Browser Plugins and Helpers

Tuesday, Mar 18, 2003

Many webpages have special media types -- such as video or virtual reality -- that require add-ons to your regular web browser to operate correctly. These add-ons are called "plugins". Many web browsers include the most common plugins with a standard installation, or will automatically prompt the user to install a needed plugin when it encounters a page that needs it.

However, sometimes you still may have problems with a particular plugin. Following are a list of common media types with links to the necessary plugins and installation instructions:


Adobe Acrobat Reader


File types: .pdf
You will need this application to read Portable Document Format (PDF) files created by Adobe Acrobat.

[Windows | Macintosh | Linux | Others]

Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer


File types: .pps .ppt
This viewer will play Microsoft PowerPoint presentations.

[Windows | Macintosh]

Apple QuickTime


File types: .mov .avi .mpg .mp3 .aif .wav .mid
QuickTime plays most movie and audio files, either as part of a web page or independantly outside your browser.

[Windows | Macintosh]


Windows Media Player


File types: .wmp .wma .asf .asx .mpg .mp3 .aif .wav
Windows Media Player plays movie and audio files of a number of different formats.

[Windows | Macintosh | Others]

Real Media Player


File types: .rm .ra .ram .mpg .mp3
Real Media player will play Real audio and movie files.

[Windows | Macintosh | Linux | Others]


Macromedia Flash Player

File types: .swf
You will need this application to view content created using Macromedia Flash.

[Windows | Macintosh | Linux | Others]

Java

File types: .jar Java Applets
Microsoft Windows XP needs the Java Virtual Machine installed to use Java applets. Most other operating systems already have java installed, but the installer is also available to update other browsers.

[Windows | Macintosh | Linux | Others]