Email article
In March I discussed 10 freeware programs that I rely heavily upon. Now I will reveal the 4 browser add-ons/plugins that keep my world from falling apart. (Why 4? Well I only use 4 so I can’t really talk about 5 or 6 or 10 or 100.) Since I am a Firefox user, all these add-ons/plugins are for Firefox.
(Note: This list is in no particular order.)
Flagfox is a simple add-on that displays the flag of the country where the server is located of the website you are currently surfing. It also provides easy access to other tools such as geo-locate, WHOIS, Alexa rankings, ping, etc. Most people probably won’t have much use for Flagfox, but as a curious blogger and webmaster, this tool is a must for me.
Previously discussed, and recommended as part of your security solution, KeyScrambler is an add-on that “scrambles” all your keystrokes as you type in your browser (supports Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Flock in the free version). So even if you have a keylogger on your computer, it will never be able to properly log your keys – all it will pick up is a bunch of garbage. If there is one add-on that will give you piece of mind when, say, checking your bank account, this is it.
TrashMail is an add-on that allows you to easily make use of the previously discussed TrashMail.net temporary anti-spam e-mail service. You won’t believe how nice it is to be able to be register for something – such as a freebie – without breaking my stride because this add-on allows me to right-click, and create a temporary e-mail address on the spot.
As discussed in my best free security software article, LinkExtend is an add-on for Firefox that consolidates website ratings from various different website rating services, including WOT, SiteAdvisor, Google Safe Browsing, and Norton Safe Web. (I use LinkExtend for WOT And SiteAdvisor ratings only, but the other ratings are handy for those that want them.) In addition to showing website ratings, it can give you other information such as the traffic rank and page rank of the website you are visiting.
In the age of browser add-ons/plugins, I realize that I am probably unique in the sense that I only use 4 add-ons/plugins; many people have their browers loaded with tons of add-ons/plugins. Therefore, I am sure you have some of your own. Feel free to share in the comments below. They don’t have to be Firefox add-ons/plugins – if you use a different browser, feel free to share for that browser; however please be clear about which browser the add-ons/plugins are for.
Hey Ashraf!
Personally I prefer WOT to LINK EXTEND because, unlike LINK EXTEND, it automatically blocks any suspicious website you stumble upon.
As for security addons don’t forget to add on your arsenal BETTER PRIVACY, to get rid of flash cookies once and for all.
Besides KEYSCRAMBLER, other MUST HAVE Firefox addons to safeguard your online privacy are the following ones:
- ULTRASURF FIREFOX PLUGIN
- COOKIECULLER 1.4
- REFCONTROL
- IXQUICK HTTPS PRIVACY SEARCH ENGINELIBERTY GUARD
- NO SCRIPT
- ADBLOCK PLUS
- LASTPASS
- XMARKS
Finally, if you are really keen on stats and on any other useful information concerning the analysis of domains and webpages , then I recommend you installing this superb addon:
http://www.affilorama.com/seo-toolbar
SEO TOOLBAR Key Features:
1) Domain/Page Information
Quickly evaluate the ranking of the domain/page with the following data:
° Google PageRank
° Alexa Traffic Rank
° Complete Traffic Rank
2. SEO Information
° Backlinks to the domain registered with Yahoo and Google.
° Indexing on Yahoo and Google.
° Review the Onpage details - Title, Meta Keywords, Meta Description and H1, H2 tags on the page.
3. Link Scanner
° Links to any external domains, so you can rapidly scan a page to get an idea if there is an opportunity to get a backlink to your site or how it links out (grey by default).
° No follow links so you can quickly evaluate whether links from this site are no-followed or if a site is “blocking” any links (red by default).
4. Domain Information
° Check the Whois information on the domain.
° Read the robots.txt file on the domain.
° Check when the domain was created and how old it is.
° Check if the domain has an XML sitemap, and look at the contents.
5. Additional Controls
° Choose the position you want this addon to appear in your browser.
° Select the Whois Source engine.
° Enable and disable the Traffic rank sources.
