One of the most powerful features of the Firefox browser is the ability to extend its functionality using extensions (mmm sorry I mean add-ons now) and one the most powerful ones is called Greasemonkey. It allows the users to write or install some special javascript scripts (user scripts) that basically modify the appareance and behaviour of a web page. It is really cool because you can alter any page you want to in the way you want to. Do you want to block the pop ups? Do you want to rewrite the hyperlinks avoiding the redirections? Do you want to combine multiple services in one? Then GM is the solution. There are plenty of userscripts available on the web that you can use directly or tweak to adapt them to your needs. Ok, it sounds really nice, but you might be thinking, what do I need to use Greasemonkey; Well here is the checklist:
1. Firefox Browser (http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/)
2. Greasemonkey Add-on (https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/748)
3. User Scripts: (http://userscripts.org/)
That is the basic stuff you need to began using userscripts and alter the webpages. But now if you really want to have fun (an you are a geek of course) then you migh want to read a very nice tutorial about writing user scripts:
4. Dive into Greasemonkey (http://diveintogreasemonkey.org/)
I have used GM to test improvements in user interfaces, to add customization to the tools I use at work and in general by modify any webpage I want to. I recommend you o give it a try.
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