Introducing the NoScript Add-on

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This article teaches you how to prevent malicious scripts (those that exploit security vulnerabilities to steal your data or take over your computer) from running in your Mozilla-based web browser.
How do you know that the Web sites you visit everyday do not have any malicious intention? There are many legit Web sites that offer invaluable information (such as this), but there are also many harmful Web sites that are created with one purpose in mind -- to feed innocent users such as you and I with malicious scripts that run without your knowledge, stealing your data or even secretly take over your computer. Some may trick you into clicking a link; others may come in the form of flawed flash movies, banners, images, that are saved in your computer when you view them on your web browser. Today I am going to introduce a free Firefox add-on known as NoScript, something I personally use and find it to be very effective in combating malicious Web sites. First, we need to install this Firefox add-on.
Step 1:

Visit the Firefox add-ons page, located at https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/.

Step 2:

Enter "NoScript" in the search textbox. There is only one add-on named "NoScript," by Giorgio Maone. It is the top result returned to us.

Step 3:

Click the green "Add to Firefox" button at the right side on the NoScript. A popup confirmation box will appear.

Step 4:

Click on the "Install Now" button at the right side of the popup window. Sometimes you may see a count-down timer before the button is clickable. If that is the case, wait for the timer to finish before clicking.

Step 5:

Restart Firefox after installation. A new tab will appear and it shows the homepage for the NoScript add-on. You may want to read it for more information on how to use the add-on.

Step 6:

Click on the blue "S" at the bottom right corner and allow the current site you are visiting to be trusted. NoScript will run all scripts present in a trusted site and none if a site is not trusted, unless explicitly allowed by you. (The picture taken is from NoScript's webpage.)

Noscript is a handy little add-on that I use on all my Mozilla-based browsers, whether at home or at work. It is updated regularly and easy to use. It remembers your settings, so any Web site you have marked as allowed have all their scripts run by default. Any new sites you visit will have all the scripts blocked by default, so you need to go through the script list (as shown on step six). I highly recommended this for anyone who wants to block all undesirable scripts and surf the net safely.
Required Tools:
A Mozilla-based browser (such as Firefox, Flock, Seamonkey)
Internet Access to Firefox add-on page
Quick Tips:
You will be amazed by the number of scripts that some Web sites have that are allowed to run if you did not have the add-on installed.
Useful Links:
The official NoScript site

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