New Version Includes Important Security Improvements

 

5. It's easier to find Do Not Track

Though Firefox's Do Not Track privacy feature was available in Firefox 4, many users complained that it was hard to find. With Firefox 5, Do Not Track is now available in the software's Privacy tab, making it much easier for users to find. In addition, the Do Not Track feature is available in the mobile version of the software for Android-based devices, as well.

6. Firefox 4 users will want it

Though there is some speculation that Google Chrome and even Internet Explorer users won't jump to download Firefox 5, it seems like an obvious choice for current Firefox 4 users. After all, Firefox 5 delivers the same basic functionality, but delivers better stability and security. Plus, it's free. So, users who are currently running Firefox 4 will find a lot to like in Firefox 5.

7. Support for CSS animations

One of the more important additions to Firefox 5 is support for CSS animations. That technology is often used by Websites and app developers to move elements within a page around the screen. As Mozilla points out, support for CSS animations in Firefox 5 should pave the way for developers to "build more amazing Web applications and Web sites." So, while the addition is a boon for developers at first, Firefox 5 users might also benefit from it over the long term.

8. It has come under fire

As of late, Firefox 5 has come under fire from critics who say that calling it a new version of Mozilla's venerable browser is nonsense. Those folks say that the browser delivers no major improvements that would justify its "5" moniker and Mozilla must do more in the future to ensure its updates are meaningful to users. That criticism could drastically affect the way Mozilla handles Firefox updates in the future, and users should keep that in mind.

9. The competition is stiff

Mozilla is launching Firefox 5 in an increasingly competitive browser market. Windows owners have several fine options to choose from, including Chrome and Internet Explorer, and both of those browsers deliver their own benefits over Firefox 5. On the Mac side, Safari is a worthwhile alternative to Firefox 5, as well. Simply put, Firefox 5 isn't competing in a vacuum, and users might do well to consider alternatives before opting for Mozilla's latest launch.

10. Mozilla has made it more secure

As the number of Web-based threats continues to rise, Internet users want to know that the browser they're employing will help keep them safe. Luckily, Mozilla delivered several security improvements to Firefox 5 to help folks achieve that goal. Of course, no browser can keep someone entirely secure, but the addition of security updates in Firefox 5, including critical issues in the WebGLES library, among others, is nice to see.