[techtalk] Tech-Talk: INTERNET - About Browser Extensions

Wed Jun 26 11:50:43 PDT 2019

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 This Week's Topic: INTERNET
1. VIDEO ... About Browser Extensions
2. ARTICLE ... About Browser Extensions
3. COMMUNICATING ... A Set of Communication Principles

[Browser extensions]<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001QXH6IAKrEqsdzUmkvf64fRaaq4IDEMMN83HAOb2X4i0Vi7BSGp8bjzpECvtYyToH5ScI7Sztk0zW5k-9GZuAabUhOPtcNFIs18zFYhNabJvXKL8YxT9lb8O5XIMmYi4yRSBge-zaECgbH_bBdPlzzKMHtovzeukdC-Z4kMIDOO1AAiu4p64UlFV88rUEZaXr&c=-rT_TP_C3Be5X2XWjQ21jZu2dGq-3ZFjG8pDNz5CK-NpfIxily-haw==&ch=xcDROMT-b8Mr6pjo_tsmEpnwWo2wjszfirmjT7Kwf2HKBakStAdRbg==>

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INTERNET - About Browser Extensions
Intermediate

Hey, have you happened to notice a row of tiny icons in your browser window ... over on the right of the address bar? Ever wondered how they got there? What they're for? How you can add more?

[Internet extensions]

These little helpers are called Extensions. They are tiny programs that make it easy to do one simple thing. The "thing" they do, the functions they perform, are quite varied. For instance, we've written on:

·     Password managers like RoboForm and LastPass
·     Document helpers such as Grammarly and Print Friendly
·     Business tools including Zapier and Asana
·     Email assistance like Boomerang

You can even have an extension for personal interests such as:

·     News updates like The Washington Post
·     Weather forecasters such as Weather

[Washington Post app]

[Weather extension]

Two Types of Browser Extensions

There are thousands of extensions designed to help you create your personalized web experience through topics like productivity, travel, news, shopping and more! Many are free, but there are some that have a price-tag or ask for donations.

There are two basic types: 1) those added to desktop software or 2) those which are independent, stand-alone extensions.

·     So a browser extension can be a quick link to use software that you already have installed on your computer -- like a password manager.

·     Or it could be an independent helpful resource -- like an ad-blocker, that only exists as an extension (there's no corresponding installed software).

Add Extensions to Each of Your Favorite Browsers

Because extensions are specific to each browser (Chrome, Firefox, IE/Edge) if there's one you want to have handy when you're working (no matter which browser you're in at the time) you have to download, add and turn them on in each specific browser.

For example, LastPass offers an extension for five different browsers as seen in the image below.

[browser extension]

The way that you install, display and edit extensions in each of these browsers varies a bit – we'll jump into that later in this article.

Are They Extensions, Apps or Add-ins? Oh My!

Now, you may hear people refer to "extensions" as "apps" or "add-ins." That's OK, different browsers use various terms. But no matter what you call it, if you have a tiny app that sits in the browser and adds functionality, it's an extension.

Installing Extensions

How do you find and add extensions for your browser(s)? There are two ways.

[Roboform]

1. You can download it when you start using a web-based program.

Example: RoboForm

When you download this software, you can install the extension as you're setting up the program.

It will ask you which browsers you'd like to include. Check the ones you want.

2. You can visit the browser's web "store" and choose to install them.

Many extensions are independent of the software you have installed on your computer and are designed to just be helpful resources. You can view thousands of them in these popular browsers and follow the instructions to install them.

·     Google Chrome: Go to https://chrome.google.com/webstore<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001QXH6IAKrEqsdzUmkvf64fRaaq4IDEMMN83HAOb2X4i0Vi7BSGp8bjzpECvtYyToH9mzTV3ibAzNPg2dNeFCdZfBson_0glNyMOow9yfHRn85UfgXZV3zs5ms552VAg45OLYJeN-8MzGxEkujzfEj-WbbCRCphy2m&c=-rT_TP_C3Be5X2XWjQ21jZu2dGq-3ZFjG8pDNz5CK-NpfIxily-haw==&ch=xcDROMT-b8Mr6pjo_tsmEpnwWo2wjszfirmjT7Kwf2HKBakStAdRbg==>
·     Mozilla Firefox: Visit https://addons.mozilla.org<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001QXH6IAKrEqsdzUmkvf64fRaaq4IDEMMN83HAOb2X4i0Vi7BSGp8bjzpECvtYyToHQkcgo3dKFiSN5eQeTqPuczn3eW3sIo5E0vgXEa5bip-bwy4YEKY_wAlic8eT9O32-YM9iwNqqvbK30lqKOkzNQ==&c=-rT_TP_C3Be5X2XWjQ21jZu2dGq-3ZFjG8pDNz5CK-NpfIxily-haw==&ch=xcDROMT-b8Mr6pjo_tsmEpnwWo2wjszfirmjT7Kwf2HKBakStAdRbg==>
·     Microsoft Edge: Open the browser window, click on the Settings option (3 horizontal dots), and select Extensions. Popular ones will be listed. Follow the Explore More Extensions link at the bottom of the list for more options.

