5 Greasemonkey scripts you should be using
Just a week ago (12th June) Greasemonkey Version 0.8 was released to the world and made available at addons.mozilla.org. This latest version brings with it full compatibility with Firefox 3.0. It's a while since I've checked out many Greasemonkey scripts so I thought I'd write a post about what Greasemonkey is and how you can use it with Google. So first...
What is Greasemonkey?
For the uninitiated...from the Greasemonkey blog:
"Greasemonkey is a Firefox extension that allows you to customize the way webpages look and function. Hundreds of scripts are already available for free. And if you're the tinkerer sort, you can also write your own."
How can I use Greasemonkey?
You need to visit addons.mozilla.org, download it, install it, restart Firefox and you're ready to go.
Why do I want it?
Here comes the good part. Coming up are 5 top Greasemonkey scripts that will improve the look, feel and usability of sites all things Google...(All taken from userscripts.org including quotes).
(1) Google Reader: Show Feed Favicons
Not happy that Google Reader shows only the dull RSS icon for your favourite feeds? 1-0 to Greasemonkey...this script brings your favourite icons to Google Reader.
"Automatically decorates the Google Reader subscription list with icons corresponding to the website from which each feed originates. This replicates an effect currently available in other feed-readers such as Bloglines."
(2) Google Account Multi-Login
If you use a shared computer and you get frustrated at having to log back in to your Google account after someone else has used it....or if you just have more than one Google account (or an alias?), then this Greasemonkey script will let you quickly change from one account to the other. Just install the script and at the top right of your screen there will be a drop down box where you can add users. Go here for further instructions and a video.
'Better Gmail' is a combination of lots of useful Greasemonkey scripts for Gmail, made by LifeHacker and is without doubt one of the best extensions you can get. Better Gmail works only with the latest version of Gmail. If for some reason you still love the old one, you'll need Better Gmail 2.
Once you've installed the extension, go to 'Tools' to turn select the 'Better Gmail' option and enable it. There are so many features, and you can read more about them here, but some of my favourites include showing how many unread emails on the tab in Firefox so you can see at glance how many are unread; highlighting emails as you roll over them; hide your spam count; hide labels on your sidebar and the ability to use different skins.
This script adds a 'preview' button to Google Reader posts that allows you to view the real article (as it looks on the website) in Google Reader. That means you can view comments without leaving Google Reader.
(5) Google Adsense Ads Remover
"Removes Google AdSense from all web pages. It also removes toolbar ad and desktop search ad too."
This script seems to work really well. It has been reported not to work on some sites...but some is better than none!
I hope that shows you the value of Greasemonkey and how powerful it can be - it can make your Google browsing experience far better. If you liked this post please digg it, share it or comment - especially if you know any better scripts?
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