One of the most important features of modern browsers is the possibility to extend their default functionality using add-ons to integrate new features that satisfy different browsing needs. Internet Explorer 8 delivers the possibility to extend the default functionality much more than Internet Explorer 7 did with its add-ons. Internet Explorer 8 allows you to use more types of add-ons such as: toolbars, extensions, accelerators, web slices or additional search engines.

In this article I will share with you the best add-ons for Internet Explorer 8 that we could find a few weeks after its launch.

Toolbars and extensions

The first add-on that I recommend is Xmarks, formerly known as Foxmarks. Its main function is to synchronize all your favorites across all your PC's that have the same add-on installed. It can be found here.

The add-on installs itself as a separate application which runs in background every time you start your computer.

After you install it, you have to create an account and use it on every computer that has it installed in order to keep all your favorites synchronized. If you need help setting up the account or you want to learn how to synchronize multiple computers you can find help on Foxmarks/Xmarks Help page.

Accelerators

Send with Gmail/AOL/Hotmail - this accelerator will automatically open a new compose mail window with the text you selected, if you are logged on Gmail/AOL/Hotmail. If you are not logged, it will only open the login webpage of Gmail/AOL/Hotmail. The download links are the following: Send with Gmail, Send with AOL, Send with Hotmail.

Define with Dictionary.com/Google/Urban Dictionary - just select an unknown word and see what it means on Google, Dictionary.com or Urban Dictionary. The download links are the following: Google Define, Dictionary Reference, Define with Urban Dictionary.

Google Translate - select a text, click on this accelerator and a Google Translate page will open in a new tab where you can easily translate the selected text into another language.

Yahoo Local Maps - by using this accelerator, you can select an address and see where it is using Yahoo Maps.

Currency Converter - select a price and this accelerator will convert that price into 8 currencies. Make sure you select a price with a currency symbol otherwise the accelerator will not work.

TIP: Don't forget to choose your default accelerators from the Manage Add-ons panel. You can learn how to do this by reading How To Manage Internet Explorer 8 Add-ons. Even if a category has only one accelerator, Internet Explorer 8 does not make that accelerator the default one. The difference between default accelerators and others, is that they are listed first in the right-click menu, while the others can be reached only if you click on the 'All accelerators'.

Web Slices

Unfortunately the are very few interesting options for the Web Slices feature. The only ones worth mentioning and using are Digg - Top in All Topics and Internet Buzz on Stumbleupon.

Conclusion

As you can see, the list not is very long. However, it will definitely get larger as Internet Explorer 8 gains more popularity. If you go to the Add-ons Gallery, you can easily keep track of the best rated add-ons and install the ones you like most.

If you use other interesting add-ons, don't hesitate to share them with us by leaving a comment.

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