Update: for up-to-date instructions on installing Firefox 3 in Ubuntu, see Install Firefox 3 Beta 4 in Ubuntu with One Command.
Mozilla has officially released the first beta test version of Firefox 3. Here’s how to try it out for yourself in Ubuntu.
- Download the Linux version of Firefox 3 beta 1.
- Extract the tar.bz2 archive that you downloaded. Simply right-click on the file and click Extract Here.
- Open the firefox folder that was created. Double-click on the firefox file and choose Run.
- Firefox 3 will start and import your settings.
Here are the changes that I ran into after playing with beta 1 for a few minutes:
- The tabs have been changed so inactive ones blend in the background better.
- GTK form widgets are used by default.
- There is a star in the address bar for adding favorites, very much like Gmail’s star feature.
- The add-ons windows displays a restart Firefox button all the time.
- The downloads window is redesigned.
- The full page can be zoomed, including graphics.
- Typing in the address bar searches page titles.
I use Firefox more than any other application, and Firefox 3 looks like it will be a nice upgrade.
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