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The world of technology is moving so quickly that no matter how updated you keep your computer system, there will always be new products and options that you do not have. Rather than swap computers on a weekly basis, the tech mavens have created plug-ins and add-ons. A few of the features that plug-ins and add-ons entitle you to are language other than HTML). For example, the RealPlayer add-on allows you to see streaming video in a separate application from your browser. Add-ons allow you to use and benefit from these technologies and access a greater variety of files. does not have a program with “unstuffing” capabilities, you can download utilities to handle this. There are free, downloadable versions of WinZip for PCs, at www.winzip.com: and Stuff-lt Expander and Drop Stuff for Macs, at www.aladdinsys.com. The following is a quick reference for some of todays most popular plug-ins.To find more, go 5-u worlds on the web, digital voice capacity, advanced information searches, and free web telephone systems. The options are limitless, but for the sake of this article we are going to focus on some of the programs that enhance your Internet expe rience. However, remember that the fun doesn’t stop there — with a little web surfing you can also find lots of fun plug ins for standard software pro grams like Adobe Photoshop or Microsoft Word. T DEFI Bandwidth - carrying capability of you means Browser-A progr to any search engine and type in “plug-ins.” information . High bandwidth r downloading times. t allows you to see information on d Wide Web. Adobe Acrobat Reader allows you to open, read, and print PDF (portable doc ument format) files in your browser. (www.adobe.com/products/ acrobat/readermain.html) Simply, plug-ins and add-ons are helper software programs that extend the capabilities of your existing computer and browser. Each time a new file for mat is developed, a plug-in has the capacity to allow your browser to view those files without updating the entire system. When a browser sends a file request .Download - Wh< youj Stuffed — A compr allows files to be ei tility - A operation 5 Jfotjhf Zipped -> PCs that you retrieve a file from an Internet server; mve “dowriloaded” that file. :ssion format \y used by Macintosh that the Internet (Suffix: .sit) at performs a basic ransfer protocol), ression, etc. format typically used by easily transmitted et. (Suffix: .zip) Macromedia Shockwave/ Flash offers added quality to interac tive multimedia, graphics, and streaming audio. Considered the web standard for vector graphics and animation, it allows you to experience animation and entertainment on the web in a whole new way. Companies like CNN and Warner Brothers Records use Shockwave as an integral part of their sites, (www.macromedia.com/shockwave/ download) Net2Phone Turn your PC into a phone. Using Net2Phone you can call home directly from tho romnntor in\/ timo uaii noarl o to an Internet server, the file that comes back can be written in any number of formats (jpeg, Quicktime, pdf, etc.). If your browser doesn’t have these capabilities, or plug-ins, your com puter can’t read the file. For example, on www.colleges.com if the Macromedia Shockwave/Flash plug-in isn’t installed on your system, you’ll see a plain graphic image when you view the virtual cam pus. However, download Flash and you’ll get the full graphic benefits of the program — float ing clouds, pop-up menus identifying buildings as your mouse passes over them, etc. Because Macromedia Shockwave/ Flash is utilized on Colleges.com, we’ve linked the download for this plug-in right on our home page . Just to get the technical definitions clear, “add-ons” are actually programs that, unlike “plug-ins,” tend to work outside the browser environment. The browser calls on and opens a separate program to do certain jobs (such as streaming media, or reading a document that has been formatted in some As a true web-head, you’ll want to understand all the extended capabilities that plug-ins and add-ons offer. As bandwidth increases, and Internet activity becomes quicker, you will be seeing more and more options for faster interactivity on the web. You’ll need to install the appropriate plug-ins and add-ons to take advantage of what developers have to offer. For the novice computer user, remember that downloading plug-in and add-on pro grams from the web to your computer does not automatically give you the program func tionality. You have to install the software just like you would install any other application onto your computer. One other thing to keep in mind is that many downloaded installers need to be “unstuffed” or “unzipped” before you can use them. The files are “stuffed,” or compacted to save you time during their download. If your computer break. Calls within the U.S. are only I cent a minute — that sure beats AT&T’s prices! (www.net2phone.com) Plugins.COm This site is worth a visit for some general plug-in resources. (www.plugins.com) Powetmarks A nifty plug-in for getting organized and bookmarking your favorite spots, (www.kaylon.com/power.html) Quicktime A common format for audio and video downloads so you can watch movies or listen to music over the web. (www.apple.com/quicktime) RealPlayer This add-on program allows you to stream very large audio and video files over the web. You can be working on a term paper and have local, national, or international music, news, or sports playing in the back- 1 ground. You program the channels of your i choice, (www.real.com)
