Ubuntu

how do I find out what video player I'm using

Asked by Bob

Some videos on websites work some don't. Some play slow some don't.
Sometimes I get "you need to update flash" but then it says I have the lasts version.
I go to the software center and it shows I have flash installed.

 I go to this page, it says flash is disabled?? https://helpx.adobe.com/flash-player.html

If It's disabled then what is playing the video?
I'm completely lost on this.

I also read flash is crap. Is it?
 is there something better?
I just want any page with a video to play the video and not give me grief.

I'm running Ubuntu 16.04.3 LTS and use chrome

Some truthful info on video player would also be helpful to know about.
Do you use flash? If not then what do you prefer?

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Chris Guiver (guiverc) said : 		#1

Flash was created decades ago to get around problems in old version HTML (hyper text markup used by websites). It's a security minefield, has been for ages but is no longer strictly necessary for web sites. If you go to youtube, you'll watch videos using HTML5, and not flash.

Chrome uses PepperFlash & not AdobeFlash anyway, and because of security risks its disabled (until you authorize for that site**) except for a few [10?] web sites that refuse to update themselves to HTML5. Many non-tech orgs do too, especially schools in my experience where security and technical knowledge/funds are limited. HTML5 is safer & better, but you are limited to using whatever the site you go to serves up when using a browser.

** this is comment & from memory from reading. I couldn't be specific without looking up what version of chrome it was introduced - if you want to know; look it up yourself. Note: I'm no expert in this field

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actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#2

I use Chrome and PepperFlash. Works well. It's a one stop shop for both functionalities rather than a different browser then adding Flash. It also syncs with my Android phone

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