ANTenna Blog -- Hardware & Software

Apparently, quite a few Firefox users still haven't made the leap to version 3.0. That will have to change soon, as Mozilla plans to bring down the final curtain on its Firefox 2 codebase.

A Linux Journal article published online today provides an important wake-up call for Firefox users who are dragging their feet on the not-so-big upgrade:

"The release of Firefox 3 in June was a major milestone for Mozilla, but still, nearly six months later, there are those who have eschewed the new for the comfortable, homey, well-worn-in welcomeness of Firefox 2. That will be changing soon, though, as funeral arrangements for the second-era Fox are in full-tilt at Mozilla HQ, and the service is fast approaching."

Two-thirds of Mozilla's Firefox user base already have migrated to version 3.0, and those users who cling to Firefox 2.0 often have good reasons. While most Firefox users agree that the new features -- and the high-performance under-the-hood improvements -- in FF 3.0 are a major improvement, others tend to very touchy about changes to familiar features or a comfortable user interface. And while almost every significant Firefox extension/theme is now compatible with version 3.0, there are probably some scattered exceptions to this rule.

When Mozilla finally closes its official Firefox 2.x support window in mid-December, one thing stragglers should not do is decide to live without security patches or other important updates. While Firefox 2.x may not become a chronic security risk right away, without regular patches it will slowly become more vulnerable to potentially serious security bugs.

Consider, for example, that the current FF 2 release, version 2.0.0.17, patches more than a dozen individual security vulnerabilities. Once the last bug-fix release, which is likely to be version 2.0.0.19, rolls off the line, those unfixed security gaps will quickly take their toll on the retired FF 2 codebase.

No matter how comfortable a familiar piece of software might feel, eschewing basic software security practices for the sake of a very minor re-adjustment period simply isn't worth the risk. If you're still using Firefox 2, it's a good idea to use this final month of official support to download FF 3, start exploring its new or changed features, and ease into a smooth transition.