Plugins also called add-ons and extensions are apps that improve the functionality of existing software without altering its structure and build-up. So we can rightly say that plugins are helper applications that improve the general outlook of software, as well as its functions. Having established this preamble, let’s start our discussion on the Dos and Don’ts of using different plugins on our browsers, with the following headings.
WHAT ARE BROWSER PLUGINS
Browser plugins are add-ons or extensions installed on your default browser in order to optimize it, for a better user experience. Plugins help your browser to perform better. Without plugins on your browser, it will be difficult for it to recognize and play certain videos, display pictures or even read text. The roles of plugins in our contemporary times cannot be over-emphasized. Plugins started gaining recognition from the year 2015 with major tech firms, startups, and companies incorporating and releasing their own plugins.
Almost every sector from business, education, sports, agriculture, to entertainment has their own specially designed plugin that has turned out to become so indispensable to them. Having discussed this lets now turn our attention to the dos of using different plugins.
TYPES OF PLUGINS AND THEIR USES
Presently there are thousands of plugins available, but in the context of our discussion we will be listing only very few of them, which includes the following
- WPFORMS: This is a necessary plugin for WordPress it helps generate forms for your website so customers and clients can easily access your website. It helps you create an email list, payment order and many more. Basically it helps optimize your website for better user experience and functionality.
- VeePN: For additional security, we recommend you also install a VPN which is available for browsers and plugins including Firefox extension, it’s also available for all other browsers. It lets users safely access any website or app, knowing that their information is secured and safeguarded. It can be used to unblock websites, hide personal information from hackers, and stay anonymous, among other factors. VeePN would be something we recommend to users as it can help them with anything while they’re on the internet.
- LAST PASS: This is arguably one of the best Mozilla Firefox plugins for password security, it helps you secure your Firefox browser with a strong password.
- HP PRINT SERVICE: This plugin is domiciled for HP printers. Like other extensions and add-ons it improves the functionality of the device by making it possible for the HP printer to access and print documents from Android OS, and some other operating systems.
- SERUM: Serum is a VST Plugin for sound mixing, which offers you great value for your money. With Serum mixing of sound becomes a lot easier.
- AFFILIATE WP: Affiliate WP is a good e-commerce plugin that you can use to drive sales for your products. It helps you set up affiliate links on your website. It is also great for woo commerce.
DOS OF USING DIFFERENT PLUGINS
If you are going to be using different plugins on your browser, then it is pertinent you do adopt the following rules
- LIMIT THE NUMBER OF PLUGINS YOU USE: Have a limit to the number of plugins that you can use on your browser. This is because using too many plugins can expose you to cyber threats and also breach of security.
- ENSURE THAT THE PLUGINS ARE FROM A RELIABLE AND SECURE SOURCE: Some plugins are actually from third-party developers, and most times these developers are not scrutinized to ensure that their plugins are secure. So always download plugins are secure sources.
- INSTALL ONLY THE PLUGINS YOU NEED: Ensure that you only install the plugins you need. Using many unnecessary plugins can take up a junk of space available on your operating system and browser.
Having discussed a few dos of using different plugins, it is also pertinent that we also list and describe some useful plugins.
FEW DOWNSIDES OF USING PLUGINS
Plugins undoubtedly have many advantages, with some individuals seeing it as a necessity that aids work. It still has some drawbacks which includes
- CYBER THREAT: Using too many Plugins exposes your website or browser to hackers, cyber threats, and other security breaches. Most of these plugins developers are guilty of being so carefree in terms of inserting adequate security measures in these plugins. If you, unfortunately, install two or more of these plugins in your browser, it can alter the configuration of the browser making you an easy prey for hackers whenever you want to browse or surf the Internet.
- USING TOO MUCH SPACE: Plugins occupy much space, this can slow down the speed and effectiveness of your device especially if it doesn’t have much free space or memory. Most individuals always complain of their default, browser speed being reduced when they install plugins.
- COMPACTIBILITY: Using many plugins also poses the problem of inefficiency as most plugins are not always compatible together. Because of the role plugins play in browsers, websites and even apps, most people want to install as many plugins as possible, as they feel that each one of them has a specific function and roles that it plays. This combination of different plugins most times backfires as they don’t interact well with each other to give the desired result.