Firefox 3.6.20 released

[Antony]

Mozilla has pushed Firefox 3.6.20 to Firefox 3.6.x users. Mozilla claims Firefox 3.6.20 addresses some security issues.

Firefox 3.6.20 can be downloaded from this page.

The list of changes as per the Firefox 3.6.20 Release Notes are as follows.

Firefox 3.6.20 fixes the following issues found in previous versions of Firefox 3.6:

* Fixed several security issues.
* Fixed several stability issues

Unlike in Firefox 3.6.19, which the forced auto-update window effectivly lied to end users about the purpose of the update (removing features instead of falsely claimed security and stability), this time, the window correctly described the reason of this Firefox 3.6.20 update.

UserAgent: Mozilla/5.0 (Macintosh; U; Intel Mac OS X 10.6; en-US; rv:1.9.2.19) Gecko/20110707 AlexaToolbar/alxf-2.13 Firefox/3.6.19

[Fulvio]

Antony,
if all the Mozilla Firefox lies would be like what you described, I would be delighted. The lies apply only if you allow auto-updates, or you don't read what the alleged update is about.
3.6.19 was supposed to apply, only, to MAC users. Since I am not a MAC user, I cannot comment on the usefulness of the update, but I never bothered going from 3.6.18, because the site did not say that it was an update for PCs.
But, I had an interesting time, having installed the final(?) version of Firefox 6, which installed in the default location, right on top of 3.6.18. So, when this morning I tried to use 3.6.18, the browser went through all sorts of compatibility tests, indicating that something was wrong. I stopped the loading operation, and, immediately, went to the Add/Remove. Only Firefox 6 was there, although the old beta was elsewhere. So, I renamed the old FF 6 beta to 3.6.18, and reinstalled 3.6.18. In each case, I made sure that I used the correct profile. Then, on reading your post, I was that there was an update, which I installed via Help|Check for Updates. In spite of this nonsense, it, probably, took me less time to get back to normal, than downloading a new file, installing, and all that.
To summarize, my FF 6 is installed where 3.6.18 was, yesterday, and 3.6.20 where FF 6 beta was yesterday.
And, I have two Mozilla Firefoxes in my Add/Remove. Which proves my point held for long time, that it is vital to keep the Profiles in a row, but not the Programs.

UserAgent: Mozilla/5.0 (Windows; U; Windows NT 5.1; en-US; rv:1.9.2.20) Gecko/20110803 Firefox/3.6.20

[Anonymosity]

You must be using a beta version. I am using a release, on the release update channel. and Firefox is saying that I am up to date.

UserAgent: Mozilla/5.0 (Macintosh; Intel Mac OS X 10.6; rv:6.0) Gecko/20100101 Firefox/6.0

[Antony]

if all the Mozilla Firefox lies would be like what you described, I would be delighted. The lies apply only if you allow auto-updates, or you don't read what the alleged update is about.

Yes, I did allow it as I did not change the default setting. The default setting is the first setting users would have, and I do let it keep that way, so I can see how Firefox pushes user to the new version (and to see what excuses they provide).

In the case of Firefox 3.6.19, the forced update window effectively provided a false reason.

It has been clear that many users believe new versions are good, and most of them do not mind being rushed to the latest version (because they believe the software updated itself to stay safe, or perhaps, it was something under the "open source" umbrella). Unfortunately, from my observation, not many of those very same users share the same attitudes towards Microsoft Windows update. (If I remember correctly, there were huge complaints about the Windows (auto) update required restarting, and losing data.)

