Internet Literacy - Chapter 23: How Web Browsers Do Multimedia

AFTER COMPLETING THIS CHAPTER, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO:
	Understand how Web browsers use plug-ins and add-ins to do multimedia.
	Download and install multimedia plug-ins and add-ins.
	Find hot multimedia Web sites.
	Define Java, understand the concept of an applet, and know where to find tools for creating more dynamic Web pages.
	Define what is meant by the common gateway interface, and understand the server side of Web page development.
	Understand the role of an active server page (ASP) and see how ASP functions in Microsoft's .NET framework.
	Learn how to make a client-side image map.

INTERNET LITERACY RESOURCES:

Built-In Browser Support for Multimedia

Follow these links to test your browser's support for multimedia. Did everything work as you expected? Do you need to download other plug-ins?

Use your browser's built-in audio support to listen to the Sounds of the Cornell Chimes

	View this QuickTime greeting from the author
	Listen to this audio greeting from the author

Media Players

If the links above did not play correctly, follow the links below to install the needed media players.

Plug-Ins and Add-Ins

These additional plug-ins and add-ins will support other multimedia file types. Explore each one to see what it supports. When you've found what you think is useful, download the tool and install it on your computer.

*Browser Support for Plug-Ins*

Internet Multimedia Crash Test Area provides a range of files to test which plug-ins and helper apps are correctly installed in your browser.

Security Risks

Frequently, security holes are found in the latest version of a browser. If you haven't updated your browser lately, follow the appropriate link to update it now.

*Browser Updates*
Microsoft Internet Explorer	Mozilla Firefox

Helper Apps and Plug-Ins

As you've read, programmers are able to add new functionality to Web pages using Java, javascript, ActiveX, Dynamic HTML and server side tools. Follow the links below to see some useful applications. Did you notice differences in what each of these could offer?

Java

Sun's Java site

	Java rotation of a benzene molecule
	Tokamak reactor
	Java Applets Resource

Javascript

JavaScript Kit

The JavaScript Source

ActiveX

CNET.com for ActiveX controls

Dynamic HTML

Dynamic HTML Tools and Resources
from the Web Developers Virtual Library

Microsoft Online Web Workshop

Server Side Tools

CGI

The Common Gateway Interface

Perl

	Perl.com
	Perl Scripts and Links

Active Server Pages, ASP.Net & .NET framework

Microsoft: Guide to Active Server Pages

Microsoft: .NET

Client-Side Trends

Here's an opportunity to try your own hand at adding some functionality to your pages. After looking at the demonstration, try building your own client-side image map.

Where is Middle C? Example

Exercises

Upbeat.Mid		Touchy.Mid
(MIDI files provided courtesy of the Ensoniq Corporation makers of some of the world's finest MIDI gear.)

		$/\$
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