COMPATIBILITY AND PLUGINS
EASIER THAN YOU THINK
WHAT
ARE PLUGINS?
Plug-ins are small programs (or applications) that, "plug in"
to larger programs such as web browsers. In general, the plug-in
cannot function without the browser. Web Browsers such as Netscape
and Internet Explorer CAN function without the plug-ins. Each plug-in
usually adds one or two specific features to the browser.
THE WEB
AND PLUGINS
Web browsers are still limited to doing little more than reading
text and graphics. If you want dynamic web content like sound, full
motion video, and interactive animation, you often need to have
the plug-ins. You probably have a few plug-ins attached to your
browser right now. Some come bundled with certain browsers. And
there are probably a hundred plug-ins that are made for your browser,
which you don't have. This means that there are web pages out there,
which you cannot view correctly, because, "You don't have the
plug-in".
THE
STRATEGY
We have created a simple visual to help illustrate the gap in user
technology, and our strategy in designing for the web.
While this table doesn’t include every technology available
for the web, it does shed some light on the challenges created in
designing for the web. Smaller software companies, whose products
may not be bundled with the browser, often make these plug-ins.
It is then up to each individual user to go out (usually on the
web) and get the plug-ins he or she wants. The end result is that
the mass market of web surfers has diverse viewing capabilities.
This disparity in the viewing method of the user demands a well-informed
web design/technology strategy. At Designworks, we help you plan
a dynamic, engaging web site with broad compatibility.
WHERE
ARE THEY?
For those of you who want to spend more time surfing and less time
waxing your board, we have provided links to our favorite and most
commonly used plug-ins. You can click on these links to download
the plug-ins you want, and then follow the directions to install
them on your machine. We also have links to larger plug-in specialty
sites where you can find hundreds of additional choices.
POPULAR
PLUGINS
   
PLUGIN
SITES
Download.com
Yahoo:
Browser Plugins
Plugins.com
Netscape
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