In many ways, Google’s move from their standalone chat service to the integrated communications platform we now know as Hangouts was a step forward for everyone. In the attempt to create a better chat experience, Google added a feature that has made it increasingly difficult to dodge friends and family. We’ve all seen it, the little shaded avatar that shows how much of the conversation the other person has seen, making it seem impossible to ignore messages without letting the other person know.

The read receipt, which was once the bane of email, has crossed over to instant messaging, and we’re fighting back. As it turns out, there are still a few ways you can dodge friends and family on Google Hangouts without them knowing you’ve read what they have sent you.

Hangouts on the PC

We’ll need to break this down by device type, so let’s start out with the easiest version of Hangouts for dodging people. Desktop Hangouts exists in two different standalone locations: using just the browser, you can access Hangouts from Gmail and Google+ independently.

If you’re using Chrome, you can install the Hangouts extension and bind these experiences together in a single UI that resembles a standalone IM client. If you double click on a user in Gmail or Google+, it will open a new chat windows on your desktop. This is an important distinction from the embedded browser version, which reports back to Google Hangouts when you give click either service and rats you out. The standalone design in the Chrome extension has an entirely different behavior set, and can be exploited for our (completely innocent) purposes.

With Hangouts enabled as a Chrome extension, when you get a new message it pops up in a new IM window on your desktop with a color to indicate that it is unread. Like the browser version, at this point you can see the whole message and the end user is not aware that you have read it. You can now also click the top of this window and drag it to another part of the screen, and the user on the other end remains unaware that you’ve seen the message! In this format, it’s not until you click in the actual text area or message area that the user is informed that you have read the message.

Hangouts on Android and iOS

Your smartphone is probably the most important place to know how to dodge coworkers, friends, and family. Maybe you’ve gone off to a mid-morning movie or are performing the delicate balance of ditching work and family at the same time. You need to know if anything important has happened that would cause you to go back to your normal life, but you don’t want anyone else to know that you’re trying to avoid everyone. Almost every Android user is a Google Hangouts user, and iOS users have been able to take advantage of the newly forged service, so with devices in every shape and size it’s important to know what the best way to dodge everyone would be.

Unfortunately, in the Android version of Hangouts there’s no way to see an entire conversation view without revealing on that you’ve seen the message. As soon as you go to the conversation, or if you already have the conversation open, your participation in the conversation has been announced. Instead, you have the ability to catch the first two lines of the message sent to you via the notification tray. If you’re in Hangouts, but not in that conversation, you can see this same preview. What makes the notification tray special is how the information is displayed. The advent of expandable notifications in Android means you actually get more from the conversation at a glance here than you would if you went to the actual app.

If you’re on an iPhone or iPad, the results are similar. The notification shade in iOS 7 will show you the latest message, and the app itself will not report that you have read the message unless you open the conversation. This gives you the ability to see a snippet of the conversation, and in this case significantly less of the conversation than Android, but it’s better than not seeing the message at all or getting caught.

Pro level: Searching through Gmail

So maybe you can’t install the Chrome extension and you need to see the whole message from whoever you are hiding from at the time. Much like Google Talk, Hangouts saves all of your conversations to Gmail with the name of the person you are talking to. The only time this isn’t true is when the Hangout history disabled. Since this is enabled by default, there should be no problems accessing the information.

In your Gmail, search for hangout followed by the first and last name of the person you want to check in on. The chances are good that Google will auto-complete for you, in case you have trouble spelling complicated last names. Once you’ve got the list of conversations in your search results, check the most recent message and scroll all the way down to the bottom. Here you’ll be able to see the whole message without tipping off the sender that you’ve see what has been sent.

For bonus points, you can create a filter in Gmail that treats these entries like they are new emails, so they arrive in your inbox for examination. This is particularly useful if you have one or two people in particular that you need to dodge on a regular basis.

What Does Spam Filter Software Do?

These days one cannot open their email without seeing countless spam messages in their inbox. For the email-recipient, spam is easily recognized. However, the receiver of spam loses countless hours manually deleting the intrusive messages from their inbox. Spam filter software can help mitigate this overwhelming chore. Spam filter software can reduce the amount of junk mail delivered to a user's inbox.

