The release of Firefox 3.5, the open source browser came as a formidable challenge to the Microsoft's Internet Explorer 8. In June, Firefox has a 22.5% market share according to web metrics company Net Applications, behind Internet Explorer's 65.5%. Though Internet Explorer's share has been declining for some time, the slide has accelerated over the last year since Firefox released version 3.0.
The new features of the Firefox 3.5 are:
Performance
Firefox 3.5 includes the TraceMonkey javascript engine, which gives the browser dramatically better performance than ever before. Firefox has always been fast, but this is the fastest Firefox ever (more than twice as fast as Firefox 3, and ten times as fast as Firefox 2), meaning Web applications like email, photo sites, online word processors and more will feel snappier and more responsive.
Firefox keeps your memory usage under control. The XPCOM cycle collector continuously cleans up unused memory. Plus, hundreds of memory leaks have been remedied.
Security & Privacy
The new web browser protects you from viruses, worms, Trojan horses and spyware. Also, it is designed to protect users' privacy online and provide greater control over their personal data. A new feature called as "Forget This Site," which can remove every trace of a site from the user's browser.
Further, it has private browsing, anti-phishing feature with parental controls. Firefox integrates elegantly with your antivirus software and has pop-up-blocker.
Customization
With over 6,000 Firefox add-ons, you can choose to download and install for a browser that works your way. Manage online auctions, upload digital photos, see the weather forecast in a glance and listen to music all from the convenience of your browser and add-ons Manager.
Beyond Add-ons, you can add new search engines, change toolbar preferences, display different sizes, shapes and styles for your browser's navigation buttons and more.
Personal
New enhancements for Firefox 3.5 give you greater control over the 'Awesome Bar' and include privacy settings. You can label a site with names or categories that are meaningful to you. For example, you can label the site www.itvoir.com with the "news" tag as well as the "information technology" tag.
Productivity
Whether you use Windows Vista, Mac or Linux, the browser seamlessly integrates with your computer's environment. An elegant new zoom feature lets you swoop in and see entire web pages.
Search
Search the web in record time with smart keywords. Searching the Web is a breeze with the search box inline, just to the right of your location bar. Search for a word or phrase on an open Web page. Highlight text before using the feature and finder opens pre-filled with your selection.
Universal Access
With a new graphics engine, Arabic, Persian, Punjabi and other script languages now render in a remarkably seamless way. Site designers and developers can create custom fonts that will be displayed and rendered properly even if you do not have the font installed on your computer.
Firefox speaks your language like no other browser on earth. It has over 70 different translations, from French and Chinese to Finnish and Czech.
The Cutting Edge
With offline browsing, you have information at your fingertips. Certain enabled sites may allow applications like your Web-based email to stay connected.
Firefox 3.5 automatically corrects color images that have the color profile data included. It is the first browser to support open video and audio formats, allowing practically limitless new ways for sites to display rich content.
Live Support
You can chat with knowledgeable Firefox community members who troubleshoot via company's live chat site. A link at the top of your browser takes you to a support site with the answers you will need.
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