CNET Editors' review
No longer a fledgling upstart, Firefox 3 is full-featured, lightning fast, and an able foe for both the big-dog competitor Internet Explorer and competitors nipping at its heels. Firefox's killer add-ons remain strong, and the latest update makes version 3.5 about two times faster than version 3. However, competition is strong and it can no longer be said that Firefox is the fastest browser available.
Several notable improvements in the latest revamp keep Firefox abreast of current browsing tech. Along with Mozilla's new TraceMonkey JavaScript engine that renders Web applications faster on Firefox than ever before, there have also been improvements to the layout engine Gecko for faster page rendering. The new Private Browsing brings a feature to Firefox that competitors have had for a while: the capability to turn off cookie and history logs. Users also have more granular control over cookies, history, and bookmarks in version 3.5 via the redone Clear Recent History option under Tools. Geolocation courtesy of Google has been activated by default in Firefox, so that generic searches such as "city hall" will come closer to pegging the government offices nearest you.
Web developers should be excited about expanded support for HTML5 local storage, downloadable fonts, and native support for OGG-formatted embedded video. ICC profiles, SVG transforms, CSS media queries, native JSON support, and Web worker threads also get lots of love from v3.5. There's no doubt that Firefox 3.5 is a must-have, but it's an update that's more about keeping the browser current rather that blazing new trails.
Publisher's Description
From PortableApps:
Mozilla Firefox is a fast, full-featured Web browser. Firefox includes pop-up blocking, tab-browsing, integrated Google search, simplified privacy controls, a streamlined browser window that shows you more of the page than any other browser and a number of additional features that work with you to help you get the most out of your time online.
Firefox 3.5 is based on the Gecko 1.9.1 rendering platform, which has been under development for the past year. Firefox 3.5 offers many changes over the previous version, supporting new web technologies, improving performance and ease of use, and adding new features for users: It is now available in more than 70 languages, includes a Private Browsing mode, better performance and stability with the new TraceMonkey JavaScript engine, the ability to provide Location Aware Browsing using web standards for geolocation, support for native JSON, and web worker threads, support for new web technologies such as: HTML5 < video > and < audio > elements, downloadable fonts and other new CSS properties, JavaScript query selectors, HTML5 offline data storage for applications, and SVG transforms.
What's new in this version:
Firefox 3.5 is based on the Gecko 1.9.1 rendering platform, which has been under development for the past year. Firefox 3.5 offers many changes over the previous version, supporting new web technologies, improving performance and ease of use, and adding new features for users: It is now available in more than 70 languages, includes a Private Browsing mode, better performance and stability with the new TraceMonkey JavaScript engine, the ability to provide Location Aware Browsing using web sta... See all new features
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All versions:
4.3 starsout of 72 votes
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Current version:
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"Great to have Firefox with me on my keychain"
Version: Firefox Portable 9.0
Pros
So convenient to be able to use other computers with my personalized Firefox
Cons
Can't think of any
Summary
Glad I got it
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"Does what I was wanting it to do. make me more portable"
Version: Firefox Portable 8.0
Pros
It is quick and keeps the portability I need when I do not have my own computer handy on the road with me
Cons
none noted yet...
Summary
light but effective...
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"Forced installation of cnet supported bloatware"
Version: Firefox Portable 8.0
Pros
Made me realize cnet likes to manipulate the download count of unnecessary bloatware.
Which means basically none.Cons
The downloaded program will not let me install Mozilla Firefox Portable 8.0 without first installing "Drop Down Deals" browser app.
Summary
I was very frustrated with this download. It would not let me install Mozilla Firefox Portable 8.0 without agreeing to the terms and installation of the browser app "Drop Down Deals". I know this is freeware, but I will not install some bloatware to help cnet manipulate the download count of an unwanted program. Download the full Mozilla Firefox to avoid having to deal with the bloatware.
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"Firefox is just getting worse!"
Version: Firefox Portable 7.0.1
Pros
BOOOOOOoooooo
Cons
slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow
Summary
it's slow compared to Chrome, IE9 is nearly as fast.
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""What are the improvements?""
Version: Firefox Portable 6.0
Pros
Looks nice????????
Cons
: Bloated, slow, uses too much CPU and ram.....
Summary
IE9 is much better, I'm, gonna stick with that and maybe in 2-3yrs from now Firefox 7 will be better (with out the bloat)
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"amazing and user friendly also safe then other."
Version: Firefox Portable 5.0.1
Pros
all sites support and new tabing good.
Cons
m using this product easily and no installation prob.
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"great product"
Version: Firefox Portable 4.0.1
Pros
easy to use
Cons
they are still in jail
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"I Don't like it. Is not so good"
Version: Firefox Portable 4.0.1
Pros
It is not easy to use
Cons
It is not easy to use
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"A Good Alternative"
Version: Firefox Portable 4.0
Pros
I use Internet Explorer. Firefox portable is convenient as an alternative browser. GE2011MAR06
Cons
For those who prefer Firefox, they should use the installed version, with their favorite extensions.
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"Excellent browser ever made"
Version: Firefox Portable 4.0
Pros
Load faster than ever, easy to use arrange icons, Love to see that they have finally added the speed dial feature. I use Portable version and love it's portability.
Cons
You need to wait for a few of your favorite extensions/add-ons/plugins to be updated for this version of Firefox, otherwise it won't work.
Summary
I Liked the Firefox 4 for it robust, well organized design. Hats off to the team. I wish them all the best.
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