Browser Plugins

Many Oakton Online classes will require you to install and use a browser "plug-in" on your computer. A plug-in is a small program that will allow access to certain web resources and otherwise extend the capabilities of your web browser.

Whatis.com defines a plug-in as follows:

Plug-in applications are programs that can easily be installed and used as part of your Web browser. Initially, the Netscape browser allowed you to download, install, and define supplementary programs that played sound or motion video or performed other functions. These were called helper applications. However, these applications run as a separate application and require that a second window be opened. A plug-in application is recognized automatically by the browser and its function is integrated into the main HTML file that is being presented. 

Among popular plug-ins to download are Adobe's Acrobat, a document presentation and navigation program that lets you view documents just as they look in the print medium, RealNetworks' streaming media player, and Macromedia's Shockwave for Director, an interactive animation and sound player. There are now hundreds of possible plug-ins. Most users wait until they need a particular plug-in before they download it. 

In many cases when you land on a web site requiring a plug-in, you will be prompted to download and install it, often in the form of a popup notice like: "This site requires the XYZ plugin. Click here to download it." Clicking 'there' will generally take you to another page which may list various versions of the program. You'll need to identify the version appropriate for your hardware and software and click on the link for that version. You can check what plugins you already have installed by going to the Online with Oakton Browser/Operating System test page. As with most any other software, plugins do issue upgrades periodically so be sure you have the right version.

If you need a plugin and are not linked to the download site automatically, you should either manually surf to the plugin's home page to find it or try one of the many web sites that act as "clearing houses" for plugins.

Some of the more commonly needed plugins with links to their download sites follow. Your instructor will tell you which ones you need.

• Acrobat Reader
• Adobe Flash Player
• RealPlayer (look closely for the free version)
• InteractMath
• PowerPoint Viewer
• Word 97 / 2000 Viewer

"Clearinghouse" sites:

• Plugins.com
• Netscape Plugins
• Plugin Plaza

Downloading the plug-in is only half the job. After you download a plugin, you will need to install it. There are excellent generic instructions for downloading and installing plug-ins at LearnTheNet.com.

Important:

• Please be aware that Oakton cannot be responsible for problems caused to your computer by downloading or installing software.
• Do not attempt to install plugins on Oakton computers (labs or offices). Contact IT, x1965, or the lab staff if a necessary plugin seems to be missing.

WebCT & other online classes work best with Netscape 4.x and (2nd choice) Internet Explorer 4.x or above. The AOL default browser causes difficulties. AOL users should refer to the AOL Tips page.