The Library and Information Professional's Guide to Plug-ins and Other Web Browser Tools : Selection, Installation, Troubleshooting

Shockwave, Flash, RealPlayer, QuickTime, iPIX: these and hundreds of other Internet plug-ins, helper applications and browser extending tools can make using the Web simple - if you know which tools to use and how to use them.

With library Internet access training responsibilities, library professionals have become important facilitators in the virtual world and it has become imperative for them to familiarize themselves with tools to extend the browser's capabilities. This how-to-do-it manual is designed as an aid to saving library staff and their users from becoming mired in a cyber-swamp.

The practical capabilities that facilitate smooth Web usage are carefully demystified, and clear guidance is given on the best use of office applications, image-viewing tools, sound enhancers, vide players and more.

The book discusses 15 of the most essential plug-ins, covering purpose, system requirements, strengths and weaknesses, installation instructions, troubleshooting tips and special benefits and applications for libraries.