الأحد، 26 فبراير 2012

Top 5 Firefox Social Networking Add-Ons

Social networking and social media now play an important role in people's life with those blogging for living demanding extended tools to publicize their writings online. In the past, most writers relied on manual submission to websites to popularize their articles but web browsers like Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer and Google Chrome now offer great social networking and social bookmarking functionality through external add-ons. These tools are offered for free and provide great functionality to both webmasters and average users while most developers offer add-on versions that are compatible with all major browsers. The below list of the best free Firefox tools for social networking is based on download and usage statistics provided on the official Mozilla Firefox Add-ons page and reflects the popularity of these social networking extensions. Following is the list of the Top 5 social networking tools available for Firefox:

1. AddThis
2. Yoono
3. WiseStamp
4. Shareaholic
5. LinkedIn Companion

AddThis is an add-on that has been downloaded more than 3,550 000 times from Mozilla's website alone. The tool provides great functionality for sharing web pages and online content and supports Firefox versions 2.0 to 6.*, which is still in beta stage. This add is highly customizable allowing users to select between a sharing toolbar, context menu and navigation toolbar button. It provides support for numerous online sharing and bookmarking services, including: AIM, Blogger, Delicious, Digg, Facebook, FriendFeed, Friendster, Google Bookmarks, LinkedIn, Live, Mixx, MySpace, Orkut, Plaxo, StumbleUpon, Tumblr, Twitter, TypePad, WordPress, and Yahoo Bookmarks. The complete list of supported services can be seen on the developer's website. In addition, AddThis supports most popular blogging platforms like Google's Blogger, WordPress, Typepad, Tumblr, MySpace, Joomla!, Drupal, and Movable Type. It also offers support for email newsletters and Flash, which is a functionality of special interest to webmasters. Yoono is the most downloaded Firefox social networking tool while usage stats rank it second behind AddThis.

It supports various platforms, including all major social networking services like Facebook, Foursquare, GoogleBuzz, LinkedIn, MySpace, Twitter, Yammer, and YouTube with many more available after installing the add-on. Developers of Yoono offer it for Firefox, Chrome and Internet Explorer, while versions for Apple's mobile devices are also available. Yoono users are allowed to share literary everything and update their status across various social networking platforms. WiseStamp is an email tool allowing users to take advantage of multiple email signatures, providing support for all major web email services like Gmail. Hotmail, and YahooMail. In addition, WiseStamp supports popular email platforms like Thunderbird, which can be used as a standalone email client, and AOL web email client.

Therefore, one can use WiseStamp to popularize his or her website or blog via multiple email accounts. Small businesses are allowed to incorporate a legal disclaimer into their web email signatures and add a corporate logo. Shareaholic is another great social networking add-on that supports all major platforms and is available for different web browsers. In addition, to all social networking platforms supported by AddThis and Yoono, it enables users to utilize URL shorteners, including popular services like goo.gl and bit.ly and. A major advantage of Shareaholic's is its not compulsory registration policy: users are not required to register in order to use the service. It is a resource friendly tool which is not slowing down one's PC, in contrast to other extensions that can freeze browsers run on slower computers. LinkedIn network managed to gain 90 million users since its launch, and offers valuable social networking options to professionals worldwide. LinkedIn Companion is designed exclusively for LinkedIn users and provides access to LinkedIn profiles of people who are sending emails to one's email account. It also supports several major job search engines allowing users to see links to profiles of LinkedIn members that are linked to hiring managers. Overall, a useful tool for those who rely on LinkedIn to maintain and expand their professional contacts. Of course, you can find many more social networking and bookmarking add-ons on Mozilla's website but these are the best tools to publicize your online content or simply share your favorite web pages with frien



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6413439

Browser Shootout: Chrome Vs Firefox - What Browser Is Best for You?

the other. Unfortunately, the answer is not as clear cut as this one is the better choice. This probably explains all of the hoopla over which is the right choice. The reality is there is not a right or wrong choice for the average browser. The answer is a bit more complicated for developers.

Unlike a few years ago, most websites are now compatible with Chrome, so the biggest issue preventing its use has been removed from the picture. With playing field regarding access leveled out, the positives of both browsers are pretty equal as well. Both Chrome and Firefox performed well when browsing under normal conditions. The speed and stability are basically the same with only unnoticeable milliseconds separating the two. If you are a stickler for facts, Chrome was the winner in most tests, but the average user would never notice the difference. As far as security and stability are concerned, each has slight edge over the other. Chrome performs better at preventing one tab from shutting down the whole browser. However, Firefox is quickly catching up and could have this resolved within the next few releases, so once again this is a non-issue. Firefox is considered stronger on security by most. Although Chrome does allow you to browse in stealth mode, the same strong security is often trumped by Google's use of tracking techniques which seem to wash out the privacy that stealth provides. Therefore, the browsers are again neck in neck.

