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.
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.
