Mozilla has released a new update of its Firefox browser that it says is much faster and provides a better overall user experience. But can the new version – called Firefox Quantum – compete with the world's current top browser, Google Chrome?
Firefox is an open source browser created by the not-for-profit Mozilla Foundation. The foundation says it has different goals than companies like Apple and Google, which must focus on making a profit.
Mozilla aims to create new products to keep the internet "a global public resource" that remains open and free to all people. It urges developers to contribute to its technology and use the Firefox source code with other products.
Firefox 1.0 launched in 2004 when Microsoft's Internet Explorer dominated the browser market for personal computers.
Firefox also followed the failure of Netscape Navigator, another major browser that did not survive the competition from Internet Explorer. Navigator had also been used in Mac computers. But in 2003, Apple released its Safari browser, which is still used today.
The number of Firefox users grew over the years, offering a challenge to Internet Explorer's global influence.
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Words in This Story
browser– n. computer program used to find and look at information on the internet
apparently – adv. some that appears to be true based on what is known
dominate – v. to have control or power over someone or something
challenge – v. to question the action or authority of someone or something
minimalist – adj. showing as little action or involvement as possible
turbocharged – adj. very powerful or exciting
hardware – n. collection of physical parts of a computer system
default – n. what exists or happens if no changes are made
access – n. the right or chance to use or see something