Firefox 3.5 is now officially released. And everyone is so desperately looking for a way to upgrade. I was too. After googling for sometime i found that as of now there is no apt-get upgrade kind of stuff to upgrade to this newer version. But instead i tried ubuntuzilla, a python script. And it worked like a charm.
While using Ubuntuzilla you could obtain the latest updates of not just Firefox, but also Seamonkey and Thunderbird as well, before anyone else. I think that gives you enough reasons to try out this python script. Go on :-)
Update: By the way, Firefox 3.5.3 is released, and all you need to do is simply following the steps below and Ubuntuzilla will fetch you the latest Firefox 3.5 release, no worries ;-)
Ubuntuzilla Features
- Automatically detects and downloads the newest Firefox, Thunderbird, SeaMonkey release from the Mozilla servers.
- Allows you to make a choice of language for Firefox or Thunderbird.
- Automatically integrates Firefox plugins that you have installed from the Ubuntu repositories.
- Installs an update checker job that periodically performs automatic checks for new versions of Firefox, Thunderbird, or Seamonkey.
- New installed version of firefox will become the default.
- It even has a 'remove' action to remove the official Mozilla build and restore system to pre-installation state. That is AWESOME !
Installing Ubuntuzilla
- Install the following dependencies.
sudo apt-get install libstdc++5 libnotify-bin- Download ubuntuzilla .deb package or Visit the download page to confirm if it is the latest version.
- Simply double click on the just downloaded deb package to install ubuntuzilla.
Installing Firefox 3.5
- Run ubuntuzilla.py in command line by simply typing the same in Terminal.
- Then it will show up the latest version of firefox, that is Firefox 3.5. Just follow the instructions afterwards.Nothing hard. Just y/n questions.
- When you are prompted to choose the language of choice, if you dont know the one you want, just type 14 there(which is the default en - US).
- Thats it. Goto Applications > Internet > Firefox , and you will have your latest frefox 3.5 up and running, and will even prompt you with latest updates(you can disable this feature anytime).
Removing Firefox you just Installed
- Goto Applications > Accessories > Terminal and do the following.
ubuntuzilla.py -a remove -p firefox- And when you remove, only the mozilla build version of firefox that you just installed will be lost. And your old Firefox 3.0.11 will be restored. That is great news. Simply put, you wont loose anything by trying out this small script.
I am really impressed with this python script. It gives you so much flexibility. If you want more options or want to know more about ubuntuzilla project visit the official page of ubuntuzilla project at sourcefrge.net.
Know more about new features in firefox 3.5 here.
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Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!!
Thanks for explaining so clearly what needs to be done. The home page for the script, oddly enough, doesn't explain about the terminal command to run it, or the need to install the dependencies; at least I didn't see a reference to it.
It worked great and now I have FireFox 3.5.4.
Many thanks :-)
I tried to upgrade Firefox to version 3.5.4 through Ubuntuzilla. All appeared to function well with all the proper prompts to the end. When I tried to open Firefox, I only get the rotating circle symbol and nothing happens. I tried [sudo dpkg-reconfigure firefox] and there were no errors. What am I missing?
Works like a charm! Thank you!
Worked like an (almost) charm. One snag was the script finding a mirror site to download from. I got impatient and hit a Ctrl-Alt-Del. Signed back in, back to terminal, re-ran the script and everything completed. Firefox 3.5.3 is on my Ubuntu 8.04 desktop. Great job and instructions.
Hi, I am using Ubuntu 8.04. Is Firefox 3.5 available on it?
I used the method given above to update my firefox 3.0.1
It was ok till choosing the laguage part, but then I got this error message. I have only listed the part which i thought was imp.::
"Since you only requested a single operation it is extremely likely thatthe package is simply not installable and a bug report against
that package should be filed.
The following information may help to resolve the situation:
The following packages have unmet dependencies:
firefox: Depends: firefox-3.0-branding but it is not going to be installed
E: Broken packages
sudo apt-get install firefox
Package installation failed. Cannot proceed.
Process returned code 100
Traceback (most recent call last):
File "/usr/local/bin/ubuntuzilla.py", line 1146, in
bs.start()
File "/usr/local/bin/ubuntuzilla.py", line 209, in start
fi.start()
File "/usr/local/bin/ubuntuzilla.py", line 236, in start
self.install()
File "/usr/local/bin/ubuntuzilla.py", line 600, in install
self.aptgetMeasures()
File "/usr/local/bin/ubuntuzilla.py", line 381, in aptgetMeasures
self.util.execSystemCommand(executionstring="sudo apt-get install " + self.aptPackage, errormessage="Package installation failed. Cannot proceed.")
File "/usr/local/bin/ubuntuzilla.py", line 140, in execSystemCommand
raise SystemCommandExecutionError, "Command has not completed successfully. If this problem persists, please seek help at our website, " + self.version.url
__main__.SystemCommandExecutionError: Command has not completed successfully. If this problem persists, please seek help at our website, http://ubuntuzilla.sourceforge.net/
"
What does this mean?
Thanks.
