Adobe Flash is one of the most widely used software applications in the creation of dynamic websites. Flash allows web designers to include a number of multimedia elements in their websites including animations, streaming video and audio, and dynamic user interfaces. While the software required to create these elements costs hundreds of dollars, the software needed to read Flash elements is available for free online from the Adobe website, and making sure that you have the latest version of this free software reader will ensure that you can view the best websites online.

What and Where is Flash?

Flash is an advanced rendering platform used in hundreds of websites.  It used to be popular as a way to make interactive animations.  That's why, for a few years, it appeared in games and webmenus all over the web. Once it was modified to support streaming video, Flash found a home in any number of streaming media sites, including the ubiquitous YouTube.

The way you get flash is often as a specialized download.  But most people who use it don't recall actually getting it.  That's because it often integrates with your webbrowser.  You agreed to install it as a plug-in for Mozilla Firefox or as a Flash Active-X control in Internet Explorer. 

Getting the Latest Version of Flash

A word to the wise: Whenever downloading any program or file online, make sure that you download it from a reputable source.  This will keep your computer protected. Often free downloads that are from random sites you find from an online search are riddled with bugs, spyware and other malicious types of software. Simply downloading the first result for Adobe Flash Player could bring a virus along with it. That's why downloading software directly from the maker will keep your computer running quickly and efficiently.

Getting it from Adobe.com directly

The best way to ensure that you not only have the latest version of Adobe Flash Player, but that you are getting it from a reputable source is to go directly to the official Adobe website. You can find Adobe’s downloads at

http://www.adobe.com/downloads/

From here you will see a number of downloads that are available for all their products both free and purchased. Their free downloads are located on the right-hand side of the page. Just click on the link for the Flash Player download or go directly to the download by following the link below.

Flash Player- http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/

Getting it through an Update

Flash updates are available through your Browsers as well.  If you have the latest version of either Firefox or IE, all you have to do is wait and these programs will automatically prompt you for an update when a new version of Flash is published.

What Version of Flash do I have?

Want to know what version of Flash you have before pursuing an update?  The best way it so simply go here:  http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/155/tn_15507.html This is a service website set up by Adobe.  It checks the Flash version currently running on the browser that accesses it.  To check different browsers, just go there in each one.  It's that easy.