7. Installing Plugins

Plugins are programs which let your browser handle content other than HTML and graphics, such as animations, streaming audio, Javatm applets, and more. Firefox's plugins are stored in the /usr/lib/mozilla-firefox-VERSION/plugins directory and installing plugins requires root privileges.

We will look at the procedures to install Javatm, Flash® and Real plugins. If you own a commercial version of Mandriva Linux, installation is greatly simplified and all the needed packages are on the CDs. If not you will need to find them on the Web yourself.

[Note]Note

If you are a Mandriva Club member, you may be able to install even newer versions of the software mentioned here.

7.1. Javatm, Flash® and Real Player

To use Java install the jre RPM package. To view sites built with Flash technology install the FlashPlayer RPM. To listen to streaming media install the RealPlayer RPM (see Chapter 13, Package Management through Rpmdrake).