Must-Have Firefox Extensions

I have come to quite appreciate Firefox. Not for the security, not because its not by Microsoft, but because its the most customizable software that I have ever used. The customization comes from little downloads called extensions.

The following is a list of extensions that I feel are absolutely essential! These extensions are for everyone, not for the technology inclined (read geeks).

1. TabMix Plus - Tabs are becoming essential. All browsers now have them (including Internet Explorer 7). No one likes a barrage of windows on the Windows taskbar. But no browser offers the level of control that Firefox + TabMix Plus allows. You can control the behavious, appearance, opening, etc. of all tabs. You can even relocate them or add a closeing cross on each tab.
2. Google Toolbar for Firefox - Though this version does not offer all the features of the latest Google Internet Explorer toolbar, its still quite essential. You can safely remove the Firefox search bar. Google Suggest is enabled by default (although I've never found a use for that).
3. Firefox Preloader - Even though this is not exactly an extension, the preloader is another essential tool. Compared to Internet Explorer, Firefox takes a long time to load. This is because many components of Internet Explorerare loaded into the memory by Windows. This tool loads essential components of Firefox. You can quickly start Firefox by just clicking on the icon in the taskbar near the clock. Quite simple and addictive.
4. IE Tab - This extension allows you to view a page in Internet Explorer within a Firefox tab. No need to fire up Internet Explorer separately. Quite useful for viewing pages such as Microsoft's website and Outlook WebAccess and other sites that are optimized for Internet Explorer. Works like a charm.
5. Download Status Bar - This shows your downloads and status in a nice little bar at the bottom of the browser window. Get rid of that irritating Download Manager window.
6. AdBlock + AdBlock Filterset.G Updater - This set of extensions removes advertisements from pages. The filters are quite comprehensive and most ads will never appear. You can avoid being distracted from animated advertisements while working, and of course pages appear faster.
7. GreaseMonkey - This extension allows customization of pages as they load. For example, you could add links to relevant content, change the links of the page, or even change the formatting. Changes are defined by site-specific user scripts, hundreds of which are available for free download.
8. Colorful Tabs - Bordering on being a purely aesthetic extension, this one distinctively colors tabs. Allows you to distinguish tabs that have similar long titles. Also breaks the mundane look of the tabs toolbar.

Download and try Firefox today! You wont regret it.