From the desk of Gerben Van Dyk

I like Firefox as a browser. I’ve got the feeling that it’s more flexible than Internet Explorer. I started using it when I saw the tabbed approach and was sold immediately. I hesitated a while when Firefox 3.0 came out as I like to keep my Bookmarks synchonised between all my computers. I used Google Browser Sync for that but from Firefox 3.0 it stopped working and will not longer be supported.

I found a great replacement in Foxmarks so I’m back using the latest version. So here is my list of top 10 Addons:

1. Foxmarks Bookmark Synchronizer - It keeps all bookmarks synchronised between all my computers. I use two at work and several at home.
2. FireGestures - I like going back with the flick of a wrist and right click button. It’s something I use all the time. I personally don’t use much else, but even this one is worth it.
3. PDF Download - I just hate it to have to wait for a plugin to load and a part of a PDF on top of that when all I want is to download the PDF. This plugin just allows you to do either by asking the question.
4. NoScript - A bit of a pain but gives extra protection.
5. Firefox Companion for eBay - Gives you easy access to your EBay and alerts you in time.
6. IE Tab - From time to time you come across these website that still don’t adhere to common website standards. IE Tab allows you to open a tab within Firefox with the Internet Explorer browser embedded. Also handy for testing if you’re doing webdesign.
7. DownloadHelper - To download these elusive Youtube video’s or flash presentations.
8. Google Notebook- Great tool to take notes and scribbles without leaving your browser
9. Adblock Plus - If you want to get rid of specified ads
10. Cooliris Previews - I tend to forget it’s there but once you have a website that implements it and you remember to click on the blue play button, the result is fantastic.

These are a selection of my favourites. I have some more installed. I do that either to try them out or I used them but stopped using them for one reason or another:

• British English Dictionary - I’d like to keep to the original version. OR at least the one of the country I’m living in. Before you start complaining I’d like to point out that I would have installed the US verison if I was living there. I don’t really use it actually. My english is ok so I’ve been told.
• Cookie Culler - I use it occasionally to clean out my system.
• Fast Dial - Shows a quick 4×3 grid with your favourite websites. Nice but I could live wihtout it.
• FoxClock - Handy if you talk or have webinars on the other site of the globe
• GMarks - Google Bookmarks, Installed on some systems but I stopped using it.
• Linked In - Plugin for the network. I could live without it as I only occasionally use it.
• Stealther - If you don’t want to leave a trace.
• StumbleUpon - Great for browsing without aim and purely for leasure. I get some ideas from sites that I otherwise would not have seen.
• Undo Closed Tabs - For those who are trigger happy and close their tabs without thinking. I’m one of them every now and then.

A great place to look is the suggested Addons in the Get Addons tab. You can see that by using the Tools menu, select Addons.

As long as you keep safe and get your Addons from the official Firefox site they provide a welcome addition and make your browsing experience a nice and personal one. Happy to hear from your favourites.

Gerben

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