I’m setting up a copy of Firefox on my USB flash drive. As a result, I’m having to re-evaluate the extensions I will be running. I think I run a pretty good set of extensions right now. I get quite a bit of use out of everything I run. Many of them are indispensable! I’m not as minimalist as some. I try a lot of extensions, but I periodically try to purge the extensions which aren’t getting much use. Here’s a list of those I’m currently running:

Can’t do without

1. Adblock Plus. This extension makes the web a completely different place! The filters are automatically updated to insure ad providers won’t be able to work around it. The web is so much nicer without all the banner ads! Recently, a site was launched which encourages site owners to block Firefox users viewing a site because they may be using this extension to block ads. I don’t care to visit sites which are so heavily dependent on ad revenue anyway, but the story is entertaining nonetheless. Workarounds exist if you need to access such a site.
2. CustomizeGoogle. Complete the ad-free browsing experience by getting rid of ads in Google search results and Gmail. You can also force your Google Apps connections to https which will encrypt your otherwise easy to intercept data.
3. Download Statusbar. Firefox’s native download manager leaves something to be desired. I don’t really like having a window pop up to show my download status. This extension puts all the necessary information above the statusbar inside your browser window. It’s very nice and unobtrusive. As a bonus, the extension’s developer shares my first name! It almost makes me wish I had made something… anything!
4. Tab Mix Plus. Tabs beat the hell out of having 10 different browser windows open. Most of the functionality I want is built into Firefox. Tab Mix adds a few minor things I need. I can now break a single tab off into a new window or duplicate a tab already open. I can also have rows of tabs when I have too many to display on a single line rather than scrolling left and right.

Nice to have

1. del.icio.us Bookmarks. I use this in tandem with the Firefox bookmarks. The extension tries to become your bookmarks, but I find it works better alongside them to give easy access to everything. I use folders in my Firefox bookmarks toolbar to provide quick access to my most used sites. I use del.icio.us to store everything I use occasionally or think I may use later. The extension gives me easy access to my del.icio.us locally. I recommend hiding the toolbar to keep clutter down.
2. Firebug. A great web development tool with too many features to list here. This really helps in finding where styles on a particular element are coming from.
3. Foxmarks. I maintain three different copies of Firefox. This extension allows me to keep the same set of bookmarks across all three easily.
4. Gmail Manager. I can’t imagine accessing Gmail without this extension. Easily check and access all your Gmail accounts.
5. Speak It. I’m embarrassed to say that I often skip long articles just because I don’t want to bother reading the whole thing. This extension will read them for me! The usefulness of this extension is contingent upon your tolerance for text-to-speech engines.
6. Stop-or-Reload Button. Save some space on the toolbar. When do you ever need access to both?
7. StumbleUpon. Channel-surf the web. This is a fantastic time-sink. I recommend hiding the toolbar and using the button to show it when you want to use it. This will keep your interface cleaner.
8. VideoDownloader. Makes downloading from YouTube and others a cakewalk.

Go trick out your Firefox and enjoy!