Why Older Versions of Firefox ESR Might Not Be the Best Solution for Your Needs

When it comes to using older versions of Firefox ESR, there are several reasons why they may not be the best solution for your needs. One of the primary concerns is that these versions lack security patches and updates, which can leave your system vulnerable to known bugs and security issues.

For instance, Firefox Portable Legacy 52 - 52.9.0 only received security patches through June 21, 2018, while Firefox Portable Legacy 68 - 68.12.0 only received security patches through August 18, 2020. Meanwhile, Firefox Portable Legacy 78 - 78.14.0 has security patches through September 8, 2021.

Moreover, older versions of Firefox ESR may not be compatible with newer systems or devices, such as the Raspberry Pi, which runs on an ARM chipset. The downloadable source code for these older versions is also not pre-compiled to run on ARM chipsets, making it difficult to compile and install.

Furthermore, attempting to use older versions of Firefox ESR can lead to compatibility issues with other software and dependencies. Instead of struggling with the installation process, you may find it more efficient to solve your issue using a newer supported version of Firefox.

In summary, while older versions of Firefox ESR might be tempting due to their potential ease of use, they are not recommended for several reasons, including security concerns, compatibility issues, and difficulty in compiling and installing. If you need to use Firefox on an ARM chipset device like the Raspberry Pi, it's best to explore other options or consider using a supported version of Firefox.

Older versions of firefox esr