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What is Microsoft Silverlight. Microsoft Silverlight, what is this program and is it needed?

In this publication we will learn about Microsoft Silverlight, what kind of program it is and whether it is needed. It is used for multimedia content. But first, it should be noted that in 2015, most web browsers removed support for NPAPI plugins. So the product we are going to talk about no longer functions in Opera, Mozilla, and Chrome. Most users began to look for ways to connect the format; to do this, you just need to use an old version of a browser.

Microsoft Silverlight - what is this strange program, is it needed on a PC?

Currently the application only works in Internet Explorer. If you have this browser installed by default, then most likely you need it. It’s worth adding that it’s up to you to decide whether to leave it or delete it, because popular browsers no longer support it, and YouTube is completely planning to switch to flash-free formats.

There is information that this utility is available in the following folders:


Naturally, these are not all directories; there may be others. To check, you should open the system drive and enter Microsoft Silverlight in the search box, you will be given a decent amount of information.


How to delete?

You can do this in the standard way, or you can use special software, for example, Revo Uninstaller. Its advantage is that it is able to remove not only the utility if it is not needed, but also what may remain of it. Now let's look at manual removal.

First, make a restore point so that in case of errors you can return everything.

The algorithm is as follows:

  • Click Start and select Control Panel on Windows 7;


In Windows 10, this item can be called up with the combination Win + X

  • look for “Programs and Features”, activate it;


  • in the list that opens, look for Microsoft Silverlight;
  • right click and select “Delete”;


  • in the notification that appears, click “Yes”;


  • Another uninstall window will open;
  • wait for the process to complete.

If you have several product options and you decide that you don’t need it, you can delete the rest in the same way.

How to clean the operating system after eliminating a program

After removal, most often you still need to get rid of the remnants of the program in Windows. First, eliminate unnecessary files. You will need to open the system drive and in the upper right search field, enter Microsoft Silverlight. All folders related to this component will be found.


You will also need to install software. It helps to eliminate even what you can’t put in the trash. And if, after you have learned about Microsoft Silverlight, what kind of program it is, you want to get rid of it, it is better to download specialized software.

Then select all the folders and select the Unlocker sub-item, click “Delete” and OK.


A message will open in which you tap “Yes”.


The process takes about five minutes. It’s better to restart your computer later and check if Windows is working correctly.

Now you need to clear the registry left over from the program:

  • press the combination Win + R and enter the command regedit;
  • tap OK;


  • in the editor that opens, look for garbage by pressing Ctrl + F and entering the full name of the program;
  • click the “Find Next” button;
  • the search will begin, everything that stands out can be eliminated (folders, keys);
  • right-click and select “Delete”;
  • press F3 to continue searching, when a message appears, the search will end;
  • for example, you will find the DisplayName key, double-click on it, and the following window will appear:


So even if Silverlight wasn’t in the name, it will be inside! Therefore, search not only by name, but also by content. It’s easy to remove the trash folder; to do this, also right-click and select delete.

Now you know what Microsoft Silverlight is and whether it is needed. Of course, it's up to you to decide whether you will use it or not. Well, when you want to get rid of it, use our instructions. If you are not confident in your abilities, you should not take risks so as not to harm the operating system. Good luck!

Having installed the operating system, the user is faced with the need to acquire all the necessary tools that he is used to in order to fully use the computer. What programs are usually installed: Total Commander - for working with files, Win Rar packer, Nero for working with CDs, antivirus, etc... And still, something is always missing. You're about to watch a movie, and suddenly you discover that you're missing some codecs. You are on the Internet, in order to view a small video you need to install the ubiquitous Adobe Flash; some sites will require Java to be present on your computer.

Microsoft developers are constantly working on the compatibility of the operating system with new software products created using other technologies and programming languages. It is no coincidence that they have developed and are improving a mechanism for constantly updating operating systems of the Windows family. On the official website you can find several dozen free applications that can easily replace similar applications from other manufacturers.

Silverlight is such a free application.– a software platform that expands the capabilities of Windows when working with vector graphics, animation, and multimedia in interactive mode. It is supported by all operating systems of the Windows family, Mac OS X and Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, FireFox, Safari browsers, as well as mobile devices running Windows Mobile 6 and Symbian (Series 60). The first version was released in 2006, its capabilities were subsequently expanded, and Silverlight 5.1 is currently distributed.

This platform not only significantly improves the performance of the operating system and browsers, but also opens up unlimited possibilities for interaction with other Microsoft applications - Visual Basic and C#, Visual Studio, ADO.NET, ASP.NET, Expression Blend. Some applications are freely available on the Microsoft website, and some can be tried in a 30-day demo mode. In order to really experience the capabilities of Silverlight 5.1. download and install Expression Blend 4.0, which consists of four tools Blend, Encoder, Web, Design.

