Tens of millions of Internet users have switched to the Firefox Web browser, often for its protection from scammers and spyware writers who generally tailor their coded mischief for Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser.

But security isn't the only virtue to Firefox.

Thousands of add-on tools are available for Firefox, essentially allowing you to customize your browser with features tailored for specific tasks, such as reviewing maps or posting to Weblogs. These mini-programs make Firefox even more handy and fun to use than it already is.

Once installed, they essentially become a part of the Web browser, extending its capabilities into areas such as photo uploading and file sharing.

To find add-ons, visit the Firefox add-ons page (addons.mozilla.org), then scan or search the options available. Installing an add-on is a simple process requiring you to select an "install now" button, then follow instructions and restart Firefox.

Depending on the add-on, you may also need to visit its creator's Web site to learn how to use it. Some add-ons also require you to sign up for an account, typically for free, in order to get the most out of them.

Many add-ons have been created by independent software developers, but others are essentially adjuncts to well-established services or tools, such as iTunes and Yahoo, allowing you to use those services from within the Firefox browser.

Once you start using add-ons, you may find you hardly ever have to leave your Web browser. That's part of the idea, it seems. With the add-ons, Firefox becomes a world unto its own.

If there is any downside to this, it is the proliferation of add-ons.

With so many available, how do you know which ones to try out? Here are eight add-ons to try. If you don't like one, you can always remove it by choosing the add-ons selection in Firefox's tools menu.