The Firefox web browser is appreciated by many users for the large number of add-ons that are available. These plug-ins are easily installed, and add functionality: for example, you can add an ad-banner filter, tools to block javascript, web developer tools and much more. But add-ons can be security risks, and may also affect the stability of the program.
A new feature, called Component Directory Lockdown, will be added to Firefox 3.6. This feature will help prevent crashes, and will prevent rogue add-ons from being installed.
Both of these are excellent reasons to make this change. Web browsers are often at the mercy of add-ons and plug-ins; for example, Apple made changes to its Safari web browser to prevent crashes caused by plug-ins, especially Flash Player.
As users try to extend the functionality of their browsers, there will need to be more tools that protect them and their software from incompatibility and security risks, and this move by the Mozilla Foundation is a good step forward.
