If you are an Ubuntian (Ubuntu user), you’ve probably known Ubuntu updates its software versions every six months with a new release. Mostly, Mozilla, upgrades Firefox / Thunderbird often with security patches or new features-based releases. Ubuntu often includes security patches with its own versions in a day or a week after Mozilla releases their patches, but many Ubuntians are impatient and would prefer to install the latest version of Firefox from Mozilla and use that instead of the Ubuntu build of Firefox.
Unfortunately, you cannot find .deb package on Mozilla’s website, there are some other methods to install released & upcoming versions of Firefox. For that you have to add third-party repositories on your sourcelist.
For more details, click below to have a look at popular installation methods via Repository,
ubuntu-mozilla-security PPA
ubuntu-mozilla-daily PPA
Mozilla Beta PPA
Ubuntuzilla
Discussing about above mentioned methods are totally out of topic. Whatever method you use, some Ubuntians like me, will be never satisfied until they installed it from Mozilla’s official website. Unfortunately there is no .deb package available to install the latest Firefox. Follow my tutorial to install original Firefox and Thunderbird from official Mozilla’s website.
Tutorial: How to install the latest Firefox and Thunderbird in Ubuntu?
For example, user charles should not leave the file in /home/charles/Desktop or in /home/charles/Downloads, but should save it in /home/charles
sudo mv firefox /opt && sudo ln -s /opt/firefox/firefox /usr/bin/firefox
command for Thunderbird,
sudo mv thunderbird /opt && sudo ln -s /opt/thunderbird/thunderbird /usr/bin/thunderbird
Purpose of the executed command:
By using this command, we have moved that particular folder(firefox/thunderbird) to the /opt directory, and also we have created a link to shell script,i.e. Location: /usr/bin, Link target /opt/firefox/firefox or /opt/thunderbird/thunderbird.
Bonus Tutorial: How to create a launcher for our Firefox and Thunderbird?
Now, we need to create a launcher for our Firefox and Thunderbird. Creating a launcher in Ubuntu is very easy.
(Ref:Screnshot:MainMenu)
For Firefox,
- In the Name field, enter Mozilla Firefox web browser
- In the Command field, enter firefox
- In the Comment field, enter Mozilla Firefox web browser.(This Comment field is for information purposes only and can be left blank)
For thunderbird,
- In the Name field, enter Mozilla Thunderbird Mail/News
- In the Command field, enter thunderbird
- In the Comment field, enter Mozilla Thunderbird Mail/News.(This Comment field is for information purposes only and can be left blank)
/opt/firefox/chrome/icons/default
or
/opt/thunderbird/chrome/icons/default
to select an appropriate icon.FYI, I prefer 32px image,
and select OK.
(Ref:Screenshot:firefox launcher)
(Ref:Screenshot:thunderbird launcher)
That’s it. Now, you can find Mozilla’s products under the Application > Internet sub-menu.I highly recommend this method to install Mozilla products until they release .deb package. Enjoy 
Notes:You can uninstall all your previous Firefox and Thunderbird through synaptic package manager and lock that package to avoid duplication. (System > Administration > Synaptic Package Manager, In Synaptic Package Manager Goto Package > Lock version)
KB: Check this thread to optimize and troubleshoot Firefox.
The well written article encouraged me a lot! Saved the site, extremely interesting categories everywhere that I see here! I really appreciate the info about Firefox and Thunderbird, thank you.
Informative write up, saved the blog for interest to read more information!