Firefox is one of the best, if not the best internet browser available to us. It is a free open-source application, and is made by Mozilla. One of its great and innovative features that it had since its release was the ability to use user-created addons. Those who took advantage of this ability to add whatever functionality that they needed benefited both in their experience of the internet, and also in terms of productivity. They have indeed proved invaluable in aiding our daily lives, as they perform tasks ranging from helping us keep track of our social networking, to managing our downloads, or even blocking advertisements on web pages. And as another year goes by, we look back at all the extensions that have aided us in our never ending quest to improve our browsing experience. Here are some that have been proved particularly useful.

1. AdBlock Plus

Advertisements, advertisements, advertisements. While they are a key part of many websites' revenue, some ads are simply obnoxious; they slow down our page loads, eat up our computer resources, and get in the way of the content that we actually do want to see. While we can't physically remove them, we can simply prevent them from being displayed. AdBlock Plus does just that, allowing you to block specific pictures, scripts, or other elements, or anything from a certain URL. Once blocked, a file will never again be downloaded, meaning that less of your time is spent loading banner advertisements, and more of your time can be spent browsing, or doing other things that you enjoy. The extension also comes with several built-in blacklists, and you can also choose to whitelist sites where you do not want AdBlock Plus to block ads. Easy to use and effective, this extension is definitely one of the best extensions of the year.

2. DownThemAll!

DownThemAll! is a download manager extension (the only download manager for Firefox) that has great functionality. It has a built in download accelerator that can speed up your downloads by up to 4x, and allows you to pause and resume your downloads freely. DTA also has tools that allow you to quickly download all the elements on a webpage, with filters that you can dictate to determine which types of files to download, and also lends a great deal of control to the user, so that you can get the best performance from the addon based on what you want.

DTA also includes features that increase convenience such as listing every link, image, or embedded object contained in a webpage, and an auto-renaming tool that renames your download files based on your needs, making it a great addon that is packed full of functionality. It is open source and free, and is supported by your donations.

3. Firefox Universal Uploader (Fireuploader)

The Firefox Universal Uploader is a simple extension that allows us to upload files to websites such as Youtube, Facebook, and Box.net from the comfort of your browser, using a simple interface. You can upload any number of files to multiple websites at once, and to multiple accounts, from the same window, rather than having to go to each website and filling out the respective upload forms. Files upload instantly, and the extension displays information such as upload progress, file size, and allows you to set details for the files, such as category, tags, and title from the same interface.

While still early in its development (at the time of writing, it is in version 0.3.8) and having fairly rudimentary features, the Firefox Universal Uploader is easy to use, and makes uploading to multiple websites and/or multiple accounts a snap.

4. FireBug

FireBug is the developer's dream addon, providing detailed insight of webpage code, and allows you to edit, debug, and monitor CSS, HTML, and JavaScript in real time for any web page. Firebug's ability to inspect the webpage code allows a web developer to instantly pinpoint the code for any one element on the page, providing valuable information to the inner workings of certain layouts, or scripts. When used by a knowledgeable individual, this extension lends control like no other Firefox debugging addon does, and well complements any web developer's toolkit.

ProgrammableWeb

If you are developing a website and you want to reuse existing resources you can use so called API's. Websites like YouTube, Flickr and Google make it possible to easily integrate their content into your website. At Programmable Web you can find Websites that offer API's and example in different languages on how you can use them.

OpenDesigns

If you want to set up a website quickly or want to make a sample for your client you can reuse Designs. You can browse and download loads of templates which you can use for free.

Other Similar Websites: OpenWebDesign, OSWD

FamFamFam

Do you want to make your websites more attractive? Add some icons too it. People like icons. At FamFamFam you can find a selection of free icon. Brilliant.

TypeTester

You have a design but you are struggling to find the right font? Go to Type Tester who will help you making the right choice. You can compare loads of different fonts at the same time. Defiantly a time saver.

ColorSchemer

Are you struggling to get your colors right? ColorSchemer will help you to select your colors so that they match and make your website look good.

Other Similar Websites: ColorMixers, WellStyled

SXC

Sometimes it is difficult to find the right pictures for the right price. Try SXC and there is a good chance that you will find the right picture for the right price (free).

Other Similar Website: PublicDomainPictures

WebDeveloper

Stuck with a programming problem? Go to WebDeveloper and meet a comunity that is happy to help. Pretty much all programming languages are represented by developers that are ready to get you going again.