Firefox 4: Almost 7 million downloads, compared to I.E. 9's 2.3 million in a similar time period

[Amerigo Vespucci]

Firefox 4 soars, thanks to Microsoft's Luddite customers



Firefox 4 clocked about 5 million downloads on its first day and is fast approaching 7 million this morning, as the new browser from Mozilla attracts huge interest from around the world.

That doesn’t match the record-breaking performance of Firefox 3, but it trounces the 2.35 million downloads that Microsoft reported in the first 24 hours after the Internet Explorer 9 release. (Msnbc.com is a Microsoft-NBC Universal joint venture.)

But keep in mind that Microsoft is voluntarily limiting its market, not only by making Internet Explorer exclusive to Windows but also by declining to make the new browser work on Windows XP. Even though Windows XP is nearly 10 years old at this point, more than 40 percent of Internet users are still clinging to it, putting IE9 at a disadvantage in the numbers game by not supporting XP.

Firefox, in contrast, continues to support Windows XP. Mozilla knew coming in that it would have a built-in advantage, based on Microsoft’s choice to support only the newer Windows Vista and 7.

http://technolog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/03/23/6327891-firefox-4-soars-thanks-to-microsofts-luddite-customers

[Canuckistanian]

1. I couldn't run IE9 even if I wanted to

It's not available for Windows XP.

[Zorra]

53. A blessing. I have been having problems ever since I downloaded it.

[Gormy Cuss]

2. Users are "clinging" to XP because they don't want to pay for yet another POS OS

Microsoft is so arrogant.

[Amerigo Vespucci]

7. I don't think I've heard Vista referred to as anything other than "eye candy"

I know a lot of local businesses have upgraded to Windows 7, but I don't know of any Windows Vista "advocates." It came and went and was a big "so what," eye candy "upgrade."

[Gormy Cuss]

13. Yeah, "VISTA" seems to be a flatliner for them and it's not the first.

That's part of the problem. That and most people in home and small business installation don't see much benefit from OS upgrades.

[EFerrari]

11. Maybe Microsoft hasn't heard about the crash.

Three of us here, five machines, all XP except my Powerbook which is just for graphics.

[SolutionisSolidarity]

29. Win7 is pretty nice. People are probably not upgrading because they have old computers.

Many older machines are still usable on XP, and in our economy, people don't want to upgrade until they have to.

Edit: That and vista has such a bad rep, many people were intentionally "downgrading" to XP to get better performance. Most people I've run across are happy to get win7.

[Spider Jerusalem]

47. Windows 7 is the best operating system MS has come out with

it's miles ahead of XP, has proper 64-bit support with widely available 64-bit drivers for most hardware (which XP does not), etc. And is everything Vista should have been and wasn't.

Also most average PC users are not very technically proficient and are probably running older hardware (since any new PC bought in the past 5 years would have either Vista or Win 7 if it came with an installed OS). Even those people would probably be better off upgrading to a free operating system like Ubuntu Linux (which as Linux goes is probably the most user-friendly and easiest-to-install distribution) than continuing to use XP in terms of system security and up-to-date support (with a lightweight window manager like XFCE Linux will run reasonably well on a Pentium II).

[fishwax]

51. exactly

I've got XP on a 6-year-old computer that's still going, so I see no real reason to bother with a new OS -- I've heard that 7 is better than Vista, but I'll wait until I need a new computer to find out for myself ...

[AlabamaLibrul]

63. XP is seriously good, that's why.

Windows 7 uses more than a gigabyte of RAM at idle, and that's without a ton of the visual crap turned on. That's ridiculous when you want to run serious applications (photo/video editing, sound, etc) on a computer that isn't $3000.

XP is lightweight, peppy, and still works for the time being. Who cares if IE9 isn't on it.

[rocktivity]

71. XP is good, Vista was supposed to be better. Vista wasn't

and now people are just supposed to take Microsoft's word for it that Windows 7 is better then both of them!

:eyes:
rocktivity

[AlabamaLibrul]

74. And the Win7 for System Builders, the cheapest legal edition, starts at $100

It doesn't grant the same rights as a retail license (hence, it's for people that build computers) and I have XP already on my computer. No thank you.

[Dappleganger]

3. It's shiny and fast.

Gonna be hard to put down Chrome for awhile.

