Power-ups for Firefox: Add-ons bring added security and comfort


By Dirk Averesch, dpa

Hamburg (dpa) - Firefox is known as the quintessential free browser. Users can not only download it free of charge, they can also expand its abilities in almost unlimited ways.

A dedicated developer community makes this possible by programming and updating special extensions called add-ons.

One big helper for surfing comfort and speed is provided through an add-on called Adblock Plus. As the name suggests, it eliminates ad banners. During installation, the user can subscribe to filter lists that are then automatically updated to recognize and block new domain addresses used to transport ads. The add-on also appends a "Block" tab onto Java and Flash animations and surfaces. One click and that particular object will never appear again.

NoScript offers added security. It checks the use of the JavaScript and Java programming languages by the browser to prevent viruses or Trojans from sneaking in. Its approach is to ban all scripts from the start, only allowing them if the user gives permission for a given site.

Those looking for added privacy protection are given a boost as well. It's well known that search engine operators, among others, record queries together with IP addresses. TrackMeNot is a boon for users who find that overly intrusive. The add-on blows a thick layer of fog by sending randomly selected queries in the background to all possible search engines. Queries actually sent by the user cannot be differentiated from the herd and disappear into the fog.

Encryption is the tool of choice for KeyScrambler. Once installed, users no longer need worry about malware logging the keyboard strokes. Whenever sensitive login information is entered, KeyScramble encrypts it at the driver level.

Not all the extensions are security related. Some provide simple solutions for common problems. PDF download is a fine example of this. It removes the element of uncertainty when PDF documents are to be opened from off the net: the user can select whether the document should be shown in PDF or HTML format, in the browser or externally using the default PDF viewer.

For users with several computers, Foxmark's Bookmark Synchronizer can be a big help. It loads all bookmarks onto a server and synchronizes them onto as many computers as desired, presuming the computers are working with Firefox and have the extension installed. Foxy Tunes is intended for music lovers. The extension places controls in the status bar for controlling almost any known music player. The user no longer needs to leave the browser to send commands to Media Player or Winamp.

While the developers' websites often provide in-depth information on their add-ons, most of the extensions can also be found on the official Firefox Web site at Mozilla.org. The browser requests permission before installing extensions. The Add-on Manager also allows for all programs to be deinstalled again. It's also possible to find manual updates there as well.

Internet: http://addons.mozilla.org/de/firefox; http://noscript.net; http://mrl.nyu.edu/~dhowe/trackmenot; http://www.qfxsoftware.com; http://www.answers.com; http://www.pdfdownload.org; http://www.foxmarks.com; http://www.foxytunes.com

beer monkey wrote:Oo that was painless, just got the new 2009(as above) version in seconds.

canuck-viking wrote:A good source for info and suggestions about firefox is www.firefoxfacts.com. also you can check the new beta firefox at www.lifehacker.com.

BlueDragon wrote:

beer monkey wrote:Oo that was painless, just got the new 2009(as above) version in seconds.

BM,

This addon MozBackup 1.4.7 will help.

http://www.download.com/3000-2242_4-107 ... ag=dl-blog