Mozilla Firefox is one of the most widely used Internet browsers available for just about all operating systems.  Ever since the first version of Firefox was released in 2004, the browser has quickly become a top pick in the Internet browser software category, downloaded by millions all across the globe.  On January 21, 2010, Mozilla released the latest version of their well-received browser: Firefox 3.6.  While past versions of Firefox have been extremely feature-rich, Mozilla managed to add on a number of new features and tweaks to make 3.6 even better than its predecessor, 3.5.  This article will provide an overview of what's new in Firefox 3.6.

Feel more secure, stable, and better-protected

Firefox has always been known as a secure and stable browser, but version 3.6 brings a number of changes that help make you feel more secure and better-protected.  The browser now implements a system for checking for out-of-date plugins, which may compromise your security as you browse.  Also, Firefox has been optimized to prevent crashes by changing how third-party software works with Firefox.

Get better functionality and performance

Firefox 3.6 has also been optimized to provide a faster and more responsive browsing experience.  The JavaScript has been tweaked for better performance and the browser itself has faster startup times.  Aside from performance upgrades, Firefox 3.6 also has a number of features added for better functionality.  For example, developers now have the ability to speed up page load times by having scripts run asynchronously.  Furthermore, the browser provides support for WOFF font format, which allows the use of downloadable web fonts.  Developers will also be happy to know that Firefox 3.6 has integrated the support for new CSS features, like background sizing, pointer events, and gradients.  Web developers looking to make more interactive web pages can also make use of the DOM and HTML5 support that is now integrated into the browser.  Some of the DOM and HTML5 features that are supported include File API and Drag & Drop API.

Get more personal

Firefox has always been lauded for the fact that you can personalize just about anything, from themes to extensions.  In Firefox 3.6, users will be happy to know that the browser now has an even better and more robust theme system, called Personas.  The Personas theme system allows users to change their theme with a single mouse click.  All you have to do is download and install the free Firefox Personas extension, then browse through the collection of Personas and choose the one you want to use.  The extension even adds an easy-to-use fox mask icon to the lower left corner of your browser, which you can click to change your Personas.  The best part is, anyone can create their own Persona and share it with the rest of the Firefox 3.6 Personas-using community.