Browser Extensions Guide
Web browsers are the gateways to the vast knowledge and entertainment available online. As such, getting the most out of the software is essential. However, many users’ experiences and expectations are defined by what the browser offers by default. For example, they normalize web page advertisements as an intrinsic quality of the browsing experience. Enter extensions, a feature of modern web browsers that enables additional functionality through code written for the particular browser. Such functionality includes removing all advertisements from the web pages you visit, enhancing personal privacy and page performance, and reducing annoyance. This article showcases the extensions you need to uplift your web browsing experience and hopefully redefine your expectations of how much better the experience can be. Links to download the extensions through official channels are below in each section.
uBlock Origin
An excellent wide-spectrum blocker that filters ads, trackers, pop-ups, malware, coin miners, and more.
Importance
It’s critically important to use software such as uBlock Origin to stay protected online. Even the FBI recommends ad blockers. If you take away anything from this guide, it’s this: use a reputable blocker extension.
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Read Aloud: A Text to Speech Voice Reader
Have web pages read out to you.
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SponsorBlock
Automatically skips segments in YouTube videos you don’t want to watch, such as self-promotion and sponsored advertisements. It’s literally a time saver.
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ClearURLs
Helps prevent tracking by clearing tracking parameters in opened URLs! Do note that it can break some browser features such as passing a web signin to a local application.
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Dark Reader
Changes CSS of websites to have darker colors in an effort to create a “dark mode,” even for sites that don’t normally support it.
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Decentraleyes
Serves local files for hosted libraries and such to limit requests used for tracking.
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Firefox Translations
Client side in-page translations for Firefox.
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Consent-O-Matic
Automatically completes GDPR consent popups based on your preferences.