Plug-Ins

Plug-ins are small programs that are added to your chosen browser in order to provide increased functionality. They are needed in order to view certain types of media on the web.

For example, in order to read a .pdf file you will need to have the Adobe Reader plug-in.

You can install a plug-in in a couple of different ways. If you click on this pdf file, for example, you may a) already have the plug-in, so it will open normally, b) be prompted by your browser to download the plug-in automatically, which you should select if given the option, or c) be told that you do not have the required plug-in.

Additionally, installing some programs will automatically give you this functionality. For example, installing Microsoft PowerPoint installs the PowerPoint plug-in, and installing Adobe Acrobat installs the Adobe Reader plug-in.

The later versions of Netscape and Internet Explorer should prompt you to download a plug-in when you necessary.

If you do not have the Adobe Reader plug-in, you can find it at the Adobe site.

Netscape Plug-ins can be found at the Netscape site. Ordinarily, Netscape will attempt to automatically download the plug-in to your hard drive as an executable file. You will need to execute the file for the plug-in to be installed.

Internet Explorer Plug-ins can be downloaded from CNet. If a plug-in is obtained automatically, it will install itself once downloaded.

Some plug-ins may also be found at the sites of third-party vendors, such as the Adobe Reader program mentioned previously.

Plug-ins can vary in size, so some may take several minutes to download depending on your Internet connection.

If you have not, download the plug-in required to read the .pdf file above. It will have additional information about plug-ins and this course for you.