Expression Blend– allows you to generate XAML codes for application programs much faster and easier than manual typing in Word Pad or Visual Studio.

Expression Encoder– a convenient tool for editing, importing, and transcoding video materials in popular formats WMV, AVI, WMA, MOV, MPEG and H264

Expression Web- a simple visual application with which you can create websites, the accompanying product Super Preview greatly simplifies testing them in various software tools.

Expression Design is a tool for working with vector graphics in JPEG, TIFF, PNG, GIF, etc. Allows you to create simple animated objects.

In this application, developers offer ready-made templates that can be a good help when creating your projects.

Finally, Silverlight 5 opens up new possibilities:

  • fully utilize the GPU in 3D graphics, which previously worked as an accelerator,
  • noticeable acceleration of video decoding using a video card,
  • high-quality media content management with automatic sound correction
  • adaptation of applications to 64-bit OS,
  • improved computer power management,
  • support for accelerating application launch,
  • improved text clarity on the web.

Thus, Silverlight 5.0 platform equally useful for both programmers and ordinary users. At the very least, it will not harm your applications in any way, but on the contrary, they will work better.

Microsoft Silverlight often prompts you to install an update center. In fact, it is required for the operation of a variety of multimedia Internet applications. In fact, it is used on websites and Internet resources to play audio and video, to play GIFs and the like. In fact, in some ways this utility duplicates standard flash, which is used on many sites. The utility was developed by Microsoft as its competitor, but more safe.

Advantages and features of the application

The utility is installed in many browsers as a plugin and helps to play multimedia content from Internet resources. Advantage It may be that the utility was developed by Microsoft, and therefore will not harm the user’s computer and system. At the same time, on those sites that use this technology, the user will be able to see the full range of content provided by the developer, which can be considered an undoubted advantage.

Application development

In October 2008, the developer presented second version of my plugin, which greatly expanded its functionality. Working with a large amount of source data has become available, and tools for security control user. At the same time, it became possible to custom edit the source code and add new options; six months after the release of the version, the plugin had already been downloaded more than 300 million times.

Released in 2009 third option program in which several options were added:

  • 3D graphics.
  • Improved animation.
  • New video and audio standards.
  • Using GPU accelerators.

IN fourth edition it became possible to transmit a video stream from the client to the server, and the ability to use a web camera and microphone was added. IN fifth version these functions have been expanded:

  • Ability to change playback speed.
  • Accelerated application launch.
  • Improved text readability.
  • Added support for 64-bit operating systems

Do you need Microsoft Silverlight on your computer?

The need for this plugin on the user’s device is a highly controversial point. Of course, this plugin will help the user see more fully the functionality that developers put on the site, however, do not forget that supportnpapi has been banned by most browsers for some time. Thus, in order to fully see all the available capabilities on Internet resources, the user will have to use outdated versions of browsers, and at the same time, they will have to prohibit updating them.

Don’t forget that if the functionality is not supported, it won’t be used by sites. In addition, although a little, the service consumes computer power and increases traffic, which for users not with the latest hardware can play a significant role. Of course, IE continues to support this service, so for those who use this browser, this problem may not be so relevant.

How to install silverlight

First, you need to go to the developer’s website and download the Microsoft Silverlight installer file from there: https://www.microsoft.com/ru-ru/SoftMicrosoft/silverlight.aspx. After this, all that remains is run the downloaded file and wait for the process to complete, then all you have to do is restart your browser and that’s it, the plugin is ready to work.

Enabling and disabling a plugin

After installing the silverlight plugin, you can enable and disable it as you wish. To do this, you just need to go to the appropriate settings item in your browser. In Chrome you should go to Extra options and go to extensions, here the required plugin will be found. In Firefox it will be located in the same place as all other plugins and its can be disabled or completely remove it from the system.

In Opera, first you need to enable developer menu.

After which you can go to a new menu item and find the section you are looking for.

Plugin update

If the user receives an update that the silverlight plugin is out of date, it needs to be updated. To configure updates, go to the plugin properties, then go to tabupdates. There are several modes available here: automatic installation, check and notification, complete shutdown.

The user will only have to select the item that is most convenient for him.

Removing Silverlight

To get started, you can simply go to the control panel, and from there proceed to install and remove programs. Here you need to find the utility, click on remove and wait complete removal from your computer, after which a reboot may be required. You can also use one of the utilities that specialize in software removal, for example revo uninstaller, this will help you avoid using the next step.

