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.
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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<
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allows files to be ei
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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)