How to ensure Firefox stays updated in Linux Mint 17 - Qiana
I happen to have dual OS, Windows OS 7 & Linux Mint 17 (Qiana). I love Linux Mint more than Windows 7. If only I could move away completely from Windows I would be the happiest person on the face of the earth. But unfortunately we're not there yet. e.g. under Windows Firefox tends to update itself, the moment new version is released by Mozilla. But the same doesn't occur with Linux Mint, instead it keeps on listing various error messages.
At present, under Linux Mint I'm using v33, which Linux Mint says is the latest. Whereas v34 is available on Mozilla site. If I've to update FF from 33 to 34, I've download it then either uninstall v33 + install v34 OR install v34 & hope that it overwrites v33 & hope there aren't two versions running on my OS.
Why can't it is capable to renew like in Mac or Windows, where I go to Help/About Firefox/Update (directly from that panel)? By the time FF v34 is available for update under Linux Mint, there will be another version, which will obviously have more security patches.
One thing I want to clarify, I'm not here to blame any person or group, If I'm able to help I would love to, but this is beyond my expertise, so I'm just trying to raise the issue for the concerned expertise to work towards benefit of all the netizens. If you do have any runaround to this I would really appreciate the feedback. Also this is the first time that I'm voicing my concern, so if I've offended someone, even inadvertently - I apologise. Thank you
All Replies (4)
Linux Mint controls the updates for their version of Firefox that comes with their operating system. It is controlled through their repository.
You could install the Linux - Firefox version that comes from Mozilla directly, to have updates done by Mozilla on the Mozilla schedule. https://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/all.html
If you do use the version from Mozilla.org do make sure the Firefox folder has read/write permissions for the user so the updates will install. If you are the only user then a easy way is to put it in a folder in /home/
Hey guys Thanks for your prompt solution, but it gives rise to another problem. It's like a clean installation. All of my add-ons go for toss. I know I've replied to it rather late & I apologise for it.
Supposing if we've synced the FF and then replace the whole folder as you've suggested, will my add-ons get reinstalled?
One more query: Whenever a new version is released do we need to go through these steps again? Isn't there more lasting solution.
Modified by Hitz43
I mentioned two separate things. the-edmeister said
Linux Mint controls the updates for their version of Firefox that comes with their operating system. It is controlled through their repository.
Check with Linux Mint support to see why their Firefox version isn't being updated. It may be named Firefox, but "they" built their own version and it differs from what Mozilla builds and supplies as a download / installation. The most noticeable difference is where the updates come from; and some Linux builds provide an add-on or two like a different theme or UI customization extension. (Ubuntu has their own theme and an extension for UI mods vs. what Mozilla provides.) (All Linux versions that come with the operating system do updates from their own respective repository's.)
the-edmeister said
You could install the Linux - Firefox version that comes from Mozilla directly, to have updates done by Mozilla on the Mozilla schedule. https://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/all.html
Uninstalling that Linux Mint version and installing the Mozilla built version should not have any affect on any changes you have made - bookmarks, extensions, and so on. Those changes are in the Profile folder which isn't touched when Firefox is uninstalled - at least with the official versions of Firefox, from Mozilla.
Just to play it safe, you should backup your current Profile, Just in Case. https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/back-and-restore-information-firefox-profiles
Once you get the official version of Firefox from Mozilla installed, your updates on Linux Mint will come from Mozilla just as the updates for Firefox on Win7 do, and on the same schedule.