What is Flash?

Q: Hi Chris, I got your newsletter the other day and you say you offer "Flash".What the heck is "Flash"? Thanks, Michael

A: Hi Michael,
Good question. Flash is...to put it simply... a great way to deliver interactive video or animation to almost anyone. Anytime you see an animation on a website it's probably Flash. Flash is also used to develop animation and video content for TV, videos, DVDs, and CDs.

Flash is a great for a variety of reasons. First, it allows user interactivity, and therefore is a good choice for creating interactive training or product demos.

Second, you can easily include video footage that was shot with a regular video camera into the Flash content.

Third, Flash videos and animations are very small computer files, allowing you to put them on your website, or email them to your employees, clients, or customers.

Fourth, you can include a flash video or animation as part of a DVD or CD. For example, you can include a Flash animation of how a product works in a "how-to" video that is shipped with a product.