I've tried printing a page and it doesn't work!
Don't forget to check the obvious--is your printer turned on? (hey, it happens!) If your printer is turned on, does it print for other applications? If not, check your printer cable, your ink cartridge, and your paper supply. If your printer works for other applications, check the printer setup under "File" and make sure your printer is the device selected for output. If all else fails, try rebooting your computer by turning it off, waiting ten seconds, then turning it back on. For some reason this often works wonders.
What are plug-ins and why do I need them?
Plug-ins are small software components that enable your web browser to display specific types of content it wouldn't otherwise be able to display. An example of this is the streaming video on the Michaels on Television page. To view this video, a plug-in must be installed. With so many new kinds of content being developed, some targeted to very specialized audiences, plug-ins are a way of letting people choose how to customize their web-surfing experience. Some of the more common plug-ins add the ability to play sound and video files, view non-HTML documents, and experience animation and multimedia. Incidently, the term "plug-in" was used by Netscape to describe their component technology. Microsoft uses a similar competing technology called "ActiveX," though generally the Microsoft Explorer can use Netscape plug-ins as well. For more information about plug-ins and where to get them, see Netscape's plug-in page.
How do I know which plug-ins I need?
Usually if a plug-in is needed to view specific content on a website, you will be told how to obtain it. Additionally, Netscape Navigator version 3 and higher will prompt you to get an appropriate plug-in should it encounter content it is unable to display. Microsoft Internet Explorer version 3 or above will automatically begin to load any ActiveX component needed to display content, while still giving you an opportuntiy to cancel installation. Michaels will always inform you if a plug-in is necessary to view certain content.
The Michaels on Television page makes use of the VIVOactive plug-in to display streaming video. The holiday jukebox uses a browser plug-in to play back MIDI recordings (Netscape Navigator comes equipped with an audio playback plug-in while Microsoft Internet Explorer must install the Crescendo ActiveX component). We have also recently made use of the Macromedia Shockwave and Shockwave Flash plug-ins for some special features. These plug-ins enable us to create exciting interactive pages with animation and sound