The March 2007 issue of PC World has an article titled, “Build the Perfect Browser,” written by Erik Larkin. The article is online and posted here. The article is loaded with reviews of add-ons, plug-ins, and other free tools for both Firefox and Internet Explorer.

One service listed is eSnips. We posted about this service yesterday, shortly after they began offering 5GB of free online storage space. It’s all about the right tool at the right time. For web trainers, you could turn this selection of resources (plus your own faves) into an entire presentation at your library.

+ Add to Searchbar
In two clicks, no coding needed, add just about any web search engine to your Firefox Searchbar. It even will work with some OPACS. It couldn’t be easier. No more need to ask a developer for help. Free.

+ Loki
Loki uses wi-fi to determine your location. We’ve tried it in several spots and it was often right on the mark. Perfect all of the time? No. But what is? With that info, one click for maps, restaurant lookups, traffic, etc. Works with both FF and IE. Free.

+ BookmarkSync
All of your bookmarks, dupes removed, in one place. Even a mobile interface. You can also use the service to check for dead URL’s and undelete previous deleted links. Social sharing tools also available. Free trial, free for students and educators, about $20/year.

+ FireFTP
This tool makes using FTP from your Firefox browser a breeze.

+ PDF Download
One click to save the file, open without saving, convert to text and more.

+ NVU
An excellent (and free) WYSIWYG web page creator and editor. If you like Firefox you’ll love NVU.

+ Colorful Tabs
If you’re like the RS team, you’re likely to have many tabs open. This tool makes identification a bit easier. Looks nice too!

+ HTTRACK
Two clicks to download and archive specific web pages or an entire site. If HTTRACK doesn’t work for you, try Local Website Archive (also free).

+ Tab Mix Plus
An absolute must with a ton of features including the ability to quickly reopen tabs on the screen if your system crashes.
From the Firefox site:

It includes such features as duplicating tabs, controlling tab focus, tab clicking options, undo closed tabs and windows, plus much more. It also includes a full-featured session manager with crash recovery that can save and restore combinations of opened tabs and windows.

+ New to our browser and system:
++ Orbit Downloader
++ Zoho Plug-In for MS Office

Want More? Stay tuned, we will continue to add to this post.

A Few Fave Web-Based Tools:
+ The Zoho line of resources.
+ Meebo
Easy to use, web-based IM service.
+ Inbox.com
Feature filled service including a 5GB of space for your email inbox.
+ PageFlakes
+ NoodleTools
Create bibliographies online. Developed by librarian Debbie Abilock.

This entry was posted on Monday, March 5th, 2007 and is filed under Resources for Educators, Search Tools, Software and Web-Based Applications, Source File, Web 2.0. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.