Mozilla Dropping 64-Bit Windows Nightly Builds For Now 224
hypnosec writes "Plans for 64-bit Firefox for Windows have been put on hold by Mozilla in a bid to concentrate more on the 32-bit version. Eliminating the 64-bit nightly builds was proposed by Benjamin Smedberg, a Firefox developer, last week. Some of the reasons Smedberg cited include missing plugins for 64-bit version; lack of windowproc hooking which facilitates smooth functioning of whatever plugins are available; and the inability to work on the crash reports submitted for the 64-bit versions because they were not on high priority. The proposal, it seems, has been accepted as is evident from this bug report."
The bug tracking system seems unable to differentiate between 64-bit and 32-bit builds, causing a few issues since Windows 64-bit builds are much buggier. They also intend to reintroduce 64-bit Windows nightlies some time next year.
Not much point in 64 bits here (Score:2, Informative)
Since Windows doesn't have pure 64 bit versions, there is little reason to insist on 64 bit Firefox. Unlike most other systems, almost all libraries have to be compiled into Firefox anyway so better ABI doesn't win you much, and going 64 bit has a significant memory cost -- for typical C++ code, around 33% extra.
Re:FireFox - the browser for people who want less. (Score:1, Informative)
Only for people who buy into propaganda like yours. It's still the most stable, feature-rich, and fastest browser out there. Of the two major alternatives, IE is slow and buggy, and Chrome, while flashy and boasting a much smaller footprint, has compatibility and stability issues. Most of the flak FF gets is just the kind of trash-talk that comes with being best-of-breed, and anyone who not only agrees with it but also repeats it is going above and beyond the call of stupid.
Firefox + 64bits = Waterfox (Score:3, Informative)
If you want a 64bits version of Firefox, use Waterfox :)
http://www.waterfoxproject.org/ [waterfoxproject.org]
Re:YAY !! DEATH BY A THOUSAND CUTS !! (Score:4, Informative)
There's no 64-bit Chrome, so this is a moot point.
Re:Dear Computer Programmers: Why do this? (Score:4, Informative)
If you use the right types in C there is no problem at all.
No endless if statements needed.
However the world is filled with idiots who mix integer and pointer types.
Re:Switching to Chrome (Score:5, Informative)
Re:Switching to Chrome (Score:4, Informative)
You can still get 64-bit Firefox. It's called Waterfox and tends to lag behind the official version a bit, but it's there.