[Thunderstruck]

4. I've got FF4. It's ok I guess. I have IE9 too, which is closer to pretending to be FF.

[hlthe2b]

5. Used firefox for years, but version 3.6.15 is so damned buggy

I sincerely hope that version 4 will correct that... Constant lock ups get really old.

[Amerigo Vespucci]

9. So far, the lockups are gone

I used Firefox 3.X as my primary browser but at least once a day got fed up with the lock-ups. I am, however, still getting "unresponsive script" pop-ups on some sites, but unlike Firefix 3.X, they are not locking up the browser.

The 3.X lockups were EXTREME...they wouldn't even respond to "CTRL-ALT-Delete." You just had to sit and wait for it to close in its own sweet time...or not.

[hlthe2b]

54. Gone to download 4.0.... Heavens that would be wonderful

Damn lockups have been horrendous.

[notadmblnd]

49. I couldn't even run it on my machine (Vista) I had to download 4.0 beta

no problems since.

[hobbit709]

6. I won't use any version of Internet EXPLODER on any computer of mine.

Mozilla or nothing is my attitude.

[alcibiades_mystery]

8. I'm reading this on FF4...the only thing that annoys me is that my del.icio.us add-in is not yet

available for FF4, and I really do use it a lot to tag stuff. I want my new del.icio.us add-in!

[rocktivity]

10. It helps when the product actually works.

Besides, it OUR fault that everyone loved XP so much -- at least in comparison to Vista -- that they're actually afraid to give Windows7 a fair trial? As President Georgie once attempted to say, "Fool me twice, shame on me."

:rofl:
rocktivity

[blogslut]

19. I just bloody refuse to pay big dollars for Win 7

I begrudgingly switched to XP. I clung to my beloved copy of Windows 2000 until the last possible moment. I buy my machines used and my desktop PC came with a recover disk copy of XP.

Meanwhile I've discovered the joys of Open Source Linux distros and the day that XP is so outmoded I can't do the things I need to do, I go Linux-only.

As for Firefox. I've been using it since it was Firebird.

[HopeHoops]

12. Yeah, but Firefox is a real browser. Why the fuck would anyone use IE?

Well, okay, I guess there are people out there who REALLY like getting viruses and malware, so I suppose there's a market for IE.

[digitaln3rd]

14. IE9? What's that?

Oh, you mean "Firefox Downloader" :)

[Lucinda]

15. I'm in Safari for windows now - its very stable and I like the features

But I will try FF4. I am a browser ho.

[L. Coyote]

16. PC users, make your system safer by limiting IE to only the most essential capabilities

Don't let IE use Java, Javascript, Active-X, or anything at all that you can shut-off. That way, you stop viruses from sneaking around your firewall.

Then, use Firefox or SeaMonkey for all your web browsing.

[Amerigo Vespucci]

26. The "No Script" add-on / extension is an essential...

...Flash, Java, Javascript, Active X, NONE of that stuff runs in Firefox unless I allow it on a site-by-site basis. Best part is that you can temporarily grant permissions for a single browsing session.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

76. I luvs NoScript. (And it works perfectly under FF4, by the way.)

[L. Coyote]

17. Web Authors, give SeaMonkey a try for a free WYSIWYG editor.

Not Dreamweaver by any stretch, but free and functional. It should keep improving too.

[blogslut]

20. There's also Kompozer

SeaMonkey is nice but I prefer Kompozer for a WYSIWYG:

http://kompozer.net/

[L. Coyote]

21. More features, I see. I'm downloading now.

[blogslut]

22. Yay!

I love it. I'm still accustomed to working in a sourcecode HTML environment (Arachnophilia!) but Kompozer makes it easier to futz with that new-fangled CSS that all the kids are talking about. ;)

[L. Coyote]

45. And, it froze the first time I used it!

[blogslut]

57. I'm sorry

It might have to do with it being dependent on the GTK library.

When it comes to stuff like that I go and get it from Portable Apps. The programs there usually have the dependencies bundled into the installation. Just remember, if you want to run a Portable Apps programs from you hard drive then switch the installation directory to the Windows Programs Diretory. Oh, and uninstall the other version of Kompozer first:

http://portableapps.com/apps/development/nvu_portable

[L. Coyote]

68. I'm using an iMac with Snow Leopard = OS X 10.6.6

I'll have to go back and update later, hoping for a fix. It is easy to force quit apps in OS X, without impact on any other open apps.

