Specifications

Chapter 13 Dynamic Images 219
SERVING SWF FILES For even greater flexibility, you may choose to serve Flash (SWF) files. Such a
file can dynamically generate and update text, graphics and other image
elements, and can interact with various data sources. SWF files are produced
using Adobe Flash Professional. By combining high quality text and graphics
rendering with a powerful, network-aware programming language, Flash
allows you to create custom solutions with very little effort.
In order to serve SWF files, you must install the Adobe Flash Player 10.3 or
later on the Image Server computer. This is available as a free download:
http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/
▲ IMPORTANT: Since the SWF files served by the Image Server reside locally
on the Image Server computer, you may need to grant additional rights to
those files in order to access network resources. To do so, go to Control Pan-
el, Flash Player. Click the Advanced tab, then Trusted Location Settings.
Click the “Add...” button and add the folder(s) containing SWF files to be
served by the Image Server.
Sourcing Flash Content There are many sites on the internet dedicated to providing Flash examples
and tutorials. This is a great source for simple flash content, such as live clocks,
stock tickers, news readers, etc. In many cases, such content can simply be
dropped into your Image Server folder and used as-is.
▲ IMPORTANT: Since you’re going to run the SWF files on your local comput-
er, with a relaxed security sandbox based on the “trusted location settings”
set above, only use SWF files from sources you trust.
◆ NOTE: Keep in mind that such content may be copyrighted. Always check
its license before including it in your presentations.