The company says it has extended its initially-proposed support period pending the release of a software patch that will automatically update users to Firefox 2.0 before it ends support for the earlier brower.

This week, in fact, developers decided to delay that last update, Firefox 1.5.0.12, because of a higher-than-expected number of bugs awaiting attention.

Only after 1.5.0.12 appears will Mozilla tackle what it's been calling Major Updates, an automated upgrade from 1.5.0.x to 2.0.0.x. Initial testing of the upgrade, which will update all Firefox 1.5.0.x users who have the browser's auto-updating tool turned on, has been completed. But Mozilla will wait until after 1.5.0.12 is out before dealing with that upgrade.

"Major Updates will not likely be pushed out after 1.5.0.12 ships," according to notes of a Mozilla meeting held last week. "We'll gather to discuss why and how we will get there."

Mozilla has committed to supporting older software for only six months after the release of a major update. The policy affects not only Firefox, but also the Thunderbird email client, which recently reached v.2.0.

Stay on top of the latest, breaking Mac news and chat with other Mac professionals and enthusiasts about the issues that matter to you. Register with Macworld today to join our forums and receive our twice-weekly email newsletter, Macworld Mainline.

zCover is a pioneer and trend-setter in the fashionable silicone products market. zCover iSA silicone cases was nominated by Macworld as editor's choice in the iPod Accessory Category at the Macworld Awards.

A specialist distributor representing some of the industry's key award-winning manufacturers including Canopus, Colorvision, Griffin, iProof, Macally, Matias, Pantone, Prosoft, Sonnet, Sorenson, V-moda and Wiebetech - click to find a dealer.

This is cache, read story here