… The Chrome browser extension ecosystem is perfectly fine in theory but suffers from reinventing installed software without taking any of the lessons we've learned about OS software. Nice cautionary tale but the web is different.
Original discussionBrowser extensions are underrated: the promise of hackable software (2019)311 source comments · at importReplace browser with operating system or computer and expand extensions to user installable programs and it mostly still rings true. I believe users should be empowered to modify their installed applications as they see fit.
Full originalBring your own experience to the conversation.
On a typical PC, installed software has even more permissions than a browser extension, and all any malware author has to do is write their own keylogger or upload the browser cookie database. Sure, it's a little more effort, but I think the only real advantage that malicious browser extensions have over native programs is the discoverability and auto-update Google and Mozilla give them "for free".
Full original> It doesn't ring true for installed software anymore — "virus scanners" have gotten to the point where they just work for most people ... by allowing software from big corporations not matter how user-hostile it is while randomly flagging/deleting harmless software make by individuals/smaller groups who have not paid the protection racket. The AV industry is a scam. > desktop software is more difficult develop (for your average hacker wannabe) Desktop software can be written in the same languages as webshit and more. > and has far less valuable data to go after All data available in browsers is also available to native programs running besides.
Full originalRespect different perspectives. Share concrete experiences.
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