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Browser Extensions Can Save You Money Time

But it s important to read the fine print and download from your browser s web store

GETTY IMAGES We all use a browser to surf online.
Google Chrome, Apple Safari, Microsoft Edge and Mozilla Firefox are the four most popular options in the United States. But did you know you can customize your browser to make better use of your time? Browser extensions, sometimes called plug-ins or add-ons, are software that adds features to enhance and streamline your browsing in a variety of ways. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Extensions can function as ad blockers to limit or eliminate distracting web ads. Some even block video and image ads from online articles and YouTube. They can track your browsing habits and history and automatically apply coupon codes to your online purchases. Some extensions also work as digital notepads for easy copying and pasting, encrypt secure passwords, provide reviews of items before you make a purchase and help you with your grammar. Hundreds of thousands are available, created by the browser companies or other developers. Most are free through vetted sites, but some cost money to download. Google has a , Safari extensions are part of the Apple App Store, Edge has an and Firefox has a . You also can find these extension stores through your browser itself. While some developers create similar extensions for each variety of browser, you might not find ones you like for every browser you use. An add-on also adds to the size of your browser file, taking up more space on your computer. And extensions, while convenient, can slow your browser’s ability to load a web page and and security concerns. Chrome and Firefox browsers are available for both Apple . Edge is available only for PCs or Macs . Safari is an Apple-only browser.

Do your research to secure your privacy br

Adding any extension to your browser has some risk, so be sure to research your choice. Questions to answer: • Is this extension from a reputable company or developer? • How many people have downloaded it, and how do they rate it? . The best way to ensure you’re not downloading malware is to go only to your browser’s authorized store and . Technology & Wireless 20% off online printing services with promo code SAVE See more Technology & Wireless offers >

Some popular browser extensions to examine

Spend some time reading reviews of any extensions you want to install. You can also do a web search for best or top browser extensions to read lists that technology journalists have assembled. A few good categories to consider: Ad blockers. Browser extensions that block ads include AdBlock for Chrome Edge and Safari, Adblock Plus for Edge, AdGuard for multiple browsers, and uBlock Origin for Chrome and Edge. Money savers. Browser extensions such as PayPal Honey, RetailMeNot Deal Finder and Slickdeals can automatically find and apply coupon codes at checkout for you. These extensions work with multiple browsers. Organizers for note-taking, clipping. These extensions add features not already a part of the browser itself, including ways to annotate, highlight, organize and save online content. Some examples include Awesome Screenshot for Chrome; Notion Web Clipper for Chrome, Firefox and Safari; and Pocket for Chrome. Password managers. These help you manage all your unique passwords by encrypting and generating random passwords to secure each of your accounts. Check out 1Password, Dashlane, Keeper, LastPass or RoboForm. These also work with multiple browsers. All the previous extensions are free, at least for a trial period.

How to install browser extensions

One option for Chrome, Edge or Firefox is to visit the official store on the web and look at the list of available extensions. 1. Read each description carefully, noting the number of downloads, ratings and user comments. Pay special attention to the most recent, because updates to a browser might make an extension work incorrectly. AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Marc Saltzman is a contributing writer who covers personal technology. His work also appears in USA Today and other national publications. He hosts the podcast series and is the author of several books, including Apple Watch for Dummies. MORE FROM AARP AARP NEWSLETTERS %{ newsLetterPromoText }% %{ description }% Subscribe AARP VALUE & MEMBER BENEFITS See more Entertainment offers > See more Technology & Wireless offers > See more Technology & Wireless offers > See more Travel offers > SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS