If you have used any of the web browsers available today, you will find that a good browser backup tool is necessary to backup all the bookmarks, settings, plugins, and the various personalization done to the browser.

Backups are necessary to ensure that you won’t have to go through the lengthy process of reinstating the browsers settings and customizations in case of any system error that requires OS reinstallation. These backups also enables you to re-use the same browser settings and configurations on other computers system with a few clicks.

Personally I use Firefox and Chrome browsers the most, and I found the following free tools the best there is in performing the backup tasks:-

For Firefox/Flock

1. Mozbackup

MozBackup provides backup and restoration of your Firefox/Flock profiles (yes, even multiple profiles) which includes bookmarks, contacts, history, extensions, saved passwords, certificates, add-ons and etc. The main features are:

• Supports other Mozilla-based application such as Thunderbird, Songbird, Netscape and even portable applications, such as a portable Firefox (which I use for testing purposes). You can find the list of supported platforms and applications on the software main page.
• Password protect feature for your profile backup file (single .pcv file)
• Comes in installable program or portable version which can be used in USB drive.
• Ability to schedule automatic profile backup using Task Scheduler, see instruction here.

Download Install version | Portable version

2. FEBE Firefox plugin

Another great tool which I must mention is the FEBE (Firefox Environment Backup Extension) which is an add-on plugin for Firefox browser. Once installed, the plugin can be used to backup extensions, themes, bookmarks, preferences, passwords, cookies and profiles.

Main features includes:

• Once click easy backup from the toolbar
• Backup scheduling on daily, weekly, or monthly basis with reminder
• Ability to backup other folders apart form Firefox folder
• Backup your favorite plug-ins into a single .xpi file which can be used for installation
• Time-stamped backup folders which can be easily managed
• Ability to upload to Box.net account if you have one

Download the Firefox add-on.

For Chrome

The aptly named Google Chrome Backup tool is a single .exe file (<1MB) and features the ability to backup and restore the entire user data profile in Chrome/Chromium browser.

Some notable features:

• Quick wizard backup features in less than 4 clicks.
• Multiple profile backup and management
• Password protect backup file
• Backup compression rate selection
• Tray icon for fast access

There is an unlock feature (costs USD4.60) which adds some additional bonus features, but in my opinion the current version is really good enough.

Download Google Chrome Backup

For Internet Explorer 8

Backrex Internet Explorer Backup is a backup and restore tool which backup favorites, history, proxy settings, fonts, dialup accounts, autocomplete passwords and cookies. It requires installation and supports IE6, IE7 and IE8 versions. The main features include simple to use wizard backup interface, scheduling capability and even saves auto complete passwords.

Download the Backrex Internet Explorer Backup setup program.

For Opera

The free tool, OperaFly, for backing up Opera browsers profile is very customizable with plenty of features which includes:

• Supports the new Opera 10
• Highly customizable with item selection to be backup
• Extensive backup scheduling options
• Ability to restore profiles from Gmail, FTP or HTTP

I found that the program does have plenty features but it would help a lot if there was some wizard to simplify the backup and restore process. There are still some known issues which you can read in the author’s website.

Download installer version | portable version.

For All Browsers – FavBackup

If you prefer a single program to backup all your browsers (IE, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Opera, then FavBackup tool will be suitable as no-fuss browser backup program. FavBackup is a straightforward program with the common options to backup and restore, backup folder path selection (remember to create a separate folder for your different browsers) and the option to select what to backup.

The program is a standalone program and is easy to use.

Download the FavBackup program.

There you have it, the browser backup tools which I found to be extremely useful. What do you use?

Related posts:

1. Portable Chrome, Firefox 3.1, Opera, Safari and IE8
2. PStart: Portable Apps Launcher [Recommended]

This small application add-on enables the drop down menu from the Office 2003 to be “added” into the current Office 2007 ribbon type menu, enabling me to use the back the Office 2003 menu style which I was more accustomed to.

The nice bit here is that the add-on is merely that, it only adds a “menu” tab within the ribbon menu, so you can still use the new ribbon menu style whenever you like.

The add-on works on Word, Excel and Powerpoint, only 360KB in size and does not add significant memory usage at all. Oh, and its free (for non-commercial use).

Download .exe format | .zip format

Related posts:

1. PStart: Portable Apps Launcher [Recommended]

Games Giveaway Of The Day

As the name suggests, both the sites offers provides licensed software and games as free downloads daily. Each software/game of the day comes with a time ticker (24 hours) where you have to download and activate the application before the end of each day (in US hours).

What I like is that the software/games offered is presented with full functionality and without any limitations (according to the software’s own T & C). You do not have to worry about virus/adwares/spywares as the site authors ensures the programs are free from these threats.

There is usually some review on the software/games for the day, and you can also read the comments from the users before downloading them to try. I suggests to add both the websites to your RSS feeds so that you can easily see the new software/games being offered everyday.

Click on the pictures above for the links.

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