Every Web browser has some way of storing bookmarks, but ordinarily each browser maintains its own list. Sure, you can generally export and import bookmark lists between browsers, but keeping them dynamically in sync is a pain if you do it manually. Fortunately, several automated aids are available.

If you use only Safari, Firefox, or both, the free software (formerly known as Foxmarks) syncs bookmarks not only between browsers but also between computers you own (Mac or PC), and it even lets you access your bookmarks on the Web from someone else's computer.

If you use browsers other than Safari and Firefox, one easy way to make sure every browser looks at the same list of bookmarks is to forgo built-in bookmark capabilities altogether and instead use a system-wide utility such as Celmaro's $22 or Happy Apps' $25 . Both programs let you add, edit, and retrieve bookmarks from nearly any browser using either keyboard shortcuts or a bookmarklet.

Most, but not all, browsers come preconfigured to use your main Downloads folder (Users//Downloads) by default. But you should check to make sure that each browser you use is set to store downloads in the same place (whether or not it's the default location) to avoid the need to remember multiple download locations and the potential to misplace files. This setting is typically found in the browser's preferences.