Security Update to Firefox Now Available

Posted by rafael on Fri, 02/25/2005 - 02:32Personal

SFX Team
Firefox security update is now available. A higher level of security has been key to Firefox’s success and the release of this update demonstrates the Mozilla Foundation’s commitment to providing a secure Internet experience.

Regular security updates are essential to maintain a safe browsing experience.

- the sfx team


Submitted by BetterWebDesign on Fri, 03/04/2005 - 00:28.

I switched to Firefox because I am sick and tired of waiting for all the bandwidth-hungry security updates from the "other" browser, which take forever to download.

But to my (not pleasant) surprise, when I downloaded the patch for Firefox, it took ages to load, it wasn't a patch but a complete re-install and the Web Developer Toolbar (which I use extensively) no longer works.

Not impressed... At least when the "other' browser gets a security update I don't have to reinstall it.

Submitted by deralaand on Fri, 03/04/2005 - 20:04.

Let everyone know that if you are going to update to 1.0.1 do yourself a favor and backup your profile folder.
The update on this end decided to rid us of our bookmarks and passwords.
Do you have any idea how inconvienent that is?
These things are right next to Oxygen in order of importance.
"D"

http://100dollarbill.blogspot.com/

Submitted by me at work on Fri, 03/04/2005 - 21:03.

Although on 6 machines I have never lost bookmarks after heavy usage of Firefox, you could try Bookmark Backup 0.3.3.

--

Founder, Firefox Materials project

Team Firefox: WP

Submitted by vfh131 on Fri, 03/04/2005 - 03:39.

I switched to Firefox
Great!

because I am sick and tired of waiting for all the bandwidth-hungry security updates from the "other" browser,
Yea I know, and they happen ALL the time. Like, at least every month! (news.google.com)
Even updates upon updates. Some released one day after the other.

which take forever to download.

Yea, downloading all of those updates all the time does take forever. Some of them are HUGE – even bigger than 4.7mb sometimes. And then you have to restart your computer! Time consuming and annoying.

But to my (not pleasant) surprise, when I downloaded the patch for Firefox, it took ages to load, it wasn't a patch but a complete re-install

Wow... if you had to do a full download of the other browser, that would be anywhere between 500% to 1,500% bigger (microsoft.com) than Firefox. Thats 15 times longer to download than Firefox. Sure the other browser just “comes� with Windows (illegally), and that is one reason to use it I suppose. And MSN is the default search engine for it, so it should be good to use. And there is a messenger too... wow, one could be led to believe that there is no need to get anything better - they provide everything they want you to need.


Keep in mind, Firefox updates are not often, because Firefox was written better. So updates, although required for any software, are thankfully not every single month. I don't think waiting for 4.7mb was too bad, even on dailup. Man... you should have tried to get 1.0 on its release day... on dailup! Wow. But it was worth it.
I hope that you feel that Firefox is still worth it. Its definatly better than the other browser... but, like any other software, its not perfect, and could always use improvement, including updates.

and the Web Developer Toolbar (which I use extensively) no longer works.

There is always 1.0. It is still available, and the security issues that 1.0.1 fixes are bad PR more than anything. Your safer running 1.0 than a fully patched “other� browser – guaranteed.

Not impressed... At least when the "other' browser gets a security update I don't have to reinstall it.

Have you ever tried un-installing it? Do you have that option? Thought not.

Your choice, though I think you'll find that Firefox is still far superior, updates less frequent (and subsequently overall smaller), and you can un-install, re-install, or go with whatever version suits you best.

I wish you the best of luck, and no future frustrations.



email

Submitted by BetterWebDesign on Fri, 03/04/2005 - 12:54.

I waited until I could do an "auto update" because I did not want to download a whole application again. Alas, I was mistaken about what a minor update is.

You may be right about the size of the other browser's updates, but that's not my point.

I don't want to replace something awful with something less awful but with something better. Sure, I didn't have to reboot. But I did have to reinstall...

To me, a minor minor update (1.0 to 1.0.1, unlike 0.9 to 1.0) should be a patch taht loads in a minute or two and does not require a total reinstallation.

Just for the record... Firefox is and will remain as my default browser (unless and until something even better becomes available).

Submitted by me at work on Fri, 03/04/2005 - 04:12.

Yes, instead of a 3 or 4 megabyte download on Update Tuesday, you get one once every two months (1.0 came out in november). That's a lot better. Plus, this isn't a critical update that microsoft reccomends you download immediately because it would let a hacker onto your system (as all the microsoft updates seem to say these days), this is an update for those people who actually have to click on a link to www.paypal.com instead of typing it out themselves with their fingers.

I was a bit surprised when it downloaded the installer too (they usually don't do that!) but I don't mind too much. The only thing I do mind is Bug 282341 being created with the update, which really ruins this new extension I found for the Mozilla Community wiki.

