Some links direct you to a download or open other documents instead a new web page. This can occasionally allow dangerous scripts and programs to run. Often, even the link's description doesn't show the required information.

The free extension" Link Alert" transforms the cursor into an icon when it hovers over a link. This way, you can immediately know the type of document it leads to. To install it, go to Deutsche Erweiterungen für Mozilla Firefox, Thunderbird, Suite, SeaMonkey, Sunbird, Nvu & Songbird - detail/Link_Alert and click "Install". The
useful plugin is installed after you click "Install now". Finish the setup by clicking "Restart Firefox".



You might want to tweak a few settings before you start using the plugin. Open "Tools I Add-Ons" and click the "Extensions" icon on top. Click the "Link Alert" entry in the list and then click "Settings". Under "Basic settings", change the selection of data types for which Link Alert should show a separate icon as per your needs by checking the boxes for each entry. The "Advanced" tab gives you the option of defining icons for your own custom file types. Under "Display", activate the" Display large icons" option so that the alert looks more prominent. Now restart Firefox.

NOTE: You can test all the functions of the extension on the plugin's download page itself.