Google Chrome has been cited as being the greatest browser since Firefox, and it has even more of a claim to fame now that it offers free extensions. Unlike the Firefox addon’s typical measurement of value, “is it worth the slowdown?”, Chrome extensions offer convenience with fast page renders, regardless of the platform or the number of other extensions currently attempting to load. This article showcases fifteen extensions that all users should consider Installing.
1. Google Mail Checker: This is a self-explanatory extension. Click it to open Gmail when it notifies you of an unread message.
2. RSS Subscription Extension: This extension detects when there is an RSS feed that can be subscribed to, indicating such by placing an icon into the address bar. Clicking it will deliver the feed.
3. Xmarks: This extension will effectively allow Xmarks users to tie Chrome into their account, which allows bookmarks to be seamlessly shared across Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari and Chrome.
4. iMacros for Chrome: iMacros, currently in beta, is a popular extension that allows you to record what you do with Chrome and therefore automate tasks. This extension is especially handy if you use a lot of sites and are constantly logging in and out of accounts.
5. Aviary Screen Capture: Instantly captures part of a Web page in a neat and convenient interface that is easy to use.
6. Picnik Extension: Similar to above, but there is the added option to select one image in particular from a drop down list of your captures.
7. FlashBlock: With another self-explanatory name, FlashBlock effectively blocks all of the flash on a Web page unless you specify that a certain domain may retain its functionality. This extension adds convenience with keyboard shortcuts.
8. AdThwart: As the name suggests, this extension effectively removes ads for your viewing pleasure.
9. AdSweep: This is quite similar to the aforementioned extension, except it sweeps away ads and does so using a different blacklist than its younger sibling extension. Mixed together, however, you can achieve great anti-advertisement viewing.
10. Brizzly: This extension is definitely a time saver, allowing users to quickly glance at their recent Facebook and Twitter updates. A simple click is all it takes, automatically streaming social updates with embedded videos and images included. It also offers the ability for the user to update their status as well.
11. Google Alerter: There exist some extensions to notify users of unread mail, new pings in Google Wave or Google Voice, but this extension is an all-in-one convenient package of uber Google checking. It will check Reader, Wave and Gmail for new, unvisited pings.
12. Chromium Delicious Plugin: Recent Delicious bookmarks can be easily saved and retrieved through this extension.
13. ChromeMilk: This extension is a handy to-do list for those who can’t ever seem to remember that they need to pick up the milk while they are out on the road. Pro members can get themselves a version for their iPhone so that they really don’t have any excuses.
14. LastPass: This is more of an extension for Xmarks, which is one of the aforementioned extensions. It allows passwords to seamlessly sync across multiple profiles and browser types.
15. Fittr Flickr: Flickr is a handy website on its own, but this extension adds new functionality, such as a lightbox style gallery, more photo information and the inclusion of keyboard shortcuts. If Flickr was great before, this extension makes it unbeatable.
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Guest post by James Adams, who writes for an online ink supplies specialist located in Manchester, England. He covers newly launched, reviews products like the T0715 and, if he has enough free time, contributes posts about art and design for their blog.
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