Enhance Internet Explorer 9 with Add-Ons
Extending Internet Explorer 9 Functionality with Add-ons
For users who continue to utilize Internet Explorer (IE), it's worth noting that its capabilities can be broadened through the use of add-ons, much like in browsers such as Firefox or Chrome.
While the selection of add-ons for Internet Explorer isn't as extensive as those available for its competitors, the official Internet Explorer Gallery offers a range of options worth exploring. This article details the process of installing add-ons within Internet Explorer 9.
Activating the Command Bar
First, ensure the Command bar is activated, if it isn't already visible. To do this, right-click on any empty space within the tab bar and select "Command bar" from the context menu that appears.
Next, click the "Tools" button located on the Command bar. From the dropdown menu, navigate to "Toolbars" and then select "Manage add-ons."
Locating Add-ons in the Gallery
Within the "Manage Add-ons" dialog box, click the link labeled "Find more toolbars and extensions" situated in the bottom left corner.
This action will open the Internet Explorer Gallery in your default browser. From there, click the "Add-ons" link at the top of the page.
If you have a specific category in mind for the add-on you're seeking, select it from the list on the left-hand side. Alternatively, choosing "all" will display all currently available add-ons.
Installing an Add-on
Select the add-on you wish to install by clicking its image. For this example, we've chosen the "Webpage Screenshots" add-on.
On the add-on's webpage, click the "Add to Internet Explorer" button to begin the installation process.
You will be given the option to save the .zip file to your computer or open it directly. We opted to open the .zip file directly from the site.
The file will then be downloaded to a temporary location on your system.
Completing the Installation
Once the download is complete, a Windows Explorer window will appear, displaying the contents of the .zip file. Double-click the .exe file to initiate the installation.
If prompted by the User Account Control dialog box, click "Yes" to proceed. Note that this dialog box may not appear depending on your User Account Control settings.
The "Select components to install" screen will appear. The "Create Shortcuts" checkbox is selected by default. Uncheck it if you do not want shortcuts created. Click "Next."
You can choose a different installation folder using the "Browse" button if desired. However, we recommend using the default destination folder. Click "Install."
A progress bar will indicate the status of the installation.
Once the installation is finished, click "Close."
Final Steps and Considerations
A restart of Internet Explorer is required to finalize the installation. Click "OK" to dismiss the dialog box. Remember that Internet Explorer will not restart automatically; you must manually close and reopen the browser.
A message will appear at the bottom of the Internet Explorer window, prompting you to enable the newly installed add-on. Click "Enable."
Depending on the add-on, a dedicated toolbar may be added to Internet Explorer, providing access to its features. In our example, we took a screenshot of the browser window and saved the image.
A dialog box will appear, allowing you to choose a save location and filename for the image.
After saving the file, you may be given the option to open the folder where it was saved.
Keep in mind that each installed add-on consumes system resources during Internet Explorer's loading process. Therefore, it's advisable to limit the number of add-ons you install to maintain optimal performance and stability. An excessive number of add-ons can lead to instability and potential crashes.