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Firefox 20 improves private browsing, fixes three critical flaws

Mozilla has released the latest version of its Firefox web browser which features new enhancement to private browsing and fixes a number of flaws.
Written by Sam Shead, Contributor

Mozilla has fixed three critical security flaws and rolled out several new features with its latest browser update, Firefox 20.

New features include per-window private browsing, a new download manager and the ability to close hanging plug-ins separately.

Previous versions of Firefox had private browsing capabilities but they always required users to open a separate window. Firefox 20 allows users to browse privately without closing or changing their current browsing session.

Mozilla said that private browsing can be used to shop for a birthday present or check multiple email accounts simultaneously.

Firefox 20 also gives desktop users a new Safari-like download manager that pops out from the toolbar, enabling users to monitor, view, and locate downloaded files without having to switch to another window.

The complete list of new features that are built into Firefox 20 can be found on the official changelog.

The three flaws listed on Mozilla's security advisories page which are fixed in Firefox 20 include a bypass of System Only Wrappers that can allow protected nodes to be cloned, a WebGL flaw which only affects Linux users using Intel Mesa graphics drivers and a range of memory safety hazards.

The latest release in Mozilla's six-month update cycle is available to download now which is available to download on Windows, Linux, Mac and Android.

Users of previous desktop versions of Firefox should be able to upgrade to Firefox 20 automatically. The Android version of Firefox 20 is available through the Google Play Store.

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