What's in your Add-ons?

Morrigoon · 03-27-2009, 01:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pirate Bill

FoxyProxy: Lets you switch to a proxy on the fly without making changes in Windows networking. (Only Firefox will be using the proxy.) Supports SOCKS proxy (v4/4a & v5), if you know what that means and/or need it. You have to set it up for whatever proxy server you want to use. It doesn't come preconfigured.

My work blocks sites by DNS (using OpenDNS), but it blocks by category. (i.e. Photobucket gets blocked because it's File storage, Photo sharing) To get around such annoyances I use SSH to tunnel to my home router and FoxyProxy to use that tunnel for routing all Firefox traffic. I can turn it off and on only when needed. (Home bandwidth is slower so I don't want to use it all the time. Also, don't want to set off any alarms at IT.)

I also use this method on laptops when using unsecured wifi hotspots to keep people from sniffing my traffic. SSH is encrypted. Any sniffer just gets garbage.

Okay, something of a proxy n00b here. I know what proxies are, and how they can be useful for getting around firewalls etc., but I've never set one up myself. Is it difficult? Easy? Do I need to have a computer on 24/7 or, once set up, will my router somehow handle it? I'm guessing I'd need to be running a proper server or something?

I would seriously like to learn more about this stuff. Not because I have any specific need for it, but because it's something I've been aware of for a long time, yet still haven't learned about in detail.

Pirate Bill · 03-27-2009, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Morrigoon

I would seriously like to learn more about this stuff. Not because I have any specific need for it, but because it's something I've been aware of for a long time, yet still haven't learned about in detail.

There are a variety of ways to proxy. How you do it depends on why you want a proxy, if you want to host the proxy yourself, or if you want to use a free (or even pay) proxy solution already out there.

For my own proxy I'm just using my router. I did upgrade the firmware to DD-WRT which gave it more functionality (I can use private key authentication instead of password for better security, dynamic DNS so I can always find it if the IP address changes, etc.) It's been a while since I actually set it up so some of the details are fuzzy, but I plan on documenting it soon in case I need to do it again. I'll post my method (which is one of dozens of ways to do it) at that time.

A popular option is TOR, and there's even a Firefox extension for that. Your traffic isn't encrypted though, so not ideal for security, just anonymity. Also, not sure if it proxies DNS requests (for bypassing DNS filters).

Moonliner · 03-27-2009, 01:38 PM

No RSS Add-ons?

Pirate Bill · 03-27-2009, 01:50 PM

The only RSS feeds I'm interested in are podcasts (I use iTunes) and blogs (I use Google Reader).

Ghoulish Delight · 03-27-2009, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moonliner

No RSS Add-ons?

I use the internet to waste time, why would I want something that takes away a primary time waster, namely going back and forth between different web pages?

Moonliner · 03-27-2009, 01:56 PM

Luddites.

Deebs · 03-27-2009, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moonliner

Luddites.

I totally own this. I'm okay with it, and actually a teeny bit proud of it. I think I will choose to retain my no add-on status.

Moonliner · 03-31-2009, 07:47 AM

OK, after a few days use I'm digging on FF. The Adblock plus does a good job. I have Foxy installed but haven't had the chance to use it yet.

Now I'm wondering if I could get away with upgrading my various users to the new version of Internet Explorer called "FireFox".

Stan4dSteph · 03-31-2009, 07:44 AM

Just found out about this today: you can add skins to your Firefox browser. Go to www.getpersonas.com and install the add-on, then pick your skin! There's a cool looking Yosemite one. I picked LIVESTRONG - Determination.

Morrigoon · 03-31-2009, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stan4dSteph

Just found out about this today: you can add skins to your Firefox browser. Go to www.getpersonas.com and install the add-on, then pick your skin! There's a cool looking Yosemite one. I picked LIVESTRONG - Determination.

Oooh, I really like the fireflies one!

03-27-2009, 01:38 PM	#3
Moonliner 8/30/14 - Disneyland -10k or Bust. Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 9,022	No RSS Add-ons? __________________ - Taking it one step at a time.
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03-27-2009, 01:50 PM	#4
Pirate Bill Quality since 1973 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Right here Posts: 473	The only RSS feeds I'm interested in are podcasts (I use iTunes) and blogs (I use Google Reader).
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03-27-2009, 01:56 PM	#6
Moonliner 8/30/14 - Disneyland -10k or Bust. Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 9,022	Luddites. __________________ - Taking it one step at a time.
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03-31-2009, 07:47 AM	#8
Moonliner 8/30/14 - Disneyland -10k or Bust. Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 9,022	OK, after a few days use I'm digging on FF. The Adblock plus does a good job. I have Foxy installed but haven't had the chance to use it yet. Now I'm wondering if I could get away with upgrading my various users to the new version of Internet Explorer called "FireFox". __________________ - Taking it one step at a time.
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03-31-2009, 07:44 AM	#9
Stan4dSteph Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: East Bay Area, CA Posts: 3,156	Just found out about this today: you can add skins to your Firefox browser. Go to www.getpersonas.com and install the add-on, then pick your skin! There's a cool looking Yosemite one. I picked LIVESTRONG - Determination.
	Submit to Quotes