Recently, an email discussion occurred regarding the Firefox version on SCLS PCs. After reading through the various posts, it is clear that additional information sharing may be of value.
Firefox currently supports two browser versions:
A very important point to understand before discussing specific SCLS-related issues is to recognize that the Firefox development community is supporting two separate versions of Firefox in tandem development releases. On their official site:
(https://wiki.mozilla.org/Releases)
the development community lists both the 3.x development releases as well as the other product, currently at release 8. As you can see on the chart, both Firefox 3.6.24 and Firefox 8 were released November 8, 2011. The 3.x releases will be supported until April 24, 2012. This is the product we currently have installed on SCLS-supported PCs, which I’ll refer to from now on as Firefox I.
The other Firefox product, Firefox II, is the parallel release that is now on release version 8, with version 9 scheduled for release on December 20, 2011.
The Firefox II release numbering system is misleading:
Unlike every other software release cycle any of us have ever seen, the Firefox II release cycle, where a new release is issued every six weeks—is both unprecedented and misleading. Versions 4-9 are all based on the same underlying code as Firefox I, and historically these types of software releases have been considered bug fixes or small enhancements, not “worthy” of a major release revision numbering increase. Indeed, if the Firefox development team continues at this rapid pace, they will be releasing Firefox 27 at the end of 2013.
Google’s contribution:
Though it’s not the only factor, Google’s Chrome browser is one of the reasons for such a rapid development cycle. Google’s rapid development of Chrome is forcing other browser developers to try to keep up or lose market share. Moreover, Google has started to advertise to users that “you’re using an outdated browser” and that you need to upgrade, a message that may or may not be accurate.
Why SCLS is using Firefox I:
When SCLS begins the process of any software upgrade, we assess the impact on both library staff and patrons. In the case of Firefox, there are a few software components used by the Koha staff interface that are incompatible with certain Firefox II releases. But Koha is not the only driving force behind our decision to continue supporting Firefox I. Enhancements to the staff experience like the multiple Firefox profiles, the Firefox personas used by many libraries, the multiple printing options available to staff (receipt, spine label and other printing options), the Library Online interface, auto-macro software, and many other services have all been tested and configured for compatibility with Firefox I.
While there are library staff services that are integrated with Firefox, one may wonder, “Why can’t patron PCs be upgraded to a different version of Firefox?” We have considered this option, but have also heard from many libraries that it’s important that there be version consistency between staff and patron PCs, both in terms of staff training but also for patron training. Taking this into consideration, SCLS felt that the need for consistency was a more compelling reason for keeping patron PCs on Firefox I.
Upgrades can break things: each browser software update breaks Firefox plugins, add-ons and customized browser experiences
We know many library staff members have customized their Firefox browser experience by installing add-ons like Weather Bug, Morning Coffee, Book Burro, Amazon search tools, auto-login plugins, among others. With each Firefox II “update,” more and more plugins and add-ons fail to work, and only work again after the software developer re-writes their code. SCLS is sensitive to this issue and realizes that if we were to attempt to keep up with a six week upgrade schedule, staff members would see their plugins disappear almost every month.
Things will likely get better with Firefox 10:
The release of Firefox 10 represents the first attempt at merging the two versions of Firefox as one comprehensive product. The underlying code will be unified. This version is scheduled to be released in January, 2012.
SCLS’ plans:
Since Firefox 10 represents the first comprehensive software release in some time, this is the version that we will be testing for use on SCLS staff and patron PCs. We will do some preliminary testing using the Beta version (released December 20, 2011) and will continue our testing after the actual release is available. The software testing process is very time intensive, given the large number of software products installed on PCs.
We will also be testing the add-ons for Koha (Biblios and the 'Get-It' Acquisitions module), confirming their compatibility or offering an alternative plan for staff members requiring their use on specific SCLS-supported PCs.
How you can help:
If you are experiencing a problem or incompatibility with a currently installed browser on your SCLS PC, please call the Help Desk and let us know what you were doing, what happened, and what browser you were using so that we can be aware of issues. You can also comment below this post to continue the conversation.
