52 AM
very good
hahno
October 18th, 2009 at 5:41 PM
firefox sucks
Leon
November 1st, 2009 at 6:07 PM
FireFox is probably the best browser on the market – especially with it’s CSS3 and HTML5 support.
Speed can be improved a little though.
Slick
November 4th, 2009 at 4:16 AM
Used Chrome.. works good with google related stuff. Opera…my second choice it is faster, but the easy to use interface and all of Mozilla is my perfect browser.
Micah
November 9th, 2009 at 8:22 PM
THE BEST
i use it all the time and rarely find issues with if and when i do a simple add-on can fix it all
FIREFOX RULES
Junior
November 12th, 2009 at 4:36 AM
crashes every now and then
Stupid firefox crashes when i try to open some links…if i am in the middle of downloading any file then all my effort is screwed and i have to start over again..it really sucks..the earlier versions were the best
Maradona
November 24th, 2009 at 6:33 PM
ive been using Firefox for more than a year now. and im very satisfied with it. never had a problem with anything. my opinion….. its #1.
Aman
November 26th, 2009 at 1:53 AM
For me firefox give best performance when it comes to speed
Subota
December 16th, 2009 at 1:48 PM
On my system (XP) it crashes all the time. I am not happy with it and am looking for a different browser.
Rico
December 23rd, 2009 at 4:00 PM
That’s why I’m reading these reviews, I’m sick to death of Firefox crashing. I’ll give opera a bash.
brian
December 29th, 2009 at 11:15 AM
crash party, and a lot of hang time. thats all i can say. its a little bit close to the IE. speed is fine not close to chrome, add-ons sucks big time, pretty safe. all in all—- it OVERATED
PRASANNA
December 31st, 2009 at 3:07 AM
I FOUNT IT TO BE THE MOST SECURED
Ovee
January 9th, 2010 at 3:44 PM
My first choice is Opera and Firefox is my 2nd favorite browser.
sashi
January 18th, 2010 at 5:45 AM
its easy to use..and the security settings are gud. but its slow at the starting. addons are useless though not of much use..the problem arises when i am using it for internet banking and many of the banks prefer IE strangely.I have been using it for over a couple of years now. Its by far the best i have come across. cheers. waiting for a better one.
HI!
January 24th, 2010 at 4:38 AM
Hmm, speed is awesome, but not that much on startup. Still the best browser, with Chrome in second, but Mozilla better watch out for Google!
TONS of features, amazing security, easy, and has MOZILLA backing itself. Can’t get much better than this!
Volcano high
January 27th, 2010 at 12:51 PM
Firefox is the definitely the best web browser in the world
perfect and beauty theme with various of add on + plug in
JLD
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:35 PM
Do NOT love the quickfind feature. Have gone to great lengths to shut it off, and it keeps re-appearing. Just want to use apostrophe’s now and again!
its not stable...
February 15th, 2010 at 10:02 AM
i used for ages, but have to say that opera is better
surya
March 11th, 2010 at 4:09 AM
Using this since it migrated from original mozilla and simply love the way it has evolved. it made the browsing simple, reliable and worth surfing. the best part is, its free since its birth. come to crash problem in some versions but with stable versions it is the best in my view.
Buddhika
April 10th, 2010 at 2:47 PM
I loved and used Firefox for about three years. Now I use chrome instead. If you use chrome for few days, you will never come back to Firefox just for browsing. I still use firefox occasionally when I need to download large files with the help of DownThemAll plug in as there are no similar plugging in Chrome.
Alberto
April 18th, 2010 at 11:06 AM
i think Safari is the best
stefan
April 20th, 2010 at 7:33 AM
trust me i have used both opera and firefox. opera just bashes firefox in everyway. mozilla is way too overrated….
opera all the way
Anonymous
May 3rd, 2010 at 7:10 AM
it is completly personalizeable and fast
Dwayne
May 16th, 2010 at 9:22 PM
Been with this browser for the best part of a year untill recently it started crashing on me :\ , without a doubt it is a very stable browser but i must say its pop up control is worse if not the same as ie .. Useless , it’ll say its prevented a few pop ups but then some still come which is annoying ! Recommend this for any gamer its safe fast , and if you tell someone you use firefox they won’t complain unlike if you were to tell then you use ie XD
Adlia
May 26th, 2010 at 8:50 AM
I love firefox the most . Everything is perfect
nas
June 1st, 2010 at 6:37 AM
i dunno why my IE is fastest than mozilla huh???? but IE always crash..i hate that…mozilla is too slow…i need other browsers
Micah
June 16th, 2010 at 9:38 AM
Firefox is an ideal browser if you love spending lots of time playing with extensions to bring it up to date.
I like that it has color management of photos.
Slower than Chrome or Opera but looks very dated .
Looking forward to Firefox 4 coming out this year which promises big changes.
Anonymous
July 5th, 2010 at 5:13 AM
Ive used firefox for ever. Its only slow if you have bad internet connection so dont put comment on like its not very fast and its depends on how many virusus you have
Anonymous
July 5th, 2010 at 5:17 AM
Its better to keep the old version of it. It still works perfectly with me. I get much less viruses now
Farhan
July 11th, 2010 at 1:24 PM
I found it good but many tyms it dispays page load error about 50 prcnt of my browsing session….Internet xplorer is my 1st fav and then opera nd then firefox!!
Rich
August 8th, 2010 at 6:24 AM
Firefox is generally okay but I’ve been having a lot of problems with it being quite slow and crashing web pages a lot. I think it’s almost as bad as Internet Explorer in terms of the frustration felt when it just won’t work
ankur
August 12th, 2010 at 12:21 AM
this browser really works gud …..although little bit of conventional sort of interface..but its working gud for me and i m satisfied user..
Leave a reply