Academic Computing & Distance Learning
Is an Online Class right for you? Free Plug-ins
Plug-ins are software programs that extend the capabilities of your internet browser and allow you to access and view many of the materials in your online course. Each of these programs can be downloaded directly to your personal computer for FREE. Click on the icon to download.
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Adobe Reader is the most reliable, efficient, and effective way to share information electronically. Adobe Acrobat files end with the .pdf extension and are usually used for larger files. You may need this program to open up course information. |
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QuickTime is ideal for web animation, music, MIDI, audio, video, and VR panoramas and objects directly on specific web pages. QuickTime files end with the .qt extension. QuickTime works on both Apple and PC computers. |
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Real Player plays streaming audio, video, animations, and multimedia presentation on the web. This software works on both Apple and PC computers. Please be sure to click on Free Real Player. |
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WinZip files are "archives" used for distributing and storing files. Usually the files "archived" in a Zip are compressed to save space. Zip files make it easy to group files for electronic transport and copying. |
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PowerPoint Viewer will allow you to open and view PowerPoint presentations in your online class if you do not have PowerPoint installed on your computer. Follow the directions on this link for downloading. |
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Microsoft Word Viewer is a program that allows anyone who does not own Word to view and print documents that were created in Word. Word Viewer can open documents created with all previous versions of Word (Windows & Macs). |
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ShockWave Player allows you to view rich-media web content for multi-media web applications (ex: video, animation). |
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Flash Player allows you to view high-impact, animated web content (ex: Flash movie, animation). |
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Microsoft Hotmail (FREE) email lets you set up an email account to use in your online class. |
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Yahoo Mail (FREE) email lets you set up an email account to use in your online class. |