I have spoken about my favorite current browser before: Google Chrome. It is still my number one. I get questions about Chrome Extensions often. First is usually, "What extensions are available for Chrome?" followed by, "Which ones do you use?"
An extension is an addition to a browser which gives it more functionality to perform other tasks. The word extension may be referred to as a plug-in, add-in or add-on, etcetera, depending on the browser you are referring to. Microsoft has even called them, "helper objects."
The first question cannot really be answered since there are millions of them doing millions of different things. Some useful – some playful. Here is a list of the ones I use most often, with a short description of each. To find new extensions open your Chrome browser and type, "bit.ly/1GX925C" (shortened link with Caps.) Next on the upper left of the Chrome Web Store that opens, type the extensions in the "Search the store" box and press Enter. Be sure to spell them as I did in quotes below.
"Chrome Remote Desktop" is a great extension which allows you to log into your computers, if you have more than one or to log onto another person’s computer to help them, if they allow it.
"Clearly" is another good one which basically takes a webpage and removes all the graphics. It makes it much easier to read page information without being distracted by ads and graphics when you do not need them.
"Google Cast" is used to cast, or broadcast your browser screen to your TV if you have a Chromecast device on your TV. That way if you can watch something in your browser you can also easily watch it on TV.
"Google Keep" is my favorite note taking online app, and gives you direct access to your Keep notes.
"IE Tab" allows specific sites you enter in IE Tab to only open in Microsoft Internet Explorer windows. Some sites are only viewable in MSIE (mostly work oriented) so this extension allows you to make sure you see those pages without having to open MSIE.
"Office Apps" Google Docs is a great natural for Chrome (both owned by Google) but people use MS Office. Office Apps gives you free Office online and you can save regular office files to Microsoft’s "One Drive."
"Spell Checker for Chrome" is a spell checker for your browser. If you are posting to Facebook, Twitter or typing on any web page, this will help you correct it with suggestions just like your word processor. It says it supports 12 languages but I have no idea since I only almost speak one fluently.
"Weather" (Weather Unground or Wunderground) gives you a small icon at the top of the browser showing you the temp with a picture of what it is like outside. Click it once and you get details for several days. Click a day and get more detail.
