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Firefox 31 brings new tab search bar, increased download security

July 22, 2014
Updated: March 7, 2024 at 6:33 PM

Firefox 31 brings new tab search bar, increased download security

The latest version of Firefox, version 31, brings a few minor improvements. First up is the new search bar when you launch a new tab. This feature has been in Google Chrome for some time now, but is one less click for users to get to the search field.

Firefox 31 for Mac

Mozilla also increased its download security by adding a screening tool. Firefox will now scan what you download and compare it to a database of known malicious software. Infected downloads will be automatically blocked.

The scan feature is borrowed from Google Chrome, which has had this feature since 2012. Mozilla admits this feature will never be as good as it is in Chrome. Still, it’s better than having no malware scanner.

Windows users can update Firefox by clicking the menu button (three dashes) and then the question mark at the bottom. Click on About Firefox and the browser will download the latest update. Mac users simply need to click on Firefox in the menu bar and then About Firefox to search for an update.

If you don’t have Firefox yet, you can download it below.