KKNOPP  Anymore? I don't think it ever was. At least not in the Mac world.   
(Version 3.5.5)

ILGAZ  They didn't add colorsync support even while Apple could help them, for years. They never figured the concept of font rendering is different under OS X and even a single-double pixel glyph/hint issue bothers this userbase...

Whatever, their fans will bite me now, no need...  
(Version 3.5.5)

JON555  "Windoze"? Really? I'm surprised you didn't replace the "z" with a dollar sign or something.

Grow up.  
(Version 3.5.5)

CANADIANPJ  Agreed. It is not clever. At all. Firefox has had its share of issues but overall I find the stability of the browser to be higher than IE.  
(Version 3.5.5)

DAVE BROCK  While I'm nearly in tears that you took exception to how I spell crap, I mean to say "Windows", regardless of your opinions regarding how clever or stupid my misspelling happens to be; neither one of you actually addressed any content that my message contained.

The single statement thus far is, "Firefox is more stable than IE!" While that's quite thrilling (and something I acknowledged in passing), I'm unclear what it has to do with a review of the Mac version of Firefox.

If both of you are such big fans, could you please, coherently and succinctly explain why exactly? I understand the plug-ins and add-ons or I will die people, but Firefox is at best a 3rd rate app on OS X. 5+ years without figuring out how services work? Does Firefox somehow run faster and use less memory for the two of you, in the special universe you inhabit, that makes it more appealing than Safari or Chrome?

I don't get it... Why do you like it, or what are you reviewing that I'm not seeing? Polite, genuine question.  
(Version 3.5.5)

DANMARC  Agree with your assessment and the many constant minor upgrades are starting to grate on me. Fine that they improve stability and security but it feels now that just going for a quick brows on internet leads to spending time upgrading either latest version and/or plug ins (no I do not have many) and restart.

Still a great browser, me I use Safari for main browser as I find it clean and fast and no real issues with sites (if I have I just find alternative). I really like the Themes and plug ins so yes I use it: I would give it one more star than you did ; ) just opionion.

I also agree with your comment and feel it´s a bit unfair of the others specially including the IE comment as it really isn´t related to a comment on a Mac version (you really using IE on Mac ? : ) )

I write Windoze all the the time specially in speed related issues : )  
(Version 3.5.5)

ST00P!D M0NK3Y  I'm sorry, but your Safari fanboy bandwagon rant sounds just as bad as the Firefox crowd. Now granted, your word choices are more eloquent than those complaining about your review, but you still sound biased, nonetheless. I personally use Safari as my #1 browser, but there are still a few websites that do not work at all in Safari that work perfectly in Firefox. For example... when posting an ad on Craigslist.com, when you are all finished with the ad and go to submit, a CAPTCHA verification page will appear to confirm the ad. This does not appear in Safari (I have tried every means imaginable to make it appear, trust me), but it does appear in Firefox. This is a rare instance in which a site just simply does not work in Safari, but I use that site on a daily basis, so I wish Apple would address that issue with Safari ASAP. So... both Safari and Firefox have their pros and cons, but don't belittle other people because you can't comprehend why they'd want to use Firefox over Safari because that defies all logic that encompasses your existence. Use what you like... that's all that matters, anyway. That's why there is diversity. That's why there is competition. That's why there is choice. If there wasn't any competition, we wouldn't see as many innovative ideas as we do now. Competition breeds creativity.  
(Version 3.5.5)

ERUNNO  I've already stated the reasons why I think that Firefox suits me better than the competition even without the myriad of extremely useful extensions. The list was written with Safari in mind so obviously some points do not apply to Chrome (although many do):

1) Bookmark tags, which tremendously help in case you quickly want to recover a bookmark among hundreds. Also allows to safe searches like with Spotlight.

2) Automatic session recovery, which also restores tab history and even remembers the position on a site (very useful when reading long single sites across several sessions).

3) Fine-grained privacy control for those who care.

4) Better keyboard control (tab switching, switching to private browsing, etc.).

5) Non-modal save password dialogs.

6) Basic download manager which supports resuming for servers which allow it.

7) Firefox can differentiate whether to open new windows for pop-ups or redirect new windows into tabs automatically. With Safari it's even with the hidden preferences all or nothing.

8) You can add different search engines even without an extension if the site supports it.

9) The AwesomeBar :-) although it seems to be a love or hate thing. As a heavy keyboard user I can't live without it anymore.

