Well it's been some time since I wrote the original 10 Free Joomla Extensions I Can't Live Without, so I figured it's time to provide something a bit more current.
Read on to discover 10 highly useful, free Joomla extensions!
Before I begin with the goods, I just want to take a quick moment to explain my criteria. What exactly makes a totally awesome free Joomla extension? Well, here's what I look for:
In the many years that I have been actively involved in developing Joomla websites, there have been several backup utilities out there. Some focus on data backups, some focus on file backups. It is my personal belief that your average Joomla site should be backed up regularly, however with more focus on the data (since Joomla is data driven). I typically advise my clients to backup at the following intervals:
The great news is that Akeeba Backup easily handles both at any specified interval you choose. Hand down, the best backup solution for Joomla!
Get it here: http://extensions.joomla.org/extensions/access-a-security/site-security/backup/1606
Xmap is a simple sitemap component for Joomla. While there are many out there (each with their own benefits), Xmap seems to do what's important best.
One thing work mentioning, Xmap isn't the most polished component out there. The backend features are dated and somewhat of a challenge to use, and the front end HTML site maps may as well have no design, but these are minor complaints. The component still does what it's intended to do.
Get it here: http://extensions.joomla.org/extensions/structure-a-navigation/site-map/3066
eXtplorer is sort of a successor to JoomXplorer, which is basically a web based (back-end accessible) FTP utility that runs natively within Joomla. It's somewhat of a staple for non-technical site operators, and does an all around great job of providing the ability to manipulate files on your server without an external program.
Get it here: http://extensions.joomla.org/extensions/core-enhancements/file-management/2630
This simple Joomla 1.5 native plugin allows you to add in your Google Analytics tracking code without modifying your template. There's not a whole lot to say about it - its a simple plugin. If you don't use Google Analytics, get it and download this plugin to add Google Analytics to your Joomla website, it's as simple as that.
Get it here: http://extensions.joomla.org/extensions/site-management/site-analytics/6170
This extension is really great for sites with a lot of content, with not a lot of focus on SEO. What it basically does is generate meta information and page titles based on content. Very useful for Joomla sites which integrate with social media.
While other components MANAGE meta data, this extension automates it. Its very plug and play, but note that it's not a replacement for great on-page SEO - but definitely better than nothing!
Get it here: http://extensions.joomla.org/extensions/site-management/seo-a-metadata/4102
Mass Content is one of those little gems you wish you had time to time. A lot of people don't know about this lesser known Joomla component, but it does one thing EXTREMELY WELL, and that is save time. So what exactly does it do you ask? Well, it simply allows you to generate multiple content sections, categories, and content with a few clicks.
This is an excellent tool for Joomla website conversions and migrations. It's also great for Joomla website builds (crank out those demo pages in seconds). An overall excellent, simple to use FREE joomla extension.
Get it here: http://extensions.joomla.org/extensions/news-production/mass-content/2514
Ah, one of my more cherished free Joomla components. Not used on every site, but its a shining example of what Joomla needs more of; high quality GPL components.
Lyften Bloggie runs a Joomla blog very well. It come's with many built in blog features, and compares well with wordpress. I certainly wouldn't use it as a primary component on your website (for that matter I'd recommend Wordpress), but if you want a simply blog on your site with integated chat, tags, trackbacks, etc - go ahead and check this one out.
One if its strongest points is its quality. The guys who built this one really took their time. Again, such a great component that easily surpasses some of the commercial Joomla components out there.
Get it here: http://extensions.joomla.org/extensions/news-production/blog/9883
AllVideos Reloaded is a fork of the famous AllVideos plugin, natively developed for Joomla! 1.5 and vastly enhanced with lots of invidually tunable parameters.
This handly extension simply allows you to embed videos on your website. It's not a video management system, but a plugin which simplifies embedding video content into your standard content.
It handles external video (youtube, etc), as well as local video (videos uploaded to your Joomla site).
Get it here: http://extensions.joomla.org/extensions/multimedia/multimedia-players/video-players-a-gallery/3955
Here at Joomlaport, we're all about sharing those little known extensions that make a world of difference when you need them.
Lets assume for a second you have a website with 1000 content items. Your company name is Widgets LLC. A recent decision to incorporate was made, so now you have 1000 pages to update.
Lucky for us, ReReplacer exists. With a few clicks, you'll change that "Widgets LLC" to "Widgets INC" on any page of your site, without editing a single content item.
In a nutshell, this extension is a component and a plugin. The component portion allows for management of your replacements, the plugin actually does the heavy lifting and replaces text or code on your pages on-the-fly.
Get it here: http://extensions.joomla.org/extensions/edition/replace/4336
After all, who doesn't want their bookmarks sexy?
Most likely, you've seen a version of this extensions core script somewhere on the net (typically on a blog). It basicaly displays common bookmark links to popular social media sites, allowing your visitors to easily share your extremly useful, and entirely entertaining content.
It says what it does, and does what it says. Really easy to use, and gets the job done. Sharing is caring.
Get it here: http://extensions.joomla.org/extensions/social-web/social-bookmarking/8342