The race gets a bit tighter for developers. Firefox is the darling of developers because of the multitude of plugins available. In addition, the ability exists to create plugins that fit a specific requirement with very few issues. It is for this reason that Firefox beats out Chrome for developers. However, the field is quickly narrowing in this venue, as well. At this moment, Chrome is busy creating plugins that mimic those of Firefox. The average user will have no problem finding a Chrome counterpart to the most popular Firefox plugins. However, developers that rely on more specialized requirements may need to wait a while before considering a switch to Chrome.

Another issue to consider is the best pick for the OS you are using. For Windows users, Chrome or Firefox will work well for you with only slight differences between the two. It is well worth giving both a try to see which you prefer. For Mac users, Chrome is still fairly new with some bugs that could cause issues. These should be ironed out within the next few releases, so giving Chrome a try at least part time might be worthwhile. Unfortunately Linux use was not tested, but this does bring up another point. Firefox is available for most of the platforms out there while Chrome is expanding it may not work with some of the more obscure platform options. When it comes down to it, the choice is really about preference today for the average browser. If you are a developer, then Firefox is the way to go at least for now.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6896069

What Handy Tools Has Firefox Added For Web Developers?

At the beginning of February, Firefox for Windows, Mac and Linux released some handy tools for web developers that will allow them to change the look and feel of a website in real time. This will make the job of a developer much easier and will allow them to do some incredible things with the internet. But what are some of these new tools and what do they mean for the web development industry?

Page Inspector
This will give web developers access into a web page's structure and layout without them having to leave Firefox. This will allow developers to navigate efficiently between page elements and viewing the HTML documentation for the page.
Style Inspector
This will make editing the style of the website much easier. Developers will be given access to CSS Properties and will be able to view or change the values for their website all within Firefox.
Scratch Pad
This feature uses the Eclipse Orion code editor to highlight syntax, as well as including other features that will make it much easier and simpler to write JavaScript for developers.
Full-Screen API
The Mozilla Full-Screen API for websites and web applications will allow developers to build online experiences that make use of the entire screen. Essentially, this will allow web developers to create full screen games (creating an experience that rivals that of a gaming console), engrossing video experiences, and presentation sharing.
WebGL
This is actually a web standard that allows websites and web applications to display hardware-accelerated 3D graphics without the use of any third-party software. Firefox now supports an Anti-Aliasing feature for WebGL that will allow web developers to create objects that blend and move smoothly. Firefox now also supports CSS 3D Transforms, which will allow developers to animate 2D elements into 3D without the use of third-party plugins.
Firefox has also placed an emphasis on improving its add-on compatibility by making them compatible by default. This has been a feature long worked on by Firefox's web developers and is finally ready to be utilized after many failed attempts at improving compatibility.

Through the use of these handy and revolutionary tools, web developers using Firefox around the world will be able to change the internet as we know it. By making it easier and simpler to change websites in real time (without having to leave Firefox), developers will be able to create better and more user-friendly projects.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6889148

الأربعاء، 15 فبراير 2012

How to Make Firefox Safe

Is Firefox Safe?

Firefox is considered to be the safest of all the major browsers. One of the main reasons Firefox has remained safe is its relatively short market history. Internet Explorer was one of the first browsers to enter the market. It was also the first choice of hackers. Identity thieves, spammers and hackers have all sharpened their skills with Internet Explorer and have now turned their attention to Firefox. This has forced Mozilla to constantly plug security holes in their browser. In addition, Firefox has increased it's ability to save your personal web history. If the browser is hacked, all this data becomes available to identity thieves. This article will show you how to protect your data and make Firefox safe.

Top 3 Ways To Make Firefox Safe

1. Plug Holes with Security Add-Ons.

What's the first step to make Firefox safe? The answer is add-ons. Mozilla.org has ton's of free add-ons to make Firefox safe, fast and more appealing. By simply downloading small additional features and taking the proper precautions, you can easily make Firefox safe. However, leaving Firefox unmodified doesn't make it any safer than Internet Explorer which is notorious for security holes. Modifying Firefox with specific add-ons can provide you with an excellent security barrier.

The trouble is most websites are using Java Script to display banners, videos and other "click-able" elements. Net security advisers recommend that you avoid clicking on anything on questionable sites. However, this is a difficult task when you are quickly browsing through numerous pages. Clicking on the wrong link can cause a scripting attack, browsers hijacks, and malware to be added to your computer. Most script blocking add-ons have been proven effective, such as PC World's World Class Award winner "NoScript"; this tool helps to make Firefox safe by allowing Java Script and other executable content to run only from trusted domains of your choice. If you want to make Firefox safe you should have some form of script blocking.

Not all add-ons are made equal. Some Firefox's add-ons can make you more vulnerable to attack from malicious software. Hackers are able to implant Java script code into your browsers via the add-ons security holes. This allows spyware to record your personal info and passwords. These add-ons have become favorite tools for hackers are:

Google Toolbar, Yahoo Toolbar, Del.icio.us Extension, Facebook Toolbar, AOL Toolbar, Ask.com Toolbar, and Netcraft Anti-Phishing Toolbar.

