I actually picked up a newer machine running Vista and in the version of Flash running on that machine (10 I think) I couldn't find the options to turn off the automatic updates or stop it from running at startup.  I gave the machine away -- Poser 6 crashed constantly and I, frankly, gave up on it -- and I never really figured out all the ins and outs of the OS.  I do remember Flash annoyed the hell out of me.  Further reading about Adobe Flash makes me want to avoid the software altogether.  I do have version 9 now and disable the browser plugin as often as not.  I know I miss a lot of content on the Web but I don't miss the comercials and don't miss being tracked.

If Smith Micro had tied Poser 8 to Adobe Flash I will pass on the upgrade.  Not all that interested in beta testing their software anyway.  I did go along with a number of earlier versions of Poser and found it entertaining enough.  Just don't feel like going through all that again with a new version.  I didn't like version 7 and was always a little sorry I spent the loot for that.  Guess I will turn the computer off and go for a walk outside;)

Enjoy,
Rªnce

PS: Does anyone sell software that actually works?  Poser 4 ProPack was the last solid version of Poser I remember.  I know figuring stuff out can be fun, knocking around in HOSTS files shouldn't be a requirement to getting a software package to work in my book.