Firefox.

Firefox has taken the browsing wars by storm. It has been very successful. Browsers are no more browsers and are never complete without the extensions. In the next series of posts (it is vacation time), I will try to help make your web experience secure. Assuming here the installation is on Windows (Desktop). I will try to cover other OS later.

1. First stage is of course you need to install Firefox. 

Click here to download. Run the EXE file and select the default options and complete the installation. Run Firefox and make it as your default browser if you are asked for it. And then get these extensions.

2. How do download the extensions?

I have installed the wallnut theme. Never mind if your browser does not look the same.

3. In the list you see, select Extensions from the left. Your list should be empty. The Extensions that we need are listed here.

4. We start with the list. Adblock Plus. This was the original adblock software. You can read more about it here.

So what are the visible effects after you install this extension?

When you click on the circle on the lower left in your browser, you see filter subscriptions. The first item is already added by default. What you need is the other next 4 in the list that I have added.

Uncheck this box, to make the filter complete.

 

Next extension tomorrow.

“Take care on social networks”

For those who are using Facebook (or any other social networking site) there are some precautions that you can take. I have listed a few.

1. All you post on Facebook is public. So please be careful on what you are posting. Try to enter your name in google.com search box, and it will bring out so many surprises. When you apply for job or admission to university, or offer your services anywhere, your future employer or manager can always check this information.

2. What you post on your wall or your friends wall stays there forever. So before posting double and triple check on what you write. Do not post anything that you are not sure of, that you have not verified, or that you have no document to prove it is right or wrong.

3. Many applications and games that you play, ask you for your permission. Please read the details carefully. It may be taking your personal information, your friends list, your pictures etc.

4. What information you don’t like don’t post. For example information like date of birth, phone numbers, company names, family names (brothers, sisters, and parents), place of birth etc is considered personal. Think twice before you put them.

5. Limit the time you spend on social networking sites. You can save time and use it for better purposes.

6. Posting Photos. When you post photos be sure that either you are the owner of the photo or you have taken permission from the photographer or the photo is already in public domain. Internet may look like it is public, but those are in network administration can tell you everything that we do (login, logout, machine, etc all information is logged).

7. Give credit to what you take. If you taken a quote from somewhere or you have taken an article from somewhere, it is always good to mention the source. Give credit.

Let us have a safe and productive surfing.

Suresh Ranga

30.01.2011

 

 

* I posted this on one of the Facebook groups that I was an admin almost 2 years back. Thought would be helpful.