New Task - Flash Player: Detecting version information

Adobe Flash Player need to be updated to the latest version for IE,  FireFox, Chrome, Opera and other browsers, in order to display Flash movies. However, in most cast the Flash Player add-in can not be installed due to privilege issue. And basically it is not easy to find out the version of Flash Player installed.

Latest version: 10.1


Pre >

According to Adobe's documents, there are two official methods for FP version detection:

1. with a Flash movie in Adobe website - Find Flash Player version
2. with ActionScript - Detecting Flash Player version information with $version

Proposal >

I wish to find a method to detect FP version remotely. The following task will be done:

• study ActionScript

BTW, to install FP on IE, the later should be run as administrator.

Refernces >

•  ActionScript official website
• Adobe Flash Player official website 
• Browse plugin information - Plugin detection: a webpage to detect plugin information 
• Browser Plugin Scan - Download Installers Version

Log > 29/7/2010

• Shockwave Flash vs. Flash Player 

There is no entry named "Flah Player 10.1" in browser -> Tools | Add-ons | Plugins. Instead, there is a entry called "Shockwave Flash 10.1.53.64".

If the "Shockwave Flash" is Disable, flash movies will not be display. The Flash video demo on Adobe Flash Player official website will show a message "To view this experience, you need ... the latest Adobe Flash Player installed."
Alternatively, if the "Shockwave Flash" is Enable, the Flash video demo on Adobe Flash Player official website will display as normal.

It is possible to detect Plugin version information with JavaScript (+VB).
See Reference > Browse plugin information - Plugin detection: a webpage to detect plugin information.


Problem >

• How to perform Flash Player plugin for several PC with or withour Internet connection?

Solution >

To access the Adobe plugin standalone installers, you must agree to the licensing agreement and register with Adobe using an email address.