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If you’re an active LinkedIn user, you know how important it is to stay connected and network with professionals in your field. LinkedIn offers numerous features to help you strengthen your professional connections, and one tool that can significantly enhance your LinkedIn experience is the LinkedIn IE Toolbar. In this review, we will explore the features, pros, and cons of this toolbar, and provide our thoughts on how it can impact your networking efficiency.
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What’s LinkedIn IE Toolbar?
LinkedIn IE Toolbar is a browser extension specifically designed for Internet Explorer users. It integrates seamlessly with your browser, adding a convenient toolbar that provides easy access to various LinkedIn features. With this toolbar, you can access your LinkedIn notifications, messages, and connections directly from your browser, without the need to navigate to the LinkedIn website.
Price
LinkedIn IE Toolbar is available for free download and installation from the Microsoft Store. There are no additional costs or hidden charges associated with this toolbar.
Basics
LinkedIn IE Toolbar offers several key features that can enhance your LinkedIn experience. Firstly, it provides real-time notifications, allowing you to stay updated on new connection requests, messages, and other important LinkedIn activities. You no longer need to constantly check your LinkedIn profile for updates; you can now receive instant notifications right on your browser.
Secondly, the toolbar offers quick access to your LinkedIn profile, making it easier to view and update your professional information. You can quickly navigate to your profile page and edit your work experience, skills, and other details. This convenience saves you time and effort, especially if you frequently update your LinkedIn profile.
Another useful feature of the LinkedIn IE Toolbar is its ability to highlight LinkedIn profiles while browsing other websites. For example, if you come across a name on a news article or blog post, the toolbar can identify if that person has a LinkedIn profile and provide you with a direct link to their profile page. This makes it easy to connect with professionals you come across on the internet and expands your networking opportunities.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
– Real-time notifications keep you updated on LinkedIn activities without needing to visit the website.
– Quick access to your LinkedIn profile saves time when editing or updating information.
– Profile highlighting feature identifies LinkedIn profiles on other websites, making it easy to connect with professionals.
Cons:
– Limited compatibility with only Internet Explorer, leaving out users of other browsers.
– The toolbar may sometimes slow down browser performance, especially on older computers.
– The toolbar’s features are limited compared to the full LinkedIn website experience.
Our Thoughts on LinkedIn IE Toolbar
Overall, we see the LinkedIn IE Toolbar as a helpful addition for Internet Explorer users who frequently engage with LinkedIn. The real-time notifications are invaluable for staying updated on LinkedIn activities, and the quick access to your profile makes it convenient to manage your professional information. The profile highlighting feature is also a great way to identify LinkedIn users and expand your network.
However, the limitations of compatibility with only Internet Explorer and potential browser performance issues can be drawbacks for users who utilize different browsers or have older computers. Additionally, the toolbar’s features are not as extensive as those available on the full LinkedIn website. Therefore, users who require advanced LinkedIn functionalities may find the toolbar limiting.
What LinkedIn IE Toolbar Identifies
The LinkedIn IE Toolbar is designed to identify LinkedIn profiles while you browse other websites. Its intelligent algorithms scan the web pages you visit in real-time and recognize names that match with LinkedIn profiles. When a match is found, the toolbar displays a small LinkedIn logo next to the name, indicating that a LinkedIn profile exists for that person.
This identification feature saves you the effort of manually searching for individuals on LinkedIn when you come across their names on external websites. By clicking on the LinkedIn logo, you can quickly access their LinkedIn profile and further connect or interact with them.
By providing this recognition capability, the LinkedIn IE Toolbar facilitates seamless networking and ensures you don’t miss out on potential professional connections.
How to Use LinkedIn IE Toolbar?
Using the LinkedIn IE Toolbar is fairly straightforward. Follow the steps below to make the most of its features:
Step 1: Download and install the LinkedIn IE Toolbar from the Microsoft Store. Ensure that you have Internet Explorer as your default browser.
Step 2: Once installed, open your Internet Explorer browser. You should see the LinkedIn IE Toolbar displayed at the top of your browser window.
Step 3: Sign in to your LinkedIn account by clicking on the "Sign in" button on the toolbar. Enter your LinkedIn credentials and click "Sign in."
Step 4: After signing in, the LinkedIn IE Toolbar will display your profile picture and other navigation options. You can click on the LinkedIn logo to access your LinkedIn homepage, notifications, messages, and other features.
Step 5: To highlight LinkedIn profiles on other websites, simply browse the internet as you normally would. When the toolbar identifies a LinkedIn profile, it will display a LinkedIn logo next to the name. Click on the logo to view the person’s LinkedIn profile.
Alternatives to LinkedIn IE Toolbar
While the LinkedIn IE Toolbar offers several convenient features, it is limited to Internet Explorer users. If you use a different browser or require additional functionalities, here are three alternatives you may consider:
1. LinkedIn Browser Extensions
LinkedIn offers browser extensions for popular browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. These extensions provide similar features to the LinkedIn IE Toolbar, including real-time notifications, quick access to the LinkedIn website, and profile highlighting. You can download and install the respective extension for your preferred browser from the official browser extension store.
Download Link: Download Link
2. LinkedIn Mobile App
If you primarily use LinkedIn on your mobile device, the LinkedIn mobile app is a comprehensive alternative to browser extensions. Available for both iOS and Android, the mobile app offers all the essential LinkedIn features, including notifications, messaging, profile management, and advanced search functionalities. You can download the LinkedIn mobile app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Download Link: Download Link
3. LinkedIn Desktop Application
For users who prefer standalone applications over browser extensions or mobile apps, LinkedIn offers a desktop application that provides a comprehensive LinkedIn experience. The LinkedIn desktop application is available for Windows and Mac operating systems and includes features like real-time notifications, messaging, profile management, and advanced search capabilities. You can download the desktop application from the LinkedIn website.
Download Link: Download Link
FAQs about LinkedIn IE Toolbar
Q1: Can I use the LinkedIn IE Toolbar on browsers other than Internet Explorer?
A: No, the LinkedIn IE Toolbar is specifically designed for Internet Explorer and is not compatible with other browsers. LinkedIn offers separate browser extensions for Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.
Q2: Does the LinkedIn IE Toolbar slow down my browser’s performance?
A: In some cases, the LinkedIn IE Toolbar may cause a slight decrease in browser performance, especially on older computers. If you experience any performance issues, consider disabling the toolbar or optimizing your browser settings.
Q3: Are there any costs associated with the LinkedIn IE Toolbar?
A: No, the LinkedIn IE Toolbar is available for free download and usage. There are no additional costs or hidden charges.
Q4: Can I customize the LinkedIn IE Toolbar?
A: The LinkedIn IE Toolbar does not offer extensive customization options. However, you can adjust some settings, such as the notifications you wish to receive, by clicking on the toolbar’s settings icon.
Q5: Can I use the LinkedIn IE Toolbar without a LinkedIn account?
A: No, you need a valid LinkedIn account to sign in and use the LinkedIn IE Toolbar. The toolbar is designed to enhance your LinkedIn experience and requires access to your LinkedIn profile and activities.
Final Thoughts
The LinkedIn IE Toolbar is a useful browser extension for Internet Explorer users who actively engage with LinkedIn. Its real-time notifications, quick access to your profile, and profile highlighting features enhance your LinkedIn experience and boost your networking efficiency.
Although it has its limitations, such as compatibility only with Internet Explorer and potential browser performance issues, it provides a convenient way to stay connected and make new professional connections. If you are an Internet Explorer user and frequently utilize LinkedIn for networking, the LinkedIn IE Toolbar is worth considering as an add-on to streamline your LinkedIn activities.