Flashblock

Web content is becoming a common location not only to gather information, but various activities can now be performed directly through your web browser, such as writing documents, editing pictures, or enjoying multimedia content. However, these require specialized components like Flash, and you might not want it to run automatically, case in which you need extensions like Flashblock.

Since this is an extension for Firefox, the installation entails downloading it from the dedicated Mozilla page and then restarting your browser to activate the extension.

It is worth mentioning that the utility stays hidden all of the times inside the corresponding menu, with no button on the toolbar for quick toggle. It would have been useful to at least receive notifications regarding target content, and whether or not you want to add it to the list of exceptions.

Accessing the set of options lets you manage a set of general settings, where you can choose to block HTML5 videos and Silverlight content as well. You can use Firefox Sync to check whitelist synchronization, if available.

While the add-on enables you to block Macromedia Flash, Shockwave and Authorware content, you should bear in mind that it leaves placeholders on the webpage so that you can download and view the content, if necessary.

Moreover, the options menu comes with another tab that gives you the possibility to create a list of exceptions, just in case there are some websites you really want to allow content to run. Adding sites to the list is as easy as writing down the URL and pressing the Add button.

In the eventuality that you are getting tired of accessing websites that tend to play videos and other content automatically, then Flashblock can help you block the unwanted content without too much hassle.