Mozilla on July 26 started firing out notices to Firefox users recommending they install a newly released version of the browser, v1.5.0.5, which includes some essential security fixes.

The Mountain View, Calif., company began sending out notices in the early afternoon, notifying users via popup windows.

Chris Beard, vice president of products at Mozilla, told eWEEK that the updated version was released as part of Mozilla's regularly scheduled security and stability update program.

"This release proactively addresses a range of security, performance and stability issues within the Firefox browser," Beard said.

"Updates through Firefox's automated update system will begin within the next 24 to 48 hours."

The new v1.5.0.5 is not connected with Mozilla's Firefox v2.0, which is in beta at the moment.

Mozilla on July 12 released Firefox 2 Beta 1, a "developer preview" that features experimental anti-phishing and spell-checking tools, among other enhancements.

A Mozilla spokesperson emphasized that Firefox 2 Beta 1 is a "developer preview release and is being made available for testing purposes only. Firefox 2 Beta 1 is intended for Web application developers and our testing community. Current users of Mozilla Firefox 1.x should not use [it]."

Firefox's new built-in phishing protection warns users when they encounter suspected Web forgeries and offers to return the user to their home page, the spokesperson said.

Read the full story on eWEEK.com: Mozilla Fires Off Security Update for Firefox Browser

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