Technology-Toolbox

Feel like you're missing something? If you're still clunking around the Web with the same Netscape or Microsoft browser you had a year ago, you probably are. A current version and a few plug-ins (programs that expand your browser's capabilities) will get you up to speed in no time. They're all a breeze to install, and most are free.

Here are some of the basics, plus a few bells and whistles. Just click the links to get where you want to go.

First things first. Make sure you've got the latest versions of Netscape or Microsoft Internet Explorer. For best performance when viewing Web sites, we recommend at least Netscape 4.7, Microsoft IE 5.5, or AOL 6.0.

You can't play sound or video without a multimedia plug-in. RealPlayer, QuickTime and Windows Media Player are the formats we use when presenting news video clips on the site.

The Web isn't all fun and games -- but if you want to play around a little you'll probably need Shockwave to get the most out of sites that use animation. Their site also offers a host of games, puzzles, and music to download as well.

If you want to see all websites have to offer, Macromedia Flash Player can help you achieve the full richness of navigation, animation and information retrieval.

Web sites often offer large documents in .pdf format. The files are downloaded to your machine, and presented in a way that's much easier to print and manage than text on the Web. But you'll need Adobe Acrobat to read them!

What's this chatting all about? You have a wide range of choices, but read the fine print to see who can talk to whom. MSN Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger, and Yahoo! Messenger are all loaded with features to get you talking and keep you informed.

Your browser still isn't souped up enough? Pick a peck of plug-ins at internet.com's Plug-In Plaza. Free downloads can also be found at ZDNet and CNET for your desktop computer.

If you are looking for downloads for your Palm Pilot or Pocket PC, they are also in abundance. Palm offers free downloads on their site, covering a wide range of uses. Microsoft offers add-ons and upgrades galore on their site for your Pocket PC.