Cleaning your computer after removal

You can install one of the special programs that scan and clean your computer of debris and fix the registry, for example ccleaner, which is available on the official website https://www.ccleaner.com.

To begin with, you can use the first point and delete all unnecessary data from the computer, then go to the registry and click on search for problems. After finishing the analysis, click on fix, do backups files and wait for the process to complete.

Silverlight is responsible for displaying graphics and images in the user's browser, providing technology for displaying active content. The platform is also widely used to create widgets for Windows Vista and Windows Sidebar.

The technology implements playback of WMA, WMV and MP3 formats, but does not require installation of additional modules by the user, as was implemented in the Windows Media Player extension. Silverlight is widely used on the Internet due to the large number of possible interface tools that enhance the capabilities of the user and web developer.

Silverlght code can be written in any language from the .NET platform.

Silverlight is an alternative tool for creating active content on websites. In addition to this solution from Microsoft, technologies such as Adobe Flash, HTML 5 and JavaFX are widely used on the Internet.

Installing Silverlight for a user

To date, the latest version of the module is Silverlight 5, which is available on the official project website created by Microsoft. Go to the company's website to the plugin download section using the browser you are using. Click on the Download Now link and wait for the installer file to download.

Silverlight is supported on all modern Windows and MacOS desktop operating systems.

Run the downloaded file and in the window that appears, click on the “Install Now” button to begin installing the product. Close the Internet programs you are using and wait for the file unpacking operation to complete. Once the installation is complete, you will receive a corresponding notification on the screen. Click the "Close" button and launch your Internet browsing program. You can now play content on sites that use this content display technology.

Disadvantages of technology

There is a Silverlight version for phones running Windows Phone. However, Silverlight is not available for Android and iOS platforms, making the technology unusable on almost all mobile platforms. This means that applications written on it are available only to computer users.

Among the disadvantages of the technology is the inability of the plugin to work with systems other than Windows and OS X. Also, a program written in Silverlight will not start if the user does not have an Internet connection.

Silverlight enables companies to design, develop and deliver powerful applications and products for use on the World Wide Web. It is a browser plugin that works with MacOS, Windows, Linux, and devices. Its main advantages: it is free, its size is 4 MB, and installation is completed in just ten seconds.

Key Features of Silverlight
It's much easier to bring your creative vision to life with browser-based apps, high-definition video quality, and powerful features that increase developer productivity.

Smooth Streaming
IIS Media Services (formerly IIS Media Pack), an integrated HTTP media platform, provides seamless streaming that dynamically detects and easily switches the video quality of the media file being streamed to Silverlight based on local bandwidth and CPU load. This provides support for dynamic, on-demand, high-definition video streaming (720p or more).

Sketchflow
The SketchFlow tool is a component of Expression Studio 3 that greatly increases speed and efficiency. It can be used to demonstrate the perception of the application. SketchFlow provides a simple, fast way to test, iterate, and prototype UI scripts that let you take your concepts from a series of rough representations into a dynamic, living prototype that can be modified in realism to suit the needs of a specific client or project.

Expandable media format support with RAW AV
Thanks to the new Raw AV format, the Silverlight plugin easily supports many third-party codecs. Audio and video can be decoded outside the production environment and rendered in Silverlight, so the format is supported beyond the built-in codecs.

Graphic effects with 3D projection
Silverlight 4 allows developers and layout designers to overlay content onto a 3D surface. Users can rotate or scale dynamic content in space; You don't need to write any additional code to do this. Other effects include queuing in 3D space and transitions.

New controls

Silverlight 4 includes more than sixty high-quality, fully layerable templates and ready-made editable controls, such as charting and multimedia controls; new layout containers such as the docking area and viewport, as well as controls such as auto-fill, tree menu, and data table. The controls are made in nine professional ready-made themes, and the source code can be modified/recompiled or used as is. Other additions include the ability to select multiple options in list boxes, a save file dialog,

Deep Zoom function
Silverlight's new Deep Zoom technology allows users to view images on the Internet in a whole new way. The smooth, precise zooming and panning provided by Deep Zoom technology is a significant improvement that sets a new standard for image viewing. Thanks to this feature, you can now also create ultra-high-resolution images that are freely available on the Internet.

Pixel Shader Effects
These software effects include blur and shadow effects, with the ability to apply them to any graphic content and animation. You can also create your own effect.

