The Powers That Be - Firefox

If you aren't using Firefox as your internet browser, then you're one step behind everyone else. It's that simple.

Question: Why should I use Firefox instead of IE (Internet Explorer)?
Answer 1: Here's a very good answer to that question: Firefox vs IE
Answer 2: My simple answer to this is that Firefox is: more secure than IE, faster than IE, easier to use than IE and the coup d'etat...it's open source

It's this open source element that I'd like to address. The fact that Firefox is open source allows for a vast and diverse set of "add-ons" to be created. Add-ons allow you to change, configure and expand Firefox to meet your needs.

I think the majority of people who use their browser take for granted what it does. They use the browser but never learn their browser. Question: If you use an application, have you spent a little time getting to know that application a little more in depth? If you use Word, did you ever play around with different fonts, different design layouts and formatting? If you use Excel, did you take the time to figure out how to create an addition and subtraction formula? Maybe slap a pie chart somewhere in there for fun? If so, you more often than not realize the benefits of the application. Your browser is no different. There are options and configurations that can benefit you that should be explored.

Firefox makes this process simple. Download and install Firefox (here) and then go here: Add-ons
From here, you'll see a wealth of options for you. To get you started with add-on fun, I'm going to highly recommend two add-ons. These have both changed my browsing life.

What it does: Synchronize your bookmarks
My input: If you bookmark websites (which you should be doing) and you bookmark sites using more than one machine (i.e. work/home/laptop), this tool is invaluable. This add-on is very simple to use and once it's up and running, you never have to think about managing your bookmarks between several machines.

What it does: You click on the Stumble! button on your task bar and StumbleUpon provides a random website based on your interests.
My input: StumbleUpon is the equivalent to browser cocaine. Once you start, you'll find it hard to stop. None the less, it's wonderful. You'll find so many sites that you never would have found had it not been for StumbleUpon.

There's literally hundreds of different add-ons. Go through the list and play around with different ones. As always, you can contact me and I'll walk you through any parts of the install and answer any questions.