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Published on April 12, 2007 By Zoomba In WinCustomize News

One of the strengths of the Firefox web browser is its extensibility via a very robust plugin framework.  Developers can add all sorts of cool bells and whistles to the browser to add functionality never thought of by the original developers.  This is such a popular feature, that the net is flooded with extensions for users to pick up and try.  However, it's hard to separate the wheat from the chaff, so users are either overwhelmed by the choices and run away, or spend hours trying to find the good ones through trial and error.

ComputerWorld recently did two articles on the topic of Firefox extensions, one on the 20 you simply have to have, and then 10 that you should likely avoid at all costs.  If you're a tech-head who loves tweaking Firefox, gives these two articles a read over, you may find a few gems you didn't know about before.

20 Must-Have Firefox Extensions: link
Top 10 Firefox Extensions to avoid: link


Comments (Page 1)
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on Apr 12, 2007
I looked at their 'avoid' list first - they listed NoScript as the number 2 extension to avoid. Are they daft? It's one the most valuable extensions going for Firefox. Especially now that FF is becoming more exploited as it gain in popularity.

Dumb article, Compterworld...
on Apr 12, 2007
Why couldn't they have actually *listed* the extensions first, and *then* went into detail about what they did? I couldn't stand being on that site for more than 10 secs it was so cluttered and disorganized. Screw that mess. Adblock ftw!
on Apr 12, 2007
When I tried to look at the top 20 link, my computer locked up.  So much for that.
on Apr 13, 2007
Well, in my opinion, these lists are kinda screwy. First, the "avoid" list includes an extension that I have used for as long as it's been around, and no ad-filled website will persuade me to discard--AdBlock. It's one of those rare extensions that a) does what it says it will and does so without causing a lot of crashes. The other extension I use frequently, which does appear on the "must-have" list is IETab. A lot of websites and many of the documents and programs that I use at work either work better or work only in an Explorer environment, and while IETab isn't perfect, it's better than running Firefox and Avant simultaneously (although I find myself doing that more and more at work lately). However, the many of the other items on the "must-have" list seem to be either dependent on what type of work you're using your browser for (e.g., WebDeveloper and FireBug) or rather silly and pointless (ColorTabs and StumbleUpon). I'm sure having colored tabs looks pretty, but is it really "must-have"?
on Apr 13, 2007
IETab was in there though...at least during the less than 10 seconds I tried skimming through that awful mess. And of course they put Adblock in the "avoid" list, that site must be plagued with ads all over the place. Adblock is definitely *the* extension I refuse to browse without.
on Apr 13, 2007
Adblock Plus and NoScript are some of my most liked extensions for Firefox, while StumbleUpon has absolutely no real use for me and the DownloadStatusbar clashed with something so that I had to remove it again.

I guess tastes are different.....
on Apr 13, 2007
Well, it makes since on their part. Adblock plus is a excellent extension (I use it), but a potential problem for websites with advertisement used to support the site. Do people really click on advertisement links

Web Developer is also very good.

I would also recommend Wizz RSS ( Sage as a alternative) as a good RSS reader.
on Apr 13, 2007
The articles just seemed to messy so I didn't bother reading it.

I love FireFox and I'm using 2 addons. Download Statusbar and FireFTP and use Macfox II Graphite theme.
on Apr 13, 2007
Thanks for directing me to this article. I got as far as Stumbleupon and got lost for the next three hours. It is completely mind-boggling. I'm used to a certain number of sites that I regularly visit, but I had no idea there was so much cool stuff out there!
on Apr 13, 2007
Agree with aufisch/Reply#6...have used FF for years & it gets better with every new build.      
on Apr 13, 2007
Regarding ad-block:
I know I'm crazy . . but I consider blocking ads stealing.

I think that there is an implied agreement that if I go to a site that is ad sponsored that I look at the ads.  It's a trade that the site owner and I are making, free access for ads.

I have never clicked on an ad from a site but I don't think that's part of the "contract".

If the ads are too much I either don't return or if it has value I may purchase a ad-free  subscription (if available).

Bebi, what was that extension that copied to clipboard whatever was selected in FF?  I *love* that one.
on Apr 13, 2007
I know I'm crazy . . but I consider blocking ads stealing.


Zubaz....you're crazy orright ....completely bonkers, if you like , if you don't block those goddam awful flashing banner ads that are so distracting and just millimetres from what you're trying to read in peace.

In fact, I 100% recommend you disable those brightly coloured flash banners while surfing the net. Not only do they increase the need for spectacles (or a much stronger script), they also contain subliminal messages (in the distracting strobe lights which must catch the corner of your eye) and can make you do strange and involuntary things, even in your sleep.

Forewarned is fore-armed, so take heed before you awake in the middle of the night to find yourself downtown in your PJ's at a 7/11 & buying up big on the tacky burritos you saw in an internet banner ad earlier in the week.



BTW, how are you my friend....all is well with you & yours I trust? Also, congrats on your Stardock appointment...couldn't have happened to a nicer bloke.
on Apr 13, 2007
Wow, those lists are completely messed up. Okay I can understand AdBlock (though I will not browse without it) but PDF download and Tabbrowser Preferences on the avoid list - crazy! Oh and I just love how the must have list contains stumbleupon and colored tabs - now those might be fun or useful extensions to some but a "must have"?!
on Apr 13, 2007
I don't really mind ads. I can easily ignore them, as long as they don't have annoying sounds...

What I somewhat mind though is a horrible layout cluster fuck of website that makes recommendations like "do not use this extension because we are totally biased towards it". How constructive. One would think they'd recommend not using extensions that are total garbage from a technical and functionality point.
on Apr 13, 2007
Aaron: AutoCopy.
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