Mozilla has released the Firefox 3 Beta 2 for download, solely for developers and testers.

Firefox 3 Beta 2 claims to include 900 improvements over the previous beta, such as fixes for- stability, performance and memory usage, and platform- and user interface- enhancements. Mozilla claims the improvements are based on community feedback received from the testing of beta 1 that was released in November.

Improved security features in Beta 2 promise protection from cross-site JSON data leaks, tighter restrictions on site-specific content using effective TLD service, better presentation of Web site identity and security, malware protection, more strict SSL error pages, anti-virus integration in the download manager, and version checking for insecure plug-ins.

Overall, Beta 2 promises further ease of use through better password management, easier add-on installation, download manager with resumable downloading, full page zoom, animated tab strip, and better integration with Windows Vista, Mac OS X, and Linux.

Refurbished customization tools, enhanced text and graphics rendering, and support for offline browsing along with Web-based protocol handlers are among other improvements in this beta.

Mozilla claims Linux users will appreciate the improved theme, which makes Firefox look more like a native GNOME application, and makes use of GTK+ icons where available.

Meanwhile, developers and testers can download the Firefox 3 Beta 2 at http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/all-beta.html (available for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux in different languages).