Firefox Dominates
Amazingly, Firefox users recently exceeded users of Microsoft’s Internet Explorer (MSIE) on one of my servers. This is not just one site on the server either. It’s all of them. Even the ones not out for review to the web development community (three are: GreenMethods.com, GreenBeastCMS.com, and AdagioSpa.com). The numbers? Well, they are presently averaging as follows:
- Firefox: 53.267%
- MSIE: 37.214%
- Opera: 4.056%
- Netscape: 2.615%
- Unlisted others: 1.663%
- Safari: 1.176%
I’m blown away. It’s great because my sites typically offer extra features only available to standards-compliant web browsers. Don’t get me wrong, MSIE, has it’s own exclusive bells and whistles such as a JavaScript enabled “Bookmark this Page” function, whereas Firefox does not. All-in-all, though, the features I can enjoy sans JavaScript — using CSS and PHP — are far more useful in the areas of cross-browser compatibility and web accessibilities. Simple stuff like being able to apply “focus” to elements other than anchors (<a… links).
So, anyway, way to go Firefox. I know it’s probably a fluke, but over 50% is a really big surprise nevertheless. I wonder how long the trend will continue.
Zach Blume responds:
Posted: August 8th, 2005 at 12:30 pm →
What’s your traffic? I’m getting an average of 100-300 users a day on my site, and 60-70% of them are firefox. Of course, my site works perfectly (exactly the same) in MSIE, but I’m my users are web-standards-fanatics.
Zach Blume responds:
Posted: August 8th, 2005 at 12:31 pm →
Sorry, average of 50 users a day (100-300 HITS), I meant :-p
Big difference…:-p
Mike Cherim responds:
Posted: August 8th, 2005 at 3:20 pm →
I checked the busiest domain on my server and it has seen 266 new IP addresses since 8/1. Combined it’s about quite a bit but I’m talking about several domains. We host: GBHXonline.com. Your numbers are no surprise due to your audience. Mine’s a little more of a shock as it reflects a broader audience. It look like non-technical webby-types are downloading Firefox and putting it to use.
I imagine they’re liking it. As soon as started using it I feel in love. I like Netscape 7.2 as well. It works just as well it seems, but it lacks the extra features I can get for Firefox. FF is number one in my book.
Zach Blume responds:
Posted: August 12th, 2005 at 7:01 am →
Yeah, it even *feels* more rugged, secure. IE feels like “oh god am I download syware now?” Yuck. Plus all the cool features.
Zach Blume responds:
Posted: August 12th, 2005 at 7:02 am →
Wow, my figures just jumped to 70% firefox, 20% safari, %6 IE
Mike Cherim responds:
Posted: August 12th, 2005 at 8:10 am →
Lol, 6% IE?! Now that is an improvment.
Rick Huby responds:
Posted: September 29th, 2005 at 7:49 am →
I think its good to see more adoption of FireFox. I am not surprised that its happening, just how quickly - in my experience, everyone who I introduce to it seem to prefer its features (even just tabbed browsing).
Still worries me that my online banking company will not allow me to access them without using Internet Explorer, Allowing Popups and having JavaScript enabled!
Mike Cherim responds:
Posted: September 30th, 2005 at 2:30 pm →
Rick Huby wrote:
That really bites. Some developers only makes sites that function on one browser. That’s a slap in the face of accessibility. I’m curious, but have you contacted the bank about it to voice your feelings?
Another question if you see this: Isn’t this an accessibility violation where you come from?
…
On another note, I’m liking Opera more and more. It’s a bit difficult to design for — it’s like there are three major canvases on which we draw our designs now.
Jeremy Baker responds:
Posted: November 1st, 2005 at 10:28 am →
You have some really cool stuff at your site. I’m sure gonna come back here.