Date: Mon, 29 Dec 1997 18:36:54 GMT Server: Apache/1.2.4 Connection: close Content-Type: text/html About the Michaels web site - Tips, Tricks and FAQ Michaels--THE Arts and Crafts 
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About the Michaels web site

Tips, Tricks, and Frequently Asked Questions


Which web browser works best for the Michaels web site?

We work hard to make the Michaels site as enjoyable as possible for all our web visitors, regardless of which web browser they use, and test it with a number of browsers as well. That being said, the Netscape Navigator, version 3 or higher, will give best results. The Microsoft Internet Explorer, version 3, should also perform satisfactorily.

Where can I obtain the Netscape or Microsoft web browser?

Both of these browsers can be downloaded from the internet. Netscape Navigator is available from the Netscape download page, and Internet Explorer is available from Microsoft.

I'm using AOL's web browser and some of the pages don't look right.

The America Online web browser lacks many features found in other browsers. One way of overcoming its limitations is to use an external browser such as Netscape Navigator while on AOL (for more information on doing this go to key words "winsock" or "net software" while on AOL). Following the instructions will allow you to use other external internet software as well.

For Windows 95 users, the newest version of the AOL software now incorporates the Microsoft Internet Explorer into the AOL web browser, which should solve many problems. To make sure you are using this version, go to the menu bar, select "Help" and from there "About America Online." The "About" panel should say "America Online 3.0 for Windows 95." If it doesn't say this, you are running the older version 3.0 which doesn't include Microsoft Internet Explorer.

How do I print out a project sheet from the Michaels website?

Most web browsers will allow you to print the page you are viewing, although the printed document may not look exactly like the version on your monitor. To print a page, look at the menu bar at the top of your browser for an item that says "File." Clicking on this should produce a drop down menu with a number of commands. Among the commands should be one that says "Print." Clicking on this should print the page. Additionally, most browsers will have a printer icon at the top of the window. Clicking on this should also print the page.

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


LINKS TO WEB BROWSERS AND PLUG-INS USED ON MICHAELS WEB SITE
Internet Explorer Netscape Navigator VIVOactive Macromedia Shockwave

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