Shockingly, the content of spam email can range from the incomprehensible to the downright obscene. Spam is dangerous to both the computer and its users. Junk mail can contain viruses, keyloggers, phishing attacks and more. These types of malware can comprise a user's sensitive private data by capturing bank account information, usernames and passwords. Spam blocker applications can assist a user in preventing these types of PC contaminations.

Certainly, there are advantages to using a spam blocker. However, no spam filter software is 100% effective. Despite this limitation, spam filter software can assist parents in blocking email that contains pornography and other questionable content.

Clearly, a war is waging inside a user's inbox. The battle to stop spam is an ongoing ever-changing fight. Implementing spam filter software is a good first protective step. Spam filter software can help a user create a solid wall of defense that only lets wanted emails into their inbox.

What to Look for in Spam Filter Software

The best spam filter software is easily customizable by computer users of all levels. The most important feature of any spam filter software is the ability to reliably prevent and block spam. The spam filter software you pick should support multiple email clients and webmail service providers. It is important to choose a spam filter software that meets your needs and fits into the services and applications you use.

Below are the criteria TopTenREVIEWS used to evaluate the best spam filter software:

Blocking/Filtering
Reliably blocking and filtering spam is the most valuable feature of any spam filter software. The spam filter software should come equipped with multiple capabilities that prevent junk mail from contaminating the user's inbox. The best spam filtering software has both black and white lists, sensitivity settings, community-based filtering, challenge and response techniques, and quarantine settings. Additional features to evaluate are blocking by IP address, server, email address, and country code.

Protection
Spam blocker apps should have the capability of protecting multiple user accounts with a single installation. Moreover, the spam blocker must protect the user from email that contains worms, viruses, Trojans, attachments with embedded keyloggers and other malware. Additionally, robust spam filter software can identify HTML email that contains phishing attacks designed to garner a user's sensitive personal information.

Rules
The spam filter software should give the user the ability to edit predefined rule settings as well as the creation of new rules. The best spam filter software can adapt to meet the needs of the user, not the other way around.

Compatibility
When selecting a spam blocker, one needs to evaluate if the spam filtering software they select is compatible with their current email client or webmail service provider. Common supported email clients include Thunderbird, Outlook, Outlook Express and other POP3/SMPT applications. The spam filtering software should also support several webmail service providers like Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail and others.

It is unfortunate that spam and junk email is cluttering up everyone's email inbox. Spam filter software can assist a user in managing these unwanted solicitations. With a spam blocker in place, users can spend more time reading valid email instead of wasting time manually filtering unwanted email messages.

Review of Car Alarm System

We all recognize the sound of a car alarm. It is not uncommon to hear the loud sirens blaring in the middle of the night. Most of us ignore the sound and keep sleeping; the sound has almost become the soundtrack of the city. This is why it is so important that the car alarms of the 21st century do more than simply blast a siren into the night air.

Many car alarms, such as the Viper, Python and Avital models, are a complete car security system. They are comprehensive alarms that will sound when there is any disturbance to your vehicle. After the alarm sounds, a detailed message is sent to your remote to alert you of the condition of your car. And rather than simply having a siren, these car alarms have a feature called a starter-kill. This will allow you to stop your car’s engine from running and effectively prevent any attempts to steal your vehicle.

Auto vehicle security systems have sensors throughout the car. Whether the door is opened, a window is broken or even if someone attempts to jack to car to take the tires, the alarm will sound and you will be alerted immediately. The remotes have detailed messages and displays that show exactly what is happening to your car.

Car Alarms: What to Look For

With so many different aftermarket alarms available, we looked at all the best manufacturers, feature sets and designs. We also compare car alarm systems: how they performed and the range of the remotes. We graded all the car security systems on the following criteria:

• Features

In this section we look at all the different options that are included with the car alarms. We look for features like keyless entry, trunk release and starter-kill options. The remote start option is one of the most useful functions.The car alarm remote can start your car from hundreds of feet away. The air conditioner or heater will turn on and help make the car more comfortable when it is extremely hot or cold outside. The engine will run for a predetermined amount of time before shutting off and, unless a key is inserted into the ignition, the car cannot be put into gear without the engine turning off.

