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Why must I constantly install "updates" to Flash?

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I get constant requests to "update" the Flash plug-in. Each time, Adobe tries to install a piece of software from MacAfee. If I don't remember to uncheck the correct box, the MacAfee software installs. Then I have to remove it, a real pain in the rear. Worse, Adobe constantly tries to scare us into doing updates by saying the currently installed software is not secure. This is a bunch of b.s. At this point, if I could dump Flash, I would. Adobe is so sleazy about this, And why does Mozilla go along with it? Any suggestions?

I get constant requests to "update" the Flash plug-in. Each time, Adobe tries to install a piece of software from MacAfee. If I don't remember to uncheck the correct box, the MacAfee software installs. Then I have to remove it, a real pain in the rear. Worse, Adobe constantly tries to scare us into doing updates by saying the currently installed software is not secure. This is a bunch of b.s. At this point, if I could dump Flash, I would. Adobe is so sleazy about this, And why does Mozilla go along with it? Any suggestions?

All Replies (3)

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And why does Mozilla go along with it? With what? The attempt by Adobe to install something from McAffe? All it takes is for users to de-select that 'option' when they go download Flash. The 'problem" comes about usually due to users just 'clicking away' to 'get it over with' and not reading to 'fine print'. Unfortunately Adobe is following the lead of too many other internet / software companies to pad their bottom line by picking up a fraction of a cent by jamming their users with unwanted "extras" or even Malware in some cases. It gotten to epic proportions in the last few years, probably 'fallout' due to the 2008 recession. Mozilla is working on a project that is code named Shumway, that may eliminate the need for Flash completely in a few years or sooner, by allowing the playing of SWF video files in Firefox without the need for ant Plugins like Flash. Another thing that websites can do is to provide HTML5 Video files, instead of SWF files, so that all web browsers can play HTML5 Video files NOW without the need for Plugins like Flash and similar.

Any suggestions? For now, you can download Flash from here - https://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/distribution3.html - to avoid having to de-select the 'option' for stuff like McAfee from even being offered to you.

Overall, as far as Flash being updated so frequently over the last 3 months - 5 new versions over the course of 9 or 10 weeks is very unusual to say the least. The last time, before mid-December, that Mozilla had to blocklist Flash due to known security issues was almost 2 years ago. Over that 2 years time Flash was getting updated, but not blocklisted by Mozilla, for stability issues and improved features by Adobe.

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Hi edmeister-- how's that Shumway coming along? Do you not realize that Mozilla Firefox's link at Add-Ons, to update the Flash Player shiv, is still fraudulently installing McAfee's bullsh!t? Minutes ago I opened Firefox's Add-Ons and it told me to update my Flash Player-- lo and behold the installer installed some McAfee Security Scan crap with NO option to NOT install it. No de-select option at all. The download progress even said "pending" below the McAfee crap! Why hasn't Mozilla remedied this yet? It's been going on for years! Fortunately I was able to uninstall it from my system. Hopefully it hasn't left some trace malware. And yes, I know that Adobe's Flash team has been throttled in terms of providing sufficient programming-- better to release tiny, weak incremental updates-- it helps profitability! Get with the program Mozilla.

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I am just another user of Firefox - I don't work for Mozilla.

Sorry, I have no idea how Shumway is going. I have it in a Profile that I rarely use - and the last time I checked it still only worked on very arcane websites or only with very simple games. So at this time it still seems to be worthless for the average user. My feeling is that the "web" will be switched over to HTML5 Video before Shumway is developed far enough to really be a true solution for playing SWF files.

I have no control of the Plugin Check page, and therefore can't fix it even if I was so inclined to try. I provided a link for where users can get the latest versions of Flash sans any extras, like McAfee. That's the best I can do.