[1] : The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (27 SEP 03)

plug-in
     
         a file containing data used to alter, enhance, or
        extend the operation of a parent application program.  one
        of the first uses of this term was in silicon beach's
        superpaint application late 1980s? for the macintosh.
        it had a plug-ins folder containing different tools and
        effects.
     
        the netscape navigator world-wide web browser supports
        plug-ins which display or interpret a particular file format
        or protocol such as shockwave, realaudio, adobe
        systems, inc. pdf, corel cmx vector graphics.  the
        file to be displayed is included in a web page using an
        embed html tag.
     
        plug-ins, both commercially and indepently authored, can
        usually be downloaded for free and are stored locally.
        plug-ins come in different versions specific to particular
        operating systems microsoft windows 3.1, 3.2, and
        macintosh are available.
     
        compare applet.
     
        plug-in plaza http://www.browserwatch.com/plug-in.html.
     
        pc mag plug-ins
        http://www.zdnet.com/pcmag/iu/plugins/plugins.htm.
     
        1996-05-25
     
     
see also:
application program silicon beach superpaint macintosh folder netscape navigator 
world-wide web browser protocol shockwave realaudio 
adobe systems, inc. pdf corel cmx vector graphics web page 
html tag operating systems microsoft windows 3.1 applet 
lt;plug-in plazagt; lt;pc mag plug-insgt; 

Plug-In >> P Words
Plug-In, definition of term: Plug-In
plug-in_pag1.html