Download.it search icon
Advertisement

Ideal for older systems, this vintage browser offers basic web surfing with helpful features like a password manager

Ideal for older systems, this vintage browser offers basic web surfing with helpful features like a password manager

Vote (924 votes)

Program license Free

Developer Mozilla

Version 3.6.28

Works under Windows

Vote

(924 votes)

Developer

Mozilla

Works under

Windows

Program license

Free

Version

3.6.28

Pros

  • Allows you to watch web videos in a full screen format
  • Comes with a tool that searches for plug-ins that you can use
  • Lets you keep multiple tabs open at the same time
  • Offers tools and support for organizing your bookmarks
  • Has some advanced security features

Cons

  • Does not work with all add-ons and plug-ins
  • Lacks customization features
  • Looks basic

Firefox 3 is a vintage version of the Firefox web browser that works well on older computers. It's a good choice for those who want to use a previous version for web surfing too.

Though Firefox is a popular web browser, some users dislike the way it automatically downloads new updates. Once you close your window and reopen the browser, you can only use the new version. Some updates may cause the browser to run slowly or limit the number of tabs that you can use at the same time. With Firefox 3, you can restore your browser to an older version.

The main issue with this browser is that it doesn't have very many features. Using it will remind you why so many people like the modern versions of Firefox. It has a fairly basic look and lacks some of the add-ons and plug-ins that you might use on a newly updated version. Those who want something simple that is easy to use though will prefer this version to a newer one.

Its design features a large address bar across the top of the page with a search bar to the right. The address bar will keep track of the sites that you visit most frequently and keep those pages listed. Clicking the arrow button at the end of the bar lets you select one of those sites. You can also enter a letter or word in the bar and view all pages related to that letter/word from your browsing past.

With the search bar, you can select the search engine that you want to use. Though it comes with Google set as your default, you can pick another. Entering a term in this bar will bring up a list of related search terms that you can choose from based on what you want to find. Firefox 3 includes a Most Visited button just beneath the address bar too.

The options menu gives you access to all the settings and features that you need. You can choose what happens when you download a file, including whether the file should open and where your computer saves a copy. This menu lets you change when the browser opens and what page it loads first as well as whether you want to set it as your default browser.

While Firefox 3 lacks some of the advanced settings found on modern versions, it's still a good option for older computers and any device with an older operating system because it runs smoothly and quickly.

Pros

  • Allows you to watch web videos in a full screen format
  • Comes with a tool that searches for plug-ins that you can use
  • Lets you keep multiple tabs open at the same time
  • Offers tools and support for organizing your bookmarks
  • Has some advanced security features

Cons

  • Does not work with all add-ons and plug-ins
  • Lacks customization features
  • Looks basic

Pros

  • Comes with a password manager that keeps track of your passwords
  • Can view details about downloads with its download manager
  • Acts faster than Firefox 2
  • Takes up less hard drive space than Firefox 2
  • Lets you open multiple tabs for viewing several pages at once

Cons

  • Does not work with many modern plug-ins and extensions
  • May crash frequently when you open more tabs
  • Usually will not let you restore tabs after crashing
  • Lacks adequate support for Flash products
  • Missing many of the features found on newer versions of Firefox

Mozilla Firefox 3 is one of the earliest editions of the popular web browser. While it lacks some of the features of the newest editions, it works well on computers running older operating systems.

Before you download and install this web browser, keep in mind that it won't perform many of the functions you use on a daily basis. It lacks the security features that keep you from visiting dangerous sites or adding items to your download list that might contain viruses. Unless you have an older computer that cannot support the latest version of Firefox, there are better options available.

Mozilla Firefox 3, also known as simply Firefox 3, is a web browser that acts faster than the previous edition did. It comes with a download manager that helps you keep better track of your downloads. Not only does it let you download multiple programs, videos and other files at the same time, but it also keeps track of each one. You can click the icon on the upper right side of the screen to view all content you recently downloaded and all pending downloads too.

Another helpful feature is its password manager. Instead of keeping a written or typed record of all your account passwords, Firefox will remember all those passwords for you. When you visit that site again, it will instantly add in your password to help you access the site faster. You also have the option of manually selecting which passwords you want the browser to remember. There is also a crash reporter that gives you instant details after the page crashes. Unlike the newer version though, it usually will not remember any open tabs or sites you had in the browser after it crashes.

As Firefox 3 is so old, many of the plug-ins and extensions that you use every day will not work with this browser. It also does not work very well with Flash. If you attempt to watch a Flash video or play a game that uses Flash, it will have some glitches. There is also a risk that a single Flash video or game might crash the entire browser because it cannot support that feature. Firefox 3 is a basic web browser that performs adequately on older computers, but it cannot compete with newer versions of Firefox.

Pros

  • Comes with a password manager that keeps track of your passwords
  • Can view details about downloads with its download manager
  • Acts faster than Firefox 2
  • Takes up less hard drive space than Firefox 2
  • Lets you open multiple tabs for viewing several pages at once

Cons

  • Does not work with many modern plug-ins and extensions
  • May crash frequently when you open more tabs
  • Usually will not let you restore tabs after crashing
  • Lacks adequate support for Flash products
  • Missing many of the features found on newer versions of Firefox

This download is no longer available. This could be due to the program being discontinued, having a security issue or for some other reason.

You might be interested in downloading these alternatives: