What is Flash? Flash is a vector
animation software originally designed to create animations
for display on web pages. Vector graphics are ideal for the
web because they are so lightweight.
Over the releases of new versions of Flash, Macromedia has
made Flash more and more controllable via programming, where
they have it positioned as a competitor to HTML to build
interactive web sites and applications such as an e-commerce
store. Macromedia argues that Flash is the way to go instead
of HTML because of the following reasons:
Flash movies load faster and
save on download time because Flash is vector based where as
HTML is not.
Flash intelligently ‘caches’
its movies so they don’t have to be reloaded.
Flash gives users (the
person viewing/using the Flash movie) a more responsive
‘rich-client’ like experience.
Why Use Flash?
Effective use of Flash can make for a stunning and
unmistakably professional-looking website. There will be no
doubt your company is serious about attracting customers and
providing the best products or services available. A good
Flash designer can also integrate original Flash designs with
your company's logo or existing photos to create a
million-dollar look for your website.
How do I view Flash
Animation? All you need is a
simple browser plug-in. The Flash Player software is
installed automatically in all but the most obscure web
browsers.
For those who
don't have it, you can download it at
www.macromedia.com or click the icon below.
Website
Options
One can take full advantage of flash animation by implementing
it into the site design. The are two main uses of flash:
to enhance a site or to develop a site.
Flash
Enhancement - uses flash images and animation to win
over potential clients, but the site itself is still rooted
in HTML.
Flash
Development - the ultimate use of Flash. A total
flash multimedia web design is completely encapsulated in
Flash. Images are crisp and animations for your
website flow much like a movie.