Great stuff man. Thank you. :-)
I've tried running Ubuntuzilla to upgrade to FF3.5 and keep getting the error posted about the gpgp keys. I've changed the about:config file with no success. When I run ubuntuzilla it backs up the old mozillia folder but there is no FF3.5. I can provide the terminal output upon request.
How can I upgrade to FF3.5 using ubuntuzilla or any other method in Ubuntu 8.04 Hardy? Anyone know when the PPA route will be reactivated?
Any assistance would be appreciated.
I've tried several of the techniques listed below without success:
Fix by dropping to your shell and typing in: sudo chown root.root
sudo gpg --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com --recv-keys 812347DD
sudo gpg --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com --recv-keys 0E3606D9
disabled, so change network.dns.disableIPv6 to "true"
None of these worked and I have not been able to upgrade to 3.5.3 from 3.0.14
Any assistance is appreciated!
Upon your request, i completely removed firefox build, and tried everything from scratch and it all went just fine. And now i have the latest firefox 3.5.3 in my ubuntu jaunty. May be you should try one more time and make sure if it is not something related to the server error.
And if you were able to solve the issue, please share it with us. Thank you :-)
I will try again. FYI- I am using Hardy Heron. Can that be why I am having issues?
These a very simple steps to install or upgrade firefox to 3.5
I didn't have to do any extra, just followed the manual and it worked.... after a reboot that is!
In fact it worked so well that i also created an article (based on this one) and posted it on my ubuntu site/blog... i hope you don't mind :)
You don't have to ask, it is absolutely okay for us if you remixed and republished any of our articles in your blog. And we will be delighted if you could provide a link back to us or if you could refer our website elsewhere. Not that it is necessary, but you know how it is ;-)
Thank you for the comment anyway :-)
Its really very easy to install Firefox with Ubuntuzilla. Thanks for the post...
This is what I get, any help would be appreciated.
/tmp/ubuntuzilla-4.6.1-0ubuntu1-i386-1.deb could not be opened, because the associated helper application does not exist. Change the association in your preferences.
Try switching network.dns.disableIPv6 option to true in your about:config.
This fixed my "Server not found" error..
I'm also getting "server not found", though Fx3.0 and Shiretoko from Synaptic both work. 64bit architecture, I made the right corrections to the download links. I don't get it. Same thing if I extract the tar from mozilla.com and run that, or if I install with Ubuntuzilla. Way, way frustrating.
This method installs 3.5, but then 3.5 is dead and will not load any pages at all. It just says "server not found" for all pages that I try to visit.
I had this problem, too. The other person's crass suggestion of, "check your Internet connection," is obviously not helpful. Changing "network.dns.disableIPv6" from "true" to "false" fixed everything for me.
1) Type in "about:config" in the address bar
2) Type in "dns" in the filter, or just look for "network.dns.disableIPv6"
3) Change the setting to "true" and give it another go
My steps are correct, but my description was reversed. The default in my install was "false", meaning that IPv6 was enabled, causing the problem. You want it to be disabled, so change network.dns.disableIPv6 to "true".
In any case, the final answer is/might-be-for-you-too set network.dns.disableIPv6 to "true".
Works great! thanks for the help
Server not found error is probably some issue with your internet connection. May be you should try the same in some other browser and confirm.
Hey, using a slightly newer version of ubuntuzilla was crashing. Did some looking around, it's during the gpg-key check. Just noting the fix in case it happens to anyone else.
If you're running as root (sudo), and you've used gpg in the past (or something has used it for you) as your user. Your /home//.gnupg directory will be owned by yourself. When gpg runs as root, it tries to access the config files, and spews errors because the ownership is unsafe.
Fix by dropping to your shell and typing in: sudo chown root.root /home//.gnupg -R
for me launching
sudo gpg --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com --recv-keys 812347DD
and
sudo gpg --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com --recv-keys 0E3606D9
helped.
keys are taken from the ubuntuzilla.py and they are the official mozilla release keys.
I am getting error
Unable to retrieve Mozilla Software Releases Public key from pgp.mit.edu . Trying again...
gpg: requesting key 0E3606D9 from hkp server wwwkeys.pgp.net
gpg: requesting key 812347DD from hkp server wwwkeys.pgp.net
and it goes to try find public keys elsewhere but also fails. Anyone ran into the same problem?
if you use gdebi instead of dpkg, dependencies will automatically be installed. (when you double-click on the .deb and use the gui to install, you are using gdebi-gtk, so yea, no need to do that).
so you can update this post and simplify the instructions by removing the dependency installation step.
ubuntuzilla works great but sourceforge is playing up at the moment, the download links are down :(
I upgraded to Firefox 3.5.1 a few days ago on ubuntu 9.0.4 :D
Sourceforge finally gave me my download! I now have Firefox 3.5 on Ubuntu 8.0.4 on my laptop now :)
Agreed. I'm trying to find upgrades for ubuntu through apt-get and such, but it's all old versions. I've tried reading some dpkg/deb and installing form source tutorials but they don't explain the process well enough. This is why Windows is beating Linux.
