What does HackerNews think of uMatrix?

To those looking for alternatives, use uMatrix: https://github.com/gorhill/uMatrix.

It has the option “Block all hyperlink auditing attempts” enabled by default.

Heads up to anyone who doesn't already know, uMatrix[0] can be set up to block websockets by default from 3rd-party and/or first-party domains. In the UI, websockets are grouped under the "xhr" column[1].

I'm a pretty big Javascript advocate, but I do recommend advanced users run uMatrix and consider disabling at least 3rd-party JS by default. uMatrix is a fantastic tool and it really doesn't take long to get used to. And honestly, a relatively large portion of the web works with only 1st party Javascript, and a surprising chunk of the web still works just fine with no Javascript at all.

This is also why I advise advanced users to run Firefox. uMatrix isn't available for Safari, and it's looking extremely likely that it'll be at least underpowered in Chrome once Manifest v3 comes out. Or I guess run Brave or Vivaldi or whatever. Dang kids running around with their hipster browsers, I can't keep track of them all.

The point is, even though I'm extremely bullish on the web as a secure application platform, part of the reason I'm bullish is because the web makes it relatively easy to take simple security measures like disabling scripts by default. You should absolutely take advantage of that, you should absolutely be disabling at least some Javascript features when you browse.

You can even globally turn off fingerprinting vectors like WebGL[2]/Canvas[3] in Firefox, and just swap to a different profile whenever you want to visit the rare game/app that requires them. Although with more and more people trying to embed their own DOM models in Canvas, maybe that'll be harder in the future.

[0]: https://github.com/gorhill/uMatrix

[1]: https://github.com/gorhill/uMatrix/wiki/The-popup-panel#the-...

[2]: about:config -> `webgl.disabled` -> true

[3]: https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=967895

As for the browser suggestions: it forgets to mention uBlock Origin and uMatrix. As far as I know you can block everything with uMatrix.

https://getublockorigin.com, https://github.com/gorhill/uMatrix

One thing I found recently That would help with data usage, as well as preventing tracking (like facebook) is uMatrix:https://github.com/gorhill/uMatrix. It allows you to selectively block ads, cookies, frames, scripts, xhr etc; from each individual source sending data on a particular site. You can even block individual sources across the board & they will be prevented from sending data on any site, as long as uMatrix is enabled. The link is the official github & contains links to the chrome, firefox, & opera versions.

Disclaimer: I'm a Googler, but don't work on anything related.

This seems like probably a good thing for casual users. Safari adblockers have shown that declarative lists can work well enough. The people who will suffer, I fear, are those of us who run more flexible and powerful tools, like [uMatrix](https://github.com/gorhill/uMatrix).

People are talking about uBlock Origin...

I really like it, no doubts it's good and everyone should consider using it.

BUT, since we are talking about uBlock Origin, I'd like to mention another awesome extention Raymond Hill made.

uMatrix (https://github.com/gorhill/uMatrix)

uMatrix alone is very powerful, and will prevent most ads.

Yes you as a user need to do the work, but the result is better.

If you like the idea of uMatrix, you may also look at NoScript!

Actually, I live almost ad free using NoScript + uBlock Origin for at least 2 yrs.

$rewrite... what a dumb feature btw!

You can disable images in some mobile browsers (e.g. firefox for android) [0]. That significantly knocks down the size of pages. I have mine set to only load images when on a wifi connection.

If you can use a desktop browser tethered through your mobile data connection, you can use the extension uMatrix [1] to selectively block scripts, css, images, outbound requests, and more. This would allow you to turn most pages into lightweight, text-only pages.

[0] https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/block-or-load-images-ov...

[1] https://github.com/gorhill/uMatrix