If you’re not already using Firefox, you’re really missing out. Its creator, Mozilla, actually cares about making your browsing experience an enjoyable one. Being open-source, developers can create extras for your browser. I have SO many add-ons for Firefox and many of them really do make my life easier. Here’s a look at a few that are worth checking out:

1. Foxdie Changes Appearance (link)

If you have used ever used Firefox, you’re no doubt aware that it’s possible to change its theme. This involved downloading preset designs that change the look of your buttons, toolbars, tabs, etc. Foxdie takes this to a whole new level.

Image from Foxdie.us

As you can see above, downloading Foxdie allows you to customize individual aspects of your browser, rather than settling for however the theme designer has decided upon. On my Mac with Snow Leopard and Firefox 3.5.3, I have the following options in my menu:

Click for 1-minute long video demo

2. Firefox Showcase Manages Tabs (link)

Sometimes I have so many Firefox tabs open that they don’t even fit on my screen. If you tend to have a lot of tabs and want a sleek way of seeing them all, check out this add-on. It lets you see thumbnails of all the tabs you have open (which is, incidentally, built into Windows 7), either in a new tab, new window or sidebar.

New Tab

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Sidebar

Click to zoomify

3. Fast Dial is Quick Access to Faves (link)

In Firefox, when you open a new tab one of several things can happen. Either you’ll go to your homepage or it will be a blank window. With Fast Dial, there’s a new option. The new tab (it’s also available from a toolbar  button) will contain tiles to your favorite sites. You set up what sites you want there, how many of them and whether they’ll be a snapshot of the site or another image you choose. And yes, I know that the new Safari inherently does this.

Click to zoomify

So there you have it. A few ways you can spice up your Firefox. If you’re looking for more Mozilla goodies, check out their Labs to see what new and exciting stuff they’re cooking up.

Mozilla Labs