Flash Media
Kosuma Pimpin

Flash is a multimedia tool similar to Java script, but developed by Macromedia [1]. It allows a user to create and integrate graphics into animations, making a simple graphic more sophisticated and beautiful. A user can easily utilize Flash to generate a stunning image or animation and add effects to make a web page more interesting and appealing. Due to its accessibility, it is therefore currently a familiar tool for designing web pages.

Flash works on the basis of an interface where images and sounds can be manipulated to form animations. The fundamentals of Flash consist of a stage, a menu, a toolbox, a timeline and panels. The stage is the main canvas on which the graphics and sounds can be added on. The menu is used for the basic functions like saving and opening of files. With the help of the toolbox and the correct panels, the user can insert relevant images and sounds onto the main stage or canvas. Here, the graphics can be enhanced in quality and the sounds can be adjusted to a required tone and pitch. The coordination of each layer of images or applications that have been inserted is crucial to building an impressive Flash movie. The timeline tool allows the user to ensure that the movie is flowing and the features can be accessed readily. The whole Flash movie, when completed, will feature animations, sounds and applications that are extraordinarily entertaining and user friendly [2].There are major benefits in the use of Flash. Firstly, it is flexible. It can be used to construct web pages and animations, with the added benefit of being relatively easy to use. Secondly, the Flash creations are compact, fast, beautiful and interactive. Each Flash production is a small file compared to other types of applications; it occupies such little space that it is identified as a very user friendly tool. The motion pictures generated are not only beautiful, but also fast to load and at the same time interactive. The interactive features permit the user to carry out many tasks simultaneously without having the system to crash. Last but not least, Flash is a very compatible tool that works well with various operating systems and platforms, it can also be supported by most media playing mediums [1].

The only possible concern with Flash is the vulnerability of attacks from various internet junk sites. Many websites employ pop-up windows and advertisement banners as means of advertising their product or service. However, it is the irritable attachment of a variety of unwanted Flash movies to our internet explorer that causes problems with web surfing. These unwanted pop-ups serve to have a detrimental effect on the development and further use of Flash.

Flash is a powerful tool even for beginners. With further development, it can be safe to say that the future of information technology is heading in a positive direction. Flash presents a future where websites are extravagantly designed and highly interactive. Users might be able to carry out more interactive activities such as online shopping and even going on virtual tours. Such is the potential of Flash that it should never be undermined.

Reference:

1. Netscape (2000). What is Flash?

2. Ryerson University, School of Image Arts (n.d.). How does Flash work?

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