When I discovered Firefox, I thought it was a great internet browser but felt it lacked a few things. Most importantly was a print preview button and the ability to communicate with its sister product, Thunderbird (an email application). Well guess what? I found out the print button and a bunch of other features were just waiting for me to incorporate them into my browsing experience.
Browser add-ons, sometimes referred to as plug-ins and extensions, allow you to take the average internet web browser and customize it to fit your own special needs. Browser tools are available for Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox. However, the number of extensions for Firefox greatly out numbers those for Internet Explorer.
Mozilla Firefox
Firefox provides a selection of add-ons for a variety of categories, including: privacy and security, themes, search tools, appearance, download management, and more. You can browse the recommended and most popular add-ons as well. If you want to know when new or updated add-ons are introduced, subscribe to the RSS feed. View tips and tricks to learn about keyboard shortcuts and other hints designed specifically for novice to advanced users. Some of my favorite Firefox add-ons:
Snap Shots – allows you to preview a web page, while hovering over an icon next to the page link
CSS Viewer – hover the mouse over any content on a web page and view the accompanying cascading style sheet properties
Print Preview – creates a print preview button for the toolbar and context menu item
Internet Explorer
The Internet Explorer Gallery includes search providers, web slices, accelerators, toolbars and extensions. By highlighting a keyword you can complete a search using a variety of providers (New York Times, Amazon.com). Indicate your favorite web sites and receive notification of page updates via the web slices. Speed up your search by highlighting an address to receive directions or the current weather forecast for a particular venue. Customize your browsing experience by adding extensions and icons to your toolbar (Delicious bookmarks, etc.). View the Quick Reference Guide to discover keyboard shortcuts for Internet Explorer version 7.
Install and Uninstall
You can install add-ons directly in Firefox or from the add-on page. In Firefox (version 3), click Tools. Select Add-ons. Select Get Add-ons. Select browse all add-ons or see recommended add-ons. Or, find an extension you wish to add by browsing the Firefox Add-On page. Select Add to Firefox. A pop-up box displays, warning you of malicious software. Select Install. To uninstall the add-on, select Tools. Select add-ons. Select the extension and click Uninstall.
In Internet Explorer (version 7), select Tools. Select Manage Add-ons. Select Find More Add-ons. Select Download Extension. Or, find an extension you wish to add by browsing the Internet Explorer Gallery. Select Download Extension or Install. A pop-up box displays, warning you of malicious software. Select Run or Save. To uninstall the add-on, select Tools. Select Manage Add-ons. Select Enable or Disable Add-ons. Select the extension you wish to uninstall and click Disable.
Online Applications
Online applications allow you to create, edit, share, and access documents or images online, from any computer connected to the Internet. There is no software to download. Whether you are on the beach in Aruba, at home or at a conference, you can still access your content. Simply sign up for a free account and begin using the software. Applications include office suites, image editors, and online management tools. A potpourri of tools is provided below:
Google Docs – create and share documents, spreadsheets and presentations online, while controlling access to your files
Zoho – offers a suite of online applications (word processing, project management, email, organizer, etc.)
Snipshot – photo management software that allows you to edit pictures online
Jing Project – capture screenshots, create screencasts, and share the content with others
Picnik – image editing software that includes a variety of effects and editing tools
Remember The Milk – task management software for creating to do lists and reminders
Thinkfree – My Office suite includes an html editor and synchronization tool
Activity
Download and install Firefox. Go ahead and give Firefox a try! If you don’t like it, you can always uninstall it later. If you prefer, play around with Firefox on the Reference Desk or Circulation Desk computer.
Download and install one browser add-on or check out one of the online productivity applications. Tell us about your exploration on your blog. Always make sure the add-on is compatible with your web browser, as some extensions are designed for specific versions. Although the online applications are free, file size limitations apply. Make sure you view the requirements.
Before you install anything, please see me if you are unsure of how to check for viruses.
