Macromedia Flash Player

Back in 1996, Macromedia Flash Player was like that mysterious new kid at school who suddenly knew how to juggle, ride a unicycle, and solve a Rubik’s Cube—all at the same time. Windows users quickly realized it wasn’t just another dull plug-in; it was the golden ticket to dancing hamsters, interactive cartoons, and browser games that ate up entire afternoons. Of course, it also loved to crash right when you were about to beat your high score, just to remind you who was really in charge. Still, without Flash Player, the early internet would’ve been as exciting as a library card catalog.