Firefox Download Rate Exploding

I'd check to see when Slashdot has a story and see if it coincides with the spike in downloads...

There has got to be a way to make people use it...

I've updated some computers and I noticed some of them get stuck in the update process, forcing the user to manualy download like a new instalation.

When the update gets stuck (progress bar doen't move or doesn't even start) I close the update window and even if I try again, I get the same problem, but I can download it as a normal file and install it after all.

This will count as a download for the counter.

I had the same problem on all of the PCs where I had "Allow web sites to install software" unchecked". Just check that box and the update to 1.0.4 should go fine.

I'm quite sure the download is only counted when the detected browser isn't already Firefox.

I don't know why you would be "pretty sure" of that (sources??), but AFAIK from asa'a infos on sfx.com no such thing is being done.

All downloads of the installers from getfirefox.com are counted, only automatic updates are ignored.

Why are you "pretty sure"?

Hey, the security vulnerability rate is also exploding too. Why no references to this on main page?

I can think of two reasons -

1. spreadfirefox.com exists to spread firefox, not to worry about it's faults
2. Last time someone (abeit someone who wasn't even a sfx member and probabaly just joined to annoy us) mentioned anything about bad security on sfx, ffx got slated on the evil c|net

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orange|acid

Yes, but I uninstalled Firefox to update it (else there's Firefox 1.0, Firefox 1.0.1... in the Add/Remove Programs window). Then I wanted to update it and I had to download it with IE.
There's also more publicity when there's an update, so there are more people hearing about Firefox.

You don't know that this issue is fixed since 1.0.3, do you? ;-)

I not only have firefox on 2 pc's I use, I also install it on all machines I upgrade and sell - as one of my ways of spreading Firefox!

After over 20 installations, the auto upgrade function of any sort has never been seen let alone worked. Even on laptops installed with 1.0.3, often there's no alerts for a day or 2 about the new version (bad enough itself) and when it does it is always a standard installer all over again.

The rate I'm going I'm seeing and going through the installation procees 10 times a week or more. I have commented on this in bug reports of this nature but am not sure of the current situation with updates.

What worries me more is if these are being counted in the download numbers, are they?

Recently they've slightly delayed putting it on the auto update feature due to the huge surge in bandwidth I guess (in previous versions it was buggy, eating up bandwidth but I think that was fixed).

Are you using the US version? If you're not and using a localized build, some take a little longer to become available (something else they're working on). In my opinion, if an update doesn't touch the language pack it should be available at the same time as the security patch? I'm sure this happened with 1.0.3 (or .2) as I use the UK (en-GB) build, it was available the same day of release. Usually the UK build takes a bit longer (grr). I'm hopeful though that this gets sorted for future updates. It doesn't look good if the US version is up-to-date but other languages are old.

If you're installing Firefox on multiple machines, in your case building them, surely you've heard of USB sticks? They're great, stick the latest installer on there and you're set to go. Even easier now that the "Add & Remove Programs double entry" bug has been fixed as you can install it quicker (no un-install required).

I can understand anyone getting frustrated when installing Firefox on many machines (seeing the same thing over and over), but really, even if it is a full installer, it's not much is it? A few clicks and it's on its way. Even less hassle if you're installing from media such as USB sticks (and they're portable too). I use one and whenever I have to fix a PC/laptop, I grab my keys and get a very odd look from the owner (usually a friend). Then I pop in my "magic stick of tricks". Ahem.

I loaded Firefox on my home machines and some other friends/family at 1.0 stage, some before. Back then I don't remember the download linkings on the homepage, saying (British build) but in about Firefox it does say en, GB!

It's all very well that things are delayed if there genuinely is good reason and it's for the best, but are users made aware of that fact, made to realise why it is, and that it will stop. No. There's still a lot of talk of upgrading, and updating, people do so, but then think the standard installer is Firefox's upgrade/update feature, and that's how it will always be. That's a problem.

Also, machines on 1.0.3 not being notified of newer versions for days, until I have to manually tell it, is not good. Many don't keep track, or expect to have to do things manually to keep safe. There are high standards set with updating/upgrading PC's and programs.

Adobe, IE, MS updates, are all very easy, efficient, and not problematic for most people. This simply isn't happening with Firefox, there are many good reasons, but sadly few know what they are or are explained why it's justified to be behind. It is especially considering also, no matter what be said, that these upgrades that are infact installers for many people, are in some way causing other problems, in statistics. That's a fair comment, and justified.

I have a host of programs on CD inc; Firefox, which I update every month with other things/installers etc, so it is just like a USB drive in that respect. I'll keep on spreading in this way and others!