You've probably noticed that just about any application of any significance these days has the capability to be expanded in some way. Usually these are called plug-ins, i.e.: Windows 2000, Outlook 2000, Active X, and Adobe Photoshop.

The concept of plug-ins actually came into reality back in 1995. Netscape browser developers had a problem - there were few, if any accepted graphics and multimedia standards available on the web, yet the browser had to be capable of displaying graphics and multimedia.

Thus plug-ins was born. This solved the problem very well. There was now no need to restrict formats or modify and distribute a new browser. All that needed to be done was create a plug-in which handled the format. And best of all for Netscape, this plug-in was generally created by some other company.

Plug-ins include some these:

o Macromedia Flash
o Adobe Acrobat
o QuickTime
o Shockwave
o Real player

Okay, this is all fine and dandy, but do you really need or want plug-ins on your web site or on your computer? Well plug-ins and Active X controls are the way you can expand the functions of your browser to include new and occasionally wonderful things.

There are hundred of other plug-ins and Active X controls available for your browser. The strange thing about plug-ins is that they require you to make a decision: do you or don't you trust the source of the software?

The less you install on your computer, the more stable it will be. You see, plug-ins especially Active X controls, tend to install things into your system - things over which you have no control. Worse yet, plug-ins need to be updated - which means a formerly safe plug-in may become unsafe due to sloppy coding practices or other problems.

In general, Flash, Shockwave, Acrobat and Real Player are pretty safe bets. If you want to improve your browser capability with plug-ins, these will do well.

Some of the reasons for including plug-ins are:

- You can make your web site interesting and different.
- Plug-ins can be fun to use
- You can add things to your site that cannot otherwise be added.

Why wouldn't you want to include plug-ins?

- They tend to scare away visitors who don't know what they are.
- Your pages can become unattractive or non-functional if your visitors do not choose to download and install the plug-in.
- If the provider of the plug-in ceases business operations, then you may be stuck with a website that you cannot maintain or improve.

© 2005 by Afromerica

Ms. Deborah Maisonet will be keeping the Black community updated on the most current in technology and Internet etiquette. Visit regularly for new information that could help you pursue a more positive technological lifestyle.

To subscribe to Deborah's column join the Afromerica email list to receive new information as it is updated. Or E-mail Deborah at: grvc@worldnet.att.net

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