If you are reading this, you are using a web browser program to display an HTML file that has been copied across the Internet to your computer. While we tend to equate HTML documents only with the Internet, these files can be used on a Local Area Network (Intranet) or standalone computer to provide access to job related information and business applications. Based on your Internet experience, you may tend to think of HTML documents as a means of delivering vast amounts of somewhat unorganized information. But within the Intranet environment of a company or organization, it is possible to organize and structure the flow of information.
Features and Capabilities
This section contains a description and assessment of some of the HTML features and capabilities of Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer that make them suitable for the development of an EPSS.
1. Frames
With the HTML frame feature you can display several HTML documents within a single browser window. This feature allows you to click on a hypertext link in one frame to change the document in another. EPSScentral EPSS in HTML example demonstrates the feasibility of using a web browser and HTML frames as the backbone of an Electronic Performance Support System.
2. Application Launching
Most browsers are capable of launching other application software like a word processor or spreadsheet. Microsoft's Internet Explorer will launch a Microsoft Office application within the browser window. To exit the Office program, you can simply click the browser's back button You could, for example, use the application launching feature to open a word processor with a template file for a specific type of business letter.
3. Browser Plug-ins
Browser plug-ins are software extensions that let you view or run non-HTML files within a browser window. Macromedia Shockwave is plug-in lets you view multimedia file developed with the Macromedia authoring and graphics programs. Plug-ins can be used to view formatted documents (Adobe Acrobat), video, sound, and graphics.
You can use plug-ins to deliver content that is more extensive and sophisticated than would be possible with standard HTML. For example you can use the Adobe Acrobat plug-in to download and print tax forms that are exactly like a standard printed tax forms.
While plug-ins are great for extending the capability of the standard browsers, many novice internet users are reluctant to download and install the plug-in. Plug-in files also tend to me much larger than standard HTML files, so it takes longer to see or hear the content. Some plug-ins use streaming technology that let you view a file's content before it is completely downloaded.
The plug-ins for Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator are different, but you can buy a Navigator plug-in that lets you run IE plug-ins (ActiveX files) For more information about plug-in programs go to the BrowserWatch Plug-in Page.
4. Java Applets
Java Applets are small programs that run within a browser window and perform specific functions. Java is a programming language like C++. It can be used to create a variety of programs that can be run in a web browser. These programs are stored on a network server and download when a users opens a web page with an embedded Java applet. Some applets are large and can take a while to download. and an applet must be downloaded every time you visit the page.
While many of the first Java applets were simple animation programs, Java is now being used to develop database applications, interactive simulations and a host of other types of applications. Several software development companies have created programs that allow you to create simple Java applets without the need to learn the programming language.
You get more information about Java and download some freeware and shareware Java applets from the Gamelan and JARS web sites.
5. JavaScript and VB Script
JavaScript (Netscape) and VB Script (Microsoft) are scripting languages that you can place within an HTML document. These scripting languages allow you to extend the functionality of a HTML only document. For example you can use scripts on a framed page to simultaneously load two or more documents from a single hypertext link or form button. You can also use scripts to validate the input in form fields, perform mathematical operations, time events, create pop-up windows and display information in the status bar. While scripts are relatively easy to use they have some limited functionality, however in a performance support application script functions can be very helpful.
You can find some more information about VB Script at the VS Script.com or the Microsoft Site Builder Workshop website.
6. ActiveX Components
An ActiveX component is a OLE control that you can place in a browser window just like a Java Applet and in some cases like a Netscape Plugin. The ActiveX control could be a button that responds to a mouse click or a component that display a Adobe Acrobat file. Unlike Java Applets, ActiveX controls will only run in certain operating systems, namely Windows 96 & 3.1 and most recently Apple.
To get some more information about Active X control and download some sample you can go to the C|Net ActiveX.com website.
7. Animated GIF's
Animated GIF's are "gif" graphics files that contain animation effects. These files are generally constructed from a series of still image gif files. While many animated gif's like the spinning globe (below) are just attention getters, they could be used to illustrate processes and actions. These animated images can be quickly assembled with some software that is specifically designed for this purpose.