As you can see this addon provides much more in-depth information than your favourite one (FLAGFOX) which, frankly speaking, doesn’t stand comparison with SEO TOOLBAR.
Do you agree with me, Ashraf?
Strange you didn’t mention it: it’s definitely a MUST HAVE TOOL that every serious webmaster like you should have on their arsenal to compare the performance of his site to the ones of his competitors!
Enjoy!!
@Giovanni (King of Freebies…LOL!): I second your vote for Cookie Culler, don’t know how I missed it on my list — I guess it’s because I set it up long ago and rarely have a need to look at it, but it kills all those unwanted cookies every day!
@Renee Vanderbilt: I like “Better Privacy” also. Another set-and-forget add-on that gives some extra peace-of-mind every day.
I use FireFox, and since I am a web developer, I use these addons:
FireFTP
GreaseMonkey
FireBug
Stylish
Live HTTP Headers
User Agent Switcher
ColorZilla
Some others not related to web design:
Adblock Plus (a must have)
SkipScreen (useful for rapidshare, etc.)
@OldElmerFudd: My pleasure, whippersnapper. Now excuse me while I look for my Geritol…;)
@Mr.Dave: Sun is not lazy, it’s just that they think some applets can only run on older versions of Java, so they didn’t remove old versions.
DownThemAll
TrackerBlock
Have you considered this regarding key loggers?
http://www.trusteer.com/sites/default/files/Anti_Keylogger_Myths.pdf
@Chet Morton: What about it? Read #8. That is what KeyScrambler does, AFAIK.
Followed link for KeyScrambler Personal but for some reason firefox admin is not happy with it.
The extentions page says; “This add-on has been disabled by an administrator”.
Now I will wait and see what that is all about before I download it.
As always dottech has been invaluble in educating me, cheers Ashraf.
I like Ghostery for Firefox. It lists the ad sites that are collecting data about you, provides information about them from the extensive database, and allows you to block the sites. A good companion to AdBlock Plus.
http://www.ghostery.com/help/firefox
Adblock plus – Already well known
Addblock plus popup addon – Self explainatory
BetterPrivacy – Removes LSO cookies extremely valuable IMO!
BlockSite – I’ve literally had to block some sites to keep from getting redirected there, or because they tried to download a virus. This one is a must have for me.
BloodyVikings – Same purpose as trashmail just a personal preference
Flashblock – Flash will not play until I allow them, handy when opening multiple sites
Ghostery – tracking protection
Lazarus Form Recovery – Saves what you type in case you have to go back and try again
My Weekly Browsing Schedule – Schedule day and time of the websites you visit regularly
NoRedirect – reduce the number of redirects you have to suffer, not perfect but best I’ve found
PrivacySuite – Numerous integrated privacy features
Reminderfox – free scheduling calender and reminder service in Firefox
Remove it Permanently – Allows you to remove something from a page or domain permanently. has an undo feature if it blocks the website entirely and can be configured manually for greater effect. Expert use only.
and WOT – already well known.
What I’m searching for, and have yet to find, is a foolproof way to prevent all those [expletive deleted] toolbars from loading themselves even after you’ve selected not to do so. the best option I’ve found so far is Spybot, which comes preconfigured with a list of known malware toolbars that are blocked and can be configured to block the others through teatimer (a UAC like function).
This week two reputable companies pulled that on me which was a shock. I’m very careful to uncheck those boxes but they installed anyway. If the reputable companies are pulling underhanded tricks I need an alternative to my previous policy of immediately discontinuing use of any software from that company. Any suggestions?
Just checked about the personal version of KeyScrambler, and there is a new update since the last time I looked. Version 2.8.1.0 is now out and can be downloaded from Softpedia.
Apparenly, keyscramble is not available any more? This page, https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/keyscrambler-personal/, says: “This add-on has been disabled by an administrator. “.
On other sites, like Softpedia, the add-on is still available.
Any idea why Mozilla has disabled this addon? Security issues?
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When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get several emails with the same comment.
Is there any way you can remove people from that service?
Cheers!