Love this photo jobbie of "Mr T" Sol Trujillo.
It sums up Telstra's attitude to most things.

Have you started using Firefox yet? If not my question to you is "Why Not?"

I have been using this browser for the last 5 years. A programming co-worker mentioned a browser called "Phoenix" to me back in 2001. I investigated this lightweight browser and was instantly impressed by it's lack of bloat, tabbed browsing and built in ability to block popup windows.

My first installation was version 0.2. I put up with its early dramas with displaying web pages incorrectly (not always its own fault but often web developers using microsofts flawed standards). I would log bugs with the developers.

I have watched as it matured, changed names twice (Firebird and then Firefox) and finally developed into the beautiful creature we now have in front of us.

I cannot rave about this browser enough. I rarely open up Internet Explorer anymore.

The "killer" feature that makes Firefox stand above the rest is the ability to install "Extensions". Small (often 3rd party) applications that customise certain aspects of the browser. My love affair with this browser took to a new level with the installation of certain extensions.

So what are my must have Extensions? Read on below. Oh and if you haven't installed Firefox yet, grab it here pronto http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/ .


Adblock
Adblock Filterset.G Updater

Two separate extensions that have enhanced my browsing to a new level. Can you remember browsing the web before all the flashing ads were in your face? I know I have to go back a long time to visualise this.

Adblock uses a set of filters to effectively strip out any advertising on the pages you visit.

Filterset.G Updater continuously updates the Adblock filters from a list compiled by one of the Adblock team members.

I see very few ads on any page I visit now. This extension is a definite 10/10 for me and I install it by default whenever I set anyone up with Firefox.

Adblock
https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/10/
Filterset.G updater
https://addons.mozilla.org/addon.php?id=1136

easyGestures

Mouse gestures were introduced in Opera a while ago. I loved the Opera gestures and looked around for a Firefox alternative.

easyGestures adds a Pie Menu to Firefx which is accessed by clicking the middle mouse button. Navigating back and forward are a simple "middle click left drag" or "right drag" away.

https://addons.mozilla.org/addon.php?id=29


Minimize to Tray

I like an uncluttered Taskbar so that I can move between the applications I use quickly using Alt-Tab.

This simple little extension will place a Firefox icon in the system tray when you minimise the application, freeing up the space on your task bar.

https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/2110/

PDF Download

Admittedly Firefox has always had a bad relationship with displaying PDF's in the browser. It has stabilised these days. I remember back in the Phoenix days, inadvertently clicking on a PDF link would crash your browser.

This extension captures a click on a PDF link and displays an option box that allows you to Save the PDF (YOu can also view it in browser if you want).

I normally find that I continue to browse and return later to view any PDF's so this option is good for me.

https://addons.mozilla.org/addon.php?id=636


Download Statusbar

Rather than the usual separate download status window, this extension stacks the downloads along a bar at the bottom of the browser window.

I have only been running this extension for about a month, but wow! Very impressive. Simple to use, lots of configuration available and a nice mouse over popup showing the details you get in the stand alone download window.

Worth a try.

https://addons.mozilla.org/addon.php?id=26


CustomizeGoogle

This extension adds plenty of options to your google experience. There are more than I will cover here. Check it out for yourself and get full control of what google can or can't see or provide to you.

https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/743/



Viamatic foXpose

I only found out this extension last week, but it is definetely a "knock your socks off" extension worthy of a place in my small group.

When installed, you will notice an unobtrusive button in the left hand corner of the status bar.

Click on the button and you are presented with a tab full of screenshots of all the currently opened tabs. Click on the required screen and you are taken to that tab. It is pure poetry in motion.

It looks and operates smoothly and transparently. It has some extra options such as shortcut key allocation and theme support.

Honestly try it. You will be impressed.

https://addons.mozilla.org/addon.php?id=1457

Yep, Annabel is having two parties this year for her 5th birthday.
Yesterday was her 'family' party with all the old farts over for the day

All the photos are up at
Annabel's 5th Birthday Party - Part 1

This Friday is the kid's fairy party. Stay tuned for some more sugar coated craziness!