
People who are using other operating systems like Linux or Solaris cannot view content with shockwave. For shockwave, it is only available on Microsoft Windows and Mac OS. This is because you can get a Flash plugin for just about any browser running on any operating system. Flash is thought to be installed in around 95% of computers that are connected to the internet while Shockwave is only installed on 55%.

It was later acquired by Macromedia and renamed into Flash.įlash and Shockwave also differs largely in popularity due to the availability of their plugins. It was created by a company named FutureWave Software under the name FutureSplash. Flash started out as a vector animation tool. It allows web developers, with the use of Adobe Director, to create and publish applications online that can be viewed in any browser that has their plugin installed. Shockwave is the initial attempt of Macromedia of an online multimedia player. These are just the very basic difference between the two.

Today, Flash is the most widespread standard for showing online videos while Shockwave is used mostly for creating and implementing online games. Flash and Shockwave are two internet software that people easily confuse to be the same, especially with the confusing branding of Macromedia called Shockwave Flash.
