CNET Editors' review
Read CNET senior editor Rob Vamosi's extended review of Firefox 3.
No longer a fledgling upstart, Firefox 3 is full-featured, lightning fast, and an able Internet Explorer foe. Previous versions have seen Mozilla's approach to features such as tabbed browsing and extensions become extremely popular. Even though Firefox 3 lacks a killer feature, it offers significant improvements not to be missed.
Version 3 introduces a multitude of safety and usability features. The location bar drop-down menu now includes URLs from both your browsing history and your bookmarks. A new Add-Ons manager includes a built-in plug-in search engine, saving you the previous trip to the Mozilla Web site. Single-click the star icon on the right of the location bar to bookmark the current page, or double-click on it to simultaneously add and edit the bookmark entry. You can tag bookmarks, too. Other impressive new features include password confirmation before adding it to the saved passwords list, the ability to pause and resume downloads, and merged forward and backward history lists.
Firefox 3 now runs faster and, according to Mozilla, is less susceptible to hacks and other vulnerabilities. The browser now warns your system's antivirus program when you download a file, and anti-malware and anti-phishing utilities now throw up a warning page before allowing Firefox to load risky sites. The favicon reveals Web sites' ownership details and displays the security level of your connection to that site.
Developers will appreciate that Firefox 3's new graphics and text rendering code provide rendering improvements in CSS and SVG as well as improved display of fonts and complex scripts. Firefox 3--still open-source, as ever--is a browser that all users should consider making their default Web-surfing tool.
Mozilla Firefox - Surf the web and customize your browser - Download Video Previews:Publisher's Description
From Mozilla:
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.
Version 3.0.6 has improved the ability for scripted commands (including those included in popular extensions like Adblock Plus) to work properly with plugins and fixed several security and stability issues.
What's new in this version: Version 3.0.6 has improved the ability for scripted commands (including those included in popular extensions like Adblock Plus) to work properly with plugins and fixed several security and stability issues.
More Products to Consider
- Explore the Web using Google's super-fast browser.
- Surf the Web comfortably, relying on speed, safety, and power o...
- View Flash multimedia content through your browser.Visit Site Or, Learn More About Adobe Flash Player
This download is served from an external site
closeNOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.
Sponsored Products
- Surf the Web with browser with automatic form filler, popup blo...
- Run Java applications on your Windows computer.
- Run Java applications on your Windows computer.
- Try the faster browser that lets you get the most from today's ...
- Detect trackers and control their ability to view your online b...
- Acquire a lightweight web browser for the quick use.
- Take Google's Chrome browser with you on a USB stick.
- Acquire a lightweight web browser for the quick use.
- Take your bookmarks, surf internet, and experience the private ...
- Get a lightweight web browser for the quick use.
- Download video from YouTube, Metacafe, Vimeo, Facebok and other...
- Download a Web site to local directory for offline browsing.
- Download a Web site to local directory for offline browsing.
- Browse the Web with speed and an elegant interface.
- Display your favorite RSS and Atom Web feeds and stock informat...
- Flash Player preview version with new video hardware accelerati...Download Or, Learn More About Adobe Flash Player 11 Beta 64-bit
This download is served from an external site
closeNOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.
Sponsored Products
Installed
Smart Install - Display your favorite RSS and Atom Web feeds and stock informat...
- Reduce multiple passwords to one single item.
- Surf the Web with an immersive browser for Windows 7 and Vista.Visit Site Or, Learn More About Internet Explorer
This download is served from an external site
closeNOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.
Sponsored Products
- Download a Web site to local directory for offline browsing.
- Secure your connection to public Wi-Fi networks with premium VP...
-
All versions:
4.3 starsout of 15,263 votes
-
Current version:
4.0 starsout of 35 votes
-
My rating:
Write review
-
"A great browser that's always performed 110%+ for me."
Version: Mozilla Firefox 3.0.6
Pros
It's safe and dependable.
Cons
I like this browser far more than all the others.
Summary
Firefox has always had my browser,internet security and surfing safety as number one.
