Last week marked the launch of Firefox 1.0, the flagship browser from the Mozilla Foundation and the new challenger in the browser wars.

On my PC, I have been a big fan of the Mozilla suite for some time and decided to try Firefox version 0.9 a few weeks ago. In all honesty, the browser was not where it needed to be at that time. Once version 1.0 launched, I decided to give it another chance given the fact that most development efforts will be toward this browser (instead of their Mozilla Suite). On the "PC" platform, I would recommend this version to anyone, including IE users. As the holidays approach and I will be traveling home, I will make a point to install Firefox and educate my family members on the advantages of this browser compared to he Microsoft alternative.

On my Mac, I do not have any complaints with Safari as my primary browser but decided to install Firefox based on the hype it was receiving from other Apple users. I used it continuously over the week but it does not feel as comfortable to use. For instance, to change tabs in Firefox Ctrl+tab is fine but Safari’s Cmd+Shit+Arrow (left or right) feels to be more appropriate. Another example has to do with the address bar. I like to type a specific URL and have it open on a different tab. In Safari, I would execute Cmd+Enter to launch the new site on a tab. Keep in mind that the Apple keyboard has a "cmd" key on both sides of the keyboard. On Firefox, one must enter Alt+Enter to obtain the same goal. There is only one Alt key on the Mac keyboard and such combination does not feel appropriate.

I think one of most important goals of any software application is the perception it has on the user. On my Mac, I have a better browsing experience using Apple’s Safari browser and for that reason, it will remain my browser of choice. However, for any PC user, I wholeheartedly recommend switching to Mozilla’s Firefox 1.0 today!