• Performance

In this section we review how well each car security system feature works. We look at the advertized and actual ranges of the remotes. We also review how easy it is to use the remote and perform all the different functions.

• Help & Support

In this section we test and review all the customer support options offered by the manufacturers. We list all the different avenues for obtaining support and we report on the car alarm warranties. This is also where we discuss how easy it is to install and the usefulness of the user manuals included with the products.

How to Tease the Best Photos Out of Your Android Phone

If you've been disappointed with some of the results that you've been achieving with your smartphone camera, there are ways to get great results. Compensate using apps -- and tricks within the apps. For example: Don't use free "come-on" apps available in Google's Play store without checking if their specifications restrict the resolution or quality. 

Let look at some of the tweaks you can make to squeeze out the best shots. 

• Step 1: Build an Arsenal of Apps

For an investment of a few dollars, you can up your game. I recommend Androidslide's paid Camera Zoom FX, available in the Google Play store, as a sharp, high-quality camera app with multiple manual settings comparable to those of a dedicated digital camera; Weavr's paid Vignette for its post-processing filters; and Spritefish's paid Fast Burst Camera for shooting kids and for sports. 

Tip: In general, don't use free "come-on" apps available in Google's Play store without checking if their specifications restrict the resolution or quality. You get what you pay for with camera apps. 

• Step 2: Pay Attention to Quality

Look for a JPEG quality setting within any app you're using and ensure that it's set to 100 percent. This setting is related to compression of file size and dates back to the days of limited memory; more compression equates to a smaller file size.

Today's phones have enough memory that you don't have to worry about file size. A 100 percent quality setting means that there's no enforced compression that produces unclear images.

Find the Settings menu in your camera app and choose All Settings or similar. Then choose the Save settings and look for JPEG quality. Select 100 percent. Adjectives like Superfine are sometimes used to represent 100 percent quality.

Tip: Use the largest picture resolution setting available too. File size will be larger, but you'll be able to crop images later and retain overall document size.

• Step 3: Use the White Balance Setting

Many camera apps, including Camera Zoom FX, allow you to adjust white balance. White balance is a form of compensation that is used to create natural colors.

Auto white balance is prone to error and is the reason you'll sometimes see a blue or purple tint in the picture on a gray day.

Change the white balance setting from Auto to Cloudy.

Find the Settings menu and look for a White Balance option.

• Step 4: Use Scene Mode in Bright Environments

Scene Mode is that set of options where you can choose Beach, Snow, Fireworks and so on. Beaches and snow are the two scenarios that best take advantage of these settings, and using them will compensate for a scene's brightness that underexposes the shot and creates a muted, subdued photograph.

• Step 5: Use Tilt Shift for Real Estate and Architecture

Sometimes buildings look like they are falling backwards if you take the picture from ground level. It's due to a quirk in the convergence of parallel lines that causes an incorrect perspective.

Tilt Shift is an effect that you can use to correct for this. Look for it in the Lens Effects section of your app's Filter menu.

• Step 6: Check Your Settings Menus

Finally, it's easy to forget that you've made a settings change that will alter the quality of images in a following session. For example, setting a Macro (short distance) focus to shoot images of plant life is going to mess up landscape (long distance) focus if you forget to reset it back.

If you're taking poor shots, check the settings.

Tip: Apps don't have a factory reset button like you'd get with a dedicated camera, so you need to go through each and every setting rather than performing a general settings reset. Look for Reset Effects buttons too.

Exercise: The key to healthy ageing

None of us can stop the ageing process completely, but we do have the power to slow it down. The best way to achieve this is through a healthy and active lifestyle. Regular exercise becomes more and more important as we age as (without training) women from age 40, and men from age 60 naturally start to lose six to eight percent of their muscle per decade. At this point it really is a case of “use it, or lose it.” It’s important to take the time to exercise. If you don’t exercise your muscles will deteriorate quicker. The right kind of exercise can help prevent many health problems including heart disease, diabetes and osteoarthritis.

How can exercise help me?

• Independence: inactive lifestyles are the main reason seniors lose their independence. Exercise keeps muscles strong making it easier to carry our daily routines, e.g. increases walking speed, ability to climb stairs, and balance, helping to prevent falls.
• Heart disease: exercise reduces the risk of heart disease. It raises the heart rate which prevents hardening of the arteries. Exercise also increases the body’s ability to control blood glucose levels, and therefore reduces the risk of developing diabetes.
• Joint pain: exercise can dramatically improve the symptoms of arthritis. As muscle mass decreases adults, particularly women, are more at risk of osteoarthritis. Exercise helps maintain muscle and bone strength, and increases flexibility.
• Energy: when not exercising you’re more likely to feel tired and sluggish. Exercise is great for the health of the body and brain. Studies also suggest exercise may help prevent the onset of brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s.
• Digestion and immunity: it’s not just your energy levels that feel sluggish when you’re not exercising. Your digestive system can become slow and backed up. Exercise increases blood flow and oxygen around the body. This also helps stimulate the immune system.
• Sleep and stress: research has shown regular exercise reduces stress levels by relieving pent up energy. As a result, it can be easier to sleep at night.
  

What kind of exercise should I do?

Choose exercises that suit your level of fitness and ability. Start off gently; exercise doesn’t need to be high intensity to maintain adequate muscle mass. Most importantly, try something you enjoy. Keep your exercise varied and enjoyable, set realistic targets and stick with it.

“We do not stop exercising because we grow old, we grow old because we stop exercising.” Dr. Kenneth Cooper

If you have not exercised for a long period start off by incorporating activities from your daily routine, such as walking, housework, or gardening. A daily walk (at a quick pace) can work wonders. Without regular movement legs become weaker and stiffer and you will become more unsteady and unbalanced. Stretching exercises such as yoga can be beneficial, but if you have difficulty balancing try some sitting exercises. Stretching or using light weights whilst sitting down will increase blood flow and improve cardiovascular health. For those who are looking for more aerobic activities there are senior sports and fitness classes. Water aerobics is a great choice as it reduces stress on the body’s joints.

However you choose to exercise, build up your routine little by little. If you experience any chest pain or light headedness stop immediately. Your body is letting you know you are doing too much too soon so reduce the aerobic activity levels. If you suffer from a serious health condition speak to your doctor first. They will recommend exercises suited to your condition.

Spotlight on… Glucosamine and Chondroitin

When trying to maintain an active lifestyle it is vital to look after your joints. Glucosamine and chondroitin are two of the best selling joint supplements worldwide. They are taken by adults of all ages either for joint protection, or to repair joints that have become problematic. Both glucosamine and chondroitin are produced naturally within the connective tissues of joints, but as we age their levels reduce significantly leaving our joints more exposed to the dangers of wear and tear. This means that existing cartilage can reduce, exposing bone and causing painful and debilitating conditions such as arthritis.

With a huge fan base, glucosamine and chondroitin can improve the condition of joints, allowing you to keep active. This has positive effects on weight loss and energy levels, improving all aspects of life. It’s never too late to increase your fitness levels.

Important vitamins for the over 60’s

As we age our bodies no longer absorb nutrients from food as efficiently as they once did. There are numerous reasons for this, such as lower metabolic rates, side effects from medication, and reduced physical activity levels. Weight gain is also common and can lead to further health problems. As a result our nutritional requirements change as we reach our 60′s. A healthy and well balanced diet is still essential, but certain nutrients become even more important than others.

Calcium and vitamin D – calcium is required to build strong bones and healthy teeth, and vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium into the body. Calcium is absorbed into the blood; however, if your blood is deficient in calcium then your body will also start to take calcium from your bones leaving them brittle and weak. This can lead to serious health problems such as osteoarthritis and increases the risk of fractures. It is vital to maintain healthy calcium and vitamin D levels to ensure this does not happen. As we age we require higher quantities of these two essential nutrients so calcium and vitamin D supplementation becomes particularly important.

