After a love affair with Firefox that spanned the majority of my [online] life, I realized as I embarked upon this next stage of my life that I was ready for more – much more.
Knot PR runs like a well-oiled machine on Google Apps. It became very clear on my first day that that I couldn’t be the black sheep (er, red fox?) of the family. So, I took the leap and downloaded Chrome.
I liked what I saw.
Excited about the prospect of this new relationship, I went through the steps to get to know my new browser-in-crime better. I assessed my expectations (1. speedy, 2. reliable), spent quality time with it (not hard because hello—we’re together all day!) and looked for new ways to express love on a constant basis.
This led me to the most fun part (to date): I pimped it.
Solid relationships aren’t based on looks alone. However, I’m a firm believer in function and form, of which the following extensions deliver:
Autopen > Allows you to insert multiple html signature options into gmail.
Bit.ly > This friendly yellow face allows you to not just shorten the link, but tweet it – all in the same spot! No more copy and pasting. Efficiency is key.
Google Dictionary > Select text on any website and click the Google Dictionary icon to view the definition of your selection. Bonus: you’ll expand your vocabulary (and save time doing so).
Google Mail Checker > If you’re like me and have a million tabs open (see screenshot below), you’re not always looking at your inbox. This displays the number of unread messages, and clicking the button opens your gmail inbox.
Minimalist Gmail > This is a Chrome extension for gmail. Think of it as an instant facelift, where interface elements are the fine lines and wrinkles removed. (PS Tatiana proclaims her love for this and other gmail tips in For the Love of Gmail)
Sexy Undo Close Tab > A gift from the extension gods. Allows you to open recently (read: accidentally) closed tabs and view history. Peace of mind = priceless.
Bonus! You can sync your bookmarks in Chrome so wherever you are, no matter the computer, they’re always accessible (this needs no further pimping–the convenience speaks for itself).
These are the building blocks to my Chrome. I personally haven’t found any lags in speed since their addition (see above re: expectations 1: speedy). In any relationship, keeping things fresh is key, and extensions enhance the basic Chrome interface and experience.
To pimp your Chrome, these extensions (and more!) are found in Google’s Extension store (if only this was available for boyfriends!).
Note: Chrome and I have been in an exclusive relationship for a month. I’m pleased to report it’s going well and we’re very happy together.
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