[blogslut]

70. I am sorry again

...for assuming you were on Windows. I don't know how to help you. :(

[Urban Prairie]

18. My desktop computers are too ancient to run anything beyond XP, so no IE 9 :( (not really....heh!!)

But I am somewhat proficient at using Linux and Unix OSes, so I can use them instead, like right now just running a live CD of a Linux distro.

There is also another Linux distro that can be downloaded and installed into Windows, called Splashtop, which includes itself at boot, so if someone who just wants to browse the internet, can do so w/o needing anything else running in the background other than its Google Chromium browser.

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/open-source/splashtop-linux-for-windows-users/8379?tag=nl.e539

[Night Crawler]

23. I like Chrome for it's speed and the way it syncs my desktop

laptop and Droid X automatically. Google docs is sooo convenient on the road too. I never leave a report or document on the "other" computer anymore, wherever I am, there it is. Even if I don't have my own "device" with me.

*it speilcheaks the subject lines on DU to.

[FLPanhandle]

24. Firefox for a windows operating system; Safari for Macs

I wouldn't use IE unless forced.

[FLAprogressive]

59. I find Firefox to be the best on Mac as well as Windows. Not a real fan of Safari....

[CrownPrinceBandar]

25. Just started using it............

Seems pretty cool so far.

[Upton]

27. Firefox 4 looks remarkably like Opera..

[warrior1]

28. none of the themes work for

either mac or version 4. Bummer

[Upton]

33. Yeah, Kempelton doesn't work..

going to takes some time for all the add ons to be made compatible. Took my awhile to get used to FF 4 after downloading it yesterday, but overall I like the changes...

[in_cog_ni_to]

30. I just updated my Firefox to Firefox 4 and now my Roboform toolbar isn't working

right. :cry: Ticks me off when crap like that happens. I cannot live without my Roboform. I guess I'll wander over to Mozilla and see if others are having the same problem.

It's going to take some time to get use to this. Everything has moved...but it looks great. I haven't used IE for YEARS. I use it ONLY if I have to for certain web sites.

Thanks for posting this thread. I didn't know the new version had been released.

[in_cog_ni_to]

31. Update for anyone who uses Roboform with Firefox. Download the newest Roboform 7.

That fixed my problem. I'm happy now. :) :hi:

[Urban Prairie]

38. I have two Firefox test profiles backed up & installed, that have all of my add-ons and themes

installed that I use to test updates of Firefox on to see which extensions or add-ons aren't compatible yet.
Saves me a lot of trouble, and I have the options>advanced>update tab checked "ask me what to do" instead to avoid "automatically download and install updates"

[starroute]

42. There's an extension to do that

"Is It Compatible?" will tell you what versions of Firefox all your extensions and themes are compatible with.

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/is-it-compatible

[Urban Prairie]

50. Thanks...how did I even miss spotting that one, heh?!?

Probably because there are so many of them now.

[starroute]

65. Maybe you're not lazy enough ;-)

I just went looking because I've got a lot more extensions now than I did when Firefox 3 came through, and I was hoping to find something to save me the hassle.

[totodeinhere]

32. I installed it today. The first thing I did was change the default layout back to look like

FF 3. I guess old habits are hard to break. I am not used to having my tabs on top.

[in_cog_ni_to]

34. How do you do that? Change the layout back to FF3?

I'm going to give this new layout a few days, but I'm not so sure I like it.

[totodeinhere]

35. Do this:

If you want your Firefox 4 to look like Firefox 3.x, do the following

Press Alt. This will open the menu bar. Click on View > Toolbars > Menubar.

Then click on View > Toolbars > and deselect tabs on top.

Now your Firefox 4 will look like your good old 3.x ^_^

[davepdx]

36. Or right click on the new tab button (plus sign) and

uncheck "Tabs on Top."

