In the past few weeks, Microsoft and Mozilla both released the latest versions of their Web browsers, Internet Explorer 7 and Firefox 2.0, respectively. The new IE is a gigantic (and much needed) upgrade from its predecessor, while the latest Firefox version simply had a couple of its features tweaked and improved upon. Despite this large discrepancy in update size, however, IE7 still lags behind Firefox 2.0 in terms of aesthetics, functionality, and ease of use. In fact, almost all of IE's improvements were aimed to provide features that have already been included in Firefox for quite some time. While Microsoft plays catch-up with the addition of tabbed browsing windows and an embedded search box, Firefox 2.0 sports a slick new user interface and built-in spell checking for Web forms, among other additions. Being an open-source program, one of Firefox's biggest advantages over the competition is its continuously growing community of users and Web developers. Firefox supports "extensions," easy-to-install plug-ins that add various different features to the already powerful browser. While IE7 also allows "add-ons," Firefox permits anyone to create their own and has built a sizable library of well-organized extensions as a result. Although the Mozilla Web site has user comments, ratings, and reviews for each individual extension, the sheer amount available can easily be intimidating to new users. As such, here's a list of my 10 favorite extensions, and a brief synopsis of what purpose each one serves: 10) Quick Restart: Whenever you update Firefox or one of its extensions, you're prompted to restart the browser before the changes can take place. Instead of having to close and then re-open, Quick Restart will do the work and even reload whatever sites were already open. 9) FoxyTunes: FoxyTunes adds buttons to control iTunes into the Firefox user interface, so you can surf through your songs without having to minimize Facebook. 8) ChatZilla: Although IRC (Internet Relay Chat) is blocked on the Boston College network, off-campus students can take advantage of this chat console built right into the Firefox interface. 7) AddBlock: Plenty of Web sites boast annoying banner ads, sometimes even including sound. AddBlock gives you the ability to choose which ads are permitted and which are disabled. 6) Gmail Space: Gmail provides almost 3GB (and counting) of inbox space to its users. Gmail Space lets you utilize your unused inbox space for easily accessible file storage. 5) Video Downloader: Ever wanted to save a streaming video from YouTube or Google Video onto your hard drive? Make use of this appropriately named extension. 4) Tab URL Copier: If you have multiple tabs open at once, this extension allows you to copy all of their URLs to your clipboard in one fell swoop. 3) URL Fixer: Everyone types dot-cmo instead of dot-com every once in a while. URL Fixer automatically takes care of common misspellings such as this one. 2) Google Calendar Notifier: This extension adds a small calendar icon to the Firefox status bar, which displays all of your daily events when you roll your mouse over it. You can even add pop-up notifications to remind you at a certain time interval before events begin. 1) BugMeNot: BugMeNot.com contains an enormous database of log-in IDs and passwords for Web sites that require free registration in order to access certain content. This Firefox extension cuts out the middle man, and logs you in to this sort of site automatically. If you're not already a Firefox user, these 10 extensions are just some of the many reasons you should give it a try. Mozilla has successfully developed a browser that allows each individual user to tailor it to their liking, and in turn is not very memory intensive. While IE7 is certainly an improvement upon its predecessor, it still lags behind Firefox as the most functional and intuitively designed browser available for multiple platforms. While imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, IE7's attempt to be like Firefox still falls short in the grand scheme of things.
Bryan Irace is a staff columnist for The Heights. He welcomes comments at iraceb@bcheights.com.
Be the first to comment on this article!