Firefox, the red-hot alternative web browser, is approaching its first big test as a mainstream product. One of Firefox's best features has been its built-in pop-up blocker. Heck, sometimes it worked too well, preventing 2nd windows from opening when working in a web-based email program. But I was happy it was on the case.
Today, I noticed (as did the folks at Adrants) that a couple of sites snuck in pop-under ads, something that Firefox had been quite good at preventing previously. That's the price you pay for popularity: increased attention from sleazy folks.
So how long until Firefox responds and patches this up? (And then how long before the cat-and-mouse game speeds up and they're working on patches as much as what they were trying to supplant?) It better be quick or that rising tide of Firefox evangelists may settle into being yet another group of carping Web addicts.
Related Stories: | Topics:Technology, technology + computers, Science and Technology, Technology, Internet Browsers, Internet, Computer Technology |
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Recent Comments | 6 Total
March 4, 2005 at 5:34pm by Reed Wiedower
For the record, the release of Windows XP SP2 also blocked popups in Internet Explorer...so the fact that advertisers are building new ways to display pop-ups is not due to Firefox alone.
Interestingly enough, the method IE uses is subtly different from Firefox, so if you use IE (XPSP2), the pop-ups at Drudge Report are blocked.
The good news is that if Microsoft can do it, I'm sure the guys at Moz can as well...
March 5, 2005 at 1:12am by pete
From what I understand, you cannot patch Firefox but must reinstall to update.
March 5, 2005 at 7:24am by Craig
There is an Auto Update "Wizard" in Firefox (Tools > Options > Advanced > Check for updates). Currently it's still not perfect but in later releases I'm sure it will take off.
March 6, 2005 at 12:24am by Marc James
How to disable popups in Firefox: http://www.uneasysilence.com/index.php?p=2382
March 6, 2005 at 9:45am by lookitzatree
The next update will probably just be 1.1...as of now, its slated for june i believe. And yes, you are supposed to uninstall the previous version when upgrading...but going from 1.0-1.01, the only problem that will come from not uninstalling is you will have 2 control panel entries.
March 6, 2005 at 5:01pm by Anon
To update Fx you just have to click on the the red arrow (points up) in the upper right hand corner of the Firefox window.