Do any browsers come with the ability to read Flash content built-in, so that the user does not have to download and install a plugin? I've heard that some of the newer versions of Navigator and IE come with the shockwave plug-in built-in. If so which versions? with what OS? and What does this mean exactly? Will a default installation of one of these "Newer Versions" automatically play Flash content when the user clicks on a content link, or will the user still be asked to "Do something"? Does Windows Media Player support Flash content? What version? Will Windows Media Player launch automatically to display Flash content when the user clicks on a content link, or will the user still be asked to "Do something"? Thank You

IE5 and NS4.72 for the PC both offer the option of installing the flash plugin. RealPlayer also supports .swf files, but I think it's limited to version 3. -Rob

Also Win98 SE and Win2000 I beleive have Flash 4.0 player built in. Chris

Windows Media Player doesn't support Flash. Some browsers have the Flash plugin built in which simply means that they don't have to go to Macromedia's site to get the plug-in. I guess you could say if it's already installed, the user will not have to "Do something". Hope this answers your question. BTW don't worry too much about browser compatibility. The plugin is very small and shouldn't be too much of a hassle for the user to get if they don't have it, especially if they're using IE (Activex controls will automatically install the plugin without having to download, save, install and restarting the browser as Netscape browsers will have to do). -SanV

Neoplanet has it built in, solved problem when flash kept dying in IE5. Also Opera can use the netscape plugin, so it is now officialy my second browser. gunbuster

ohh sorry, aparently the dreamcast (UK) has it built in, sonics menu system allegedly is flash based. Gunbuster

Macromedia is very close-lipped about the statistics on this. They'll brag about Flash being 'ubiquitious', or that 90% of websurfers can see Flash... but they get quiet if you ask what percentage can see Flash4. If you search the MM site you can eventually see these stats: It seems that around half the people don't have Flash4. I'm sure most of them have been to sites that 'suggested' that they install it.. but these people have declined. Flash3 comes installed with the 4.0 browsers. Netscape 4.7 and the newest release of MSIE have the Flash4 player. I dislike the way that Macromedia deceives people into exploring the shockwave.com website, after they've installed the Flash4 player plug-in. They make it appear as though it is part of the installation process. "Your player is installed when you see the animation above.. you may now click on the link to visit Shockwave.com" ...when you would prefer that the person return to your site, instead of getting lost in shockwave.com until their browser crashes and your site is forgotten. Because of that.. I went back to creating sites that I save as Flash3 sites. This way everyone can see them, without needing any plug-in, (unless they are real dinosaurs, with a 3.0 browser) FreeToys WelcomeSite BestDeelz You can still make pretty cool sites, even without the advanced actionscripting or MP3 compression of Flash4. Once the person has seen most of my site, I then begin incorporating elements of Flash4, as in this puzzle ... or the song that plays on 3dthrills