Search jclark.org via Firefox Search Bar
This will likely be of use to nobody but me, but then, it’s my site. Since I’ve been too lazy to implement a site search feature (even a lazy “search this site via Google” type gadget), several months ago I created a Firefox search plugin to search Google for just my site. If you don’t know what I’m talking about (and you’re using Firefox), look at the Google search box next to the address bar. If you click the “G” icon, you can select other places to search. You can also install other engines. There are hundreds available- I use the Dictionary.com engine all the time. The one I made searches Google for jclark.org pages (using Google’s site: search directive).
Of course, when I upgraded Firefox versions, it disappeared, and when I use other computers (there are 4 active in my home, plus a couple at work) it’s not available unless I take the files with me. So, I’ve set up an installer script. Click here to install the jclark.org/Google search plugin.
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scary
is that really a link that will automatically install something on my computer if i were using firefox? i don’t use it, so i can’t test it at this point, but does it at least ask? if not, this should be submitted as a sort of bug or security problem…
Not so scary
Yes, it’s a link to install a search plugin, also known as a Sherlock or Mycroft extention. It’s just an XML file and an image file (for the icon). It will work in any Netscape browser 6.0+, Mozilla Browser, or Firefox.
When you click it, you are asked to confirm the action before anything is installed. The install script is basically the same one used by mycroft.mozdev.org, the central repository for search extentions. The confirmation step is enforced by the browser, not the install script.
Having said all that, you’ve been reading my site all this time and you don’t use Firefox yet? Guess it’s time to write another review….