Instantfox does much more than just eliminate the need for the search box.  You can also get results instantly as you type and loads up content on the fly.  There is some memorization needed to remember the quick search key-letters to type on to the address bar to do your searches.

g » for Google Search
i » for Google Images
m » for Google Maps
y » for Youtube
t » for Twitter
w » for Wikipedia
a » for Amazon
e » for eBay
c » for Calculator

Now, while some might see this as a drawback – I actually see this as a useful feature. This means I can use Instantfox when I see fit and it doesn’t totally replace the way Firefox handles the address bar. In everyday use, the Firefox address bar is the same as it always was.  However, if you type in g then a space and then type out a keyword – you are searching Google instantly.  I like that.

Want to learn more about this amazing little add-on for Firefox? Head on over to Instantfox.net.

One more change to come in Firefox 4 is the removal of the RSS icon in the browser’s Awesome Bar (aka the Address Bar).  I am guessing this was done to reduce some of the clutter when it comes to the default look and feel of Firefox 4. The ability that made RSS feed so easy to subscribe to is not gone though.  It has simply been bumped down to being an additional button you can add to the interface.

So how can you add the RSS button into Firefox 4?

1. Right-click on the Navigation Toolbar
2. Choose "Customize…"
3. Locate the RSS button from the selection of icons you can add to the Firefox 4 interface
4. Drag and drop it onto one of the active toolbars

Now, as with most changes – there are a couple of Firefox add-ons that will add the RSS feed back to the Awesome Bar. They are not perfect, but they do the job.

• RSS Icon In Awesombar
• RSS Icon

I wonder if Mozilla is reading some tea leaves that the rest of us do not know about how often people use Firefox’s RSS option? Just remember, you can always subscribe to the Firefox Facts RSS feed anytime, anywhere, at any place!

For years now, I have been highlighting the best Firefox add-ons out there for you all to check out and use, if needed.  However, not often do I go that extra mile to help you replace an add-on that I don’t think is that handy to have.  Amazingly enough, ImTranslator is an add-on that have enjoyed a lot of popularity (3,875,310 downloads to be exact) however I think there is a better solution out there, that doesn’t even need an add-on for Firefox to be used.

One of the reasons I do not like ImTranslator is it looks junky.  It is riddled with advertisements, such I understand is great for when it comes to making money – however, I don’t think they serve a purpose inside of a Firefox add-on. Now, let us move on to what I think you should use instead.

What Replaces ImTranslator?

Just bookmark the Google Translate web site.  I have been using Google Translate for many years to help translate text and it has never let me down.  While the translations are not perfect (no translation tool ever is) it does the closest job, from what I have seen.  To use it, all you have to do is copy and paste the text you wish to translate, select what language it is in, what language you want to translate to, and then hit the button labeled, “Translate”.

By using Google Translate instead of ImTranslator, you not only save clutter from your Firefox add-on installs, but you also gain access to one of the best free translation tools out there today. Using the tools they provide, you can also get a bookmarklet that does a one-click translation of any web site into the language you wish to read.

So, let me know what you think.  Is Google Translate a suitable replacement for ImTranslator or do you think ImTranslator is still a better translating solution?

What if you just want to do a regular Google search? 

There is an easy way to turn your address bar into a Google search box.  You want to type into your address bar about:config.  Next, type into the filter keyword.URL. Once you have found it there, modify the string in there and replace it with:

http://www.google.com/search?btnG=Google+Search&q=

From now on, when you type in a word or phrase into the address bar and hit enter, it will launch a Google search for it rather than giving you Google’s top result for that word or phrase.

It this entices your cultural taste buds, then you might want to add the Add-Art extension to your own Firefox install.  Add-Art replaces advertising images on web pages with contemporary art from a curated database.  It is also worth making note of  that the install is bundled with the AdBlockPlus extension.

Worried about seeing the same art too many time?  The galleries are updated every two weeks and feature contemporary artists and curators.  You can pickup the addon on Mozilla’s site or their official site, Add-Art.org.

Now this is a customization tool that is easy to use and fun as well. If you are feeling like the old Google logo just is not doing it for you, all you need to do is right click on the image, select “My Image Here” and then “Load My Image Here”. No rocket science needed.

+ Download and Install the My Image Here Extension for Firefox!