Macromedia Flash (How safe)

[FrankSG]

My OS is WinXP Home with SP2 and I use IE for my browser. On some of the web pages, there are some things missing and I got a little pop-up that tells me that I must have Macromedia Flash Player 7 in order to display it. I'm a little reluctant to install Macromedia because of the security issue. I just use my computer at home and no one else except my grandchildren use it occasionally. I would like some opinions as just how safe (or un-safe) it is.
Thanks. ~Frank~

[John0904]

I have considered Macromedia Flash programs like .wmv or .mpg media files.
Though by doing a search it seems it could be possible. http://www.computerworld.com.au/index.php/id;654001372;fp;512;fpid;40161572

But that was dated back to 2002 and the problem was fixed.

Just browsing the Internet alone is a security risk anymore. :(

Edit:
Doing a Google search for "Macromedia Flash security" shows links dating back to 2002. Nothing recent.