File Extension SWF
This file format, short for Shockwave Flash is a multimedia repository especially for vector graphics. This extension is now under the control of Adobe systems, the makers of Adobe products like Flash Macromedia, Dreamweaver, fireworks and any software manufactured under the Adobe label. Files with this extension are intended to be small so that they can be published on the web as animations or web applets embedded in HTML pages.
SWF files can have varying degrees of functionality and interactivity. This file format is famous for creating animated menus and graphics used in commercials and on web pages. It is the dominant format currently being used for web animations. To play SWF files, one needs to have the Adobe Flash Player installed, either as a standalone player or as a browser plug-in. These files can even be made to self-run as movies encapsulated with the player. Plugins are downloaded automatically from the web once an SWF file is detected by the browser. These plugins can run on many platforms including Apple Macs, Linux, x86 architecture platforms and the Windows operating system. SWF files can even be played on portable consoles like the Sony PSP and the Nintendo Wii game consoles.
Due to the popularity of SWF files and their wide usage, over 99% of internet users have installed an SWF plug-in and over 90% have the latest Flash Player version. Beginning in 2008, Adobe has made the SWF format specifications public and this has allowed search engines like Google and Yahoo to crawl indexing SWF files that can now be picked and searched on these engines.
One of the most common applications that are used to playback SWF and FLV files is the SWF & FLV Player. This application, under MAC OS provides movie controls that let one to play, fast-forward and rewind these file types. It can be used to browse and save SWF files on web browser. Most people use the Flash Player, made by Adobe Systems to run SWF files. However, Flash Players do not have preference sections where one can play, rewind or forward SWFs. SWF files while running under flash player as browser plugins can send private data over the web without the user’s knowledge. It is even possible to access the microphone on a web cam with the owner not being aware of it. However, these permissions can only be accessed through the Adobe.com website. These preferences are global and thus genuine information may be blocked. In any case, this has not deterred the use of SWF files, especially in web applications.
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