Pretty handy as it pops out the box, there are ways to make Chrome even better: extensions. Perhaps the only real problem with extensions, however, is that you really are spoiled for choice. That’s what we’re here to help with. Check out our top four extension pics which make Chrome truly shine.
1. OneTab : Take control of tab bloat
Got so many Chrome tabs open that your computer is slowly being strangled? You’re not alone. In fact, this is so common a problem that the clever folks at OneTab have come up with a solution. Add this extension and with one click, squash all those tabs into a list of links on a single tab. Its smart and its elegant. And it reduces memory use by 95% while also giving that overworked CPU a bit of a breather.
2. PanicButton: Instant Privacy
Busy checking out something online which has nothing to do with work…or just nothing to do with the nosey parker who just strolled over? We’ve all been there. Solve the problem in a click with PanicButton, the handy extension which conceals the lot with one click. Ready to resume? Hit F4 to call up saved tabs, hit PanicButton again - and get back to it.
3. Smart Tab Mute : Allows sound from just one tab at a time
Next to tab bloat, probably one of the most commonly-encountered annoyances are those tabs which pipe up with an ad or music unexpectedly. It can even give you a wee fright as it can take you completely by surprise (we’ve heard the odd swearword). Smart Tab Mute restores order, allowing one tab to play sound at any given time. Playing music on Pandora and open a YouTube video? No problem. Sound Tab Mute does what it says on the box and quietens down the Pandora.
4. Grammarly for Chrome: Sharpen up your internet writting skills
Got typos? Most of us do; even the best writers make mistakes. Computers don’t, though, and nor does Grammarly for Chrome. Install this handy watchman and it’ll keep track of all your writing on the web. Get clever with its use, too, by copy and pasting text into the personal editor which comes with your account; that will check all your writing for you.
How good is it? The people who made it reckon it is the best available, or as they put it, Grammarly is the “world’s most accurate grammar and spelling checker”. All you need to do is type. The extension applies hundreds of advanced grammar rules, flags spelling mistakes, provides usage tips, highlights verbosity, punctuation, and even spots plagiarism. Copy that!
