The Mozilla website (the producer of Firefox) has lots of info about the new version, including a video.

I personally wouldn't recommend a "son of" or "based on" version of anything, even if open source. You never know at any one time what you're getting, how up to date it is or isn't, what incompatibilities have resulted from branches they decided to not follow, etc. It's a risk with no reward. If you don't like Firefox, there are a dozen other mainstream choices including Opera and Chrome. All are free.

i'm using version 29 right now..and I like it.

I'm normally using IE for business and some other tasks but have turned to my backup Firefox the last two days. Thanks, Raven, for the heads up....I'm not in the mood to navigate changes in Firefox this week, just too much going on and too little time, so I changed my preferences to notify me but don't update. I didn't realize I had Firefox on auto update until your mention, my IE has always been 'notify and let me choose' so I could time, watch, when updates were installed.

I don't need a bright new look this week, I need fast and familiar ;)

I don't like ie, never use it. Too "buggy".

Thanks for the info Raven. I had to go under Firefox, Preferences and then to the Advanced Tab to do the "change setting to check for updates, but let me decide whether to install them" versus under the tools button.

Wonder if that's because I am using a Mac.

Well, I was a bit too late.

I'm going to give the new version a try before deciding on whether to go back or not.

Thanks, RavenCajun! You are so helpful to us and I appreciate you very much!

Changed my settings, I'll let them work out all their bugs before I update. :)

Raven,

If I wanted to go back to version 28.0 just download that version and install it?

secsteve if you are using a Mac you likely will need a specific Mac version. I have never used a Mac and really don't know. I know for linux I have to use a specific version for linux.
And as you mentioned about the location of the advanced tab it is that way in linux also, under Preferences.

If you find you want to go back I would be glad to look for the Mac version of 28 for you.

As I said in the original post this was simply a heads up so you know it is coming and in some cases you would prefer to put it off till you have the time to devote to learning and understanding the new features.
As I said some people will love it, glad you do monica.
some won't.

Morz8 that is exactly why I gave the heads up! Glad it helped you.

Flaming O you are very welcome! and thank you!

Just in case someone needs to know how to tell which version they have just go up to Help> about firefox> it will give you the version

Raven, I've found the specific version (28.0) for the Mac.

So far, I'm still trying to learn everything about the new version. I am a bit unhappy about the back/forward arrows not appearing as well as a couple of other features that were in 28.0. I'll give it a couple of more days before I decide.

Interestingly even though I hadn't changed the settings for updates till after reading this post, the new version didn't automatically install on the PC.

Should I want to go back, just download the old version (28.0) and then install it?

Appreciate your help.

Version 28 can still be used if you do not like the new changes.

Here is a link that might be useful: Firefox 28

yes that should do it for you, that is how I did it on my husbands laptop. Mac should work the same way I would think, but again I have never used a Mac.

There are some ways to make changes to the new version to make it more like 28 if you check my link in original post Corrine has a link there for that info.
Here you go I just got the link for it now it may or may not work with the Mac version.
How to turn the new Firefox 29 into the old Firefox

I use Chrome as my main browser but have FF as a back-up. I just checked and I'm using version 12. Hmmm, should I update?

oh my goodness Jasdip! that is a very very old version and will have a lot of security vulnerabilities which have been patched in the newer versions. It is always a good idea to keep things on the pc updated due to those darn bugs that pop up.

If something were to happen to Chrome and you had to resort to firefox you would be using a very old outdated and much less secure browser.
IF it were mine I would update it, up to you for yours.

Ravencajun, thanks for the notice. Although I have Firefox set up to ask if I want to install updates, I'm bad about just saying yes without exploring what the change will entail. Generally, the updates don't change much with the functionality so I would have been in for an unhappy experience this time without your timely post.

Raven, thank you. I sent all of this post to my tech and hope he reads it. I'm scared as I still have XP, and although I love IE because it is what I've always used, I am now using Firefox. I did go in and change the settings so it can't automatically upgrade. When I went to try to find out what "version" of Firefox my tech had installed, it looked like it was trying to update something. I got out of that fast. LOL My tech is looking around to get me a new computer as mine will soon be 10 years old. I am going to hate giving up my XP, but I will have no choice.

I haven't used FF in about a year. I updated it, so now I'm using V. 29

Linda there are still many new computers being sold with Windows 7, much less of a change from xp to that that to 8 or 8.1. HP has a good selection. I have been helping some of my neighbors get 7 computers, Google has provided a nice selection.

Jasdip that is good at least now you have the latest security updates.

Raven my tech will most likely be getting me a computer with Windows 7 on it, then he will have to teach me how to use it. I'm still just learning how to use Firefox. I still prefer IE but will have to adapt. I will keep my old soon to be 10 years old computer but only for using my graphics, not for going online.

Well, gave it a shot, but didn't care for the new version.

Had a devil of a time finding out how to restore it on my mac, but perseverance paid off!