Firefox is one of the most popular browser and rapidly gaining popularity. One of the important factor which drives this popularity is its active team of developer and huge support base.
The team of developers have made firefox customizable to such an extent that each installation of firefox is unique and different from other in looks, performance and functionality.
Over a period of time of using firefox, I have understood that firefox is beyond one persons understanding for its features and functionalities. However, using my limited knowledge of firefox, i thought of sharing my experience on customizing, my firefox.
I have already written a post on <a href="http://planetshiv.freehostia.com/2008/top-10-plugins-for-firefox/" target="_blank">Top 10 plugins for firefox</a> and this post will help is customizing and enhancing firefox to another level.
<strong>Apart for browsing and checking webmail, firefox can also do a lot of added functionality. I have noted a few of them.</strong>
1. <strong>Firefox as Mail client</strong>:
You need not install a seperate client for using pop3 mail services. Simply install <a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/5593" target="_blank">Simple Mail</a> [URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/5593] and you get a simple working mail client in your favorite browser. Enjoy
2. <strong>Firefox as RSS reader</strong>:
We all subscribe to various RSS feeds of news, blogs, articles and much more. People end up having numerous RSS feeds. Just install <a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/424" target="_blank">Wizz RSS news reader</a> [URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/424] or <a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/77" target="_blank">Sage</a> [ URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/77] and you get a very good RSS Feed reader within your browser. Both of them support customization, arranging as per your preference, grouping the feeds and so on.
3. <strong>Firefox as FTP client</strong>:
<a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/684" target="_blank">FireFTP</a> [URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/684] is amm excellent FTP client which support normal FTP as well secured FTP and various other file transfer protocols, with option to customize proxy and many more features is perhaps one of the best light weight FTP client and as it is integrated to firefox, it eliminates need of a seperate software.
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4. <strong>Firefox as Bittorrent manager</strong> :
<a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/4844" target="_blank">Foxtorrent</a> [URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/4844] is an a bit torrent client add on which installed makes firefox as a bittorrent client. As i have not used this addon, i don't know much about it. However, the review looks encouraging
5. <strong>Firefox as Blog Editor </strong> :
<a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1730" target="_blank">ScribeFire</a> [URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1730] is a full-featured blog editor that integrates with your browser and lets you easily post to your blog. You can drag and drop formatted text from pages you are browsing, take notes, upload images, and post to multiple blogs.
6. <strong>Firefox as IRC client</strong> :
<a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/16" target="_blank">ChatZilla</a> [URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/16] provides all the usual IRC client features: multiple servers, a built-in list of standard networks, easy searching and sorting of available channels, logging, and DCC chat and file transfers, plus easy customization with JavaScript plug-ins and CSS styling.
7. <strong>Firefox as Download Manager</strong> :
<a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/201" target="_blank">Down Them All</a> [ URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/201] is the only download manager / accelerator integrated to Firefox without using any external software. It support resume, pause, multi download, spped control, prioritization, etc.
Well these are few application / software substitutes which are available as add-on to Firefox and eliminates the requirement of various softwares. Experiment them and choose what you like most. Keep them all or keep some, Enjoy firefoxing.
Note: <em>I use firefox 2 and these work with it, if you are using other version , just do a bit searching, you will be able get the equivalent substitute.
</em>
July 11, 2008
July 03, 2008
Top 10 Plugins for Firefox
Well there are so many similar list on web, so whats the meaning of one more top 10 plugins for firefox.
Firefox is an versatile, secure and fast browser in itself and when supplemented with addons, it becomes great. Here are the best 10 addons for firefox.
The fact is that I am just sharing my perception as a common user, whose primary interest is to browse at faster speed with easier downloading of files, without being annoyed by intrusive pop-ups and other ads and of course discover new sites of mmy interest.
