Key takeaways
- Firefox add-ons do the same job as Chrome extensions. Install them from the Firefox Add-ons site, and manage them under the hamburger menu, then Add-ons.
- Keeping two browsers on a trading machine is sound practice — if one updates and breaks something, you switch rather than lose the session.
- For research: Evernote Web Clipper to capture and annotate pages into your notes, Pearltrees to map related sources visually, Todoist to save a page as a task for later.
- Push to Kindle sends long articles to a Kindle, which is easier on the eyes and free of ads.
- Finance Toolbar puts a stock ticker under the address bar.
- For security: uBlock Origin filters ads and known malicious domains using reputable block lists, and is light on processor and memory.
- NoScript only lets scripts run on domains you approve. Strong protection, and it does require patience while you allow the sites you use.
- Not sure where your machine stands? The free benchmark test takes about two minutes.
What Are Firefox Add-ons?
Just as Chrome has extensions, Firefox has add-ons (software modules or apps) that improve and expand the functionality of the browser. For example, add-ons can make your trading computer more secure, safeguard your privacy, and help complete your daily tasks faster. To see what add-ons are available and to install them, go to the Firefox Add-ons site from inside the Firefox browser, search for an add-on, and click the install button. If you have downloaded the add-on file (.xpi filetype), click on the Hamburger icon (3 horizontal lines) on the upper right corner and choose the Add-ons option. Then, go to the Settings menu (gear icon) and choose the Install Add-on From File option. Hamburger > Add-ons is also where you can enable/disable, remove, or change options for your installed add-ons. Here are some add-ons you might find helpful for your trading business, particularly in the areas of research and improved security.Firefox Add-ons to Simplify Trading Research
1. Evernote Web Clipper
Evernote is a great note-taking application that traders can use to organize research. The Evernote Web Clipper add-on makes it easy to move clipped information from your browser to your Evernote account. Besides clipping, the add-on also lets you annotate and highlight screenshots and web pages. It lets you share the information with various social networks directly from the interface. And you can set reminders for your notes to make sure your important trading insights don’t get forgotten.2. Pearltrees
Pearltrees is a free service that lets you create a visual tree diagram of websites to show relationships or the order in which to browse websites. You can share your trees for trading collaboration. The Firefox add-on version helps you collect and organize information from the Firefox browser. The Pearltrees service can help you research and find trading trends because it’s designed for making connections. Especially if you're a visual learner, this add-on can give you new ways to figure out what’s going on in the market.3. Todoist
For Todoist users, the Firefox add-on makes it easy to save a list of websites you want to review later. Each website URL is saved as a task. This is great for gathering a preliminary list of stocks you want to explore further at a later time. Also, if you open Gmail within Firefox, you can save emails as tasks. This can help you get through your to-do list faster by keeping all the important information at your fingertips within Firefox.4. Push to Kindle
If you're a Kindle fan, you'll love having this add-on. Push to Kindle can send news articles, blog posts, and other web content directly to your Kindle. Then, you can use your Kindle device to read the content without straining your eyes or getting distracted by ads. You'll be able to get through your reading list while enjoying all the benefits of Kindle, such as nighttime settings and having ready, offline access to your reading material while you're on the go.5. Finance Toolbar
The Finance Toolbar add-on for Firefox adds a stock ticker below your address bar. You'll be able to easily keep track of your favorite stocks right on your Firefox browser. The Firefox version works similarly to the Chrome version I described in my previous post. The real-time stock information comes from the IEX Trading Finance service.Firefox Add-ons to Improve Trading Security
6. uBlock Origin
When you are visiting lots of financial sites every day, you run the risk of visiting some that have malware or viruses. And then there are the ads (including pop-ups) that are distracting at best and may even slow down your browser. The uBlock Origin add-on filters out the garbage based on reputable lists like EasyList, EasyPrivacy, Peter Lowe’s Ad Server list, and Malware Domains. This add-on keeps your trading computer safe from accidentally landing on a malicious website, plus blocks all that stuff you don't want to see. You can also add customized lists to increase the protection for your trading computer. The best part is, uBlock Origin operates super-efficiently, so it's easy on your CPU and memory.7. NoScript Security Suite
NoScript is a Firefox add-on that gives you protection while surfing the internet. It allows scripts to run only from the domains of your choice so you are in control. Feel confident that you are protected from malicious web content that may be hidden on the web.Conclusion
The above add-ons are only a sample of what's available. The Mozilla (Firefox) website has thousands more. New ones are being uploaded almost every day. Start by looking through the add-ons above to understand what might work for your trading business. Then, keep looking periodically for more apps that can take your productivity even further. There are more trading computer tips like this in our EZ Trading Computers buyer's guide. Check out our "How To Buy a Trading Computer" e-book. We hope today's Quick Tip helped you. If you found this helpful, you'll want to check out the other trading productivity tips that I've created on this page. You can always call us if you have questions: 800-387-5250.Frequently Asked Questions
What are Firefox add-ons?
Software modules that extend what the browser can do — the Firefox equivalent of Chrome extensions. You install them from the Firefox Add-ons site, and manage, disable or remove them from the hamburger menu in the top right under Add-ons.
Should I use more than one browser for trading?
It is worth it. If one browser updates and something stops working mid-session, having a second already set up means you switch instead of troubleshooting while the market moves. Keep the trading browser clean and do general browsing in the other.
Which Firefox add-on is best for security?
uBlock Origin. It filters advertising and known malicious domains using established block lists, and it is efficient enough that it costs almost nothing in processor or memory. NoScript is stronger still, but it takes patience to allow each site you actually use.
Can browser add-ons slow down my trading computer?
They can, individually and cumulatively — each one is code running alongside your pages. uBlock Origin is a rare case that usually makes browsing lighter by blocking what it filters. The rule is to keep only what you actively use.
How do I install a Firefox add-on?
Open the Firefox Add-ons site from inside Firefox, search for what you want and click install. If you have downloaded an add-on file ending in .xpi, open the hamburger menu, choose Add-ons, then the gear icon and Install Add-on From File.
