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

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.

• KeyScrambler

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

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.

• LinkExtend

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.