Most interactive web pages work by using a plug-in,  a helper program that works along with your browser to extend its interactive capabilities.  The Interactive Calculus pages are no exception, and require the MathView/Theorist plug-in, which can be obtained for free.  If you are using your own PC, you will probably need to download and install this plug-in.  This needs to be done only once.

You can tell if you need the plug-in by opening one of the Interactive Calculus pages, such as The Power Rule.  If you see mathematics on that page, then read no further--your computer already has the plug-in installed.  On the other hand, if you see an empty space where it seems that there should be some mathematics, then you need to get the plug-in--so read on!

The plug-in can be downloaded from http://plugin.livemath.com/download/ .  Be sure to look in the section labeled Plug-In & ActiveX, and download the correct version for your operating system and the browser that you will be using.  (If you are using Internet Explorer version 5.5 or later, you should download the ActiveX version.  For Netscape and earlier versions of IE, download the version for "Netscape-based browsers."

Installation...

1. When you download the plug-in, you will be asked where on your computer you would like to store the file.  It doesn't matter where you store it, as long as you can find it later, to complete the installation.
2. After the download has finished (which should take only a few seconds--or perhaps a few minutes if you are connected via modem), locate the file (using Explorer or My Computer) and double-click on it to run it.  The plug-in will install itself.
3. Finally, be sure to restart your browser in order to activate the plug-in.

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Updated July 30, 2002