Mac OS X 10.4.8 Special Report: Flash: Slowness caused by new version

Mac OS X 10.4.8 installs the latest version of the Flash plug-in (9.0.20.0) as part of the update. Unfortunately, some users report significantly degraded performance with this release in comparison to previous versions of Flash.

Reader Reports

Marc Opas writes:

"The problem is, on a Mac (at least a PPC Mac - I have a PowerMac G5 Dual 2 GB), Flash websites run considerably slower with the version 9 plug-in than the same website using Flash Player 8. I find it unacceptable that Adobe would release an even slower updated plug-in - especially since the version 8 plug-in was already running Flash more slowly than on a PC."

"I've now seen this 'Flash slowness' on every Mac I support using Mac OS X 10.4.8. The slowness results in slow keyboard response (typing does not appear on screen for several seconds, sometimes more than 10 seconds) and spinning beach ball when various web sites are open in differing browsers, not just Safari."

Index:

• Release Notes: Delta vs. Combo; Enhancements in this release, more
• Update procedure recommendation: How to apply Mac OS X 10.4.8
• Common workarounds: Resolving typical incremental update issues

• Adobe Illustrator: Problems with pathfinder function, other issues
• Audio issues
• Black border around cursor 
• Burning media issues
• Classic: Problems starting up; launching apps
• Closed-lid portable functions broken
• Display coloring issues: Blue tinting and more
• External devices (USB/FireWire): Not recognized; can cause issues after system updates
• Finder Crashes, other issues
• Flash: Slowness caused by new version
• Incomplete update: Installing Mac OS X 10.4.8 stalls or otherwise fails
• Increased fan activity
• iSight difficulties: "In use," won't turn on, more
• Math problems in Rosetta applications
• Menu items: Disappearance, other issues
• Mighty Mouse problems: Scrolling, more
• Non-launching applications (including Rosetta apps): Fixes
• Printing issues -- fixes
• Safari Issues: Bad plug-ins, caches, more
• Spotlight issues
• Startup problems: Stalls, extremely slow booting, more
• Universal Access: New features, processor usage questions
• Wireless connectivity (AirPort, etc.) issues and fixes

Resources