Firefox 3: A Great New Way to Surf The Web
In the past, people thought of web browsers as being little
more than windows to the world wide web. But as technology and software have
evolved, today's internet user demands more than simple internet access from
their web browser.
Enter Firefox 3. Firefox 3 is the latest creation of open
source powerhouse Mozilla. Internet enthusiasts have flocked to earlier
versions of Firefox for years, citing the program as a safe, secure,
customizable web browser. This newest update is far more than a repackaging
with a few interesting bells and whistles; Firefox 3 represents a complete
rethinking of an already successful program. The result of nearly two years
work by thousands of collaborators, the Firefox 3 web browser offers users a
stunning array of new conveniences, features, and security measures—making it a
great way to surf the web safely and enjoyably.
Firefox 3 Features
Firefox has long been lauded for the wide array of features
that allow customers to surf the web their way. Popular features such as tabs
and bookmark libraries are back, and all offer new improvements. One truly
fascinating advancement is the address bar, which Mozilla refers to as “the
Awesome Bar.” True to it's name, the Awesome Bar allows users to input not
only standard websites (www.example.com), but also less coded search terms.
For example, typing in “University of Arkansas catalog” immediately takes you
to the information you're looking for, without having to even visit a search
engine. Not only that, but the Awesome Bar also responds to commands to search
other websites. For instance adding the word “wiki” before a search query
brings up the Wikipedia article concerning the subject you're looking for (if
one exists). The Awesome Bar even learns over time, making its responses more
accurate over time. It's obvious to see how this can make surfing the web a
whole lot more convenient. You can even tag your favorite websites to appear
automatically when you type in so called “smart keywords” that you get to
choose.
Firefox 3 Awesome/Address Bar
In fact, Firefox 3 has a whole host of included capabilities
that make searching the web quick and easy. The web browser includes a
secondary search bar that can be accessed by an easy keyboard shortcut for
fly-through navigation. This search bar includes a drop down menu that allows
the user to choose from multiple search engines, making it easy to search all
over the web for the information you're looking for.
The Firefox 3 web browser even includes several features
that work to make it easy to fix internet blunders. Everyone has at one time
or another closed a tab or web browser window accidentally. But Firefox users
can reopen closed tabs with a few clicks of the mouse, making it easy to
recover from slips of the finger. In fact, if you're browser closes
prematurely, Firefox 3 automatically restores your internet session, including
information you may have entered into websites. Even if you're in the middle
of writing an email when the program closes suddenly, you'll be able to
retrieve everything you've written so far, right down to the last word.
Those are only a few of the literally dozens of amazing
convenience features that Firefox 3 offers. The web browser also includes a
password manager, download manager, integrated spell checker, and literally too
many other features to list. In addition to included features such as these, Firefox
also supports Add-Ons—small extras that users add at their own discretion.
These Add-Ons do everything from supplying weather and stock quote information
to playing internet radio stations. With more than 5000 programs to choose
from, odds are there's an Add-On to suit almost anyone's tastes or needs.
Firefox 3 Security
One of the most impressive facets of Firefox 3 is its wide
expanse of useful security features. Firefox 3 is a web browser that takes
your security seriously. Not only does Firefox 3 merge seamlessly with the
anti-virus software you already use, but it also incorporates several features
of it's own to keep you and your family safe from internet predators. Firefox
3 web browser includes specific Anti-Malware and Anti-Phishing devices. These
features work by utilizing constantly updated databases of known miscreants.
When you access a potentially dangerous site, Firefox 3 pops up an un-missable
red warning window that lets you know that you're in dangerous waters.
Firefox 3 Anti-Phishing Warning Screen (mozilla test page)
Not only that, but Firefox 3 also offers one touch security
information about any website. With just a few clicks of the mouse, you can
view the available security information about any website. One click
brings up basic information, two provides details about your past business with
the website and other pertinent security details. This can help you make on
the spot decisions about problem websites, helping you to keep your information
secure.
Firefox 3 also has the best to offer of existing web safety
technologies, such as secure password management. Firefox 3 offers a
remarkably comprehensive Pop-up Blocker, which allows you to keep annoying
extra windows from popping up against your will. One of the most secure
features of Firefox 3 is the fact that it's open source. This means that
security concerns can be addressed and remedied quickly and easily, without
having to wait on a single source of aid to get around to fixing the problem.
Firefox 3 Integration
Without a doubt, one of the most
useful things about Firefox 3 web browser is its universal integration. Firefox
3 works on all standard operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux.
This means that no matter what kind of computing system you use, Firefox 3 can
be put to work for you. Now you can use the same web browser on different
computers, even if they don't have the same operating system.
But that's not the only way the Firefox
3 ensures it's compatible and accessible to other programs. Firefox 3 is also
dedicated to working well with other computer programs, including firewalls,
parental control programs, anti-virus software, and much more. Firefox has
also made a significant effort to be a universally available and usable service
by offering it's program in more than 40 different languages. Firefox 3 even
includes an enhanced text rendering graphics engine, which allows it to make
script languages easier to read online. Firefox also offers a powerful FullZoom
capability. This allows users to enlarge not only text, but also graphics and
images, making all websites more easily viewed by those with vision
disabilities. Coupled with full integration of screen reading technology for
the severely sight-impaired, Firefox 3 is clearly a sincere attempt at making a
universally accessible web browser.
So, if you've been interested
lately in other web browsing options, or if you're a die hard Firefox fan
anxious to get the upgrade, Firefox 3 represents the next significant milestone
in web browser development. Best of all, Firefox 3 is available absolutely
free! So, if you'd like to try out safe, secure, intuitive web browsing, visit
the website for Firefox 3 and start surfing today.
