Helper Application

A helper application, also known as a helper program, is a software application that assists or extends the functionality of another application, typically a web browser. Helper applications are designed to handle specific file types or protocols that the main application may not natively support, enabling users to open, view, or interact with various content types.

When a user encounters a file or content type that their web browser cannot natively handle, the browser may prompt the user to download and install a helper application that supports the specific file type or protocol. Once installed, the helper application can be automatically launched by the browser to open or display the content in question.

Some common examples of helper applications include:

1. PDF viewers: While many web browsers now have built-in PDF viewing capabilities, in the past, users often needed to install a separate PDF viewer application (e.g., Adobe Reader) to view PDF documents within their browser.
2. Media players: To play various media formats (e.g., audio or video files) that are not natively supported by the browser, users might need to install a media player helper application, such as VLC Media Player or QuickTime.
3. Document editors: To edit certain document formats within the browser, users may need to install helper applications or browser extensions that provide editing capabilities for those specific file types (e.g., Microsoft Word Online or Google Docs).
4. Compression utilities: Users may need to install helper applications to handle compressed files (e.g., .zip or .rar) if their browser or operating system does not natively support those file formats.

While helper applications can extend a browser's functionality and provide a more seamless experience for users, they may also introduce potential security risks, as they can be exploited by hackers to gain unauthorized access to a user's system. To mitigate these risks, it's important to keep helper applications up-to-date and only install them from reputable sources.

In summary, a helper application is a software program that assists or extends the functionality of another application, typically a web browser, by handling specific file types or protocols not natively supported by the main application. Helper applications can enhance the user experience but also introduce potential security risks, so it's essential to keep them updated and install them from trustworthy sources.

See Also

• IT Strategy (Information Technology Strategy)
• IT Governance
• Enterprise Architecture
• Chief Information Officer (CIO)
• IT Sourcing (Information Technology Sourcing)
• IT Operations (Information Technology Operations)
• E-Strategy