Before I get started on Chrome extensions, one thing about last week’s article, titled, “Read a Book”. I received emails from several readers regarding the article on places you can get eBooks, audiobooks, etc. There were several others that were suggested to me. They were all good but I just picked a few of the ones that I was familiar with. There are many others out there including all of the large bookstores; however, I can only afford to try a few. I do not get free samples from companies like some of the big boys out there (hint, hint to the big companies). I only mention the ones I have experience with (unless I state otherwise). I test them before I tell you about them. Oh yeah, one other thing: I do not get paid to mention them so you get my actual opinion on all that I write to you about.
An extension or plugin for any browser is small software that adds on or extends the capabilities of the “out of the box” browser. It adds some sort of additional functionality to a browser that was not originally present. Browser extensions can change a webpage in some way, add a new feature to the browser and give the browser more, “skills”.
I have read many articles over the years, and even written one regarding computer nerds’ favorite extensions. I figured it is time to give it a go again as mine have changed over the years and some have been replaced. This week I will start a multipart series listing some I use with a short explanation of each…in alphabetical order so I will not upset anyone. To hurt a few feelings those I list are for Google’s Chrome browser; however, many are available for the other browsers too.
To get to your extension setting in Chrome, click the menu button (the three dots in the upper right corner of Chrome), then “More tools,” and finally “Extensions.” Once on that page, scroll to the bottom and click “Get more extensions.” Or Ron’s quick way – type “chrome://extensions/” in the address bar without the quotes. When you arrive type the name of the extension given and you will get to the page to install them.
The first I will share is “Behind the Overlay.” (Remove the spaces between the words to find it in the store, “BehindtheOverlay”) I have just started using this one. For advertisements on sties we used to get a popup, then a pop under, next those that pop up when you get to a specific point on the page. This new advertisement “getter” is the one you have seen recently which pops up a window and greys out the page you were viewing with a clickable ad. If you search very carefully you may be able to find the “x” that will close it and return you to the original page. The “x” is not usually very easy to see and next to another clickable link you may not want to use. Beyond the Overlay ads is a button to Chrome at the top right side, where all of the extension controls will be. Click the button and the ad page vanishes easily.
I have run out of room today so, next week we start with an extension to help secure your browsing security.
