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Keep Plug-In!Imagine two red convertible 1999 Mustangs sitting side by side at a traffic light. From the outside looking in, they are identical. Same color, same year, same wheels. Coincidentally, both vehicles are headed to the same destination. But here's where the comparison stops, for Driver #2 will have a much better time on his journey. Why? Because while Driver #1 settled for the "basic model" 1999 red Mustang convertible, Driver #2 saved his pennies for five years, and bought his Mustang totally loaded with options. CD player, power windows and locks, heated seat, cruise control -- you name it! Will both drivers end up at the same place at the same time? Yes. Are these options necessary to get from Point A to Point B? No, but they sure make the trip much more pleasurable! So wait a minute . . . what does this story have to do with plug-ins? Read on! A "plug-in" is a smaller add-on program that enhances the capabilities of the larger program that it is "plugged" into. Just like the options on Driver #2's Mustang, plug-ins make the journey much more enjoyable. Chances are you've already encountered a Web site that has flashed a warning window stating that you need to download this plug-in or that plug-in in order to optimize your browsing experience. Let's take a look at the process of downloading one of the most popular browser plug-ins, Apple's QuickTime 4. QuickTime 4 is a browser plug-in that allows you to view specially formatted 360 degree panoramas, otherwise known as QTVRs (QuickTime Virtual Reality). A well done QTVR can turn an ordinary Web site into a spectacular work of art, so this plug-in falls in the "Must Download" category. For example, PBS' Nova Online Series uses QTVR technology to guide us through the Great Pyramids -- it's breathtaking! Anyone for exploration? Go to the PBS site at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/pyramid/explore/khufuenter.html. As you can see, the text directly below the pyramid diagram suggests that you download the QuickTime plug-in. CLICK HERE to begin the download process. Downloading a plug-in is no different than any other sort of download. When prompted to do so, save the file to disk, in your "Downloads" folder. (If you need to review the Downloading Basics, please review "Stop Dreading Those Downloads!")
Once the file is in your "Downloads" folder, click on the file name to launch the installation process. This particular download is a beauty! Just keep clicking "Next" and accept the default selections that are suggested! Don't be afraid to download plug-ins when instructed on a Web site to do so! Adding plug-ins to your existing programs will give you the ability to truly unlock the power of both your computer and the Internet! |
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