Five Internet Explorer add-ons for better browsing

Cocoon for Internet Explorer

Cocoon for Internet Explorer is a security plugin. Cocoon is designed to protect your privacy by allowing you to browse the Web anonymously while also protecting your computer against malware and various privacy threats.

Cocoon for Internet Explorer

Cocoon acts as a proxy, so all the IE data, such as cookies and browsing history, are stored in the cloud. That way, your computer remains isolated from exploits that take advantage of those components.

Cocoon for Internet Explorer requires you to sign up for an account before use. It gives you the option of using a free account, but you'll have to put up with ads. Paid plans without ads cost $4.99 per month or $29 per year.

ieSpell

ieSpell solves a problem I deal with on a daily basis: poor spelling. My spelling isn't really a problem when I'm using Microsoft Office because it has a spell checker, but Internet Explorer doesn't have one. This is where ieSpell comes in. It adds a spell checker to Internet Explorer -- and it's  free for personal use.

ieSpell

ieSpell is accessible through Internet Explorer's Tools menu. When you initiate ieSpell, it checks the entire Web page -- both static text and text you entered yourself. ieSpell could also be handy for Web developers who want to proof their work.

Super Ad Blocker

Super Ad Blocker frees you from all those annoying ads that are so pervasive on the Internet. It exists as an Internet Explorer toolbar, with an on/off button you can use to enable or disable it at any time.

Super Ad Blocker

In my tests, Super Ad Blocker didn't remove the ads from every Web page, but overall it did a good job. Super Ad Blocker sells for $29.95, but a free 15-day trial is available.

iMacros for Internet Explorer

iMacros for Internet Explorer lets you create macros within IE. Browser macros are especially useful for automating the process of filling out common Web form fields, such as your name or address.

iMacros for Internet Explorer

You access iMacros through a button on the main IE interface. There are separate tabs for recording and playing macros, which makes it easy to stay organized. Best of all, iMacros for Internet Explorer is available for free.

FireShot for Internet Explorer

FireShot for Internet Explorer makes it easy to capture the contents of a Web page. This is far more than just a screen capture app. You can capture a Web page and mark it up and you can convert a Web page into a PDF document.

FireShot for Internet Explorer

This tool is a must-have for anyone who has ever needed to extract information from a Web page. FireShot for Internet Explorer sells for $34.95, but it's free to try.