2. Keep Your Private Data Safe

The second step to make Firefox safe is private data security. One of the major areas of concern for Firefox safe usage is the amount of internet history that Firefox records. All web browsers can record your Internet history, search history and passwords. However Firefox 3 has added features that allow it to remember all your password. This password manager benefits anyone with multiple complicated passwords. However, its better to not store these in your browser. If you insist on storing your passwords in Firefox, you should apply the master password feature that protects your saved passwords. Here is how:

1. Click "Tools"
2. Scroll down and choose "Options"
3. Choose the Privacy heading
4. Select "Saved Passwords"
5. Set "Master Password"

A Master Password will not prevent others from reading locally stored e-mails, viewing your browsing history, or from accessing sites the browser is already logged in to. You will need to shut down the browser and clear your temporary internet files to remove this data:

1. Quit , Firefox and any other web browser
2. Click Start, click "Control Panel", and then double-click "Internet Options".
3. On the General tab, click "Delete Files" under Temporary Internet Files.
4. In the Delete Files dialog box, click to select the "Delete all offline content" check box , and then click OK.
5. Click "OK".

Remember that Firefox does a traditional delete. So, this does not permanently erase the data from your hard drive. Only a secure delete can award you the ability to erase data from the drive permanently. For more on secure delete visit this Secure Delete Tutorial page

3. Listen to the Warnings

You can make Firefox safe by customizing your security settings to warn you of any suspected problems. By using this option, Firefox will warn you if a site has had a history of malicious attacks. This is a great preemptive measure that can save you from malware attacks and make Firefox safe. Here is how:

1. Click "Tools"
2. Scroll down and choose "Options"
3. Choose the Security tab
4. Click the check box for : "Warm me when a sites try to install add-ons", "Tell me if the site I'm visiting is a suspected attack site" and "Tell me if the site I'm visiting is a suspected forgery site.

For Ways to Speed Up Your PC check out:

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1456847

FireFox Crashes - Stop Crashes on FireFox for Good

Mozilla FireFox is probably the most widely-used web browser after Internet Explorer. To date, millions of people scattered across all parts of the globe are using Mozilla Firefox to as their preferred choice for browsing the internet. However, despite its popularity and the range of functionalities it offers, it's also causing a lot of problems to computer users. One often seen problem associated with this browser is its habit of crashing unexpectedly.

When the FireFox browser crashes, users often lose important information and their work can be greatly affected. Even if they don't lose work, it's undeniably a very frustrating problem. To make sure that browser won't crash, it's necessary to understand the different problems that are causing crashes to occur. By understanding the factors affecting the Mozilla Firefox crash, you will be able to properly solve it. This tutorial will teach you exactly how to do so.

Often, Mozilla Firefox will crash because the applications accessed by the user cannot be supported, or they do not have the right settings. If these settings are not present, it's only logical that they cannot run properly. Another cause is faulty plug-ins. More importantly, the error may also be caused by registry problems in Windows. To make sure the problem won't persist, it's best to try and solve each possible issue, one at a time. Other causes include:

Changes in Windows settings
Corrupted or damaged Firefox files
Deleted or moved Firefox files
Damaged or corrupted computer registry

How To Fix The FireFox Crashes On Your PC

Different troubleshooting methods are outlined as follows:

The first step you should always take is to restart the computer. Firefox is a platform that has been designed extremely well, so when it crashes it may only be due to minor glitches. Restarting the computer can often resolve any problems. When the computer is restarted, the settings and other files and options get refreshed, so many issues are resolved. The web browser can then run smoothly again. However, if the problem persists even after restarting then you are going to have to get a little technical.

If restarting cannot fix the problem you are having, then reinstalling the Firefox application should help solve the issue. Reinstallation of the program can help overwrite faulty components of the application. Further, it will also be easier for the computer to support the application when its settings and files are refreshed. To reinstall Firefox, go to your Start Button and then select Control Panel. Browse over the selections and then choose the Add/Remove Programs tool. Search for Mozilla Firefox and then choose either remove or uninstall. Follow the instructions provided and then restart the computer. Download a fresh copy of Firefox (you'll have to use IE or another browser to do this) and then install it once more. If the problem is still not resolved after this, then another solution should be initiated.

Add-ons are extremely helpful options in Firefox. They allow users to customize their web browsing experience. However, just as functional as these add-ons are, some of them may actually cause problems that stop the browser from working properly. As much as possible, add-ons should be selected with caution; limited them to those that you actually find useful. Too many plug-ins can cause problems. To remove unnecessary add-ons, open Mozilla Firefox and then choose Tools from the menu above. Go to Add-ons and then select Disable or the Uninstall option. Restart the browser and see whether it is now able to perform smoothly.

Lastly, if there are still issues with the browser, then cleaning the computer registry is the ultimate solution that will fix 99% of problems related to browsers. The registry contains all the files, settings and applications used by programs like Mozilla Firefox. Cleaning the registry will remove or repair problematic components inside the system, including those that are causing problems with your web browser. You will need to use a good quality registry cleaner application to clean the registry.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5659417