Bits from Bill
Firefox Ready to be the #1 Browser
Are you a Firefox user? Apparently, if you are you’re not alone. Sometime this year when I wasn’t paying attention Firefox rocketed to a new high. For over three years I watched as Firefox hovered between a 30–34% browser share. This month I was surprised to see that Firefox consistently exceeds 40% and is preparing to take over IE as the most popular browser.
Bits From Bill – August 2, 2009
A lot has changed in the past three years.
In June 2008 the release of Firefox 3.0 was a huge event. Mozilla set the Guinness world record for the most downloads in a single day. Over 8 million users downloaded Firefox 3 on Junes 17th, 2008. While it increased the credibility of Firefox the browser world was still dominated by Microsoft’s Internet Explorer.
The release of Firefox 3.5 didn’t break records but it was successful in attracting new users. Most folks are happy with the increased performance of Firefox but the availability of Firefox add-ons has really helped push this open source browser over the top. When I asked my friends on Twitter for their reason for the switch to Firefox, add-ons was a consistent reply.
The stats above only reflect recent users to Bits From Bill. Some site will still show higher IE stats. Currently, WinPatrol.com shows IE users as 48% and Firefox as 35%. According to Harry McCracken, Firefox is also popular on sites which have a large number of Mac users.
“52 percent of Technologizer's visitors use Firefox. It's still growing in popularity all over the Web, but its usage is particularly high at sites with more experienced, sophisticated visitors. And it's especially likely to be popular at sites that cater to both Windows and Mac users, since Mac fans almost by definition are using a browser other than IE.”
Steve Bass: Ten More Super-Duper Firefox Add-Ons
Labels: Browser wars, Firefox, IE, Stats
posted by Unknown | 2:53 PM
17 Comments:
One of my own favorite parts of Firefox, besides the fact that it actually works correctly all the time, is that the text can be easily enlarged for people whose eyesight needs that feature. Yes I know others are starting to add that feature, but not all, and not as easily. It's also just SO much better than the continual crashes from IE. It makes computing fun again!
uh, Bill, where's the download/ changelog link to WinPatrol on Scotty's homepage? http://www.winpatrol.com/
(and is the *clicky* at the bottom intentional?)
btw, when can we see a post on Java QuickStarter ;) ?
Firefox 3.5 rocks. It's really quick.
I'm assuming these are stats from your site Bill, where you will find much more security conscious users who tend to like FireFox and Safari more than the general populace.
I think you'll find that the average Joe User out there will still have a 15-20%-ish chance of being a FireFox user.
Since so many people are now using Firefox, it's a pity that Pitstop doesn't get its act together and allow users to use Firefox to run tests.
Echo that. When is PCPitstop going to get its act together and launch a Firefox-compatible suite of tests?
My sentiments exactly. I'm one of the unfortunate ones who's lately been trying to run the online PC Pitstop tests using IE and it crashes every time it gets to where it's analysing the results.
I absolutely love the download helper. I have not used frostwire, limewire or any type of peer to peer download program since I discovered it. It's the greatest. I love being warned about potential bad add ons too. I hate IE 7 and 8 and sites are now warning you about your out dated browser if you are still sticking to IE 6. It's just better than 7 and 8, one of Microsoft better bad ideas, trying hard to mimic Firefox and failing.
Yes, I wish other sites would be Firefox friendly. I use American Greetings cards online all the time. The web program has to shell out to IE and then....50% of the time it crashes! Can't wait until it is a Firefox wold.
FireFox is crap, I use Opera.
Best broswer EVER.
You get security, stability, but most importantly of all Speed
I hape it will happen soon...
I find Google Chrome fast and a small footprint/overheads..
Any other users out there?
Bill
some people use firefox ....i prefer firefox
I've been using firefox ever since and never had problems and therefore never tried anything else. (never change a running system! =P )
What's the thing that makes other browsers different/better?
No idea, I think firefox is perfect! I can only tell you the things that firefox can and others can't do =P
I've been using Safari, it's cool too
IE go home, firefox is the future!
I guess sooner or later firefox will take over anyway. There already is a greater number of addons and stuff for FF than IE and the others, so I prefer Firefox to them
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