The program which would eventually become Macromedia’s Flash played a significant part in the internet’s early evolution. For around two decades it stood as the primary driver of a huge range of browser-based entertainment for online platforms. This ended as the 2020s approached, with most common browsers dropping support for the software in 2020 and 2021. There are legitimate reasons for wanting to run Flash today, however, so how might you achieve this?
Translations and Older Software
If you’re looking for older software you used to play on Flash, be aware that many older titles have since been translated onto newer HTML5. Broad examples are demonstrated in the digital casino industry, like in the online bingo games at Paddy Power. These titles like Cash Cubes and Fishin’ Frenzy once ran on Flash, but now find homes on more flexible HTML software. This makes them easier to run on multiple platforms, so it’s worth investigating if the software you need to run has been translated too.
Running on Windows
According to Livewire, while there was a period when Flash could be enabled as an option as it was in decline, many modern browsers have abandoned this functionality entirely. If you’re running Firefox, Edge, or Chrome, you’ll need a different browser.
Today, the list of browsers that can support Flash, as noted by Electronics Hub, includes Opera, Dolphin, Kiwi, FlashFox, and Puffin. If you want to access Flash software natively on Windows, you’ll need to install and run one of these. Remember that these browsers might not accept all your existing extensions and bookmarks, so this new browser is best kept as a secondary rather than a primary form of internet access.
Keeping Your Connection Secure
One of the big reasons that Flash was discontinued with the big names is that its security flaws became too cumbersome to keep updated. HTML5 offered a better way, so changing from this perspective made sense. When running Flash content today, you’ll need to keep your system protected.
Thankfully, the antivirus and firewall systems built into modern Windows 10 and 11 called Windows Defender are some of the best in the business. As long as your computer is up to date, these can help prevent security risks from Flash content. Note that older Windows versions aren’t updated to the same security standard, so you should be wary about loading this content on an OS like Windows 7, even if Flash browser support is featured.
It can also be a good idea to run regular malware scans with free software like those from Malwarebytes. This highly respected software can identify anything that gets through the cracks in Windows, adding another layer of security to the end user.
With this information at your fingertips, you should be able to enjoy everything that remains of what Flash has to offer. If you can’t remember the name of what you wanted exactly, remember there are Flash preservation projects out there like Flashpoint Archive that can help point you in the right direction, as you head back into the internet’s past.
