FireFox 2.0: Almost Here (HERE!)

FireFox is arguably the best web browser in current existance.  I say arguably, simply to allow for the inevitable arguments that surround web browsers.  For some, it seems like Cola Wars all over again, but the bottom line is that it's free, it's easy to use, it does a good job, it's got tons of 3rd party extensions to plug-in and, at least for the moment, it is more secure than the all-time-champion #1 browser, Microsoft Internet Explorer — which surprisingly manages to tout more flaws on its resume than its famous cousin, Windows Explorer.  When it comes to awarding a best-all-around medal, I don't think there's much room for argument, FireFox is just "it".

And, with great anticipation, many have been waiting for the next full-version-release from parent company Mozilla. Well, it's here. Sort-of. Release Candidate 3 is available for download on Mozilla's site, but be forewarned: Many of your existing extensions may cease to function, or in a worst case scenario may actually cause your monitor to explode. It could happen, I saw it in "Final Destination".  I assure you, Microsoft is scripting a press release right now warning IE users of just such an eventuality.

Cool New Stuff: The new version of the browser can detect, at least much of the time, if a website is pretending to be something it isn't. For instance, if you're about to eagerly enter your login information on www.citbank.com, FireFox 2.0 will give you a little tap on the shoulder and point out the grave error you are about to make. It also boasts a slightly updated look, a session-saver feature so you don't lose that page you were on when you close the browser, search term suggestions, in-line spell-checker and a host of other interesting, not-so-interesting, techie-cool and downright boring features.

If you don't currently use FireFox, I suggest you take it for a test drive.  When you install it, it lets you import all your favorites from Internet Explorer and you can always click NO if you're not sure when FireFox asks you if you want it to be the default web browser.  Follow this link to get FireFox 2.0 or, if you prefer the stable version you should download version 1.5.

For current FireFox users, you are at somewhat of a disadvantage at the moment. If you have a spare Windows computer hooked up to the internet that you're not currently using for web browsing then you know what must be done! For the other 99.9% of us, we've got a tough choice to make between test-driving this shiny new version of FireFox before it's officially released and losing all of our assorted FireFox extensions we've amassed over the past two years.

I do not envy your decision. May the light guide your path.

- one