Managing Different File Types
Netscape Browser can handle many types of files. However, for some files, such as movies or music, Netscape Browser needs plug-ins or "helper" applications that can handle those files. If Netscape Browser doesn't have the needed helper application or plug-in, it can still save the file to your hard disk. When saving files, you can keep track of them using Download Manager, as explained in
Using Download Manager to Download a File.
About Plug-ins
Plug-ins are helper applications that run
within Netscape Browser to extend its functionality. Plug-ins like Sun Java, Macromedia Flash, and RealNetworks RealPlayer allow Netscape Browser to show multimedia files and run small applications such as movies, animations, and games.
When you installed Netscape Browser, you had the option of adding some of these most popular plug-ins. You don't have to install them separately. However, you can also install plug-ins after you install Netscape Browser. To see a full list of Netscape Browser plug-ins you can install, refer to the
Browser Plug-ins page at Netscape.
About Helper Applications
When files can not be used within Netscape Browser, you have the option to launch helper applications that open
outside of Netscape Browser. For example, to play MP3 files, programs like Winamp can be opened outside of Netscape Browser.
Choosing a Helper Application
By default, Netscape Browser uses certain helper applications or plug-ins for specific file types. However, if you prefer to use another helper application or plug-in for one of your file types, or if your file type is not currently supported by a helper application, you can change Netscape Browser's settings as follows:
- Under the Tools menu, select Options, then choose Downloads. The Downloads panel displays.
- Under File Types, highlight a file type.
- Click the Change Action button. The Change Action dialog displays.
- To choose a new application, click the "Open them in this application" radio button, or click the Change button. A Choose Application dialog displays, which you use to find and select the required program. To always save applications of this file type to disk, select "Save to Disk".
- Click OK.
For more information about the fields under File Types, refer to the
window help.
Enabling/Disabling Plug-ins
By default, Netscape Browser supports certain file types with a
plug-in. This means that files of this type automatically display in Netscape Browser's browser window, rather than being displayed outside of Netscape Browser by a helper application. You can view the list of file types that are supported by a plug-in in the
Plug-Ins dialog.
- Under the Tools menu, select Options, then choose Downloads. The Downloads panel displays.
- Under File Types, click the Plug-Ins button. The Plug-Ins dialog displays.
- Click the checkmark or dot in the Enabled column to enable (check) or disable (dot) the plug-in.
Example:
By default, Netscape Browser has enabled a plug-in to display Adobe Acrobat Documents (files with the extension
.pdf) in Netscape Browser's browser. If you disable the plug-in, Adobe Acrobat documents do not open within the browser; they are opened with the helper application, Acrobat Reader.