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My top five essential Firefox add-ons and their uses
Firefox surpasses its market share reputation, standing out as an exceptional browser for almost all platforms, with the sole exception of tab organization.
It’s unfortunate that the efficiency of Firefox often goes unnoticed. However, for those who understand its performance, it’s highly valued. If you’re uncertain about utilizing Firefox, the addition of the extensions feature could possibly convince you.
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The extensions I favor most enhance the functionality of the open-source browser for my needs and processes. Every single one of these extensions can be downloaded and utilized at no cost, providing an additional layer of security and productivity to the browser.
Alright, moving on to discussing the add-ons.
1. uBlock Origin
uBlock Origin reigns supreme in the realm of content blocking for Firefox. Its popularity is evident from the massive 7 million plus downloads. While many perceive this extension merely as an “ad blocker”, it offers much more than that.
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uBlock Origin is a comprehensive content filter that eliminates advertisements, trackers, cryptocurrency miners, pop-ups, preemptive loading, link auditing, among other things. It operates using several databases of recognized hazards and concerns. Immediately upon installation, the plug-in utilizes EasyList (for advertisements), EasyPrivacy (for tracking), Peter Lowe’s Ad Server list (for advertisements and tracking), the Online Malicious URL Blocklist, and uBO’s proprietary database. While other databases can be activated, the default set is highly effective.
If I were to choose just one add-on for Firefox, it would undoubtedly be uBlock Origin. I strongly believe that it should be a default feature in Firefox, given its immense importance and utility. In today’s digital age, accessing various websites can pose risks to your security and privacy, but with uBlock Origin, the balance can be swung towards your advantage.
Privacy Badger is different from uBlock Origin, which has a broad scope. It is specifically designed to detect unseen trackers. The unique feature of Privacy Badger is its ability to learn over time. Unlike other extensions that depend on lists, Privacy Badger identifies trackers based on their activities.
Privacy Badger takes the initiative to withdraw your participation from data sharing, selling, and tracking. Furthermore, it autonomously eliminates link click tracking on platforms like Facebook and Google, preventing these sites from monitoring the links you interact with.
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Utilizing Privacy Badger in conjunction with uBlock Origin and the inherent security features of Firefox results in one of the most robustly protected browsers available.
3. Bitwarden Password Manager
In line with our discussion on safety measures, it’s advisable to utilize a password manager. If you decide to use one, Bitwarden is a highly suggested option.
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This software comes with an impressive array of features, including secure encryption for vaults and applications for desktop, mobile, and web platforms. It also offers a browser extension. Some individuals are hesitant to use password managers, fearing it will add an extra task to their packed schedules. As a result, they let their web browser remember passwords for convenient access. However, this method is significantly less secure than using a reliable password manager.
The Bitwarden Password Manager extension for Firefox provides an excellent balance. It offers the enhanced protection of a genuine password manager, coupled with the convenience and speed of quick logins.
4. Sideberry
Firefox’s one weak spot seems to be tab administration. Without any modifications, Firefox’s approach to tab handling doesn’t really differ from its initial conception… which is to say, virtually non-existent. This is disappointing, especially when considering how browsers such as Opera and Safari have developed some of the top tab organization features in the market.
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While Firefox lacks an extension that can compete with Opera’s Workspaces, it does feature Sideberry. Sideberry provides a sidebar for improved tab management, offering a flat list, tree view, grouped tabs (akin to folders), color coding options, automatic offloading, and personalized tab labels. Since I began using Arc Browser on MacOS, I’ve developed a fondness for side tabs. I only wish Sideberry had the capability to conceal Firefox’s standard tab bar.
5. ClearURLs
Have you ever wished to share a link with another person, but got daunted by the endless string of characters stretching way past the required address? These superfluous characters are tracking components and they typically appear like this:
The provided URL directs you to a vinyl version of Rush’s album “Moving Pictures” available on Amazon. The key information is as follows:
The ClearURLs extension is useful as it removes all the monitoring aspects when you click on an Amazon listing, leaving only the essential link. I believe it’s indispensable.
So, those are the five enhancements that bolster Firefox’s safety and effectiveness. If none of these enhancements appeal to you, there is a comprehensive list of potential additions available that can transform Firefox into the internet browser you’ve always desired and required.
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The mentioned Chromium-based browser surpasses all others in terms of speed and is available at no cost. Brave browser stands out due to its seven unique features. The Privacy Pro from DuckDuckGo combines a VPN with personal data deletion and identity theft recovery.