Vitamin B12 – is responsible for the production of healthy red blood cells, DNA, nerve cells and the transportation of oxygen around the body. Numerous studies have found vitamin B12 supplementation aids cognitive function in adults aged 60 and over. These studies also showed that vitamin B12 can boost energy levels by breaking down food and turning it into energy. In addition, vitamin B12 helps your body absorb and utilise iron, and so is particularly important for women. Deficiencies in vitamin B12 have been linked to muscle weakness, reduced mental function and dementia.

Essential fatty acids – offer many health benefits and are a great supplement for general health, including cardiovascular health, brain functioning and the prevention of numerous chronic diseases. If you do not consume the recommended two portions of fish a week then it is likely you are not getting enough essential fatty acids in your diet. The most popular sources of essential fatty acids are Omega 3 fish oil and Cod Liver Oil. Alternatively, Flaxseed Oil is often favoured by those who do not wish to take fish based supplements.

Co Enzyme Q10 – an antioxidant that has been found to aid cardiovascular health, regulate blood pressure and maintain healthy cholesterol levels. It has also been suggested that Co Enzyme Q10 increases energy levels by converting nutrients from food into energy. The body’s natural levels of Co Enzyme Q10 deplete as we age. In addition, the use of statins block the body’s natural production Co Enzyme Q10 becomes increasingly important.

Vitamins A, C and E – all three are powerful antioxidants that help the body fight against damage from dangerous free radicals. These free radicals weaken the immune system and lead to the development of numerous health conditions and diseases. Vitamins A, C and E strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of infection. They also help maintain healthy gums, cognitive function, and prevent damage to collagen (vital to the condition and maintenance of skin) and so offer healing and anti-aging benefits. To further enhance their antioxidant properties,vitamins A, C and E are often taken in combination with Selenium.

Lutein – is a carotenoid pigment found naturally in the human eye, which helps to protect against cataracts and macular degeneration. However, as we age the natural production of Lutein decreases leaving our eyes exposed to age related degeneration. Studies suggest that supplementation with Lutein can top up the levels of Lutein found naturally in the eye and may help to support the maintenance of normal eye function and promote healthy eyes.

Vitamin D deficiency: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Vitamin D helps the body use calcium and phosphorous. It is therefore essential for the growth of strong bones and healthy muscle. Vitamin D can also support the immune system. Vitamin D is made by the body when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from sunlight. Most foods contain very little vitamin D, so without regular exposure to sunlight, the body will not produce adequate levels of vitamin D.

Vitamin D has been the centre of significant media attention in recent months, with the re-emergence of rickets in areas of the Africa. As there are not always obvious symptoms, a vitamin D deficiency can often go unnoticed. Vitamin D supplements are popular for people of all ages, especially during the colder months when there is limited exposure to natural sunlight.

Who is at risk of a vitamin D deficiency?

A vitamin D deficiency can pose various health risks. Commonly, it can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease or cognitive impairment, and may contribute to type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or multiple sclerosis. A severe deficiency can cause serious conditions such as rickets (in children) and osteomalacia (in adults). There are certain groups of people who are more at risk of a vitamin D deficiency, including:

• Limited exposure to sunlight – in countries like the UK ensuring your body receives adequate exposure to natural sunlight can be hard at certain times of year. A deficiency commonly affects those who spend less time outdoors.
• Dark skin – dark skin contains higher levels of melanin, which acts as a natural sunscreen. This slows down the body’s production of vitamin D in response to sunlight.
• Pregnancy – pregnant women are advised to take a vitamin D supplement daily for the duration of the pregnancy. Vitamin D supports the healthy growth and development of the foetus.
• Young children – many infant formulas are fortified with healthy levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential during periods of growth to build strong bones and muscles.
• Adults over the age of 65 – over time the body’s production of vitamin D reduces. This may be related to the fact that often, participation in outdoor activities also decreases with age.
• Restricted diets – weight loss diets or restricted diets can cause a prolonged lack of vitamin D in the diet. However, with careful consideration and planning these diets can meet nutritional requirements.
• Overweight – vitamin D is removed from the blood by fat cells. Being overweight can result in too much vitamin D being removed from the blood.

