Firefox Takes New Tack on Testing Bug Fixes

Mozilla Corp. is changing the way it publishes security fixes for its Firefox browser.

Over the next day, the open-source company plans to begin delivering bug fixes to a select group of beta testers who will try out the upcoming Firefox 2.0.0.3 version before it is released to all Firefox users.

The new software will be delivered to those who signed up for the Firefox 2 beta program last year. Mozilla hopes that by having a short beta release before pushing out the product it will be better able to "ensure high quality updates," the company said in a statement.

Previously, Mozilla had pushed out new security updates to all Firefox users simultaneously.

By introducing these early beta releases, Firefox developers will be taking a different approach from that of Microsoft Corp., which keeps details of its security fixes secret until the patch code is available to all users.

Firefox 2.0.0.3 is expected to have about a half-dozen bug fixes.

For those who are wondering if they will get the new code, Mozilla has posted instructions on how to find out if your browser is enrolled in the beta program.