The matrix toolbar
The scope selector let you choose where the rules you create apply.
There are three scope levels: global, domain-level, and site-level scope.
Default is currently global scope: *. In global scope mode, rules apply to all web pages, except those which match a narrower scope.
Domain-level scope:
- Example:
*.google.com. Rules at domain-level scope will apply to web pages which match the scope, except for web pages which match a site-level scope.
Site-level scope:
- Example:
www.facebook.com. Rules at site-level scope will apply to web pages which match exactly the name of the scope.
An example for the use of scopes: block facebook.com globally, but allow facebook.com when visiting www.facebook.com. This is useful to prevent those ubiquitous servers from tracking you, unless you explicitly visit them.
More on scopes: The matrix scope.
Padlock: for any changes to be permanent, you need to click the padlock.
- All changes in the matrix are temporary by default. This applies to scope selection as well.
- Don't be scared to experiment with whitelisting, blacklisting or graylisting. It's all temporary.
- When you are satisfied with the state of the matrix, make the scope/rules permanent by clicking the padlock.
Starting with version 0.7.8.0, preset recipes were introduced in order to assist the user to easily apply the proper rules to the matrix in order to "unbreak" a web page.
The feature is still beta, and of course writing preset recipes take time. Eventually (in my dreams), there will be enough preset recipes out to assist novice users for the most common cases.
Clicking this button will cause all temporary rules to be wiped out. Only the permanent rules will be active in the matrix. (Note that prior to version 0.7.9.4, this icon was to remove all temporary scopes and rules.)
To remove all temporary rules, including those not appearing in the current matrix, click this icon.
Force a reload the web page.
The web page will reload only if needed when you close the popup menu, but you can force a reload while the popup menu is opened in order to see the effects of your changes.
Last button is to bring up more options, which are explained elsewhere.
The On/off button allows to quickly disengage HTTPSB filtering. The extension will still record and report requests, but it won't block anything.