Macromedia Flash uses an ActiveX control to display content. For those with Windows XP Service Pack 2 installed, you will be prompted to allow active content each and every time you bring up any Flash piece in the FOSS CD-ROMs. The prompt will be similar to the following screenshot:

In order to avoid having to do this repeatedly, you can modify the ActiveX settings to allow active content from the web and the CD-ROM. Follow the directions "Changing ActiveX controls."

Here is Microsoft's description of ActiveX controls.

Active content (items like stock tickers, video, or animation) relies on either ActiveX controls or computer code called a script to work properly. ActiveX controls can sometimes malfunction or display content that you don't want. They can also be used to collect information from your computer without your permission, damage data on your computer, install software without your consent, or allow someone else to control your computer remotely. Given these risks, you should only install these programs if you completely trust the publisher. When you encounter a Web page that is trying to run active content on your computer, you will receive a message prompting you to indicate whether you want to allow this. If you are certain that you want to allow the Web page to run ActiveX controls or scripts, click Yes in the message box. By clicking Yes, you allow the active content to run on the Web page you're viewing, but only on that occasion. If you leave the page and return to it later, you will receive the message again (because you did not change the setting that allows active content to run on your computer).

If you want to allow any Web site to run scripts and ActiveX controls on your computer:

1. In Internet Explorer, on the Tools menu, click Internet Options.
2. On the Advanced tab, scroll down to the Security section of the list.
3. Select the Allow active content to run in files on My Computer check box and click Apply.
4. Click OK.

If you want to allow any CD to run scripts and ActiveX controls on your computer, before you load the FOSS CD-ROM into your computer, follow these instructions:

1. In Internet Explorer, on the Tools menu, click Internet Options.
2. On the Advanced tab, scroll down to the Security section of the list.
3. Select the Allow active content from CDs to run on My Computer check box and then click Apply.
4. Click OK.

Steps 2-4. Changing the Active X configuration.