--

Founder, Firefox Materials project

Team Firefox: WP

Submitted by me at work on Thu, 03/03/2005 - 18:39.

If you haven't yet upgraded...

Also, mine says en-US, which may mean nothing or may mean the translated patch is out too.

Edit: Alert! It leaves the Mozilla Firefox 1.0.1.exe on the desktop (even though I set my default DLDiR to My Downloads)

--

Founder, Firefox Materials project

Team Firefox: WP

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 03/02/2005 - 10:52.

TrackBack from Quick Online Tips That Work:

Firefox 1.0.1 - Just released is the new version of the immensely popular firefox browser. A minor update, this version fixes a few security holes and some other bugs. The Firefox security update is available for the 27 million users who have already...

Submitted by Peter Mount on Sun, 02/27/2005 - 05:10.

Does the update fix the bug that makes users of Firefox vulnerable to phishing scams?

Peter Mount

Submitted by Halcyon-X12 on Mon, 02/28/2005 - 02:49.

http://www.squarefree.com/burningedge/releases/1.0.1.html

Submitted by Hidekatsu on Sat, 02/26/2005 - 04:28.

I personaly think we should wait until
a patch is out, unless computer security is
a big problem/priority for your computer.
That way the number
of downloads stays in tune with the number of users.
http://www.spreadfirefox.com/?q=user/register&r=32579

Submitted by Stoned4Life on Sun, 02/27/2005 - 03:51.

I don't see anything going forward in that direction, especially since I'm sure many have already downloaded the patch. I don't think it's necessary.. but, it would look weird if all 25 million suddenly updated and we reach 1 billion downloads.


The world is at your doorstep. So is Firefox.
http://www.SG-Designs.net
If you click this link, I earn 2 cents.<

Submitted by Mariana1970 on Fri, 02/25/2005 - 22:40.

Already updated to FF 1.01... is there a cahngelog available???

mesothelioma asbestos

Submitted by edmondantes on Fri, 02/25/2005 - 21:11.

That's good and all. Is this an automatic download, or do I need to go to a specific page ?

Submitted by me at work on Fri, 02/25/2005 - 21:34.

If you look to your left, you'll see some people talking about how this will affect the counter. If you look to your right, you'll see someone ask about why auto update isn't showing it, as well as a response from Chris Beard of the Mozilla Foundation stating that they will be rolling out the auto update next week. If you look directly ahead, you'll see a person who decided to refuse to take the Comments World Tour asking redundant questions.

We hope you've enjoyed your brief comment tour, the gift shop is to your right. Tell your friends!

--

Founder, Firefox Materials project

Team Firefox: WP

Submitted by me at work on Fri, 02/25/2005 - 20:01.

The Register

Small-minded Mozilla mocked by wider world

Firefox disables IDNs

--

Founder, Firefox Materials project

Team Firefox: WP

Submitted by samcollett on Fri, 02/25/2005 - 10:21.

Is it a full download, or an XPI? As it is a software update it should be as a patch rather than a full download. If not, what is the reason for it being a full download? It would not really be an update if you downloaded the full program, as updates should be small. Using en-GB as well.

Submitted by Paeniteo on Fri, 02/25/2005 - 10:27.

Availability of the update both as a patch and as a full download would also largely eliminate the problem about how to count downloads from now on.

Existing users would get the patch (which would not be counted), new users would download the full thing (which could be counted).

Submitted by samcollett on Fri, 02/25/2005 - 11:31.

What can be done as well is to not include people who have downloaded Firefox using Firefox. Critics will just say the downloads since the update was released was from existing users. Maybe two download counters would be needed? People updating, and new downloads. Surely the browser user agent is logged when someone downloads?

Submitted by Kroc on Fri, 02/25/2005 - 09:44.

I'm waiting until it's available in my language, enGB.



___________________________________________________
Anybody else noticed that posting a download firefox link in their signature on spreadfirefox.com is pointless?

Submitted by StuartGMC on Fri, 02/25/2005 - 19:26.

Now Kroc you'll have to work at that, which British do you want - I could help with krek waiter speak bristle "correct way to speak Bristol" (if you need the Bristolian British version) but you'll need others to help on Geordie, Scouse, Glaswegian, East End, Norf London varients etc..

Seriously, I agree that American English and British are distinct but assume there are no active participants working on the "mother tongue"? (Check Bill Brison for some interesting work on the roots of American English and comparison with British English - a good read).

It's hardly a reason to not use Firefox though IMHO.

StuartGMC

www.godmanchester.net

Submitted by michaell on Sat, 02/26/2005 - 14:59.

but assume there are no active participants working on the "mother tongue"

Why would you assume that? The 1.0 British English version is on the main Firefox download page. There are people working on it, and I imagine a 1.0.1 version will be available soon...

