Google Chrome addons, extensions, plugins, or whatever you prefer to call them, act to expand the functionality of the Google Chrome web browser. Google Chrome extensions are not very expansive yet but there is great interest for the development of more addons for Google Chrome. Many extensions for Google Chrome are merely Firefox extensions have been adopted to run on the Google Chrome browser. Despite taking on heavy weights like Microsoft’s Internet Explorer and Mozilla’s Firefox, the Google Chrome browser is gaining web browser market share and it’s already a favorite for many users. Check out the list below for some of the best Google Chrome addons to download and install thus far.
Chrome Extension Manager – You can manage your downloaded Chrome extensions manually through your browser Tools menu, but this Manager gives quick and easy access to all the extensions you’ve added to your browser. Delete, deactivate, activate and modify the settings for the extensions that are rendered on your Google Chrome browser. This tool can also backup and restore your Chrome browser profile information.
Flash Block – Slow page loading times can be expedited if you aren’t waiting around for “flashy” Flash content. Block it on your Google Chrome browser with Flash Block. As both Google Chrome’s browser and many of its extensions are still new and in development, be sure you have the most recent updates for both the browser and the extension when dealing with Flash blockers.
AdBlock – Many browser users in the Firefox and Chrome eras will appreciate an ad blocker. It’s the bitter sweetness of accessing free content on the web, but we all know that certain ads can be annoying. AdBlock works on the latest build of Chrome 4.0+ and is likened to Adblock Plus on Firefox.
AntiADS – One of the more popular ad blockers for the Google Chrome browser so far, AntiADS features several settings options for customizing the effect on ads. They can be removed, unblocked, or replaced.
ChromeMUSE – ChromeMUSE is a URL shortener that works with any web page as you surf. Shorten URLs for any purpose, including status updating tools like Twitter. ChromeMUSE supports other URL shorteners as well, integrating with bit.ly and the others.
Facebook Notifications – Interact with your Facebook network while you browse the web. Your notifications can show up directly in your browser, saving you a trip to your Facebook page. The number of notifications will appear, indicating messages that are waiting for you on Facebook’s site. Click through to access the Facebook messages directly.
Xmarks Bookmarks Sync – This bookmarking sync tool has recently rolled out its Google Chrome browser extension, enabling bookmark password and sync capabilities. Xmarks’ service also has sync options across your browser bookmarks, so porting your favorites between Firefox, IE and Chrome isn’t a problem.
Google Chrome Backup – Back up your files and profiles with the Google Chrome Backup tool. Saving profiles is quite handy, as the profile aspect of Google Chrome’s browser is unique to each individual. You can manage your Google Chrome profiles as well, delete the ones you no longer need, and opt to launch the backup at Windows Startup.
Session Saver – One of the most frustrating things about web browsers is having to re-find all your tabs if your session is unexpectedly ended. Session Saver preserves your Google Chrome browser profile and gives you access to it after a manual or forced close.
Click & Clean – One-click cleaning of your browser. Wonderful. Keep your URL history looking spiffy and protect your browsing history. This tool also cleans the cache, deletes cookies, and clears saved form data.
Web of Trust – Web of Trust (WOT) has created a security tool for determining the safety level of a site or user’s social networking profile. As a Google Chrome browser extension WOT works by providing a safety level indictor for each web page you browse. Report any inappropriate content as you come across it to improve WOT’s community-powered system.
ChromePass – ChromePass saves and restores passwords stored by the Google Chrome browser. For each password you can view the origin URL, action URL, username, password, and time created. Choose which content to save and restore.
Google Reader Checker – Immediate and constant access to your Google Reader feeds. As long as you’re logged into Google Reader, this Chrome browser extension will work. There are 5 icon settings available. Choose your favorites for a more custom experience. The tool is basic and will likely be replaced with a Google-created tool, but it serves its purpose for the time being and can be useful for those that frequently access their Google Reader.
Google Talk Extension – The Google Talk extension brings your GTalk and Gchat messages directly to your browser. There is no need to have the GTalk tool installed in order to use this Chrome browser extension, and that may be an appealing factor for some that are on the fence.
Google Compose – If you’re like me then you tend to shoot off emails the moment you think of them. This could be a message to yourself as a reminder of something to do later, or as a message to a friend or colleague. Try the Google Compose browser extension, limiting your need to toggle back to your Gmail tab. The advanced features of this extension are lacking, but it works well for quick messages to be sent out.
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