Download for free in 2018
BROWSER EXTENSIONS 12 HTTPS Everywhere
Most security experts agree that the best way to combat Krack is for manufacturers to release firmware updates that fix the vulnerability in their devices. But while many manufacturers – including Microsoft – have been quick to do this, others are dragging their heels, meaning Krack is likely to cast a shadow that stretches well into 2018. In the meantime, we recommend installing HTTPS Everywhere (for Chrome, Firefox, Opera and Android: www.snipca.com/26393, see screenshot right), which encrypts your connection to web pages – even ones that don’t implement encryption by default – and makes it impossible for hackers to intercept your browsing.
13 Data Saver and Pocket
Chrome has been the world’s most popular browser for many years, but Mozilla’s new Firefox Quantum offers advantages that make it highly tempting. It’s fast, more secure and offers a number of useful new features, such as its built-in Pocket tool that saves web pages for later. But if you want to stick with Chrome in 2018, you can install some extensions that help it match Firefox Quantum’s new super powers. Google’s own Data Saver (www.snipca.com/26394) extension
Install HTTPS Everywhere to encrypt all your browsing
Google’s Data Saver shows you how much data you’re using as you browse the web
speeds up browsing by compressing web-page content before it’s delivered to your PC. It shows in a graph how much data is being used (see screenshot above right), and how much you can save. And Pocket is available for Chrome too – get it from www.snipca.com/26395.
have the right to be ‘forgotten’ online by withdrawing consent or deleting personal data, including browser cookies. Until then, you could install Cookie AutoDelete (Chrome www.snipca.com/26397; Firefox www.snipca.com/ 26398, see screenshot), which automatically deletes unused cookies whenever you close a tab.
14 Cookie AutoDelete
2018 will see the implementation of new data-protection laws (General Data Protection Regulation) that will give UK citizens more control over what happens to personal information collected by tech companies. Under the current proposals, people will
Cookie AutoDelete removes cookies when you close a tab while browsing the web
MAPS, FONTS, THEMES & MORE… 15 Free media codecs from Microsoft
Windows 10 comes with built-in support for dozens of audio and video-file formats. But to play files in unsupported formats you need to install special codec packs or multiformat media players, such as VLC (www. videolan.org). That’s why we’re encouraged by Microsoft’s recent decision to release the Web Media Extensions app in the
Install the Web Media Extensions Windows 10 app to play more audio and video formats
Windows Store (www.snipca.com/26403, see screenshot below left). It adds support for three new media formats (OGG, Vorbis and Theora) to Windows 10. Hopefully, this is a trend that Microsoft will continue in 2018 and beyond, adding support for more media formats via similar free apps.
16 Free maps
The recently updated StreetComplete app (www. snipca.com/26404) not only provides access to all OpenStreetMap (www.openstreetmap.org) maps on your Android phone or tablet, but also lets you add information yourself (see screenshot right). By completing simple ‘quests’ you can fill in incomplete or unfinished data in your local area. The latest version lets you attach photos and comments. All you need is a free OpenStreetMap account.
Add your own information to maps on the app StreetComplete
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