10) A maximize window functionality. :-)

11) You can restore closed tabs and windows.

And probably some other features as well which I can't remember right now. ;-)

It's not really difficult to be better than Safari if one has little use for the OS X features as it probably the most under-featured major browser on the market. The Chrome beta leaves it in the dust as a native browser replacement although it's only slightly over one year old and the Mac port even younger.  
(Version 3.5.5)

SPHERICAL CUBE  Firefox is just... old and starting to creak. Try loading up Google Wave in Firefox, the experience is like... go make coffee and grow old and die, while waiting for a page to load. Now try the same thing in Safari, Webkit, or Chrome, it's instant.   
(Version 3.5.5)

MECHAMANIA  Here's a news flash, monkey: opinions are biased by definition.  
(Version 3.5.5)

KKNOPP  Ah he did in no way sound like a "fanboy" when he said he rather use Safari over Firefox. You only sound fan-boyish when you use irrational reasons to use one over the other. His reasons were purely rational.   
(Version 3.5.5)

ERUNNO  Dave Brock wrote:

"If you really absolutely want the Gecko rendering engine for some reason, then Camino stomps all over this dinosaur."

I'm sorry for being blunt but you have no idea what you are talking about. The current stable Camino version 1.6 uses a completely outdated Gecko 1.8 and even the new Camino 2.0 will use the outdated 1.9.0 version. FYI Firefox 3.6 will use Gecko 1.9.2 which received massive improvements since the initial major revision was released. Camino currently is technically no alternative to people who want or need Gecko powering their browser.  
(Version 3.5.5)

K. VAUGHAN  I don't understand what gecko or whatev is, or care much. I use Camino when there is some site that will not load no matter what on Safari, like some other person said here before. Firefox is very ugly and slow on my Mac (iMac 27" with 8GB ram) compared to safari or camino which is also slow but at least looks like a Mac program.

Where do I find google Chrome? I don't see it anywhere linked from this site, when searching it doesn't find it. thanks.  
(Version 3.5.5)

HORACE GREELEY  Firefox is important as a open source project that exists, that's about it, but it's a big, important reason. I don't trust anything by Google not to constantly spy on me and send statistics back to Google and would be very hesitant to install Chrome before the final release and reading some technically knowledgeable reviews of what it's really doing or sending back to Google.

Firefox existing, constantly forces the other big browsers to keep improving and getting better, which is great for everybody.

Other then existing, I too only use Firefox as a backup when Webkit fails, in the current browser wars saying Firefox is trailing by a wide margin is a nice way of saying it's dead in the water and an outdated speed-bump unless some massive effort to improve its performance comes along. It's so much slower it's becoming sad. Honestly Firefox 3.5 is so much slower it's terrible, but I've heard good things about 3.6 to let's hope.

It's probably far more important that Firefox exists on the Windows platform, then any special reason on the Mac other then the people who love all the addons and there seem to be lots of those.  
(Version 3.5.5)

ST00P!D M0NK3Y  This is probably the first time in MacUpdate history that I'm seeing good points on both sides being discussed. It's refreshing and everyone is making valid points. But you're right, opinions... by definition... are a little biased. I just can't tolerate the "you're an idiot for using this over this" crowd. I keep switching between Firefox, Safari, and Camino. I wish they could combine all 3 to create some super dooper ultimate browser. That'd be nice.  
(Version 3.5.5)

DMNELSON  I have gone back and forth, using virtually every browser under the sun as my default at some point or another since the mid 90's -- including both Safari and Firefox. Both apps excel at being a browser. Either one beats Internet Explorer hands down. But as they say, the devil's in the details.

To me, the issue of Safari vs. Firefox is a debate of form vs. function. Both have their place, and the ideal is a balance of the two -- a blend of aesthetics and utility. With its ability to add extensions, Firefox leans toward the "function" end of the spectrum. Safari leans more toward the "form" end of the spectrum with its sleek appearance and native feel.

Personally I mostly use Safari because all I want is a browser, no extra add-ons. Both do that just fine but Safari is prettier so I choose it. But some people need extensions that are available for Firefox, so they have good reason to favor it instead.

In the end there is no right answer. Just two apps that have a similar core purpose but differ in their priorities. I comes down to which one is a fit for your needs and preferences.  
(Version 3.5.5)

KKNOPP  ST00P!D M0NK3Y : I just can't tolerate the "you're an idiot for using this over this" crowd

ST00P!D M0NK3Y  G4? How can you still stand using those dinosaurs?