So here is my top 10 plus a bonus 1 plugins. I have just put them in alphabetical order. I have downloaded and saved the plugins (*.xpi files) and install them locally as when required. In order to locally install firefox plugin is <strong>Coming Soon.</strong>
1. <a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1865" target="_blank"><strong>Adblock Plus</strong></a>:- (URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1865)
<blockquote>Ever been annoyed by all those ads and banners on the internet that often take longer to download than everything else on the page? Install Adblock Plus now and get rid of them.</blockquote>
This plugin is very efficient in blocking all the common pop-ups and banners which usually divert our focus from the content to the ads. It has available preset settings suitable for most users. Advanced users can fine tune the settings, add more banners in the blocked list by a simple right click and do much more.
2. <strong><a href=" https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/6349" target="_blank">Bug Me Not</a></strong>:- URL: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/6349)
<blockquote>Bypass compulsory web registration with the context menu via www.bugmenot.com</blockquote>
Time and again while browsing we come accross such sites which allow bots to browse the content but restrict common users. Usually all major forums on the web operate in this way. So, whats the solution, register on the site to see the content. But, not any more; A simple right click in login password box will log you in using the user submitted login and password. In case, the combination of login password fails, it tries with multiple sets of login and password.
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3. <strong><a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1368" target="_blank">Colorful Tabs</a></strong>:- (URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1368)
<blockquote>The most beautiful yet the simplest add-on that makes a strong colorful appeal. Colors every tab in a different color and makes them easy to distinguish while beautifying the overall appearance of the interface
</blockquote>
Colourful Tabs makes imparts colours (either randomly or generated by URL) to all the tab and makes them distinct and easy to identify. Also options include fading of colours and proving background pictures for tabs. In short, makes the browsing more colourful.
4. <strong><a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/26" target="_blank">Download Status Bar</a></strong>:- (URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/26)
<blockquote>View and manage downloads from a tidy statusbar - without the download window getting in the way of your web browsing.
</blockquote>
Start downloading and an annoying pop-up reports that downloading has started and block the page being browsed. This add-on converts the pop-up box into a bottom status bar, which makes the managing of download easier. You can set the colour as well as many other features so that suit your requirement. Makes tidier downloading with better browsing experience.
5. <strong><a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/3006" target="_blank">Video Download Helper</a></strong>:- (URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/3006)
<blockquote>The easy way to download and convert Web videos from hundreds of YouTube-like sites. This works also for audio and picture galleries.
</blockquote>
This is web content extraction tool which is able to extract flash videos (.flv) from Youtube and hundereds of similar site. It can also download flash files (.swf) and variety of Images and other video formats. It is now capable to convert videos to various formats automatically while downloading. Great for you tube fans.
6. <strong><a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/201" target="_blank">Down Them All</a></strong>:- (URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/201)
<blockquote>The first and only download manager/accelerator built inside Firefox!
</blockquote>
As the quote from its webpage, states it is the only download manager build inside firefox. Other similar download manager requires external download manager to carry out such task. Like any professional download manager, DTA allows user to pause, resume, prioritiize, set number of threads of download and even schedule the download. This is a must for all the download fanatics, who keep on downloading loads of software, videos and songs.
7. <strong><a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1269" target="_blank">Fasterfox</a></strong>:- (URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1269)
<blockquote>Performance and network tweaks for Firefox...</blockquote>
This add-on helps in enhancing the performance of firefox by using tweaking various features such as simultaneous connections, pipelining, cache, DNS cache, initial paint delay, etc. It comes with few preset setting for common users and advanced users can tweak to their satisfaction too.
8. <strong><a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1419" target="_blank">IE Tab</a></strong>:- (URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1419)
<blockquote>IE Tab - an extension from Taiwan, features: Embedding Internet Explorer in tabs of Mozilla/Firefox...</blockquote>
An essential add-on to browse IE only sites. Time and again you must have faced garbled sites which work well in IE but not in other browser, but not any more. This addon enables Firefox to render these sites nicely. Also, a great tool for developers, who can use the same browser to test web pages for IE and Firefox.
9. <strong><a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/636" target="_blank">PDF Download</a></strong>:- (URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/636)
<blockquote>PDF Download relieves the pain experienced when encountering PDF files on the Web. Whenever you click on a PDF file, PDF Download lets you know before trying to open it, and then offers you choices such as downloading, opening, or converting it straight to HTML.
