Mozilla Firefox 3.0’s launch was not just about getting the fastest, most secure and innovative browser out there, but also about giving users a chance to get involved and make history, by setting a Guinness World Record for the largest number of downloads in 24 hours.

From 18:16 UTC on June 17 to 18:16 UTC on June 18, 8,002,530 million people downloaded Firefox 3.0, turning the Download Day into a day to remember for the Mozilla community and enthusiasts worldwide.

Firefox seems to be gaining new adepts every month, and despite the fact that Microsoft’s Internet Explorer is still ahead in terms of market share, Mozilla’s browser seems to be catching up quick.

So far, they’ve managed to turn the debut of Firefox 3.0 into something fun, making it popular among users, and making users spread the word even more. More than 1,7 million people across the globe pledged to download Firefox 3.0 on launch day, hosted regional download fests and informed millions more of the historic goal.

“The enthusiasm and creativity of Firefox fans was instrumental in achieving this record,” Paul Kim, vice president of Marketing at Mozilla, said in a statement, adding that the community members have managed to mobilize millions of people to demonstrate their belief that Firefox is the browser that gives the best online experience.

Gareth Deaves, Record Manager for Guiness World Records, confirmed the accomplishment and said that mobilizing 8 million people in just 24 hours is “extremely impressive” and it’s something they must congratulate the Mozilla community for.

Through its latest version of the browser, Mozilla promised to deliver the best browsing experience, improved performance, better stability, less CPU usage, more sustainability and a more personal experience for users.

Despite of the security bug reported on the download day, just 5 hours after Firefox 3.0’s official debut, and confirmed by Mozilla, the day was far from being ruined, and the browser continued it’s path of conquest.

Mozilla managed to impress users by developing a browser for all tastes, and the fact that they’ve managed to set a Guinness World Record goes to show how dedicated the community and Firefox enthusiasts have been in making the Download Day a historic event.