The Best Firefox Extensions
I decided to take a stab at identifying the most useful IMHO Mozilla Firefox Extensions. This document describes extensions working on the current (2.0.0.6) version of Firefox. The extensions can generally be downloaded from https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/ or the publisher’s web site. Here they are:
- Aardvark – This is a superb extension to edit a document before it is printed or saved. Also with R.I.P extension permanently remove pieces of the web page (like banners, etc.).
- AdBlock Plus – If you hate advertisement banners – this extension will make your life much nicer. Very easy to configure and use. You could also get automatic updates to filters. Love it.
- Download Statusbar – Shows a statubar, containing the progress of all your downloads. Auto-hides when not in use, pause and resume downloads, etc.
- FEBE – Firefox Environment Backup Extension – allows you to backup and restore all your installed extensions, bookmarks, preferences, cookies, etc. Backups can be scheduled. Very useful extension.
- ScrapBook – Allows you to capture whole pages, sections of them, images, etc. in a library, stored locally for offline use. Excellent for research. The captured pages can be organized in folders and subfolders.
- IETab – Some web-sites require usage of internet explorer and this extension helps you not exit your favorite browser to visit them. It embeds an Internet Explorer in Firefox, so you can use your bookmarks. Very convenient and customizable. It would also let you specify web-sites to always open in an IETab.
- ForecastFox – Very customizable. Shows weather in the status bar as well as forecasts from AccuWeather.com.
- Web Developer Toolbar – The infamous extension, that is a must for every web developer/hobbyist.
- R.I.P. – hide content from a web page. Probably a lot of overlapping functionality with AdBlock Plus, but some advanced features make it nice to have. Can work as a complement to Aardvark.
- Linkification – Converts text URLs to links you can click on.
- Firebug – JavaScript debugger and profiler, DOM explorer and many more. A must for a web developer.
- Pdf Download – When you click a .pdf link – it asks whether to save or open it. May be annoying to some, but I like it.
- ColorZilla – Will add an EyeDropper, ColorPicker and other color tools. Select the icon and pick an element from any web page to get the color values.
- MeasureIt – Adds a ruler, allowing you to measure the width and height of an element on a web page.
I think that’s it for now. I will add to this post as I find more extensions to be added to the list.
