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Question

plug ins

by Mar 28, 2012 9:39PM PDT

I have a simple question that I cannot get an answer to in any of my searches on the web. I have Windows XP, and Firefox is my choice for using the Internet.

I have updated some of my plug ins, but now I am at the point where I am asking you what plug ins do I absolutely need? Can I get rid of some of them which others do the same thing?

I use Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, ITunes, but I do not watch movies on my PC.

I need to know what is absolutely necessary, and what is not?

Discussion is locked

5 Posts
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Answer
I use . . .
by Mar 28, 2012 10:42PM PDT

Flash Block, Ad Block Plus, Do Not Track+, McAfee Site Adviser, No Script.

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Answer
Well
by Mar 29, 2012 12:16AM PDT

Well, there's plugins and then there are extensions. They're two different things. Plugins are generally for much larger things like Java or Flash, while extensions add some kind of functionality to Firefox.

But you can disable plugins and extensions, so you can go in, disable all of them, try some of your regular sites and see how things work.

I would strongly recommend keeping AdBlock Plus and it's two companion extensions Element Hiding Helper and the latest one that helps block sites from launching popups when you click on something. NoScript is also one of those I'd consider to be essential, and can really take the place of extensions like Flash Block. Those two I would consider essential, NoScript more than the rest since it improves the overall security of the browser, the rest are probably more in the nice to have category.

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Answer
I would add
by Forum moderator Mar 29, 2012 6:07AM PDT

WOT, (Web of Trust), as a possibility.

It can help protect against malicious web sites if you surf the web at all.

It's lightweight in that web sites are reviewed and rated by the WOT community and not specific experts. So there can be some disagreements, but as a 'first glance' warning of possible dangerous web sites I find it quite useful.

Mark

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Answer
plugs ins
by Mar 29, 2012 11:41PM PDT

Would it help to list what I have?

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No
by Jimmy Greystone Mar 30, 2012 1:52AM PDT

No, what is "essential" is different for every person. Just go through them all, decide whether you really need this or that extension/plugin, and if not, get rid of it. If you change your mind later, it's not like you can't reinstall it, so aside from a little wasted time, there's really nothing to lose.

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