Internet Explorer 5 for Windows, Second Edition (Visual QuickStart Guide) [Paperback]

Steven A. Schwartz (Author), Steven Schwartz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 5, 1999 | Series: Visual QuickStart Guide

Few programs are as ubiquitous as Microsoft's Internet Explorer--these days, it's standard equipment on nearly every new PC. The latest version, IE 5, is a powerful, feature-rich program that promises to make your browsing experience more dynamic and interactive. Internet Explorer 5 for Windows: Visual QuickStart Guide gives you the tools you need to take full advantage of this revved-up browser, whether you're a beginner or an experienced surfer. IE 5: Visual QuickStart Guide covers both the basics and the new features in the same straightforward manner, using step-by-step instructions illustrated with hundreds of helpful screenshots. A great introduction to the program, this book will have beginners browsing on the Internet in no time. And longtime users will find it the quickest and easiest way to step up from IE 4.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Few programs are as ubiquitous as Microsoft's Internet Explorer--these days, it's standard equipment on nearly every new PC. The latest version, IE 5, is a powerful, feature-rich program that promises to make your browsing experience more dynamic and interactive. Internet Explorer 5 for Windows: Visual QuickStart Guide gives you the tools you need to take full advantage of this revved-up browser, whether you're a beginner or an experienced surfer. Internet Explorer 5 for Windows: Visual QuickStart Guide covers both the basics and the new features in the same straightforward manner, using step-by-step instructions illustrated with hundreds of helpful screenshots. A great introduction to the program, this book will have beginners browsing on the Internet in no time. And longtime users will find it the quickest and easiest way to step up from IE 4.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Not all Web pages consist merely of static text and pictures. Some feature multimedia elements, such as streaming video or audio. Other pages may include movie and audio clips that you can download and play at your leisure.

In previous versions of Internet Explorer, audio and video were played by ActiveMovie controls (ActiveX multimedia handlers designed to run from within Internet Explorer). Although this worked fairly well, it wasn't uncommon to discover that you didn't have the player needed for a particular audio or video format. So your multimedia experience was put on hold until you downloaded the necessary player.

IE5, on the other hand, relies on the revamped Windows Media Player (version 6). Without modification, it can play most of the popular multimedia audio and video formats. Not only can it be invoked from Web pages, but it can also run as a standalone application, playing multimedia files that you have stored on your hard disk-such as WAV files and video clips.Tip
Windows Media Player is a component of Windows 98 and is installed as part of IE5.

Playing Multimedia Files
Windows Media Player can play all the following file types: ASF, RealVideo and RealAudio 4.0, MPEG 1, MPEG 2, WAV, AVI, MIDI, MOV, VOD, AU, QuickTime, and MP3. If a new file format is encountered for which a codec (an interpreter) can be found, the codec is automatically downloaded.

To play a file on a Web page:

Click the graphic or text link for the file.

The file downloads to your computer and plays as part of the Web page (Figure 8.1) or within Windows Media Player (Figure 8.2). Whether the audio or video plays in an embedded multimedia controller or in a separate Windows Media Player window depends on how the designer created the Web page.
To open a file with Windows Media Player:
1. Launch Windows Media Player by clicking Start > Accessories > Multimedia > Windows Media Player, or Start > Internet Explorer > Windows Media Player.
2. Choose a Web site or audio/video file from the Favorites menu (Figure 8.3).
If you choose a specific file, it loads in Windows Media Player and then plays. If you choose a Web site, IE5 launches and opens the site.

Product Details

• Paperback: 300 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 2nd edition (May 5, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0201354446
• ISBN-13: 978-0201354447
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,991,277 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

A professional computer-industry writer and author for over 30 years, Dr. Steven Schwartz has written 60+ books on computer and game topics. In recent years, he has specialized in Microsoft Office and other Microsoft products (12 books) and FileMaker Pro (11 books). He pioneered the game book industry, writing the first trade paperbacks for Nintendo, Sega Genesis, and Super Nintendo games, as well as many official, authorized guides for video and computer games. His writing credits include 15 years for Macworld, as well as many other popular publications, such as PC World and Computerworld.