Installing Firefox 3.5 in ubuntu using ubuntuzilla is much easier than you think. Just give it a try.
linux sux
it installed FF3.5 but I can't find it.
Actually you don't need to "find" new firefox. Just goto Applications > Internet > Firefox and that is your all new Firefox 3.5. Before that, make sure you have followed the steps above, and also you should be using ubuntu(of course).
I'm so excited about the easy way of installing the new ff 3.5 on ubuntu. I run ubuntu 8.04 from a partition. i had the ff 3.5 on the vista partition and wanted it on ubuntu. I can't believe its that easy. I'm a newbie to ubuntu anyway. Thanx
As long as you're using Jaunty, and have the "security" universe respository selected, you should be able to install firefox-3.5 with synaptic or via
aptitude install firefox-3.5 firefox-3.5-branding firefox-3.5-gnome-support
(the latter's probably not required for Kubuntu or other KDE desktops)
Worked for me.
The firefox-3.5 package is branded "Shiretoko", which breaks websites and add-ons. Someone posted a "fix" on the Ubuntu forum, but it's a hack and has to be re-run every time there is an update.
Thanks heaps for the update and the easier way of installing Firefox 3.5. I'm a newbie when it comes to Linux and Ubuntu. I'm enjoying the challenge greatly. I have been an avid Windows user for some years, but upgrading to Vista has been a real pain in the butt. Thankfully I bit the bullet and got a friend to help me with the installation of Ubuntu and Gnome. It's been a real pleasure to use something that don't shut down, doesn't give you the 'Blue Screen' of death.
Thanks again to all that have made the transition for blokes like me from Windows to Ubuntu. I may ask a lot of silly questions but I do get it in the end.
Thanks again, Teddykhil
It is really heartening to see a lot of new people trying out different flavours of Linux, and learning how good it really is. You need any help, simply post it down here and i will try my best to help you out. There are other sites as well like www.ubuntuforums.org and blogs like www.ubuntugeek.com, www.tombuntu.com etc that you may find out useful.
You may also want to check out this quick list if things you need to do after installing ubuntu, being a newbie. All the best anyways. Happy ubuntuing ;-)
I tried it and it really works. So thank you very, very much. :)
You are welcome friend :-)
When I click on the deb package for installation I get the following error:
Error: Wrong architecture 'i386'
you can download 64 bit version here >> http://sourceforge.net/projects/ubuntuzilla/files/
I am not sure, haven't myself tried this in 64 bit AMD quad core. Any help guys?
Thank you so much, I was looking for this kind of method, I didn't want two FFs on my system, I miss opensuse just because it doesn't have this problem :)
Anytime :-)
This method works in Kubuntu as well. However, for some reason the GTK-QT engine (which makes GTK apps blend in with KDE4 styles) doesn't work when you do this, and I have no idea why. Does anyone know how to fix that aspect? Without it able to use the GTK-QT engine Firefox 3.5 looks very terrible in Kubuntu.
Hello,
thanks bro, it working great!! .;)
Very good instructions.
Clear and helpful. Firefox 3.5 works very well.
Thank you!
It you set your sources in Ubuntu to allow Proposed Updates then FF3.5 is available :)
Was: Mozilla/5.0 (X11; U; Linux x86_64; en-US; rv:1.9.1b4pre) Gecko/20090401 Ubuntu/9.04 (jaunty) Shiretoko/3.5b4pre - Build ID:20090401172919
Now: Mozilla/5.0 (X11; U; Linux x86_64; en-US; rv:1.9.1) Gecko/20090701 Ubuntu/9.04 (jaunty) Shiretoko/3.5 - Build ID: 20090701021524
Remember to then turn proposed off :)
I changed my update preferences to include "Proposed Updates", but I couldn't fine a FF 3.5 package to install.
Thanks so much!! This works like a charm!
This is the best "how to" of installing FireFox 3.5 in Ubuntu 9.04 ever..
I'm grateful!!
After adding the ubuntu-mozilla-daily repository you can upgrade to 3.5: http://www.ubuntusolutions.org/2009/07/installing-firefox-3-5-the-right-...
By what I understand and have experienced myself, Firefox 3.5 from the jaunty repositories installs Shiretoko (FF 3.5's developer branding) side by side with the default FF 3.0.*, it does not upgrade it which is what Ubuntuzilla effectively does. However it does this, what you end up with is official and final release of Firefox 3.5, not the unbranded 3.5 trunk builds from Mozilla. If Ubuntuzilla does what it says it's supposed to do then it should be updated to 3.5.1 when it's released in the next few days.
This is the kind of thing that that Canonical needs to adopt for Ubuntu when it comes to default programs such as Firefox rather than locking the user into security updates for the existing version only until the next release of the OS. I never could agree with that. The user should be able to upgrade Firefox to the next major version if they choose to as easily as any Windows or OSX user can.
Just my 2 cents.
Agreed. I'm trying to find upgrades for ubuntu through apt-get and such, but it's all old versions. I've tried reading some dpkg/deb and installing form source tutorials but they don't explain the process well enough. This is why Windows is beating Linux.