QuickTime from Apple is one of the most popular Web plug-ins for interactive media. Downloading and installing QuickTime is easy and the plug-in is free from Apple. It will work on nearly any platform, whether you're using Netscape Navigator, MS Internet Explorer or even AOL.

To download the current version of QuickTime, visit Apple. Enter your e-mail address in the box provided under the "Download software now" header and follow the directions for your system. After you've installed QuickTime, come back to MYSTERY! and join in the fun!

Troubleshooting

Why do I see an image that is sideways and won't move?

Although Windows Media Player will attempt to play QuickTime virtual reality files (VRs), it can't. Only a still, sideways image will appear. Try installing Apple QuickTime. You can download the current version from Apple . If you download and install it, following the directions for your system, you'll be able to return to Mystery! and take the virtual tour.

Why do I see a broken QuickTime image?

If the tour pages are displaying the broken QuickTime image, try the following possible remedies:

• Make sure you are, in fact, using QuickTime 4.0 or higher. If you're not sure, you can download the current version from Apple. (It's free!) Follow the installation instructions and choose to install the plug-in in ALL of the browsers (Netscape, Explorer, AOL, etc.) on your computer.
  
  
• Reinstall the QuickTime plug-in software (Macintosh or Windows) in ALL of the Internet browsers on your system. If you initially installed QuickTime the plug-in only in your Internet Explorer and then you use your Netscape Navigator, you will not be able to access the virtual set tour, as the plug-in hasn't been installed in that browser.

I've installed or reinstalled QuickTime and I'm still having problems. What now?

Please send a message to us at mystery_tech@wgbh.org with the subject TROUBLE WITH SET TOUR. Include the following information:

• The kind of computer you're using [Windows (95, 98, 2000, ME or NT) or Macintosh (OS 8.x, 9.x or X.x)
• The kind and version of the browser you're using (Netscape 4.7 or MS IE 6, for example)
• If you have Windows Media Player installed on your computer. (If the tour image appears still and sideways, you do.)

The RealMedia streaming file format allows you to listen to sound and see video files over the Internet without having to wait for the whole file to download. You have to wait only a few seconds while a little bit of audio (or video) file information is "buffered" to account for lapses in network speed, and then the file begins to play, with no more waiting, even for a file of 45 minutes or more in length.

Downloading and Installing RealPlayer

RealAudio or RealVideo requires the RealPlayer plug-in, available for free download from Real Networks. Select the appropriate application for your system and follow the installation instructions.

The Flash player allows you to experience interactive multimedia, including audio, video, animations, puzzles and the like, through your Web browser.

Downloading and Installing Flash

While Flash capabilities are built in to many Web browsers, you can manually download the Flash Player by visiting Macromedia's Web site.