Why install Flash plug-in on a computer

Not everyone has Flash installed on their computers and installing it is complicated. Users would rather visit a non-Flash site than bother with downloads and updates.

Flash, The most popular plug-in on the Internet

The fact is that Flash reaches 98% of all Internet viewers and is available on over 700 million Internet-connected desktops and mobile devices around the world. Although Flash can be perceived as discouraging, it’s all a question of proper planning.

First, your Flash-detection method should rely on JavaScript; that way, if the user does not have JavaScript or Flash Player, or just doesn’t want to install them, your site will still be able to display alternate HTML content.

Express install

Next, Macromedia has come up with a solution to guide users who need to upgrade their Flash Player. This technique, called “Flash Player Express Install”, is fully embedded in SWFObject and provides a mechanism guiding users through the installation process. Once the installation is complete, they are automatically redirected to the page they were trying to view. If the user opts not to upgrade, the site displays the alternate content.