Are there any symptoms?

A vitamin D deficiency does not always cause any symptoms. Often, the first sign can be a bone break or fracture. Other people may experience tiredness or general aches and pains.

In children, a vitamin D deficiency can lead to soft bones and poor growth (in particular height). This can also cause curves to form in the legs (bow-legged) and late teething. More severe cases may result in muscle pains, spasms or breathing difficulties.

How can I treat a vitamin D deficiency?

Although everyone needs vitamin D on a daily basis, if you are in one of the ‘at risk’ groups you may require higher levels. If you suspect you have low vitamin D levels ask your GP to take a blood test for vitamin D.

Try to get outdoors as much as possible. However, it is important to exercise caution as prolonged exposure to sunlight can be damaging for skin. It is possible to replenish vitamin D stores through diet and supplementation. The levels required will depend on age and the severity of the deficiency. Small amounts of vitamin D can be found in certain foods and drinks, such as milk, egg yolk, and liver.

Vitamin D supplements are popular in the UK, especially during the winter months.Cod liver oil supplements are also a good source of vitamin D, and offer the added benefits of vitamin A and the essential fatty acids EPA and DHA.

Preventing osteoporosis and protecting bones

Osteoporosis symptoms often lie hidden and undetected until a sufferer fractures a bone.

Making certain lifestyle changes can help to reduce osteoporosis risk, while some nutritional supplements may also help to prevent it.

Every 20th October is World Osteoporosis Day, an annual event that aims to raise awareness of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis and other bone conditions.

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become less dense, meaning that they weaken and are more susceptible to fracture and breakage. The most common fractures are in the hips, wrist, spine, or arms.

Risk factors

Certain factors may make you more likely to suffer from osteoporosis:

• Age – as we grow older, bone density decreases. Those over the age of 40 are more likely to suffer.
• Menopause – Hormonal changes when women go through the menopause mean lower levels of oestrogen, which is essential for healthy bones.
• Family history – Osteoporosis can be a genetic condition that is passed down between generations.
• Illness – Some conditions such as thyroid diseases can affect hormone levels and decrease bone density.
• Gender – Women lose bone material more rapidly than men. In the UK more than 2 million women are thought to have osteoporosis.

Bone health basics

Our bones continually repair and reconstruct themselves through a process called bone turnover. Following a healthy lifestyle can help to ensure that this process runs as smoothly as possible.

However, as we age bone turnover becomes imbalanced, and the process of bone construction naturally slows, meaning that we are more at risk of the symptoms of osteoporosis.

Bone loss factors

As well as natural causes, certain lifestyle habits can prove to be risk factors for osteoporosis by accelerating the loss of bone density:

• Smoking – The toxins in cigarette smoke prevent bone construction cells from working effectively.
• Drinking – Excess alcohol intake can damage the skeleton and put you at higher risk of breaking a bone.
  

Dietary guide

Eating a healthy diet is key to preventing osteoporosis. Try to eat plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables, and whole grains to provide the essential nutrients for bone health. Some dairy foods should also be present in the diet as they provide calcium.

Certain products should form only a very small part of your diet:

• Salt – Taking too much salt can cause harm to the bones, because it weakens them by causing calcium loss. Don’t exceed the recommended daily allowance of 6g of salt.
• Caffeine – Similarly to salt, drinking too much caffeine can also cause calcium to be drawn away from the bones.
• Soft drinks – Many soft drinks contain phosphoric acid, which can reduce bone strength by increasing the passing of calcium from the body through urination.

 Supplements for stronger bones

• Calcium & vitamin D – Calcium is required to build strong bones.  As people age they require higher quantities of calcium, meaning supplementation becomes important. Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium into the body.
• Magnesium – Around 50% of the magnesium in the body is found in the bones. Magnesium works in the bones by converting vitamin D into the active form, which helps to absorb calcium and maintain and strengthen the bone structure.

