Microsoft Silverlight

Microsoft Silverlight, in its latest version 5.1.50918, is a remarkable browser plugin developer by Microsoft. It serves as a comprehensive tool for creating interactive media experiences, rich business applications, and immersive mobile apps. This freeware program, categorized under Internet & Network with a subcategory of Browser plugins, aims to provide a unified media experience much like Adobe Flash. The program's file names include Silverlight.Configuration.exe, sllauncher.exe, slup.exe, SNAPVIEW.EXE, and sonar.exe.

Silverlight is compatible with an extensive array of operating systems such as Windows 95, 98, 2000, XP, XP Professional, Vista, 7, 8, 10, and 11. It also supports extensions like .wpj and .mpf, making it versatile for various development needs. Apart from the latest version, other versions such as 5.1, 5.0, and 4.1 are also available for those who might need them. Known in the community by aliases such as Silverlight, SilverLight2.0, and Silverlight3, this program has achieved significant milestones, including being used by major services like Netflix for streaming since its release in 2007.

Leveraging the .NET framework, this application allows developers to create engaging and interactive applications across multiple browsers, devices, and operating systems. Advanced features like data integration, multithreading, and HD video streaming using IIS Smooth Streaming are all built into Silverlight, providing a high-quality experience for both online and offline applications. However, HTML5 has become the preferred choice for many developers, seeing as Silverlight will officially end its run in 2021.

For those interested in experiencing Silverlight, simply download the plugin. Installation is straightforward; just double-click the downloaded file, and users can effortlessly enjoy the enhanced interactivity that Silverlight content brings to web browsing.

Pros:

• Free to use
• Supports high-quality video streaming and rich media experiences
• Compatible with multiple browsers and operating systems
• Advanced features like data integration and multi-threading

Cons:

• Requires download and installation before use
• Limited support as it reaches the end of its lifecycle
• Faces competition from more versatile frameworks like HTML5
• Potential security and privacy risks associated with web browser plugins

It is not possible to confirm if there is a free download for this software available on the developer's website. We recommend checking the downloaded files with any free antivirus.

You may want to check out more software, such as Microsoft Silverlight Tools for Visual Studio 2008, Microsoft Silverlight Analytics Framework or ArcGIS API for Microsoft Silverlight/WPF, which might be related to Microsoft Silverlight.