Thanks to all those involved with making Firefox the best browser there is. -
"Encryption Page Security Issues"
Version: Mozilla Firefox 3.0.6
Pros
Excellent use of third party plugins make this version of Firefox a dream to use.
Cons
Warning, Firefox 3.06 does not automatically warn the user that they are leaving an encryption page, making it prone for hackers to access private information while doing online shopping.
Summary
Be very careful using this version of Firefox when doing online shopping. Encryption pages can suddenly go live leaking private information that Firefox will not warn you about unless you set Firefox up to do so.
I find this unacceptable, and users must be made aware of this. Firefox have said that they have disabled the Security Warn popup because they had a number complaints from users about same. I say better to be annoyed than lose thousands of dollars because of it. -
"Firefox Freezes up"
Version: Mozilla Firefox 3.0.6
Pros
From time to time the firefox browser has been locking up/freezes up its started this problem after i started adding the "add on" such as reloader (auto refresher url)
Cons
i have a notebook windows vista
-
"Fantastic and Fun"
Version: Mozilla Firefox 3.0.6
Pros
SUPER QUICK, MANY ADD ONS, GOOD THEMES, NEVER CRASHED ONCE
Cons
Youtube used to crash, thats sorted for now
Summary
The only time you should use another browser is to install Mozilla Firefox. !
-
"IT'S BEST BROWSER!"
Version: Mozilla Firefox 3.0.6
Pros
Millions of GREAT add-ons. Much better pop-up blocker than I.E.
It's a lot faster too. I.E. takes 2 mins to load on my PC, Firefox takes 2 secs.
It's more secure, too.Cons
I wouldn't say anything bad. Unlike Microsoft, Mozilla don't mess up.
Summary
Great browser. Much better than Internet Explorer. It's a must!
-
"Mozilla Hates Vista!"
Version: Mozilla Firefox 3.0.6
Pros
Works great with XP.
Cons
Can't stream music or webcasts or anything useful on the web. Unprecedented number of plug-ins to do basic things easily done on IE. Uses too much memory doesn't allow clean installations. Registry problems after downloading using 1 Click.
Summary
If you're an XP user-you'll like Firefox. For Vista Operating Systems, please proceed with caution. My advice if you have Vista-please uninstall and shred, shred, shred!
-
"The best browser!"
Version: Mozilla Firefox 3.0.6
Pros
I've tried a half dozen browsers since getting a netbook and firefox is still the best. Once you start browsing the add ons there's no end to what it can do.
Cons
A little slow on netbook, but with some tweaks it's fast enough.
-
"Still my primary browser (for now anyway)"
Version: Mozilla Firefox 3.0.6
Pros
Firefox is still the browser to beat in my opinion. It blows away all other browsers in the category of customization and extras.
Cons
version 3.0.5 had major crash and memory issues but it looks like they have been dealt with in this version so I can't really say right now that I've noticed any cons with this one.
Summary
Firefox is a pleasure to surf with. If anyone is looking for a browser loaded with features and customization ability then it is the best no doubt about it. The only other browser that has a chance of knocking firefox out of my primary browser spot is google chrome. I'm starting to surf more with chrome because it is a basic and simple browser to use with everything arranged in a pleasant to look at package and I'm starting to lean more towards basic and simple rather than the loaded and bloated of other browsers. If google puts out a version that has master password control and a better tab preference menu it would be my primary but currently firefox is still the one to beat in my opinion.
-
"generally much better to offer then windows"
Version: Mozilla Firefox 3.0.6
Pros
east to understand
Cons
not enough business explainations
Summary
my nephew told me about Mozilla and that he has it on 2 computers at home and at work and loves it
-
"Easy to use, easy to customize, many useful facilities."
Version: Mozilla Firefox 3.0.6
Pros
the best thing i like is its customizable interface, tons of ad-on's, its an all in all web browser.
Cons
A bit slow to start up first, but then excellent.
Add Your Review
Submit your reply
E-mail this review
Report offensive content
Previous Versions:






