Firefox version 1.5 reached its first beta stage, offering several new features like swifter Back or Forward navigation, private browsing data clearance, ability to re-arrange browser icons by drag-and-drop, better software updation, ability to specify preferences window and improved popup blocks. The browser application is currently available at the Mozilla website for free downloads and a second beta version after some modifications is expected to be out on 15 October and the final release late this year.
The new version was released as per schedule and probably in time to undo some damage with the Mozilla web-browser’s earlier version apparent loss in popularity from July this year. With improved support for JavaScript 1.6, Scalable Vector Graphics and more CSS, the new version of the once very popular Firefox offers better overall web support, while the new DHTML accessibility features in light of tighter security offer better access and besides support for Mac OS X.
While the Firefox browser has emerged as a strong rival for Microsoft’s Internet Explorer, it needs to be seen whether the beta codenamed “Deer Park” has broken away from the recent spate of vulnerabilities experienced in the earlier version that spurred a number of patches. Firefox in less than two years has garnered 8 percent of the browser market according to NetApplications.com.
Though Microsoft’s IE dominates the browser market, it has been rattled by Firefox’ growth, despite the fact that both companies have been busy patching up their respective applications, in light of the emergence of numerous flaws. Just this week, a security researcher revealed another one in the Firefox application that could make systems vulnerable to virus attacks for which Mozilla soon posted a fix.
The “Deer Park” beta, the first major update since the November 2004 launch of Firefox 1.0 is suggested as “designed primarily for Web and extension developers” by Mozilla's director of engineering Mike Schroepfer, as a way of getting additional feedback on testing compatible sites. However it has been a long journey from when the version dubbed as Firefox 1.1 was scheduled for a March release, got pushed into beta mode first for mid-summer, then fall and hopefully this winter, the version 1.5 will be out. But as Chris Beard, Mozilla Corp.’s Products and Marketing manager said of the innumerable new features added, “This ended up being a much bigger release than we originally planned".
The beta adding the Answers.com link to report sites that Firefox cannot open and a menu item to clear private viewing data at the mere press of a button, is undoubtedly attractive to many users. But for those who wish to drive the beta version, the Mozilla Foundation warning is do not expect end-user support, as it is only a test application. But even then, compared to the surface improvements promised by Microsoft's Internet Explorer 7 beta, which will only be available as a fully secured version with the release of the new Vista operating system, it is a far cry.
