Why would people update? Unless someone or some thing tells them to update, they probably don’t know when a new version is available (unless they happen to be the kind of people who read tech news sites or blogs, which is a tiny proportion of computer users)

I just updated to 2.0, although I’ve been looking at it from time to time. I held off because I was waiting for 2.0 compatible updates to my many extensions. Most of them are updated by now.

I’m a believer that if it “ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. I switched to FF 2.0 because it fixed a few things I had found. However, if I had not, then I would have stayed on 1.5 since it was meeting my needs.

It’s the same reason I have a 3 year old PC at home. I only play games that are using 3 year old technology, so my needs are met.

I will move to Vista, when I run into a problem that can only be fixed by moving to that platform.

I have 3 good friends who rarely upgrade any of their software unless I am there with them, telling them to do so. With them at least, I’ve noticed that they worry about whether or not they’ll lose their bookmarks or something with the upgrade. Nevermind the fact that it’s been years since they’ve actually had a problem with an upgrade.

They just stick with what’s familiar, afraid of the unknown.

[...] by Mozilla which means no more security patches for starters. Even further, Firefox 1.5 users will be prompted to upgrade to Firefox 2 in the next few days [...]

I am new to Firefox. Before choosing Fx, I read lots of discussions on the different versions(as well as those on other browsers I considered). I heard, repeatedly,that some features were missing from 2.0(ones I’d want)that 1.5 versions had had… I heard about quirks and update issues and changes. I also heard that there was little to gain by switching to 2.0 other than lots more work, effort and frustration on the user’s part…more regrets and disappointments were voiced regarding the switch to 2.0 than total praise (many praised parts, but also criticised other parts)for it.

I remembered all I lost when I dived into a new WMP version. I hated version 10… still do, and Microsoft won’t let you go back to an earlier version.That helped curb my impulsive jump for the “newest” on my browser choice. I thought it made a lot more sense to be conservative and start with the latest 1.5 and wait until the scales tipped to where far fewer people had regrets or complaints about the switch to 2.0 than I now see.
Also, Mozilla claims to be for user’s free choice- which explains, at least partly, why the user must tailor his browser via all those plug-ins and extensions, etc. So how does that fit in with essentially forcing/requiring users to upgrade before they feel it’s in their best interests? Threatening to “pull the plug” on the most recent, previous version- only 6 months into the newer one- a 1.5.12-2.0.4 contrast is different than say, a 1.0 to 2.0.4 difference.
I always resent being forced, especially by threat, into any decision. This one is based on the developers’perspectives and beliefs that I should feel confident and comfortable with their newest product- the old “it’s good for you” cajoling and pushing. 12 to 18 months down the road after good, solid performance reviews by USERS, if I’m not switched, then yank the plug on me b/c I must be already failing to grow or thrive. Until then, don’t give me some threat or urges. Lots of people choose to stay upgrades for totally rational reasons, and lots of people won’t fail to notice the strong, -not-really-user-free-choice- Mozilla/Fx tactics here. There are lots of reasonable browser choices out there, you know.