Extensions & Plug-in
The critics of the Firefox web browser have long held that Firefox extensions actually put the users of the web browser at high risk. The logic underlying their arguments is such that since there is no obligation for the extension developer to communicate with the surfers of the web, there always is the possibility that a high risk threat can be introduced in the form of an extension to the Firefox web browser.
Further, the critics were not comfortable with the fact that Firefox extensions are made for free. According to them, this meant that there was no accountability whatsoever. Even if the surfer lost his or her entire web browsing history due to a bug in the Firefox extension, the individual had no remedy against the extension maker.
Well, instances of such events have been extremely rare. In fact, no Firefox extension has ever caused permanent damage to any computer. At the worst, the extension caused the web browser to crash and prevented it from responding to its instructions. In such situations all that the surfer has to do is start the web browser in the safe mode and uninstall or disable the errant Firefox extension. Once this is done, the surfer will find that the Firefox web browser is back to normal and works without any hitch whatsoever.
As far as accountability is concerned, the bonds of trust and loyalty that exist between the members of the Firefox community are very strong ones. The members are aware that they form the bulwark against the dark days of the old when surfers had to make do with whatever the Internet Explorer offered. Hence, the chances of somebody coming up with malicious Firefox extension are very remote. Even if one does come up with such a Firefox extension and if one makes it available on the web, the chances of this extension becoming popular are very remote. Just one download is enough for the entire web to find out the extension is not useful.
The latest solution implemented to make Firefox and Firefox extensions safer is the idea of permitting surfers to make payment to makers of Firefox extensions. From now on, developers of Firefox extensions can add a 'contribute' option by which they can pay money to the developers through their Paypal account. This will convert the act of developing Firefox extensions into a business. The makers of Firefox extensions now have more motivation, to come up with better and better extensions for the surfers of the web.
Now, we will see a surfeit of useful Firefox extensions related to various aspects of web browsing. Further, the developers of the Firefox web browser reserve the option of sharing the revenue generated by the Firefox extensions. This will make it easier for Mozilla Firefox to generate more revenue.
Of course, nobody is talking about selling the Firefox extension. Each and every contribution received by the developers of the Firefox extension shall be voluntary. Nobody is going to force the surfers to pay for the extension. The extension remains free. If you feel that you ought to reward the developers of the extension by paying them a specific amount from your side, you can opt to do so.
On the whole, the idea of allowing contributions for the Firefox extension is a sensible step forward. This will also increase accountability and quality of extensions. No longer will you have to wait for the developer of the Firefox extension to come up with an upgrade at his or her sweet will. You can use the promise of making a contribution to enjoy the services of the developer as and when you want.
Tags: Firefox Help
