If you still think that browsers are only used for searching, finding information, and browsing web pages, then this article is worth reading.
Browsers are the most frequently used software for most people when they open their computers every day, but many people only use them for simple web browsing, without experiencing 80% of their more in-depth functions. This article starts with sharing how to make our browsers better by using browser extensions.
What are browser extensions?#
According to Microsoft Edge's explanation:
Extensions are add-ons that can be installed on Microsoft Edge to customize the browsing experience. Microsoft Edge extensions have a variety of functions that can help you block ads, manage passwords, learn new languages, etc.
In short, extensions are plugins that help you add additional auxiliary functions to your browser. These functions are generally not included in the browser itself, or the built-in effects are not good enough.
How to use browser extensions?#
On the Windows platform, mainstream browsers have their own corresponding extension download stores:
- Microsoft Edge: Microsoft Edge Add-ons
- Google Chrome: Chrome Web Store (inaccessible in China)
- Mozilla Firefox: Extensions - Firefox Add-ons
Go to the download address corresponding to the browser you are using and install the extensions on the extension pages as needed.
Recommended commonly used extensions#
Based on their purpose and functionality, I recommend the browser extensions that I am currently using.
uBlock Origin#
This is an efficient request filtering tool that filters out most ads on web pages and supports custom filtering rules. It can read and create filtering rules from the hosts file.
On each web page, you can choose whether to block ads by clicking the power button in the upper right corner. You can also choose whether to block media elements, remote fonts, pop-ups, and scripts on the web page.
Similar extensions include:
- AdGuard
- AdBlock
uBlacklist#
The uBlacklist extension is mainly used to block websites that you don't want to see in Google search results. These websites have low information quality, lack originality, and cannot guarantee authenticity. They are mostly plagiarized or translated content, which we call "content farms".
This extension supports adding website blacklists on the search results page by yourself. You can also add subscribed blacklist lists on the extension settings page. Kind-hearted netizens have compiled relevant content farm website subscription lists, which can be added in the background.
Saladict#
Saladict is a word translation plugin (extension) that aggregates a large number of authoritative dictionaries. Multiple word lookup engines can cross-validate word lookup results, helping you master foreign language vocabulary comprehensively (covering Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, French, German, Spanish, etc.). It supports web page translation, word lists, shortcut key activation of the word lookup panel, and other functions. (Source: Ting Shuo)
You can see the specific operation in the demonstration below.
One of the most distinctive features, in my opinion, is that it can synchronize new words to other word software. For example, Anki, EuroWordNet, and Shanbay Word. When we look up words while browsing the web, we can choose whether to add the word to the word list. If added to the word list, it can be automatically synchronized to the word software we have set, making it convenient for future review.
More tutorials and methods can be found on the Saladict official website.
iTab New Tab#
The built-in tab page of the browser is mediocre, and most people set hao123, 2345, and other navigation pages as their browser homepage. Regardless of whether they are beautiful or not, there are a lot of advertisements, especially on certain websites, such as certain cat and certain dog banners and floating ads during various shopping festivals.
iTab New Tab is a plugin that beautifies and manages the browser homepage. It supports direct installation on Chrome, Edge, Bing, Firefox, and 360 Browser (wise people don't use 360 Browser). In addition to basic search, commonly used website icons, bookmark management, and other functions, this tab page also has built-in common tools, wallpaper replacement, custom icon styles, icon grouping, multi-device synchronization, quick translation, dark mode, and other functions. It is a desktop management tool that combines aesthetics and practicality. (Source: Appinn)
Let me briefly share my settings. Add frequently visited web pages to the first page, add clock, weather, holiday, and other commonly used plugin icons, and achieve a combination of aesthetics and practicality.
Similar extensions include:
- Xiao Shu Tong Xue
- MONKNOW
- Infinity Pro
Final words#
I believe that extensions serve two purposes:
- Enhancing the browsing experience
- Adding functionality
For example, uBlock Origin and uBlacklist mentioned above help reduce negative experiences while surfing the internet, such as ubiquitous ads and junk content/websites; iTab New Tab provides us with the ability to customize the tab page, making the browser a tool that suits our usage habits; Saladict helps us overcome language barriers and also provides methods and tools for learning foreign languages...
The four extensions mentioned in this article are the ones I frequently use. There are also extensions that are used in conjunction with software services, such as "flomo plus" used with flomo and "Yi Ban" commonly used for writing WeChat public accounts. Choose the appropriate ones according to your needs.
Regarding browser usage, it is recommended to avoid using browsers provided by Chinese internet companies such as 360, QQ, and Sogou, mainly because they have too many ads. It is recommended to use Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox, which are clean, fast, and user-friendly, and gradually conform to the habits of Chinese users.