Exercise is key

Exercise is an effective form of prevention from osteoporosis.

In particular, weight bearing activities (those where you support your own body weight) are beneficial. Weight bearing exercise includes running, jogging, aerobics, and racquet sports.

They help by strengthening the muscles, ligaments and joints that support the body’s bone structure, so it is important not to ignore the importance of exercise when it comes to preventing osteoporosis symptoms.

5 Best Firefox Tools for Shopping Online

Among the many benefits of shopping online are an array of tools available to help make sure you always get the best price, whether you're buying on Amazon, eBay or another site. Firefox's add-ons library has a number of good choices for use within the desktop browser. Some of our favorites in this category: Amazon Price Tracker, Coupons at Checkout and eBay Sidebar for Firefox.

Price-matching, product reviews, historical pricing data and automating the coupon process are all superb uses for apps in the desktop browser environment.

This are free apps that complement online shopping.

About the Platform: Click on the Add-ons link within Tools on the Menu bar in Firefox. Then use the Search text box to look for the add-on or browse for the link and choose it. Click the add-on, let it install and then restart Firefox if you are prompted.

Note that add-ons can be called "extensions" when they have been installed.

No. 1: Amazon Price Tracker

Amazon Price Tracker has 5 stars out of 5 from six user reviews in Firefox's add-ons library. The add-on has a total of 8,646 users.

You may have noticed that Amazon pricing is always changing. This app will notify you of price drops for products you're watching.

A graphical overview of recent price drops, price history charts and wish-list imports makes it a must-have to spot trends for any Amazon or Amazon Marketplace power user.

No. 2: Coupons at Checkout

Coupons at Checkout has 5 stars out of 5 from eight user reviews in Firefox's add-ons library. The add-on has a total of 10,992 users.

Just shop normally online at major sites like Macy's. Then, when you get to the checkout summary page, look for the Promo Code text box. An unintrusive red border, created by this app, indicates that coupons are available.

Place your cursor within the text box and the coupons appear in a drop-down selection, along with the likelihood of acceptance and date. eBay Sidebar for Firefox.

No. 3: eBay Sidebar for Firefox

eBay's Sidebar has 3 stars out of 5 from 185 user reviews in Firefox's add-ons library. The add-on has a total of 80,281 users.

This add-on from eBay lets you keep watched or buying and selling items in your browser field of view. The extension creates a narrow panel on the left side of the browser where your items display. Tabs are also available for saved searches and sellers.

Options include in-browser alerts for all of the common eBay functions, like Raised Bid and so on.

No. 4: Ciuvo

Ciuvo has 5 stars out of 5 from 90 user reviews in Firefox's add-ons library. The add-on has a total of 54,816 users.

This app scans for low prices while you're viewing a product in your browser. Price-checking toolbars pop-up and are its principal function, but Ciuvo's Web-sourced reviews and product videos can be displayed from the product page too.

Use this app as part of your price-checking arsenal. We've found it to be one of the least intrusive of the price checkers, and it doesn't pop-up a toolbar when it's not aware of a deal.

No. 5: Which? Shopping Toolbar

Which? Shopping Toolbar has 5 stars out of 5 from 25 user reviews in Firefox's add-ons library. The add-on has a total of 705 users.

Which? Magazine is the original consumer advocate. The organization has over 50 years of consumer-rights experience and has built-up a massive pool of reviews relating to consumer products.

his tool-bar app recognizes the product that you're looking at within Firefox and pops-up reviews plus cheaper prices. You can then subscribe to read the reviews.

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10 ways to boost your health

We would all like to discover effective ways to delay the ageing process and to live a long and active life. Studies show that poor lifestyle habits, such as an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise and reduced brain stimulation, can make you look more than a decade older that you actually are. These can also increase the risks of serious health conditions commonly associated with ageing, such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, and mental decline.

Unfortunately, no one can stop the ageing process completely, but with the right care we can slow it down. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits, along with the support of nutritional supplements, can help you to live a longer and more active life.

