Plug-ins are small programs that add functionality to a host program. They can be used for web browsing, email encryption, graphics editing, media playback, and improving performance. They can be found by searching for the program name plus “plug-in” on download sites.
Software plug-ins are miniature programs that “plug” into a host program for additional functionality. Plug-ins allow you to use a third-party application within the host program, acting as a sort of link or bridge. There are many types of plug-ins, but one that many web surfers will be familiar with is the Acrobat® Reader® plug-in for web browsers. This allows you to read .pdf files within your browser window. Other popular browser plug-ins include QuickTime® for viewing movies and the Flash® plug-in for viewing Flash scripts.
Email programs can use various plug-ins to provide secure levels of encryption. These plug-ins work in conjunction with Pretty Good Privacy® (PGP®), the leading encryption software on the Internet. Installing a PGP® plug-in in an email application adds encryption-related icons to the toolbar menu. These additional icons allow easy access to instant encryption and decryption of emails, although an email client can also be configured to perform these functions automatically. PGP® must be installed before installing a PGP® plug-in.
In many cases graphics programs require plug-ins to support proprietary file formats. For example, Adobe® Photoshop® uses a unique format. To view a file saved from Photoshop® in another graphics program, the program will likely require a plug-in that adds this functionality. There are also plug-ins that can be used in Photoshop®, Paint Shop Pro and other painting programs to extend the effects menus and create unique, professional results.
Media players use plug-ins to support various audio file formats and to extend functionality. In this category, some plug-ins decrypt media data, some provide additional display functionality, and other plug-ins add effects filters such as reverb and equalization to the media player.
Secondary plugins can help primary plugins work better or faster. If you’ve ever been frustrated with the time it takes to open an Adobe® .pdf file in your browser, plug-ins are available to speed up the process. Other plug-ins provide links to deeply hidden menu items, such as the ability to clear your browser’s cache with the click of a conveniently placed button.
To find plug-ins use the search box of your favorite download site. You can find plug-ins for a specific program by entering the program name, a plus sign, and the word “plug-in,” like Explorer + Plug-ins in any search engine. Plug-ins may also be referred to as “add-ons”, a generic term used by Mozilla Firefox® to include plug-ins, themes and add-ons for that browser.
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