NoScript: the Best Firefox Add-on

If you have just installed NoScript for the first time, it might be a bit confusing for you. Sites that you visit every day might look weird or not work properly at all. Don't worry - all you need to do is to add them to NoScript's whitelist (that's what the list of trusted sites is called) and it will remember your choice from then on. In order to allow certain domains to execute scripts and use plugins, all you have to do is to click the little "S" icon in the bottom right corner of your screen and choose "Allow [domain.com]".

Note: in some cases you will have to allow several domains for the site to work properly. For example, paypal.com also needs paypalobjects.com to be set on "Allow".

It all might seem like too much at first, but I'm sure you will start appreciating the additional security that NoScript provides eventually. Usually it only takes a few days to "train" your NoScript by allowing the domains you visit the most. After that you will only have to use the "Allow" button for new sites (and a lot of them do not need scripts to work, anyway!).

One very cool "side effect" of NoScript is that by disallowing scripts, plugins and iframes from non-whitelisted domains it also blocks ads. You won't be seeing most online advertisements unless you specifically allow domains such as doubleclick.net, adbrite.com, googlesyndication.com and so on. I say it's a "side effect" since NoScript wasn't made to be an ad blocking plugin - but it does the job just fine.

See the very detailed and helpful official NoScript FAQ for more information, or ask for support in their forum.