Mozilla wants users to upgrade to latest version of Firefox

Mozilla will once again attempt to persuade users running older versions of the open source Firefox web browser to upgrade. From 17 November, users running the 3.6.x branch of Firefox will receive a notification suggesting that they upgrade to the current version, Firefox 8.

The Mozilla project has previously attempted to encourage users to upgrade, but abandoned its last campaign due to server capacity issues. Now they are planning to try again to get those users who are currently using Firefox 3.6 to upgrade to the newest version. If users decline the notification suggestion they will stay on their current version and will continue receive all security updates. They will only be prompted to upgrade again when Mozilla decides to re-run the prompts.

Mozilla has moved to a six week rapid-release process to ensure Firefox remains competitive with other browsers by introducing improvements to users faster. The option to upgrade will not effect enterprise deployments if they have disabled major updates.

Since upgrading to its rapid release schedule, Mozilla has been criticised by enterprises for not allowing them enough time to test and deploy Firefox updates on their systems. To help rectify this, the project reformed the Mozilla Enterprise User Working Group which has proposed an enterprise support release of Firefox in hopes of getting greater enterprise adoption and retaining current users.

Mozilla is continuing to support the Firefox 3.6 branch and has yet to announce when it will cease support. Firefox 8 is available to download for Windows, Mac OS X and Linux.

(lcz)