[totodeinhere]

39. As usual, there is more than one way to skin a cat. n/t

[in_cog_ni_to]

41. Thank you too!

:)

[in_cog_ni_to]

40. Thanks!

I appreciate it! :hi:

[Qanisqineq]

61. oh thank god

I just downloaded Firefox 4 after seeing this thread. The tabs on top was driving me crazy! :crazy:

[Xithras]

37. Anyone know if they've fixed the stupid Private Browsing problem.

It's one of the FF problems that drove me back to IE. Because of the nature of my work, I tend to have a LOT of browser windows open, dedicated to different tasks (I have six open right now, each with multiple tabs). If I select Private Browsing, FF3 closes all of my other browser windows and keeps them closed until I exit Private Browsing mode.

IE has a much more user friendly model. When you select InPrivate Browsing, it simply spawns a new window in Private mode and leaves your other windows alone.

I'm hoping that FF4 finally fixed that problem.

[AlabamaLibrul]

64. Chromium, for one, offers a separate private browsing window.

For, well, private browsing. It pops up a little box reminding you it doesn't protect you from fake websites, and people looking over your shoulder.

I like it alright, use it mostly on Linux.

[in_cog_ni_to]

43. Can anyone give me a hint as to where the refresh button and X/stop button

went to? I just went to refresh a page and there is no refresh anymore...or an X/stop ......any hints?

[in_cog_ni_to]

44. Nevermind! I found it! n/t

[hlthe2b]

46. Anyone know if you can move the HOME button back to the left?

Having both the home button and the refresh button way over on the right is awkward to me. Anyone know if you can move these back over the the left?

[blogslut]

60. Rick-click on the Icon Toolbar

Choose "Customize" from the drop-down box. Now, put your cursor over the Home icon and drag it to where you want it to be. Then click "Done" on the little console that popped up.

[hlthe2b]

62. THANK YOU! I'm a real creature of habit & that was driving me

CrAZY!

[Shandris]

48. I didn't see this add-on listed anywhere in the thread...

...but for security-conscious folk, may I mention KeyScrambler. You actually download it from the company's website, and it plugs into both IEx and Firefox at the same time. Very simple, it encrypts keystrokes while using your browser. Lightweight and useful, especially if you find yourself using a lot of password sites like forums.

Also, for those who haven't upgraded, I just did and NoScript, AdBlocker+, and BetterPrivacy all made the transition nicely.

[hlthe2b]

55. Never heard of that one, but I think I'm off to grab it.

thanks.

[fishwax]

52. surprises me that IE9 got that many

I can't remember the last time I used that by choice ...

[Electric Monk]

77. Here's an example of an IE fanboi right here on DU

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=439&topic_id=728525&mesg_id=728525

"Start your own goddamn thread, this is for the 88,888,888% of us who use MS IE"

:rofl:

[fishwax]

82. wow -- i admit it never occurred to me to take my browser preference that seriously

:)

[tabasco]

56. I tried 'em all.

Always come back to Firefox.

[sarcasmo]

58. No problems with mine or my wifes laptop since I started using Firefox.

[ReggieVeggie]

66. Is this a political discussion?

I've seen other things moved for less

[tavalon]

67. I've been using Firefox for years

I can use Explorer when necessary but it is rarely necessary.

[deacon]

69. It's horrible - reallllly horrible. I had to do a system restore to get rid of it. n/t

[Shandris]

80. That's the silliest thing I've ever heard.

Revo Uninstaller will remove any program. TBH, this sounds more like the kind of things IE fanbois say, using the System Restore 'scare' to keep people from trying it. I'm not saying that's your intent, but that does remind me of those people. At any rate, no program should ever need a restore to remove, particularly one that doesn't hook the OS.

[dkofos]

72. downloaded this morning and it was almost 17million

[Edweird]

73. Too bad 'fennec', the windows mobile version, sucks ass.

I REALLY wish it worked well.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

75. Runs spiffy here. And with two clicks, it stopped looking alien.

1) Unckeck "tabs on top".
2) Enable the menu bar.

And all my add-ons work. Sweet!

[in_cog_ni_to]

78. Once I moved my tabs back down, moved my Home icon back to the left and moved the refresh/stop

icon back to the left, added my print icon and updated Roboform...it's now perfect. I really like it. Once you get use to icons being in a specific spot, man is it hard to change!

[pulledpork]

79. Google Chrome is better than both

Firefox was just one problem after another. I was calling it IE Lite.

[Nye Bevan]

81. Google Toolbar does *not* work properly on Firefox 4.

If you click the drop-down box and select a previous search, nothing happens.

Heavy users of Google Toolbar should hold off on updating.