Internetworkers: http://www.ibiblio.org/internetworkers/

[Robert Weeks <robert AT designhammer.com>]

Title: Microsoft Releases Explorer 6.0

http://news.excite.com/news/ap/010827/19/internet-explorer

Internet Explorer 6.0 will not automatically support the embattled Java programming language or Netscape-style "plug-ins," though users and developers will have tools to make the browser compatible with those products. 

Microsoft decided to dropped support for the plug-ins - additional software that lets users play music, watch videos or perform other tasks - in favor of Microsoft technology called ActiveX. Microsoft spokesman Jim Cullinan said the move was for increased security. 

The change means that certain programs, most notably QuickTime, will not work unless the Web site developer changes the code to meet Microsoft's requirements. 

And from http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/downloads/ie6/default.htm

Netscape-style plug-ins are not supported on Internet Explorer 6 (ref: KB article: Q303401 ). Internet Explorer 6 still supports the Netscape Embed tag, which enables you to use components that achieve the same functionality as when they were built as Netscape-style plug-ins, but that are now built on ActiveX® technologies. If you want to continue to use existing Netscape-style plug-ins on Internet Explorer 6 you should:

*    Contact the manufacturer of your Netscape-style plug-in to inquire whether the manufacturer has a version of the component available that is built on ActiveX technologies.

• Rewrite existing Netscape-style plug-ins using ActiveX (or dual author to support both Netscape-style plug-ins and ActiveX controls).
  

Robert Weeks

Partner - Technology
DesignHammer Media Group, LLC
http://www.designhammer.com