</blockquote>
Everyone must have observed how firefox becomes sluggish or even crashes when opening PDF files. Well, this addon solves the problem. Whenever it detects any pdf file is being opened, it takes control and gives option to download, open or convert as HTML. This prevents browser from becoming sluggish. It also tells the size of file at the beginning and helps preserve bandwitdh from being consumed by relatively less useful files.
10. <strong><a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/4429" target="_blank">Secure Login</a></strong>:- (URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/4429)
<blockquote>Secure Login is a login extension for Mozilla Firefox integrated password manager. Its main feature is similar to Opera's (the browser) Wand login.</blockquote>
This addon integrates with password manager of firefox and provides login at single click. Ideally suited for common user and requires no configurations. It also provides access to the saved passwords. This feature helps in protecting from login data theft on websites using javascript and cross-site scripting. It also provides a number of other features like automatic login, customizable interface, etc.
11. <strong><a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/138" target="_blank">Stumble Upon</a></strong>:- (URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/138)
<blockquote>StumbleUpon discovers web sites based on your interests, learns what you like and brings you more.
</blockquote>
One of the most interesting way to browse internet and discover new sites of your interest. Simply install SU toolbar, create a login, select the areas of your interest and start stumbling. This toolbar has as such no performace enhancement feature but makes the browsing all more interesting. You can also submit new sites for other to view it, make friends with similar interests, make groups and even allows you to write blog. This is my favorite add-on on firefox and recommended to all.
<em>Well this is my list, for sharing, hope you liked at least some of these add-ons and definetly use it for your enhanced browsing experience.</em>
Firefox is an versatile, secure and fast browser in itself and when supplemented with addons, it becomes great. Here are the best 10 addons for firefox.
The fact is that I am just sharing my perception as a common user, whose primary interest is to browse at faster speed with easier downloading of files, without being annoyed by intrusive pop-ups and other ads and of course discover new sites of mmy interest.
So here is my top 10 plus a bonus 1 plugins. I have just put them in alphabetical order. I have downloaded and saved the plugins (*.xpi files) and install them locally as when required. In order to locally install firefox plugin is <strong>Coming Soon.</strong>
1. <a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1865" target="_blank"><strong>Adblock Plus</strong></a>:- (URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1865)
<blockquote>Ever been annoyed by all those ads and banners on the internet that often take longer to download than everything else on the page? Install Adblock Plus now and get rid of them.</blockquote>
This plugin is very efficient in blocking all the common pop-ups and banners which usually divert our focus from the content to the ads. It has available preset settings suitable for most users. Advanced users can fine tune the settings, add more banners in the blocked list by a simple right click and do much more.
2. <strong><a href=" https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/6349" target="_blank">Bug Me Not</a></strong>:- URL: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/6349)
<blockquote>Bypass compulsory web registration with the context menu via www.bugmenot.com</blockquote>
Time and again while browsing we come accross such sites which allow bots to browse the content but restrict common users. Usually all major forums on the web operate in this way. So, whats the solution, register on the site to see the content. But, not any more; A simple right click in login password box will log you in using the user submitted login and password. In case, the combination of login password fails, it tries with multiple sets of login and password.
<!--more-->
3. <strong><a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1368" target="_blank">Colorful Tabs</a></strong>:- (URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1368)
<blockquote>The most beautiful yet the simplest add-on that makes a strong colorful appeal. Colors every tab in a different color and makes them easy to distinguish while beautifying the overall appearance of the interface
</blockquote>
Colourful Tabs makes imparts colours (either randomly or generated by URL) to all the tab and makes them distinct and easy to identify. Also options include fading of colours and proving background pictures for tabs. In short, makes the browsing more colourful.
4. <strong><a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/26" target="_blank">Download Status Bar</a></strong>:- (URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/26)
<blockquote>View and manage downloads from a tidy statusbar - without the download window getting in the way of your web browsing.