UserAgent: Mozilla/5.0 (Macintosh; U; Intel Mac OS X 10.6; en-US; rv:1.9.2.20) Gecko/20110803 AlexaToolbar/alxf-2.14 Firefox/3.6.20

[Fulvio]

Antony,
I agree with you in most ways, and I don't like to have anything forced on me, which I don't fully understand. That's why there is the setting in Firefox: Ask me what to do (when there is an update).
As for Windows Updates, I have not liked the system, which downloads the required files, and, then refuses to install them. This has happened to me since February, and to many others. Then, for no good reason, it appears, the downloaded files are installed.
And, talking about sneaky, I was set to have my Updates downloaded, but as far as I understood, I had to pick a time to install them. I complained about this, in June. According to a look of my updates, I had a bunch of updates installed in July and August (eight alone in August), without me knowing about it.
There was a time when I would be informed, but no more. Microsoft gives the option, but it by-passes it.
Also, I have been using Firefox with IETab for my updates. I had switched to Seamonkey as default. Today when I tried to do my check, I got an error: Cannot locate Quicktime. No issues with 3.6.20.
Now, I am getting paranoid. Is this a Microsoft+Apple conspiracy?

UserAgent: Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 5.1; rv:6.0) Gecko/20100101 Firefox/6.0

[Antony]

Fulvio,

Here's the thing:
Most of us do not like to be pushed for updates, however, some people actually do not mind those automatic updates from Firefox, and they even think that such default behaviour is good.
However, it is pretty reserved for Firefox only. The very same people had totally different opinion when similar updates available windows from Apple. Although on Apple's case, at the time when update available window appears, users have the ability to refuse the update; unlike Firefox's forced update window which the users' Firefox would be updated sooner or later, no option to refuse so. (Unless the user checking the settings in Preferences.)

UserAgent: Mozilla/5.0 (Macintosh; U; Intel Mac OS X 10.6; en-US; rv:1.9.2.20) Gecko/20110803 AlexaToolbar/alxf-2.14 Firefox/3.6.20

[Safalex]

i had to update my FireFox though i don't like these forced updates. all the new versions generally have quite a lot of bugs. so i prefer to wait for a while untill more stable versions a re released

UserAgent: Mozilla/5.0 (Windows; U; Windows NT 6.1; ru; rv:1.9.2.20) Gecko/20110803 Firefox/3.6.20

[Fulvio]

I said this for years, but, still there are many people who do not get it. Updates are not forced, unless you keep your settings which are in Firefox. If you select in Tools|Options|Advanced|Updates|Ask me what to do, you will get a notice that an update is available, and that's it. My philosophy is that no update is necessary, but I take a look at nearly everything which is coming out, and make my choices.
You know, if this forced update story would be true, then one could complain that the setup for installation forces the user to install on top of existing installations and forces to make the latest version your default.
I am giving up, and if someone wants to continue commenting on this, go ahead, but it is not correct to say that Firefox is forcing anyone. It is simply a matter of taking command of your computer.

UserAgent: Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 5.1; rv:5.0) Gecko/20100101 Firefox/5.0 CometBird/5.0

[James]

I suppose the real question is: what is the default setting? Is the default to update the user automatically? If so... and in light of the fact that most users haven't a clue about updates and how to modify them in order that they are in charge of if and when to update... then I would argue that Mozilla "IS" forcing (indirectly) the user to update.

UserAgent: Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 6.1) AppleWebKit/535.2 (KHTML, like Gecko) Chrome/15.0.854.0 Safari/535.2

[Antony]

I suppose the real question is: what is the default setting? Is the default to update the user automatically?

Thank you James. All those years, I've been focused on the key thing: default setting, which was set to update itself or at next relaunch of the browser.

If so... and in light of the fact that most users haven't a clue about updates and how to modify them in order that they are in charge of if and when to update... then I would argue that Mozilla "IS" forcing (indirectly) the user to update.

It is correct that default settings can be change, however, as you pointed out, such default setting (or tactic), is forcing users to update effectively (for a number of users).

Although the default setting can be easily changed, to many of those who wasn't aware of such setting, the setting is effectively forcing users to rush for the latest.

Finally, someone understands my point. Thank you.

UserAgent: Mozilla/5.0 (Macintosh; U; Intel Mac OS X 10.6; en-US; rv:1.9.2.20) Gecko/20110803 AlexaToolbar/alxf-2.14 Firefox/3.6.20