add-in

Add-in is a term used, especially by Microsoft, for a software utility or other program that can be added to a primary program. The Microsoft Style Guide says that Microsoft Bookshelf is an add-in for Word and that Analysis Toolpak is an add-in for Microsoft Excel. According to the Style Guide, add-in should not be confused with add-on , a term for a hardware expansion unit. (However, some add-on manufacturers do call them "add-ins.")

A similar term is plug-in , a term originated by Netscape for application programs that can be activated within a Netscape Web browser window.

Read more about it at: > The Unistat Statistical Package is a stand-alone program that is also an add-in for Excel . > Micro Memory calls their products add-in memory boards . > Shuttle also makes what they call add-in cards for computer motherboards. > SearchVB.com, a portal for Visual Basic developers, includes a collection of links to Add-ins.

This word suggested by: Keri Akin

Last updated on: Aug 20, 2005

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