QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FLASH PLAYER:

What is the Flash Player?
Why do I need to download the Flash Player?
How difficult is it to download the player?

TROUBLE DOWNLOADING OR INSTALLING THE FLASH PLAYER:

I am confused by the download process. What do I need to do, step by step?
I'm sure I've downloaded and installed the player correctly, but I still can't view Flash sites. What's wrong?
Could I be having trouble because I am using an older version of my browser?
Where should I install the Flash player?
How do I know what version of the player to download?
I am using Internet Explorer on a Macintosh computer. Why can't I view Flash sites?

ANSWERS TO ALL YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FLASH PLAYER.

What is the Flash Player?
The Flash Player is a free plug-in provided by Macromedia. When installed on your computer, it allows your browser to play websites which are created using Macromedia Flash software. These sites are worth the few minutes it takes to download the free player, as they are usually more fun and interactive than their HTML counterparts.

What do I need to download the Flash Player?
Many browsers come complete with the Flash plug-in already installed. However, if you are using an older browser or for some other reason do not already have it, you will need to download the player in order to view sites created with Macromedia Flash. These sites usually contain animated, highly interactive content which cannot be presented any other way. They load more quickly and play more smoothly than traditional dynamic HTML sites.

How difficult is it to download the player?
The Flash player is provided free of cost by Macromedia. It will take you only a few minutes to download and install the player. You can even follow the step-by-step instructions below.

SO YOU ARE HAVING TROUBLE DOWNLOADING OR INSTALLING THE FLASH PLAYER?
Here are some of the most frequently encountered problems and some trouble shooting tips.

I am confused by the download process. What do I need to do, step by step?

1. Click the download button below. This will take you to the download page on the Macromedia site. Macromedia is the company who makes the Flash plug-in. You may also paste the following URL into a new browser window if you wish to leave these instructions open.



2. Click the download link. The box on the middle left of your screen should automatically show the correct version of the Flash player for your computer and a "download now" link. Click this link and follow instructions in any pop-up dialog boxes to select the location on your computer where you wish to save the download. It may be easiest to place the download on your desktop folder. When the download is complete, exit the browser.

3. Install the player. The download process will place an installer file on your computer. Locate this installer and double click to open it. You will be shown a license agreement, with which you must agree. The installer will then automatically select the location of your browser and verify that you wish to install the Flash player in the same location.

4. Restart your computer. When the installation process is complete, quit out of the installer and restart your computer. You may also wish to discard the installer file as you no longer need it.

5. Open your browser and begin visiting the many Flash sites you've been missing out on.

I'm sure I've downloaded and installed the player correctly, but I still cannot view Flash sites. What's wrong?

Consider the following:

Did you restart your computer after installing the player?

What version of your browser are you using?
Older versions of both Netscape and Internet Explorer do not support the new Flash and Shockwave plug-ins. You need to have version 4.0 or later. Also, if you are using a Macintosh computer, you need to use a Netscape browser. Download the latest versions below.

DOWNLOAD NETSCAPE

DOWNLOAD INTERNET EXPLORER

Did you install the player to your browser's plug-in folder?
The installer should have automatically selected the correct location. If it did not, or if you selected another option, you may need to move the player or reinstall it to the plug-in folder inside your browser folder.

Do you have the correct version of the player for your browser and computer?
There are different versions of the player for Netscape and Internet Explorer, for Mac and PC. If you use both Netscape and Internet Explorer, you will need to download and install a copy of the player to each browser's plug-in folder. When you visit the Macromedia download page, you will automatically be given the option to download the version that is most compatible with your current browser. If you want a different version, select it there before continuing.

Are you using Internet Explorer on a Macintosh computer?
The Macintosh version of Internet Explorer does not recognize the Flash or Shockwave plug-ins. Unfortunately, the only way to fix this is to switch browsers. You can download the latest version of Netscape Navigator by clicking on the link below.

DOWNLOAD NETSCAPE