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Computer newbies forum: What are plugins?

by: hikergirl June 30, 2008 2:07 PM PDT

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What are plugins?

by hikergirl - 6/30/08 2:07 PM

I use Windows XP with Firefox.
On most sites, in the area where a pop-up has been prevented from opening, I am getting this message: Additional plug-ins are required to display all the media on this page.
On the right-hand side, in a rectangular shaped box is: Install Missing Plugins...
Is this a legitimate window?
Will I be safe in installing the plug-in?
I don't have any idea for what they are used.
Thanks for any help out there - but in plain language, please.


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What it may be...

by Willy - 6/30/08 2:30 PM

In Reply to: What are plugins? by hikergirl

It should be OK, outside of any malware at work(you judge). If you've recently installed Firefox or upgraded, that should display. Visiting websites that should be more active or animation may also need some plug-in ie: Flash player or Adobe needs. Click on the link/button should provide what it needs or recommends. Just going to the Firefox website itself and check the plug-ins that may interest you is another "tweeking/fine tune" of Firefox. I find the most demanding plug-in is Flash player, so if it needs that, go ahead and get it. Anything else is up to you.

tada -----Willy happy


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Plugins

by Grimbles - 6/30/08 2:50 PM

In Reply to: What are plugins? by hikergirl

Hi - Plugins are used in Firefox (and Internet Explorer) to view images, animated graphics, etc. (on a web page) which have been generated by a specific 3rd party application. If your browser (Firefox) does not have the relative plugin you will not be able to view that portion of the page.
The most common would be 'Adobe Flash Player'....In most cases this is a legitimate window and you will be safe installing the plugin.
It is entirely up to you however as to whether or not you deem this necessary...in most cases the main body of the web page will still be displayed okay and the missing 'bits' will not detract from the relevant information. There are occasions, however, when in order to get the most out of a certain web page a plugin must be installed, this is certainly true if you wish to view an embedded movie (usually Adobe Flash Player).
It would be almost 100% certain that the "additional" plugin you require" is for the 'Adobe Flash Player'...I would have absolutely no qualms about installing this.....when you click on the link "Install Missing Plugins", the relevant plugin will be identified.
cheers.....JIM


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Adobe Flash Player plugin

by hikergirl - 6/30/08 2:59 PM

In Reply to: Plugins by Grimbles

Jim,
Thank you for the information and assurance.
You are exactly right - it was for Adobe Flash Player, which I have loaded. (I really thought I already had that.)
I will shut down now so that it can install.
Thanks again.


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You probably did!

by Grimbles - 6/30/08 3:11 PM

In Reply to: Adobe Flash Player plugin by hikergirl

Hi - You are welcome......You probably did already install the Flash Player, but for Internet Explorer....each browser requires its own plugin.
cheers....JIM


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what are plugins

by AnacondaAnaconda - 6/6/12 11:43 AM

In Reply to: What are plugins? by hikergirl

Hi Jim. Thank you for the information. Andre.


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