How to: Selectively enable Flash apps, animations in Safari
When it comes to Web browsing, Flash is a primary source of both insecurity and instability, not to mention unadulterated annoyance even when Adobe’s proprietary multimedia middleware does its job. Here’s a quick, easy and free way to precisely control where and when, if at all, you choose to use Flash.
What’s compatible with Apple’s Tiger, Leopard and Snow Leopard operating systems and lists “Block evil Adobe Flash” as its first feature? That would be ClickToFlash — “your Web browsing prophylactic” — a Safari plugin that allows the user to block and then selectively view animations on an as needed basis.
Ever wanted to get rid of the scourge of the Web that is Adobe Flash, but still retain the ability to view Flash whenever you want? With ClickToFlash, you can! Using ClickToFlash, all of those icky Flash bits that have infected most Web pages on the internets are replaced with a nice, smooth gradient and the word “Flash” set in a nice, pleasing font. When you want to view the Flash, just click on it!
Moreover, the granularity doesn’t stop there as ClickToFlash allows users to force YouTube to only play High Quality and/or High Definition video, as well as play H.264 videos directly in QuickTime. Further, with Web site and application whitelisting, users can control precisely which apps can run and where they can run — an extremely handy feature.
How to take control
Currently, ClickToFlash 1.5.3 is the latest stable build and version 1.6b2 is the latest beta, though I couldn’t find a listing of what’s new in the latter.
Next, you’ll need to quit Safari. Run the installer, restart Safari and enjoy the peace and (visual) quiet!
That said, I’ve download and installed the beta on my 1.66GHz Mac mini running OS X 10.6.1 and Safari 4.0.3 without any problem…
How do you keep you Mac Flash free? Share an anecdote and link in the comments below…
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October 14th, 2009
Clicktoflash has an annoying side effect of blocking CNN videos. I wish for a way to selectively allow CNN site flashware.
October 15th, 2009
Just right click (ie Control + click) on the object you want to view and click load — it works just that easily on CNN.com for me…
October 15th, 2009
awesome widget for apple flash surfing. thank you for a review.