Mozilla updates Firefox 3.6 for second time this week
It was just 3 days ago, on March 1, 2011, that Mozilla released Firefox 3.6.14, plugging several security and stability issues. Now, on March 4, 2011, they have pushed out another version: 3.6.15, with but one fix: Fixed an issue where some Java applets would fail to load in Firefox 3.6.14.
Not everybody has Java installed on their computers, but, if you do you expect it to work. Some sites use Java to scan for threats or out-of-date software on user's PCs. The Secunia Online Software Inspector is a security scanner that many people routinely use that runs on Java technology. If the Java Virtual Machine fails to load, the scanner does not work. Other uses for Java include online virus scans (real ones, not rogue scanners), interactive animations, presentations and various "applets" that run on a computer desktop.
Normally, when I write about Java it is about an updated version that has been released to fix critical vulnerabilities. This is probably the first time I mention Java where it is not at fault for something that has gone wrong. ;-)
You will want to update your Firefox browser now, whether you have the Java plug-in installed or not. If you have your preferences set to automatically update Firefox, it will happen on its own. Otherwise, you can go to the Help menu item and go down to Check for updates and click on that link. A box will scan for updates and tell you which version is available. Download it and click to restart Firefox. All open tabs will be preserved and will load when Firefox opens, after a minute or so. If you had more than one Firefox windows open, all of the will reappear.
If you experience delays updating through the browser's updater, go directly to the main Firefox download page and download the complete latest version. Install it over the existing version and all of your settings, bookmarks, sign-ons and cookies will be carried over.
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