Helper applications are external programs that the browser can call to perform a task. These tasks may include playing of audio files, viewing a document, or even opening a chat connection so that the user may talk with other people over the Internet. Probably the most popular helper application is RealAudio (http://www.realaudio.com). ReadAudio allows an audio file to be played while it is downloading (this is called streaming). Many sports events are made available for listening through RealAudio. The creators of RealAudio have created another Real product, called RealVideo. RealVideo is similar to RealAudio, but it also allows video images to be played. Both are available free of charge to individual users. Always keep checking back at Netscape's Web Site for more information about plugins and helpers.
Best viewed with Netscape Navigator/Communicator or Microsoft Internet Explorer although it is viewable with any browser! Suggested viewing parameters: 800x600 resolution with 65,536 colors (Hi-color).
