Read more at:Firefox’s relatively new rapid release schedule lets developers implement and unveil new features and updates quickly, but there’s one thing we hate about it. No, it’s not the headache it causes enterprise users, although that sucks, too. It’s the constant update notifications. Geez, Firefox needs to update again, we get it already! Fortunately, Mozilla gets that we get that, and they’re looking to move to silent updates sometime in 2012.
Maximum PC | Firefox Keeping Rapid Release, But Adding Silent Update Option For Irritated Users
I certainly hope that this feature is optional. I will switch to IE or Chrome before I allow allow Firefox to automatically update itself. I always allow 2-3 days to listen for screams of anguish before I update software to a new release. This is based on 30+ years experience as a senior programmer.
Also read this blog from Mozilla about adding a service to bypass UAC when doing the auto update. All of this is optional but probably a opt-out system so pay attention when this is implemented so you can take control.
Brian R. Bondy - Mozilla Firefox and silent updates
I always install the new version in its own folder. Then I can check it out before uninstalling the older version.
Jim
I also keep old Firefox exe just in case the new one is doing things crazy. I don't like auto update anything, I want to take a look at things before installing them.
That is a good idea. :)
It is handy that FF allows you to install multiple versions, unlike a certain other browser.
It is worth doing that for any installers you download.
I generally keep a few versions of most installers (just in case).
I have multiple FF installers saved (3.6.13, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8).
It has proved handy.
My XP installation won't run any version above FF 3.6 properly (It did a few months ago).
Soon as I install ANY add-on or search engine, it crashes within a few seconds (even with new, clean installs).
Strangely FF 3.6 has no problems with new add-ons or search engines.
If you have to build multiple VMs, it is handy not to have to download multiple installers repeatedly.
If your friends drop by and need the latest version of something, you can just give them a copy, instead of them having to download it. :)
By the time software get through the beta test process, most of the more serious bugs have been found and fixed. But almost always, some bugs remain. The hope is that any remaining one are minor, and only happen under rare circumstances. Look at the Firefox 7.0 release. Within the first day or two after the final release, a bug was found and fixed, and Firefox 7.01 was released.So you mean to say updates are usually bugged even to the non-beta ones?
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