I. What is a Plug-In?
A plug-in is a small software program that extends the functionality of your Web browser. Plugs-in let you listen to music, watch videos, view certain document types, etc. Instead of downloading and then viewing a file using a local software program, plug-ins let you enjoy an enhanced Web experience from within your Web browser.

II. Where Do Plug-Ins Come From?
Plug-ins are developed by software manufacturers who wish to create an enhanced Web experience for Web surfers. Plug-ins are usually free. Manufacturers make their money selling their server software or development tools to companies that want to create sites that require the plug-in for enhanced viewing.

III. The World of Plug-Ins - Some of the Most Popular Plug-Ins

1. Document Plug-Ins
   PDF - portable document format developed by Adobe
   Download the plug-in from http://www.adobe.com/prodindex/acrobat/readstep.html

   Sample Sites

   • State of California DMV - http://www.dmv.ca.gov/forms/forms.htm
   • IRS Forms and Pubs - http://www.irs.gov/forms_pubs/index.html

2. Audio
   RealPlayer - streaming and compression format for audio and video
   Download the plug-in from http://www.real.com/products/player/index.html?src=hp_butn,home&hp=yes

   Sample Sites:

   • NPR - http://www.npr.org
   • KKSF Radio - http://www.kksf.com

   Beatnik - interactive audio based on commands from users
   Download the plug-in from http://www.beatnik.com/index.html?authoring/products/player/player.html

   Sample Sites:

   • David Bowie site - http://www.davidbowie.com/fame/index.html
   • Abalone Game site - http://www.abalone-online.com/

   Winamp - MP3 player
   Download the plug-in from http://www.winamp.com/winamp/download/index.phtml

   Sample Sites:

   • Shoutcast.com - http://www.shoutcast.com/
   • Listen.com - http://www.listen.com/

3. Video/Multimedia
   RealPlayer - streaming and compression format for audio and video
   Download the plug-in from http://www.real.com/products/player/index.html?src=hp_butn,home&hp=yes

   Sample Sites:

   • The Cyberscene Archives - http://www.thecyberscene.com/streamarch.shtml
   • The National Press Club Archives - http://www.connectlive.com/events/pressclub/webwomen/

   Macromedia Flash - vector-based, dynamic sites that are interactive, resizable and small
   Download the plug-in from http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/

   Sample Sites:

   • Macromedia site - http://www.macromedia.com
   • Matrix Splash page - http://www.matrixgroup.net

   Shockwave - allows you to view multimedia sites
   Download the plug-in from http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/

   Sample Sites:

   • South Park - http://www.shockwave.com/bin/shockwave/main/frame_set.jsp
   • Zdnet - http://www.zdnet.com/equip/ddg/base.html

   QuickTime - high-quality video format developed by Apple
   Download the plug-in from http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/index.html

   Sample Sites:

   • Star Wars trailer - http://www.starwars.com/episode-i/news/trailer/
   • Steve Jobs speech - http://www.apple.com/quicktime/showcase/live/seybold99/

   Windows Media Player - audio and video player from Microsoft
   Download the plug-in from http://www.microsoft.com/windows/mediaplayer/

   Sample Sites:

   • MSNBC story re: Taiwan - http://www.msnbc.com/news/313621.asp
   • Audible.com - http://content.reciprocal.com/Audible/audible/audible_content.html

   Instant Messaging
   Download these programs from

   • AIM - http://aim.aol.com/aimnew/Aim/register.adp?promo=106712&pageset=Aim
   • ICQ - http://www.mirabilis.com/
   • Yahoo - http://messenger.yahoo.com/

IV. How To Download and Install Plug-Ins

1. Download the program to a local drive
2. Exit from all Windows programs
3. Click on your Start button; select Run; select Browse
4. Find the file you have just downloaded; then select Open, then OK
5. Go through the installation program
6. Re-start your computer
7. Find some cool site to test your new plug-in

V. Managing Your Plug-Ins

• Select Help, About Plug-Ins from your browser
• Download plug-in files into the same directory, e.g., download
• Consider creating a shared directory on your network for plug-in downloads

Happy surfing!

Last Updated: 09/28/1999