Like many people, I seem to live in a web browser these days. So much information, so much to do. I have nothing but admiration for the developers behind this genre of software. They do an amazing job both in terms of functionality and in efforts to keep us safe online.
Oh, and productive too.
I would estimate that 90% of the time, I’m using the Firefox browser and the rest in Opera Next or Google Chrome. They’re all such great pieces of software and yet they all are missing those certain somethings. Fortunately, there are equally as terrific programmers creating addons/extensions to increase the functionality of the browser. As I look at the collection that appear at the top of the screen, it can look like a holiday decoration!
Every time I install or reinstall a browser, there are certain go-to addons/extensions that I make sure are added.
Scribefire – This is my go-to blogging tool. It has all of the blogging functionality that I’ve decided that I need. Or, perhaps I’ve modified my needs to the functions that it provides. Either way, for my current needs, it has it all. I like that it easily schedules posts to go live at a particular time. I also build for my “This Week in Ontario Edublogs” posts by storing content there and scheduling it for Friday.
Web of Trust – A good internet mantra is to “trust nobody” and the Web of Trust is one of my partners in making it happen. With a simple red, yellow, or green icon next to links, coupled with some common sense, I try to avoid those dodgy websites.
AdBlock Plus – I started out using this like I think most people originally do. It blocks the very annoying advertising that permeates the internet. Some of the advertising can be more than just a bit annoying. I’ve stuck with it because we have incredibly slow internet access here. I’m constantly asked by my kids “how can you live like this?” Removing the advertising is one way to speed things up.
Shareaholic – There was a time when I had different resources to share to Twitter, Facebook, Instapaper, Evernote, … It’s kind of interesting to sit back at times and think about where you share resources. Shareaholic amalgamates them all into a single place. Just right click on the resource to be saved/shared, choose your preferred destination, and you’re done.
LastPass – Their motto is “Simplify Your Life”. Actually, it could be simpler. Just use the same password for every service that you use. That would also be one of the dumbest things to do. Period. LastPass not only does the heavy remembering for you – an account is remembered for any browser with this extension – but it will also generate complex passwords that get the nod of approval to those password security evaluation recommendations that you get when you create a password.
How’s that for a list? I had to do some work to cut it back to just five and I feel badly that I’m looking at some other create addons at the top of the screen.
What are your favourites that make you and your browsing productivity experience so good?
doug -- off the record 
Please share your thoughts here. I’d enjoy reading them.