Getting More with Add-ons

Add-ons are programs used to extend the functionality of Internet Explorer. Some examples with which many readers will be familiar include Apple's QuickTime, Adobe Acrobat Reader, and Macromedia Flash Player. QuickTime and Adobe Reader are full stand-alone programs. But each also has an Internet Explorer add-on component that installed automatically with the application.

Shopping for add-ons

There are many add-ons for Internet Explorer, beyond the free and popular examples mentioned. They range in price from free to hundreds of dollars. They are entirely optional, so you're never required to download such add-ons.

You should wait until you've fully mastered all the capabilities of Internet Explorer before you consider using add-ons. Many older add-ons duplicate capabilities already available in Internet Explorer and Windows 7. (Parental controls and pop-up blockers are good examples.) You're much better off using what you already have, if possible, than using an old program designed for older systems.

You should use only add-ons that are specifically designed for Internet Explorer Version 8 and Windows 7. Using add-ons designed for older versions of Windows or Internet Explorer can cause Internet Explorer to freeze up or crash often.

All those caveats aside, to see what add-ons are currently available, click the Tools button and choose Manage Add-ons. Then click the Find More Toolbars and Extensions link. You're taken to the Internet Explorer Add-ons page (www.ieaddons.com), where you can shop around at your leisure.