It is a rare person that does not use the internet at all. You are one of the millions of people who regularly surf the internet using an internet browser.
Every now and again you will see a message box appear asking for permission to either download browser plugins or update existing plugins. What do you do? Mostly, you click yes and carry on surfing the net.
So what are these browser plugins and is there any reason you should pay more attention next time? In this article, you will learn the basics of what browser plugins are as well as avoiding the dangers some plugins may present.
Browser Plugins – the Basics
The first thing to understand is how your browser works. This is a program or software that is designed to read code from the internet and then convert that code into the visible images you see on your computer screen.
Your internet browser is a vital piece of software that hugely affects your experience of ‘surfing’ the internet. Some of the most common browsers are Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Safari, and Mozilla Firefox.
Browser plugins can be thought of as additional pieces of software code that further influences your experience of the internet. This type of software falls under the umbrella term of an ‘add-on.’
Plugin or Extension?
Add-ons include both of the above. It is very easy to confuse plugins and extensions and even use the terms interchangeably. However, from a software perspective, they are quite different.
What they have in common is that both plugins and extensions offer you something extra. They provide further functionality or the ability to do something that goes beyond the basic provision of the browser software.
Extensions tend to increase the core function of the browser software and include things like cloud management software that functions within your browser. Google Chrome uses thousands of these types of extensions.
A plugin, although software-based has to be an executable piece of software that functions in its own right. It is like a separate software module. An excellent example of a plugin is when you download Adobe Flash player for Mac.
It is noteworthy that Google Chrome only uses one plugin at this time and that is Adobe Flash Player. This reflects the move in the industry away from plugins.
Browser Plugins – Examples
Now that you know Adobe Flash Player is a plugin you have a clearer idea of what we mean when we use the term ‘plugin.’ There are numerous other examples that you may already have installed in your browser.
Print services are often plugins, so for example, HP Print Service. This can be downloaded from the Google Play Store. This software basically sends print jobs to your printer and acts as an interface between your devices and the printer.
Another example of a useful plugin is WordPress. This allows you to build your own website without leaving your web browser. WordPress will operate ‘through’ your browser and allow you to see what your site looks like as you develop it and make changes etc.
Don’t ‘Plugin’ Everything!
Your browser will usually ask you for permission before it allows another piece of software to change its functionality. As mentioned at the outset, our tendency can be to just click yes.
That is not a good idea. Most users of the internet have wised up to the dangers of viruses and other types of malicious software. That includes the danger of opening unsolicited emails from strangers.
Emails with attachments or links to harmful sites take just one click of a button to unleash destructive software on your computer. This software can steal your personal information or cause chaos with your device.
The same principles hold true for plugins. Unscrupulous people are constantly looking for new ways to steal your data or control your computer without your knowledge. If you click yes to a plugin that has malicious intent you will create a big problem for yourself.
How to Avoid the Dangers
Before you click yes to a plugin do your research. If you are being offered a plugin or browser extension then you need to check out its reputation first.
It is fairly easy to run a google search and see who is recommending the plugin or extension. Is it from a trusted source such as Microsoft? It is also important to check that the plugin has not been hacked or corrupted.
If you are not sure, it is best to avoid that plugin and use another one from a trusted source. With thousands of plugins and extensions, there is no shortage of choice.
Know Your Plugins
If you are not sure what plugins are installed on your computer then you can check by looking in the browser settings.
For example, if you are using Chrome you can type the following in the address bar chrome://settings/
Browser Plugins – Final Word
In this article, you have read about browser plugins and the basics. It seems that plugins are not as favored as they once were. However, they are still useful and likely you will continue to benefit from them in the near future.
That said, you should think twice before you click yes to the next plugin and make sure that you definitely need it and that it is safe.
You can read more helpful articles on this website. For example, you have heard about podcasts but, what are they, and how can you benefit from them? Check it out on this site.
