Flash is a popular format for delivering vector-based graphics and animations over the Internet, while Shockwave enables you to deliver rich, interactive, multimedia content. Flash "movies" end with the extension .swf; Shockwave files end with the extension. dir or .dcr. To add a Flash movie or Shockwave file to your site, upload the file to the root Web (www) directory of your Web hosting server.
In order for your site's visitors to play a Shockwave file, the Macromedia Shockwave Player must be installed on their computer. The Shockwave Player can be downloaded at no cost from Macromedia.
To play a Flash movie, visitors must have the Flash Player. Most browsers, however, come installed with Macromedia Flash Player. It is also included with the Macromedia Shockwave Player. There are a number of ways you can link to your Flash movies in your Web site. For example, you can use a standard link or provide a button or image that launches the movie. You can also set the Flash movie to open in a new browser window.
For detailed information about incorporating Macromedia multimedia files into your Web site, consult the product documentation or visit Macromedia's support center at http://www.macromedia.com/support.