Firefox 2.0 is officially expired, again. The precursor of Firefox 3.0 was initially planned for expiration on December 16, 2008, with the availability of Firefox 2.0.0.19. Version 2.0.0.19 was supposed to be the last security and stability update for Firefox 2.0, and Mozilla came very close to bringing these scenarios to reality.

However, an omitted patch managed to give Firefox 2.0 an insignificant two-day reprieve, and to lead to the release of yet another update, namely version 2.0.0.20, which was designed to add the fix for a vulnerability involving cross-domain data theft via script redirect error message. This time, Mozilla seems to have gotten it right, and there will be no more releases for Firefox 2.0 moving forward.

“As part of the Mozilla Corporation’s ongoing stability and security process, we’ve just shipped Firefox 2.0.0.20, which fixes a non- critical issue in the Windows version of Firefox 2.0.0.19. We strongly recommend all Firefox 2 users upgrade to this latest release. If you already have Firefox 2, you will receive an automated update notification within 24 to 48 hours. This update can also be applied manually, by selecting ‘Check for Updates…’ from the Help menu,” Samuel Sidler, Quality Assurance engineer at Mozilla, stated.

With the end of support for Firefox 2.0, Mozilla shifts its focus onto Firefox 3.0, which is at this point in time up to its fifth update, and Firefox 3.1, which is offered for download as a Beta 2 development milestone. Mozilla is looking to produce Beta 3 by the end of January 2009 for Firefox 3.1 codenamed Shiretoko.

“Mozilla is not planning any further security and stability updates for Firefox 2, and recommends that you upgrade to Firefox 3 as soon as possible. It’s free, and your settings and bookmarks will be preserved,” Sidler added. 

Firefox 3.0.5 and Firefox 2.0.0.20 for Windows are available for download here.

Firefox 3.0.5 and Firefox 2.0.0.20 for Mac are available for download here.

Firefox 3.0.5 for Linux is available for download here.

Firefox 2.0.0.20 for Linux is available for download here.