</blockquote>
Start downloading and an annoying pop-up reports that downloading has started and block the page being browsed. This add-on converts the pop-up box into a bottom status bar, which makes the managing of download easier. You can set the colour as well as many other features so that suit your requirement. Makes tidier downloading with better browsing experience.
5. <strong><a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/3006" target="_blank">Video Download Helper</a></strong>:- (URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/3006)
<blockquote>The easy way to download and convert Web videos from hundreds of YouTube-like sites. This works also for audio and picture galleries.
</blockquote>
This is web content extraction tool which is able to extract flash videos (.flv) from Youtube and hundereds of similar site. It can also download flash files (.swf) and variety of Images and other video formats. It is now capable to convert videos to various formats automatically while downloading. Great for you tube fans.
6. <strong><a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/201" target="_blank">Down Them All</a></strong>:- (URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/201)
<blockquote>The first and only download manager/accelerator built inside Firefox!
</blockquote>
As the quote from its webpage, states it is the only download manager build inside firefox. Other similar download manager requires external download manager to carry out such task. Like any professional download manager, DTA allows user to pause, resume, prioritiize, set number of threads of download and even schedule the download. This is a must for all the download fanatics, who keep on downloading loads of software, videos and songs.
7. <strong><a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1269" target="_blank">Fasterfox</a></strong>:- (URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1269)
<blockquote>Performance and network tweaks for Firefox...</blockquote>
This add-on helps in enhancing the performance of firefox by using tweaking various features such as simultaneous connections, pipelining, cache, DNS cache, initial paint delay, etc. It comes with few preset setting for common users and advanced users can tweak to their satisfaction too.
8. <strong><a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1419" target="_blank">IE Tab</a></strong>:- (URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1419)
<blockquote>IE Tab - an extension from Taiwan, features: Embedding Internet Explorer in tabs of Mozilla/Firefox...</blockquote>
An essential add-on to browse IE only sites. Time and again you must have faced garbled sites which work well in IE but not in other browser, but not any more. This addon enables Firefox to render these sites nicely. Also, a great tool for developers, who can use the same browser to test web pages for IE and Firefox.
9. <strong><a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/636" target="_blank">PDF Download</a></strong>:- (URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/636)
<blockquote>PDF Download relieves the pain experienced when encountering PDF files on the Web. Whenever you click on a PDF file, PDF Download lets you know before trying to open it, and then offers you choices such as downloading, opening, or converting it straight to HTML.
</blockquote>
Everyone must have observed how firefox becomes sluggish or even crashes when opening PDF files. Well, this addon solves the problem. Whenever it detects any pdf file is being opened, it takes control and gives option to download, open or convert as HTML. This prevents browser from becoming sluggish. It also tells the size of file at the beginning and helps preserve bandwitdh from being consumed by relatively less useful files.
10. <strong><a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/4429" target="_blank">Secure Login</a></strong>:- (URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/4429)
<blockquote>Secure Login is a login extension for Mozilla Firefox integrated password manager. Its main feature is similar to Opera's (the browser) Wand login.</blockquote>
This addon integrates with password manager of firefox and provides login at single click. Ideally suited for common user and requires no configurations. It also provides access to the saved passwords. This feature helps in protecting from login data theft on websites using javascript and cross-site scripting. It also provides a number of other features like automatic login, customizable interface, etc.
11. <strong><a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/138" target="_blank">Stumble Upon</a></strong>:- (URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/138)
<blockquote>StumbleUpon discovers web sites based on your interests, learns what you like and brings you more.
</blockquote>
One of the most interesting way to browse internet and discover new sites of your interest. Simply install SU toolbar, create a login, select the areas of your interest and start stumbling. This toolbar has as such no performace enhancement feature but makes the browsing all more interesting. You can also submit new sites for other to view it, make friends with similar interests, make groups and even allows you to write blog. This is my favorite add-on on firefox and recommended to all.
<em>Well this is my list, for sharing, hope you liked at least some of these add-ons and definetly use it for your enhanced browsing experience.</em>
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