1) Learn to relax

Small levels of stress can be healthy, but chronic stress over a prolonged period can have many negative effects on the body. Stress has been shown to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, cause digestive complaints and contribute to premature ageing. Stress can also disrupt sleeping patterns, eating habits, and concentration. If you are at risk of increased stress try to put aside time to relax.

Relaxation calms feelings of anxiety and helps your body recover from the rush and stress of day-to-day life. People relax in many different ways; you could try practising relaxation techniques or take part in activities that distract your mind from causes of stress. Research shows that a close network of family and friends can also significantly cut the risk of stress.

2) Sleep

Studies show that those who sleep for less than 6 hours a night are more at risk of serious health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and depression. Evidence suggests that a lack of sleep can also alter the body’s metabolic and hormonal functions, which may accelerate the ageing process. Try to get at least 7 hours sleep each night.

3) Exercise

Being active is a great way to keep the body in peak condition. Regular exercise can help to strengthen the heart, muscles and bones. It can also keep the brain stimulated. New evidence suggests that only 15 minutes exercise every day can help to improve health and increase life expectancy.

4) Cut down on sugar

A diet high in sugar can speed up premature ageing and increase the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Overeating sugary foods is also a leading cause of weight gain. There is now evidence to suggest that cutting down on sugar can increase your life expectancy and reduce the appearance of premature ageing.

5) Keep the brain active

Keeping the brain active as we age is just as important as keeping the body active. There are many tricks you can use to stay sharp and alert. Learning a new skill improves your brain function, at any age. Try daily mental exercises by playing thinking games, cultivating a new hobby, or learning a new language. Laughing is also a good mini-workout for the brain and it helps to lower the levels of stress hormones present in the body.

6) Consider a supplement

The most popular supplement on the market is a complete A-Z multi-vitamin and multi-mineral, and it’s simple to see why. Multivitamin formulas offer an array of nutrients that support general health, including beneficial levels of vitamins A, B, C and D, alongside calcium, magnesium and zinc.

Fish oils are also popular to support general health. Omega 3 fish oils provide the essential fatty acids EPA and DHA, which support a healthy cardiovascular system, brain function, and healthy vision. If you’re looking for any extra support against age-related memory loss, try ginkgo biloba. This popular herb has been found to promote circulation to the extremities and may improve short-term memory.

7) Check your bowels

As we age it becomes even more important to monitor any changes in bowel movements, as we become more at risk of developing certain health conditions related to the bowel. Ensure your diet contains sufficient levels of fibre (found mainly in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes). Fibre can help you to maintain a healthy weight, relieve constipation, and lower your risk of diabetes and heart disease. If you are passing blood, suffering from chronic constipation or diarrhoea, you should consult with your doctor. Most likely, the cause will not be serious and the treatment will involve simple changes to diet and lifestyle habits. However, it is best to get such symptoms professionally checked out.

8) Regularly check for unusual lumps and bumps

As we age a number of lumps and swellings can appear around the body. Occasionally moles can appear or increase in size. It is important to get to know how your body should feel and look, in particular around the breasts and testicles, so that you can easily detect any changes as soon as they appear. Report any changes to your doctor.

9) Watch your diet

“The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but rather will cure and prevent disease with nutrition.” ~ Thomas Edison

A balanced diet is one of the most effective ways to care for your health and can help you to feel better both mentally and physically. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research approximately 40% of cancers are diet related.

Always eat breakfast on a daily basis. Experts suggest that regularly skipping breakfast can increase the risk of becoming obese, developing diabetes or even having a heart attack. Try to avoid foods high in saturated fats, as these can accelerate the ageing process and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. It is also important to stop eating when you feel full; don’t overeat.

10) Swap your drinks

Swapping your regular tea and coffee for a cup of green tea may help to lengthen your life. Green tea retains all the nutrients from the leaves in their natural state. These include the powerful antioxidant EGCG. Numerous studies now show that green tea may help to protect the skin against free-radical damage. Free-radicals damage healthy cells around the body, including collagen and DNA. if you do not like the taste of green tea, it is also available in supplement form.