Shockwave Flash plug-in

Since I began using Google Chrome as my main internet browser, near the top of the window, I often encounter the message: The following plug-in has crashed: Shockwave Flash. Currently I simply reload the window and the message vanishes. Is this adequate to re-plug-in Shockwave Flash? A Google search led me to a forum discussion that indicated early versions of Shockwave Flash has a faulty Sony driver. I found a 2007-2008 Microsoft installer for an improved driver, but when I tried to download it, I received a message that it was no longer available. My Google Chrome version is the latest edition.

What is the importance of Shockwave Flash and are there any ways to minimize its malfunction?

Thanks for reading and any information.

 

What's the "importance" - some websites use it.

From what I can tell Shokwave is similar to silverlight in some ways, but older.
Whether it's important or not depends on your browsing habits.

I don't think I even have it installed, but I think my mother has some software that requires shockwave.

 

Adobe bought out Macromedia some time ago, and got these products. Shockwave and Flash are actually 2 different plugins so I can't tell you which one is malfunctioning, though I would guess if you're running Chrome it's Flash since google has started adding Flash to Chrome.

Here's a good article about the Differences between Shockwave and Flash. The solution to your problem may be as easy as going to the Adobe pages for these plugins and getting the latest one (even the developers builds).