About Web Browsers > 4: Browser Add-Ons
4A: Definition of Add-Ons
Add-ons are programs that add new functionality to your browser. They can add anything from a toolbar button to a completely new feature. Although your Web browser can automatically display many different kinds of text and graphic files, some enhanced browsing experiences require help from an add-on.
Add-ons are also sometimes referred to as "plug-ins" or "Active X controls." Another term you may encounter is "extension."
There are many add-ons available. Some are free, some provide a trial version that you can use until you decide if you want to purchase. The most popular are:
- Adobe Acrobat Viewer (for PDF "portable" documents that can be read on both PCs and Macs)
- Macromedia Shockwave and Flash (for animations)
- QuickTime (multimedia player)
- Real Player (for streaming audio, video, MP3)
4B: Finding Add-Ons
- Check the site for your particular browser to discover any special add-ons designed especially for that program. For example:
- While browsing, if you run into an audio, video, or animation file that requires a special add-on, the site will normally tell you which one you need and, most of the time, will offer a link to help you get it.
- Go to a site like Download.com to find add-ons.
Download and install the new program on your computer. For help with this process, read Learn the Net: Downloading Files.
4C: Managing Add-Ons
To view the add-ons present on your computer, select Tools, then Manage Add-ons from the Internet Explorer menu. A window like the one shown in the illustration below will open. Here you can disable, enable, or update your add-ons.
Activity
Browse the add-ons available from the Freeware Guide.
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