It’s been a while since we last took a look at worthwhile Firefox extensions. Well, it’s time again. But now, Firefox has added collections to the mix. Extension collections are exactly what they sound like — collections of related extensions. In this list, we have a few worthwhile collections (since they’re new, there aren’t many) as well as some stand-alone extensions.
Note: This article is also available as a PDF download.
Collections
1: Reference Desk
Reference Desk is good for students or anyone who needs to research information. It installs: DeeperWeb (navigate through Google search results using tag-cloud technique), SimilarWeb (find related sites), Converter (unit, time zone, and currency converter), Merriam-Webster (dictionary), Wired-Marker (highlighter), ScrapBook (save and organize sites), Reframe It (connect and share your thoughts online), and Read It Later (save sites for later reading).
2: Web Developers Toolbox
Web Developers Toolbox will help speed up your development process with extensions for troubleshooting, editing, and debugging Web projects. This collection includes Test Pilot (test Firefox features), Pixlr Grabber (Screen grabs), iMacros for Firefox (macro recorder/player), Stylish (install themes for just about any site that is theme-able), Colorzilla (advanced eyedropper), ShowIP (show the IP address of the current page), Greasemonkey (customize the way a Web page displays), FireFTP (cross-platform FTP client), Web Developer (menu and toolbar with Web developer tools), Firebug (edit, debug, and monitor CSS, HTML, and JavaScript), and FoxyProxy Standard (proxy management tool).
3: Traveler’s Pack
Traveler’s Pack is a great tool for those who are on the go. You can plan, book, and document your trips. This collection includes: BabelFish Instant Translation (translate language), FoxClocks (know what time it is no matter where you are), Flagfox (displays a country flag according to the site you are on), Deep Web Search Engine (share sites through Samucaya), ScribeFire Blog Editor (easily post to your blogs), Lonely Planet (Search travel guides), Fotofox (drag, drop, and arrange pictures; upload pictures to services without interrupting your browsing), Minimap Sidebar (maps and mapping tools), and Yapta (comparison shopping).
Stand-alones
4: IE Tab
IE Tab will embed Internet Explorer tabs within Firefox. With this extension, you can take advantage of the power of two browsers in one window. NOTE: This extension is not available for Linux.
5: Power Twitter
Power Twitter adds feature to the Twitter Web interface, such as inline YouTube and other sites, link to page title translation, specific user search scoping, status history on mouseover, AND link shrinking.
6: WOT Safe Browsing tool
WOT Safe Browsing tool will let you know if a Web site is safe to browse. Using a fairly universal traffic-light rating system, it shows you which sites are safe (green), questionable (yellow), or unsafe (red).
7: NewEgg Toolbar
NewEgg Toolbar allows you to easily navigate and shop on NewEgg. With this extension, you can browse bestsellers, most-gifted items, and more. You can also use it to sign in and to check order, status, history, and wishlists.
8: PDF Download
PDF Download is a handy PDF-centric tool that allows you to take whatever action you want/need on a PDF document. View PDF docs as HTML in Firefox or use the Web-to-PDF toolbar to share pages as high-quality PDF files.
9: RightToClick
RightToClick will stop JavaScript annoyances, such as the forbidden right-click (hence the name). This little beauty will also enable you to select text that is normally disabled by JavaScript.
10: Monkeysphere
Monkeysphere offers an alternative to the standard, centralized certificate authority scheme. With Monkeysphere, you can validate HTTPS-enabled Web sites using the OpenPGP Web of Trust instead of depending upon often-unreliable CAs.
What are your favorite extensions?
There you have it: Firefox Extensions II, Son of Firefox Extensions. I’m sure you can count on more popping up in the future. Have you come across an extension you can’t work without? If so, share it with your fellow TechRepublic members.