ST00P!D M0NK3Y  Oh I'm sorry... did I offend you people using G4s? I tried using my old G4 iMac a few weeks ago and I would rather remove my fingernails than use that slow piece of garbage again. But yes I agree, Firefox runs terribly on old G4s. It's almost unbearable. I was genuinely asking how you could stand being on a G4 these days. All the modern websites I throw at my old G4 bring that thing to its knees.  

Then there is the

ST00P!D M0NK3Y but don't belittle other people because you can't comprehend why they'd want to use Firefox over Safari because that defies all logic that encompasses your existence.

ST00P!D M0NK3Y  I'm sorry, but your Safari fanboy bandwagon rant sounds just as bad as the Firefox crow

Come on, you are one of the more "aggressive" people on here.   
(Version 3.5.5)

ST00P!D M0NK3Y  I just make those comments for the completely random negatives that people give others for no reason whatsoever.  
(Version 3.5.5)

ST00P!D M0NK3Y  G4? How can you still stand using those dinosaurs?  
(Version 3.6b1)

ST00P!D M0NK3Y  Oh I'm sorry... did I offend you people using G4s? I tried using my old G4 iMac a few weeks ago and I would rather remove my fingernails than use that slow piece of garbage again. But yes I agree, Firefox runs terribly on old G4s. It's almost unbearable. I was genuinely asking how you could stand being on a G4 these days. All the modern websites I throw at my old G4 bring that thing to its knees.  
(Version 3.5.5)

DEMOLITION  @ ST00P!D M0NK3Y

The people who modded down your comment may be reacting to its insulting tone, rather than its content. Next time, word it in a less inflammatory manner and you will likely get a more positive reaction.  
(Version 3.5.5)

KKNOPP  Heh the funny thing is, I have a dual Intel mac at work, and a 1.25 GHZ G4 tower (Towers are a bit different than iMacs) at home. I can BARELY tell the difference in browsing on both of them using Safari. The only time I can tell the difference is when Java/Flash loads. However with Firefox, I can tell a BIG difference between the two.   
(Version 3.5.5)

ST00P!D M0NK3Y  So... because you blindly installed a firmware update on an array that contained valuable data with an unnecessary update that probably didn't even need to be installed in the first place because it was apparently working fine, you're going to say that because software developers don't have release notes for... God forbid... 15 minutes to 1 hour after putting their product up here, that the company is somehow stupid and irresponsible? Perhaps you should just develop some patience. If it bothers you that bad, wait for the release notes.

Just a heads up, you should probably have backed up your data before applying a firmware update. Just a thought.  
(Version 3.6b1)

KOSOVAR1  Hey Stupid Monkey (apt name!):

I applied the update to the first three drives because in a level 1 three-disk array, you have to do it that way. The only LaCie notes, that accompanied the firmware upgrade was that it was necessary to correct some problems that were linked to the current firmware, although the specifics of what was wrong or what was fixed were not available. And I DID wait a week for the release notes before applying the updates, which actually were never produced, not even with the version 1.1 updater. (What arrogance after all the grief LaCie caused, not to mention lying about the version 1 updater problems!) My only real mistake was rushing to backup the half gig drive before thoroughly testing the disk array. Since you are so trusting of the ethics of corporate scoundrels at the xpense of end-users, let me recommend to you a few health insurance companies and investment firms I know you will love.  
(Version 3.6b1)

LIVINGS124  You think the release notes would have said "might delete all your data"? This has nothing to do with release notes.  
(Version 3.6b1)

ST00P!D M0NK3Y  You should always back up your data before doing a firmware update or any kind of update for that matter. In fact, you should always have two back ups of your data in case your back up has issues. This is a general rule of thumb. They say, any data you don't have backed up twice... is data you don't care about. I've had drives take a nose dive many times. Yes, it stinks that you lost your data. I've had nothing but poor experiences with LaCie drives and I've since stopped using them entirely. I can't believe we're discussing this in comments regarding Firefox.  
(Version 3.6b1)

BUSHWHACK  Downgraded back to the most stable release.... broke my PDF Viewer plugin.... would not render PDF in browser or allow me to download it... oh well....

Will wait for that to be upgraded before trying 3.6 again  
(Version 3.6b1)