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Ask Slashdot: Most Useful Browser Extensions?

Posted by Soulskill on from the still-waiting-on-an-extension-that-makes-me-lunch dept.

An anonymous reader writes: One of the most powerful features of modern browsers is the ability to install third-party extensions. They allow third-party developers to work on really useful niche functionality, and let users customize their browser with the tools they need. Unfortunately, this environment has the same discover-ability and security problems as standalone software. Thus, my question: what are your most useful (and safe) browser extensions? I can't live without some privacy basics like NoScript, AdBlock, and Ghostery. I also find FoxyProxy helpful for getting around geolocation requirements for media streaming. OneTab works pretty well for saving groups of browser tabs, and Pushbullet keeps getting better at managing my phone while I'm at my PC.

5 of 353 comments (clear)

  1. Adblock by master_kaos · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Adblock is the 2nd thing I install on a fresh install (right after Chrome)
    I had the misfortune of having to use a computer that did not have it installed. The internet pretty much seemed unusable.

    1. Re:Adblock by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

      I had the same experience. I actually tried to give no ad blocker a chance but so many of the websites I tried to go to would not load in a reasonable amount of time. At first I just stopped following links, but eventually a case came up where really wanted to know what was said on the other side... so installed the ad blocker. It is very strange behavior to make your page unreadable due to advertisements.

  2. Clearly AdBlock by GroeFaZ · · Score: 5, Insightful

    While I do regret the real financial consequences for creators whose content I consume and appreciate, the annoyance factor and sometimes security risks of online advertising far outstrip my capacity for caring. Pure text ads would be fine by me, but as soon as ads start screaming at me audio-visually, I turn them the fuck off, no matter how much I like the content they surround.

    --
    The grass is always greener on the other side of the light cone.
  3. Re:web designers by TWX · · Score: 5, Insightful

    So you're saying that the customer demands cross-site scripting hell, where to look at a simple article I have to have fifteen different sites' javascript enabled, including probably half a dozen ad/tracking sites that have nothing to do with reading text on a screen?

    --
    Do not look into laser with remaining eye.
  4. Re:Browser Makers Should Get The Message by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I almost always want the new tab to open in the back. I'm usually opening shit that I want to read after I finish whatever I'm currently reading.