The increasingly popular Firefox web browser passed a milestone last Friday as it was revealed that downloads have exceeded 50 million copies.

The Firefox browser is categorized as 'open source' which refers to software source code which can be openly viewed and modified. The browser download is fairly small at a little over 5 MB and is free. Firefox has accumulated a large and loyal fan base and is considered an attractive alternative to Microsoft's Internet Explorer which is laden with security holes and vulnerable to malicious spyware/adware attacks.

To celebrate the 50 millionth download the Mozilla Foundation has designed 50 limited edition commemorative coins which are being awarded to those who submit the best stories explaining how they spread the Firefox word. As of this writing, 31 coins are remaining.

Also, Firefox is awarding according to their website, "a very special prize—the biggest we've ever given out—to the lucky SpreadFirefox affiliate who delivered the golden click that went with the 50 millionth download. We have identified this person and will withhold her information until she accepts the prize. Check back early next week!"

Visit http://www.spreadfirefox.com/fifty.html to join in on the fun and be a part of history in the making.