New features in Silverlight 4:

  • Improved multimedia experience
  • Increase the performance of rich Internet applications RIA
  • Improved data processing support
  • Improved performance

Supports high-quality video and audio
With native support for H.264 video encoding and Advanced Audio Coding (AAC), IIS7 Smooth Streaming (real-time and on-demand), Full HD video playback (720p and above) and an extensible decoder pipeline, Silverlight 4 brings a rich, full-screen, lag-free multimedia experience to the desktop New and enhanced media experiences in Silverlight 4:

  • Stream HD video (720p and above) with Smooth Streaming technology in real time and on demand. IIS Media Services (formerly known as IIS Media Pack) is an integrated multimedia transmission platform over the HTTP protocol that supports Smooth Streaming technology, which, depending on the CPU load and communication channel parameters of the local computer, dynamically determines and smoothly, in real time, changes the quality media file played using Silverlight.
  • Support for additional formats. In addition to native support for VC-1 and Windows Media Audio, Silverlight 4 supports AAC and the MPEG-4-based H.264 format, allowing content providers to deliver high-quality content to a wide range of computers and devices.
  • Real high definition video in full screen mode. Using GPU hardware acceleration, the Silverlight platform allows you to play high-definition HD video (720p and above) in full screen.
  • Extensible support for multimedia formats. With a new raw audio and video data pipeline, Silverlight can support a wide range of third-party codecs. This allows video and audio to be decoded outside of the Silverlight environment and then played back in Silverlight, providing support for formats that are not supported by built-in codecs.
  • High level of content protection. Silverlight DRM, based on PlayReady content protection, allows you to display protected content in your web browser using AES encryption or Windows Media Digital Rights Management.

Improved multimedia experience
Silverlight 4 supports new animation, 3D graphics, text enhancements, and hardware-accelerated effects, enabling developers and designers to create next-generation visual effects for web applications.

  • Graphic effects with 3D projection Silverlight 4 allows developers and layout designers to map content onto a 3D surface. At the same time, users can rotate and scale streaming content without writing additional code. In addition, this feature allows you to create a sequence of 3D effects and transitions.
  • Pixel shader effects. These are software effects that include blur and shadow display. Additionally, users can create their own effects. Effects can be applied to any graphic content. For example, you can make a button appear pressed on hover by adding a shadow to the pressed button display.
  • Caching bitmaps. Dramatically increases image rendering performance by allowing users to cache vector graphics, text, and manipulate raster images. This feature is used for background content and for content that needs to be scaled without changing its internal structure.
  • New software interface for raster images. Developers can change the points in a bitmap. This allows you to create red-eye removal tools, tools for editing scanned images, or creating special effects for cached bitmaps from elements on the screen.
  • Support for thematic design of applications. Developers can now theme applications by applying styles to Silverlight 4 applications and change them at runtime. Additionally, developers can define a cascade of styles, where one style builds on another.
  • Animation effects. Silverlight 4 allows you to use new effects, such as spring and bounce, which make animation more natural. Additionally, developers can create their own mathematical functions to describe the animation.
  • Improved control templating. Simplifies the process of creating templates by storing a common set of controls outside the application. This allows control styles and templates to be used by different applications.
  • Improved support for text and font rendering. Silverlight 4 significantly improves rendering efficiency and speed of text animation and makes applications load faster by using local fonts.

Increase the performance of rich Internet applications RIA

  • More than 60 controls with source code. Contains over 60 high-quality, fully layerable templates and customizable out-of-the-box controls: charting and media controls, new layout containers like the docker and viewport, and controls for autocomplete, tree view, and work with data grids. There are nine professional pre-built themes for the controls. The source code can be modified/recompiled or used as is. In addition, Silverlight 4 provides developers with list boxes with multiple selections, a file save window that makes it easy to write files, and support for multi-page applications that use navigation.
  • Deep binding. Silverlight 4 supports deep linking, allowing you to bookmark pages in RIA applications.
  • Search engine optimization (SEO). Silverlight 4 allows you to perform search engine optimization according to the needs that arise when working with RIA applications. Using server-based business objects, coupled with ASP.NET controls and sitemaps, users can automatically render database-driven RIA application content into HTML that is efficiently indexed by leading search engines.

Improved data processing support

  • Linking elements. User interface designers use linking of interface elements to create user-friendly interfaces. Silverlight 4 allows you to use XAML to associate UI elements with Common Language Runtime (CLR) objects and other user interface components. For example, this feature allows you to associate the position of a slider with the volume level of the media player.
  • Data forms. The data form supports field marking, as well as data validation, updating, and pagination.
  • New data verification capabilities. Automatically detect typing errors and alert the user using built-in validation controls.
  • Business object support. Supports business objects across client and server systems with support for multi-level data. Added a new built-in CollectionView element that allows you to perform a number of complex operations with data on the server. The new set of RIA .NET services supports these server-side capabilities.

