As defined by Netscape, "Plug-ins are software programs that extend the capabilities of Netscape Navigator in a specific way - giving you, for example, the ability to play audio samples or view video."

This is a limited definition but the bottom line is that there are huge numbers of plug-ins out there, all designed to add functionality to your Web browsing experience. And, they're free.

Below, I have listed some great plug-ins, as well as resources to find other plug-ins. But, first, here is the simple process of installing them on your computer.

I have noticed that when I visit Web sites with Shockwave content, I get a warning message that says I need that plug-in before I can view the site. So, for this example, I will install that plug-in on my computer.

First, I went to the Macromedia Web site at (http://www.macromedia.com) and found the plug-ins for my computer in their download section. It took less than a minute to download the file.

Once the file appeared in my downloads directory, it was simple to double-click, follow a few screens of easy instructions and install the plug-in. It took less than 30 seconds and I didn't have to restart my computer.

Best of all, I returned to a few of the sites with the content I had been missing and it all worked fine. This is a great plug-in to get, if you don't already have it, because of the interactive audio and video flexibility it gives designers when building Web pages.

In fact, one of the most common uses of plug-ins is for viewing multimedia content. Ever have someone send you a picture that you couldn't open? A plug-in probably could have done it. And, other audio and video formats are also available with plug-ins. Real Networks (http://www.real.com/) and Quicktime (http://www.quicktime/) both offer and require plug-ins to experience their content.

Another very commonly used plug-in is the Adobe Acrobat Reader (http://www.adobe.com/). This one allows you to read PDF files which are commonly used to distribute documents via the Web. It is a popular format because it allows the authors to embed fonts and graphics within the file. This process retains the original design and quality when the end user views or prints the document.

Before visiting sites where plug-ins are widely available, you can try a little known trick within the Netscape browser that shows you what plug-ins you currently have installed on your system.

In the location bar where you normally see http://www..., type in about:plugins. This simple command will bring up all the plug-ins on your computer. And, at the top of the page there is a 'click here' link that will take you to Netscape's stock pile of other plug-ins.

After clicking on that link, you will find about a half dozen featured plug-ins then links to the following categories: 3D & Animation, Audio/Video, Business & Utilities, Image Viewers, Presentations, What's New, Plug-in Extras and, of course, a plug-in search.

Another Site, Plug-Ins.com (http://www.plugins.com/), has a resource of actual plug-ins but then it also links to other resources including Yahoo, MediaBuilder and Mac only plug-ins.

My last plug-in site to check out is Internet.com's Plug in Plaza (http://browserwatch.internet.com/plug-in.html). They break down their plug-ins by category or you can view the huge full list.

As you look through all these sites, you will find resources to aid the online purchasing process with a CyberCash wallet, view Powerpoint presentations through your Web browser, listen to audio and view pictures in multiple formats, add virtual post it notes from 3M, start chat sessions, play games interactively with other people online, and just about anything else you can imagine that would assist you as you browse the Web.