CAUTION: It's not advisable to have lots of extensions. And you may want to be particular about the type of extensions you choose. Some (from little-known, third-party websites) can be malicious and can pose threats to both privacy and security.

To avoid problems, here are a few considerations:

·     Limit the number of extensions you install to just a handful of the most useful.
·     Install extensions only from official browser web stores -- not private sites.

Managing Extensions

Once installed, where you go to view, manage or delete varies by browser as well.

Google Chrome
Open a new Chrome window and click the Settings icon (3 vertical dots in the upper right). Choose More Tools then Extensions. Here you can view your installed extensions (and apps), toggle them on or off, or remove them if unneeded. When viewing in your toolbar, right-click on the icon for more choices.

[Chrome extensions]

Mozilla Firefox
To manage your extensions in Firefox, with a browser window open, in the upper right click on the Settings option (3 horizontal lines) and select Add-ons. Here you can disable or remove the extension. Right-click on the icon in the toolbar for additional options.

[Firefox extensions]

[Edge extensions]

Microsoft Edge
To manage installed extensions, open a browser window and go to the Settings option (3 horizontal dots) in the upper right and select Extensions.

A list of all installed extensions will be displayed at the top of the list, showing the activation status (On or Off). Click on the name of the extension to see more choices.

Extensions Sometimes Conflict with Other Programs

Although extensions, for the most part, can help you work more conveniently, if you're experiencing weird or non-typical problems with a web page or software program, one possible explanation is that there could be a conflict with an installed extension.

For instance, sometimes the Print Friendly extension causes havoc. (These extensions have to stay up-to-date with any and all browser updates. Sometimes there is a lag.)

The standard troubleshooting steps are:

1.  Turn off all your extensions.
2.  See if the issue goes away.
3.  If it does, turn the extensions back on one by one to see if you can narrow down the extension that is causing the problem.

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Communication: Grammar
A set of communication principles

Occasionally we've written about underlying principles that are good to establish in your group to create a positive communications environment.

In fact, in the Tech-Talk.com Database, you can search by Topic / Category of Communication Principles to see all the articles at once.

Years ago, we facilitated a session with the Brooklyn Public Library management team in the development of their communication principles. We have no idea if these are still in-place because times change, but wanted you to see some examples of what could be done. Next week we'll show you a different set that we created for Xerox.

Core Principles

·     Mutual Respect:  First, and foremost, treat each other with mutual respect! Recognize the value in each person you see. Smile.

·     Two Way: Talk with people -- not at them. Ask for input and give feedback. Communications only works when it’s two way.

·     Timely: Send information and make requests in a timely manner. Respond quickly. Both are a sign of respect!

·     Shared Responsibility: Effective communication starts with you! Everyone shares in this responsibility.

Support Principles

·     Inclusive: Look for ways to include others in communications. If you're not included, "speak up." Ask for information. Pass it on to others.

·     Accurate and Clear: Make sure information is accurate, relevant and easy for everyone to understand. People can be empowered with good information.

·     Open and Honest: Always speak the truth -- even when it's an unpopular message. Be straightforward, with no hidden agendas.

·     Active Listening: Be accessible to others. Listen without interrupting. Ask open-ended questions.

·     Repetition: Repeat important messages in a variety of ways. Once is never enough!

·     Trust: Allow others to express their ideas freely -- without fear. Allow mistakes to be made -- without blame. Respect and trust each other.

As a team, department or organization, you can collaboratively develop your own. Determine what is expected and needed in your world. Document the principles. Share them.

TIP: Having a few people create the principles and toss them out for others to follow often causes more harm than good. Be sure this is a group effort where everyone has a voice. If you have a large organization, you can create a development team that has representative members from each area and level.

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