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In linking to off-site Web pages, we have written our code to open these pages as separate windows to clearly distinguish them from our own content. You should re-size the windows to suit your viewing preferences, and don't forget to close them when you are done browsing, otherwise your desktop will get very cluttered. In some cases we have followed this convention for materials stored on our own site, specifically in the feature piece on George Harvan in this issue. The authors have wisely chosen to have the images open as separate pop-up windows. This is especially true of the audio pop-up RealMedia controls in the Harvan interview sections.

As with previous volumes, to fully appreciate the audio and video content of many of the feature articles and reviews, you will need RealPlayer browser plug-ins (supporting version G-2 or above). We have chosen to transmit all audio and video files as streaming media clips. As the term suggests, streaming media is transmitted from a server to a client (your computer) and allows you to listen or watch content as the media files arrive. You do not have to download an entire audio or video file before you may listen or watch it. Except when there is Internet congestion during busy hours of the day, there is little delay. We have decided that, for the time being, this is a superior mode of transmission of media files over the internet than downloading whole files (either MPEG, AVI, MOV, or WAV formats), where one has to wait for minutes—perhaps even hours—for large files to download. You may obtain a free up-to-date version of the necessary media streaming browser plug-in program (RealPlayer G2) from RealNetworks. Click here to download RealNetworks' RealPlayer software: RealPlayer and follow directions for downloading and installation. You only need the basic player to access audio and media resources on our site.

In some situations, authors may have utilized specialized plug-ins and you will need to download the appropriate free software to view specific multimedia exhbitions (with respect to this issue, this is only true of the George Harvan piece). In such cases, the authors have provided instructions on acquiring and installing such software.

Wherever feasible, we have coded audio and video files into several versions, one optimized for slow internet connections (28.8 kb/sec. modems/connections) and one or more for 56 kbps modems, ISDN, or T1/T3 connections. Those with ISDN or T1/T3 ethernet access should, of course, always select the fastest download options offered. Generally speaking, all video files prepared for slow Internet transmission have been encoded as slideshows. As bandwidth increases and connection speeds rise, we will modify encoding and file formats accordingly to insure the readabilty and viewability of our current, as well as former, articles and reviews.

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