IBM Mainframe

This month, Firefox celebrated its first birthday, with Firefox downloads crossing 100 million and market share touching 11.5%.

With 85% of web surfers using Explorer, Microsoft still dominates the browser market. But let's not forget that no one downloaded Explorer from the Net - they got it pre-loaded with Windows. Whereas, surfers came to know of Firefox mostly by word of mouth. Those who used it never looked at Explorer again.

Currently consumers and small businesses represent the bulk of the user base, but Firefox is also gaining traction among larger enterprises. For organizations that have already embraced Linux web servers and other open-source deployments, Firefox seems to be the next logical step in moving away from Microsoft-based operations and positive feedback from users confirms the speed, security and features of Firefox are worth a look.

As Firefox's market share increases, hackers will be more likely to exploit heretofore-unknown security holes, as they've done with Internet Explorer.

You may not have noticed how long your current browser takes to load, until you try Firefox.  It loads fast, period.  When Firefox settings are optimized with a freeware application called FireTune your browser loads even faster.  FireTune includes all the performance optimizations and simplifies manual configurations, which can be time consuming and difficult for the novice user.

How can Firefox be more secure than Internet Explorer?

It is not integrated with Windows, which helps prevent viruses and hackers from causing damage if they somehow manage to compromise Firefox.

There is no support for VBScript and ActiveX, two technologies which are the reasons for many IE security holes.

No spyware/ adware software can automatically install in Firefox just by visiting a web site.

Firefox doesn't use Microsoft's Java VM, which has a history of more flaws than other Java VMs.

You have complete control over cookies.

Despite the download barrier, the Fox made rapid strides. Many of its features, like tabbed browsing, RSS feeds and pop-up blocking became trendsetters - Microsoft has already announced that it will build such features into its next browser.

How did the upstart Firefox achieve such success? Born out of the ashes of Netscape, the Mozilla foundation which built the Firefox is a not-for-profit organisation, with very little advertising.

On Tuesday, November 9, 2004, Firefox 1.0 took browser-watchers by storm. The sparkling new open source browser came after years of research and development. Here are some of the Foxy novelties, which helped the browser grow by leaps and bounds:

1. Tabbed browsing:

Till Firefox arrived, only Opera browser offered this facility. This means, you can surf multiple pages within the same browser window. There is no clutter in the bottom tool bar when you open multiple pages. Internet Explorer offers no such convenience. (but planned for IE7) When you attempt to close Firefox when multiple tabs are open, it pops up an alert: Multiple tabs open: Shut browser? This is quite user-friendly, since many of us are hard-wired into the habit of closing IE windows when the page is not required.

2. Automatic pop-up blocker:

Till the time website managers grow up to better standards of civility and abandon pop-up windows, this option is a must. Currently, pop-up blocker is available with Windows XP Service Pack 2. If you are using the lower versions of Explorer, you will have to install a Google toolbar or something similar to block the annoying pop-ups. Firefox offers pop-up blocker free.

3. Integrated websearch box:

A search window is integrated into the browser. At the top right of the browser is a small drop-down box, where you can directly type in search keywords. Default is a Google search. There are also options to search through Yahoo, Amazon, eBay etc. Quite thoughtful, indeed (There is no option for MSN Search, but of course you can add it by yourself -- there is an option to add search engines.

4. Built-in RSS reader:

If you are using Internet Explorer, you need a separate feed collector software to read RSS news feeds. In Firefox, there is an option called LIVE BOOKMARKS, which offers the luxury of having an RSS reader right within your browser. I am not an RSS junkie, but people who have used this tell us the Firefox RSS reader is quite user-friendly, though a little light on features. Something better than nothing. Perhaps we can expect more with the later versions.

5. Cross-platform versatility:

Whether you are a Mac fan or a Linux aficionado, there is a Firefox for you. Mozilla has made the browser for non-Windows platforms as well.

6. Addition of extensions and themes:

You can add about 117 extensions (plug-ins) and several themes (skins) from the Mozilla website, to pep up the looks and improve functionality. My favourite is the Autocopy extension. This avoids the hassle of copying text from the browser. If you just select a block of text, it is automatically copied onto the clipboard, eliminating the CTRL-C step. You can directly paste the text into your word processor.

7. Download manager:

The browser incorporates a download manager, which keeps track of downloads.

8. No ActiveX support:

Mark my word, half the spies and trojans that are currently running in your computer, slowing down your work and gobbling up bandwidth came through ActiveX controls, the unique Microsoft discovery which made work easier for hackers. This also means that the sites which are intensely ActiveX-based won't display properly in your Firefox screen. On my part, I have decided to give up on ActiveX-based sites. If I HAVE to visit some such site, I can of course open Internet Explorer. Though fox-enamoured, I cannot uninstall Explorer -- Microsoft has ensured that IE cannot be removed from Windows even if you try without damaging the operating system.

9. Fewer spyware attacks:

Most of the spyware and adware have been written specifically for Internet Explorer. Till now, there are few Firefox-specific attacks. Some of the bugs spotted have been fixed by Mozilla recently. But don't count on this one too much; once Firefox gathers steam, the hackers will turn their attention to you.

10. Cleaner interface:

There are no stupid buttons pushing you to download Windows Media or go to Hotmail. There is no Microsoft promo (or any other promo) anywhere to be seen. Even the request to contribute for Firefox development is only on the Mozilla website; not on the browser. Buttons are fewer and the toolbar is clean and the options mostly similar to that of Internet Explorer.

11. Better FIND option:

Type Control-F and an unobtrusive search box opens at the bottom left, which does not block the page view unlike conventional dialogue boxes. It also includes a highlight option ie; if you want to highlight all words with BUSH, it will do so for you.

12. Small setup file:

The setup file that can be downloaded from the Mozilla server is quite compact - barely 4.7 MB - making it convenient to download over weak internet connections. This is important, since to lure more users, Firefox needs to remain lean and mean to enable quick downloads.

13. Easier migration from Explorer:

The fox knows its limits. To migrate habitual IE users to its cave is no easy task. The options file has a section called Help for Internet Explorer users" which helps you make the transition easy. Besides, when installing, Firefox can copy your FAVOURITES and even cookies to the new browser, so you don't have to do it all over again.

14. One smart thing I noticed:

Leaner, smarter and well thought-out, Firefox gives a run for money to Explorer, Opera and other tail-enders. The year gone by proves that with its tricks and traits, the Fox has miles more to go before he sleeps. May the fire burn brighter!

Price Range: Free

Download Link: Here