Firefox 3 update adds security, stability

Firefox 3, the recently-released web browser from the Mozilla foundation, has received its first update, taking it to version 3.0.1.

Mozilla says that the update address several security issues, each of which the company has listed as critical, including a crash that occurs via a malformed GIF file on Mac OS X and the possibility of remote code execution.

It also addresses general stability and printing issues. The update is available now via the browser's update menu or direct from the Mozilla web site .

The release comes one month after Firefox established a world record for the largest number of software downloads in a day, achieving the feat in the 24 hours after the 7 June launch .

Mozilla is currently working on version Firefox 3.1, which is said to add more features. It hopes to have the update ready by the end of the year.

Benny Har-Even is a twenty-year stalwart of technology journalism who is passionate about all areas of the industry, but telecoms and mobile and home entertainment are among his chief interests. He has written for many of the leading tech publications in the UK, such as PC Pro and Wired, and previously held the position of technology editor at ITPro before regularly contributing as a freelancer.

Known affectionately as a ‘geek’ to his friends, his passion has seen him land opportunities to speak about technology on BBC television broadcasts, as well as a number of speaking engagements at industry events.