AFP

Mozilla has brought out a new version of Firebox with Version 11 allowing for the browser to synchronise add-ons.

The words “instant gratification” have been used so much that its become cliché. But it’s quite an apt description of modern life. Everything is instant – from communication and meals to reactions and interactions; so much so that when you take away the “instant” you’re left with a bunch of quivering lost souls so incandescent with rage (or confusion) that they are rendered 100 percent useless. Okay, maybe not everyone. Perhaps there are some folks blessed with limitless patience and who are still able to smile when the computer says NO.

I am not one of them. And if you’re a fellow Firefox user, well, stop downloading Chrome right now! Sure, Firefox can be slower than the government’s response to a pandemic, but Chrome crashes more often than Lindsay Lohan behind the wheel!

Unlike Linds, though, Firefox is attempting to sort itself out. Mozilla has been working to find a way to speed up the browser and, somehow, it has done it. Introducing Firefox’s slow add-on list.

A list of add-ons (a piece of software that enhances another software application) that are known to slow down the browser.

It’s actually pretty decent of them, because they’re basically saying “we screwed up, and here’s how. But… we can fix it!”.

The add-ons that slow down your Firefox browser the most are (the percentage indicates by how much the add-on slows down your browser):

FoxLingo – Translator – 74 percent

Firebug – 74 percent

AniWeather – 54 percent

FlashGot – 50 percent

FoxClocks – 46 percent

FoxyTunes – 44 percent

Video DownloadHelper – 33 percent

FastestFox – 33 percent (this is ridiculous, because this add on is meant to speed up your browsing!

Xmarks Sync – 30 percent

SimilarWeb – 23 percent

StumpleUpon – 18 percent

If you’re using any of these add-ons, ask yourself whether you really need it. For a full list visit www.addons.mozilla org/en-US/firefox/ performance/

On the flip side, here’s a list of add-ons that (a) don’t slow you down and (b) are of actual use to you.

Not all add-ons are compatible with all browsers, though, so check the compatibility requirements on the add-on homepage.

DownThemAll: here’s one that speeds up some processes. This add-on helps programs download up to 400 percent faster. Plus, it lets you pause the download, which you can resume later.

Zamzar: another time-saver, this one lets you convert files pictures, audio and video effortlessly.

Yoono: update your Facebook, Twitter, AIM and more, all in one place.

Adblock Plus: Pop-ups – especially the ones with laughing or talking smiley faces, are the worst. This pop-up ad-blocking add-on is genius. - Sunday Tribune