Improved performance

  • Caching application libraries reduces their size. Client-side platform caching improves rendering performance.
  • The advanced deep scaling feature Deep Zoom allows you to exchange data with the server in a compressed form, significantly increasing the speed of data exchange.
  • The binary XML language provides exchange with the server in a compressed form, significantly increasing the speed of data exchange.
  • Local connection. Allows two Silverlight applications running on a client computer to communicate directly without going through the server. For example, this capability allows an application to build a chart using information from another application's data grid.

Ability to work outside the browser
Silverlight 4 provides new capabilities for creating lightweight, sandboxed web applications that are used on the Internet and run on the desktop. The Silverlight plugin, launched from the browser, keeps the website in constant contact with users. It allows you to place an application in a restricted storage location on a user's machine, and then link to it directly from the user's desktop or Start menu. Silverlight 4 lets you take advantage of these capabilities without changing your existing application development practices or downloading additional software. Now the application can be easily found on the user's desktop or Start menu and launched with one click. In addition, Silverlight applications can check if they are connected to the Internet, update their versions, and access isolated storage. Using these capabilities together significantly improves operational efficiency compared to the traditional approach.

  • Supports shortcuts on the desktop and the Start menu. Developers can place applications on the desktop, allowing them to launch with just one click.
  • Launch without a browser. Allows you not to launch the browser when working with applications.
  • High reliability, safety; applications are created in a sandbox. The application can be trusted without any security alerts, increasing user security.
  • Convenient installation performed by the user without an administrator. Silverlight applications are stored in a local cache and do not require additional rights to run.
  • Built-in automatic update function. When Silverlight applications start, they check for a new version on the server and automatically update.
  • Checking your Internet connection (with and without a browser). Silverlight applications can detect a disconnected Internet connection and cache user data until the connection is restored.

RIA applications

Double advantage. Using the .NET Framework, our applications enable you to create visually rich content while still supporting fundamental features for rapid development.

Beyond HTML

The most complete web app experience
Engage users with a combination of animation, video, design layouts, vector graphics, 3D projections, effects and special features like Deep Zoom.
High speed
Use every processor. Multi-threading support allows you to use the full power of modern multi-core processors.
More than 100 controls
Initially, you have at your disposal more than sixty original controls with the possibility of customization: from data tables to graphs. You can always find additional controls from Partners.
Watch high quality video
Experience true 1080p HD video using H.264 (MP4/F4V) or WMV/VC-1 with Smooth Streaming technology.

Excellent compatibility with other software

MacOS, Windows, Linux

Works with available resources
Takes an existing website to a new level. Enhance it with lots of interactive features/videos without rewriting services or applications.
Use outside the browser
Install your application on desktop computers. To contact you it will be enough to press one button. Applications run even in offline mode.

Fast development

All functions in the platform
Everything is provided - Networking, web services, LINQ, generalizations, working with threads, dynamic languages.
True developer tools
We have created a Visual Studio package for you, which includes a code editor, debugger, data layout designer and group server.
Don't give up on your ideas
Create wireframes using SketchFlow from Expression; Style controls and design layouts using Expression Blend.

Multimedia

Using Silverlight to create and deliver applications results in higher quality video. The higher the quality of the video, the longer viewers watch it. The longer viewers watch your media, the higher your profits. The secret of success is so simple!

Top quality results

Real high definition video
Enjoy true 720/1080p HD video using H.264 or WMV/VC-1 standards. Use the existing Windows Media library or add support for third-party codecs.
Smooth Streaming
Maximize your visit time with Adaptive HTTP Streaming. Silverlight adjusts quality in real time based on changing bandwidth and CPU load.
Use outside the browser
Ability to play videos offline. Saving content in case of disconnection and subsequent updating when connected.

Extensive application development capabilities

MacOS, Windows, Linux
Use in Windows, MacOS, Linux operating systems; support for leading browsers: Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox.
Seamless design and development workflow
Reduce time to market. Expression Studio's creative tools are integrated with the Visual Studio family of developer tools.

Earn income. Save money.

Earn income from your resources
Select content protection methods: end user authentication, SSL, web playlists, Silverlight DRM and Windows Media DRM copyright management.
Streaming and non-linear advertising
Approved by the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) and supports all major advertising scenarios.
Reduced application provisioning costs
Leverage existing HTTP infrastructure and improve delivery methods using proprietary streaming servers.