Submitted by Smokie on Sat, 02/26/2005 - 18:49.

It's taking a long time though (I also use en-GB). Surely there's not that much difference from the en-US?

Submitted by Kroc on Wed, 03/02/2005 - 15:38.

There's plenty of difference, just that which you don't notice due to transparency of design - Kind of like the transparency between using Firefox and not noticing the UI or battling with the trauma-inducing UI of netscape / maxthon / IE-Options dialog and so on....



___________________________________________________
Anybody else noticed that posting a download firefox link in their signature on spreadfirefox.com is pointless?

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 02/25/2005 - 08:13.

TrackBack from JLP's Blog:

A new version of currently the best web browser is out. In version 1.0.1 of Mozilla Firefox they have improved stability and implemented several security bugfixes. Firefox now displays Unicode international domain name (IDN) addresses in punycode to ...

Submitted by homeobocks on Fri, 02/25/2005 - 05:47.

Sorry, Mozilla web server admins. I slashdotted the 1.0.1 announcement.

--
Everyone here already uses Firefox. Everyone.

Submitted by me at work on Fri, 02/25/2005 - 05:53.

Because he thought it would be funny, but seriously, do I get to troll sfx now for laughs? :(

--

Founder, Firefox Materials project

Team Firefox: WP

Submitted by BlindWolf8 on Fri, 02/25/2005 - 05:08.

1.0.1 LINK NOW WORKS.

Sidenote: Sygate shows file version still is 1.0.0.0.

Submitted by malbolgia on Fri, 02/25/2005 - 04:48.

am i the only one still getting 1.0 at getfirefox.com ?

all ive seen is a nightly build of 1.01 no finañ

Submitted by BlindWolf8 on Fri, 02/25/2005 - 05:02.

Also still getting 1.0 here from http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/

Submitted by vfh131 on Fri, 02/25/2005 - 05:10.

Guess it is going to take a while for it to show up to everyone (web caching?). Make sure to clear your cache, then refresh.



Mozilla/5.0 (Windows; U; Windows NT 5.1; en-US; rv:1.7.6) Gecko/20050223 Firefox/1.0.1


email

Submitted by gemsling on Fri, 02/25/2005 - 04:45.

Has the SFX team discussed what will happen with the download counter following the release of an update? It would be a bit dishonest to count all the Firefox 1.0.1 downloads, as many will be from existing users who are upgrading. OTOH, it would be nice to have a count that continues to grow and motivate the SFX community.

Good phrasing in the press release, BTW - a good positive spin.

Submitted by RubberDuckie on Fri, 02/25/2005 - 04:20.

How are you planning on staggering the download?

By having people manually download it first and then turn on the auto update functionality?

Considering that the majority will not download it manually but rather be notified by the auto update functionality one can assume that the load on the servers will be quite high.

Are there other ways of staggering the auto update function available ?

It would be very nice if the auto update service would have a queue managing system where the server will monitor the load on the outgoing traffic and if it is at a specific limit or above the browsers trying to access the update would be placed in a download queue so that we would be able to keep a acceptable level of service.


By doing that we would not run into the same problems we had on the launch of 1.0

Submitted by drakethegreat on Fri, 02/25/2005 - 09:57.

I think the fact that the auto update feature is still not updating means they are allowing the people who check this site, slashdot, etc. actively for updates will download it first and install it. Then when the first peak is over (they analyze their bandwidth minute by minute from what I hear) they will release the auto update and hopefully be ready for a larger rush of downloads. I could be wrong so hopefully the Mozilla Team fills us in.

Submitted by me at work on Fri, 02/25/2005 - 03:07.

I suppose you could launch the counter of 1.0.1 and leave the 1.0 count on another archive page somewhere.

Anyway seems to work fine.

--

Founder, Firefox Materials project

Team Firefox: WP

Submitted by Kingofearth on Fri, 02/25/2005 - 02:49.

Why doesn't the the thing that checks for updates for Firefox say theres a new version?

Submitted by StuartGMC on Fri, 02/25/2005 - 19:17.

Are you refering to the "Update" in Extensions rather than for Firefox itself?

StuartGMC

www.godmanchester.net

Submitted by bersl2 on Fri, 02/25/2005 - 03:12.

So that the combined traffic of those who are aware of it and of those who aren't doesn't knock out the servers? (Thought so.)

I also am anxious to see the update service in action.

Submitted by on Fri, 02/25/2005 - 03:00.

We'll be turning on the application update mechanism starting next week. Given the daunting task of updating all the people who have downloaded and are using Firefox today, we've elected to stagger the update over several days.

Chris

Submitted by homeobocks on Fri, 02/25/2005 - 02:59.

Same problem here.

--
Everyone here already uses Firefox. Everyone.

Submitted by The Shadow Zero on Fri, 02/25/2005 - 07:32.

Works fine for me. Version changes...?