What is "flash"?

Hi all. I'm fairly inept at most computer functions, other than surfing and basic photo stuff. We just got our first mac a few weeks ago. I see some talk about "flash", and "clicktoflash" etc... What is this "flash"? And "clicktoflash"? Is it something that will enhance my web experiences? Please help me understand.

Aaron

Flash:

Adobe Flash - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

ClickToFlash is something that allows you to block Flash content and click on it if you want to see it.

It isn't something that most users would really care too much about, but since we're super geeky here, we don't like the flash codec. It makes our CPU work harder than it needs to, unless you're running Windows. Linux and Mac OS X users have been subjected to inefficient coding for too long on our platforms, and we don't want to run our systems into the ground (high cpu use for flash content) just viewing web ads, or streaming video.

As a result of so many web ads being scripted in the flash codec, clicktoflash also serves as a great ad filter.

Thanks for the explanations guys. Would this be a recommended download? Will it extend the life of my mac?

Aaron

Probably not very much, it's just the processor will be doing less work over the long haul, but since flash video is on its way out in favor of HTML 5 anyway, no worries.

I was thinking flash was a big coat in a park somewhere lol

Seriously though good explanations

TattooedMac said:

I was thinking flash was a big coat in a park somewhere lol

Seriously though good explanations

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I think that's flashER!

generic chick said:

I think that's flashER!

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HAHA

Oh yea you got me there lol

generic chick said:

I think that's flashER!

Click to expand...

Same difference. They both can be used for good and bad!

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the response and explanations. Sounds like it is not a huge deal.

Aaron

reply

flash is nothing but a sudden intense burst of radiant energy

generic chick said:

I think that's flashER!

Click to expand...

No, that's the part under your car's dashboard that controls the turn signals.

s&g'sdad said:

Thanks for the explanations guys. Would this be a recommended download? Will it extend the life of my mac?

Aaron

Click to expand...

It's preinstalled with OS X so you don't have to decide .

vansmith said:

It's preinstalled with OS X so you don't have to decide .

Click to expand...

I think the OP meant clicktoflash with that post?

DarkestRitual said:

I think the OP meant clicktoflash with that post?

Click to expand...

Perhaps you're right.

To the OP: If you were talking about ClickToFlash, you can download it here. Note that ClickToFlash is Safari only. If you want something for Firefox, look into FlashBlock. If you were just referring to Flash, it is installed by default.

It's dead technology and we will never speak of this again. I had to say it....

nospeed411 said:

It's dead technology and we will never speak of this again. I had to say it....

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It's far from dead. It powers close to 100% of all online video now and there is little sign that will change despite the increasing development of HTML5 alternatives. On top of this, the fact that a lack of Flash is the number one complaint of the iPad should be evidence enough that the general user wants it.

Thanks all. If it doesn't hurt the performance of my mac, I'll just deal with it. No big deal. I don't mind ads all that much.

Aaron

Remember, YouTube is powered by Flash so it does more than just ads.

If you're interested, open up Activity Monitor when you get to a site with Flash and look at the resource usage (you will be surprised).

The Flash was also a lame Marvel super hero, he's not a patch on Spidey !

Apple also dont support Flash in many of their portable devices such as ITouch's and the forth coming iPad too, which has been a source of controversy for some