(IDG) -- Think of Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor on Home Improvement. You know how he's always slapping a rocket engine on a vacuum cleaner to make it more powerful? That's exactly what software add-ons called plug-ins do to your Web browser.

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Plug-ins let you watch TV or listen to live sports, even if the game isn't broadcast in your city. They empower your browser to tap into radio and television programming or play stunning 3D games. Most are free and work whether you own a PC or Mac, use Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Communicator, or connect to the Web with a fast or poky modem. Download just three of these gizmos -- RealPlayer, Shockwave and QuickTime -- and your Web experience will be enriched dramatically.

How to plug in

There are several ways to get plug-ins. Chances are your browser already has several installed. But even if you've never grabbed anything off the Web, both IE4.0 and Netscape Communicator 4.0 make downloading and installing plug-ins easy.

If you're using Communicator, click Help, then select About Plug-ins to see what you already have. Should you decide to download an update, be sure to heed general installation procedures. Link to Netscape's plug-in page, where you can choose the plug-ins you need. (Go to Netscape's home page, link below, and follow links to Netscape Download, then to the plug-in page.) Or, to upgrade automatically, click on Help, then Software, then follow the link to SmartUpdate. Check what you want, then click Begin SmartUpdate. When it's finished, you'll have to log off and reboot your PC.

This software samba is even easier in IE4.0. Click Help, select Product Update, and click Yes when the Active Setup window asks to scan your PC. When it's done, you'll see a list of plug-ins, plus Microsoft's competing flavors, under Multimedia Components. Check what you want, click Next, select a download site, and click Install Now.

How to plug in

Any reasonably robust multimedia PC or Mac bought in the last few years can download these plug-ins. There are, however, different versions for Windows 3.1/95/98 and Mac. Performance hinges on your PC, modem and Web congestion.

RealNetworks RealPlayer

If you download only one plug-in, this is it. The switch-hitting RealPlayer lets you listen to RealAudio and watch RealVideo. The no-frills version is free; the Ferrari version, RealPlayer Plus 5.0, is $29.99. Competitors include Microsoft's NetShow and Netscape's Media Player. Stick with the original. Check Out: Timecast, which delivers a listing of RealAudio and RealVideo events and sites, CNN Interactive, ESPN SportsZone, C-Span, and LiveConcerts.

Macromedia's Shockwave

Your kids will love Shockwave. Games jolt with action, stunning 3D graphics, cranked-up animations and super sound. Check Out: Shockwave, which delivers interactive games, movie clips, music, puzzles and cartoons like South Park and Dilbert.

Apple's QuickTime

Because of its superior ability to blend graphics, sound, video and music, just about every movie clip on the Web is in QuickTime. Don't let the Apple name fool you; QuickTime does Windows too. Check Out: TrailerPark or Atlantic Records.

Michael Cahlin is a freelance writer based in Burbank, California.