i started using flash with version 2 and it started out as a very basic animation software using vector drawing to keep file size small for internet use - macromedia had another software called director that compiled a large variety of file types into a very complex mutlimedia production and included scripting for very complex interaction and game creation - the newest flash has put the two together so that now falsh is a full multimedia production software capable of outputting to any media type and able to produce anytype of interactivity, game creation, commercial websties etc
flash is also a very good full feature drawing program and can produce some incredible artwork, specially when used with macromedia freehand or adobe illustrator
a few uses: DVD production, creating 3D aminmations and full featured movies, creating websites including e-commerce and databases, web advertising, drawing, creating complex software that can run on networks and on the web or just on your computer (very oftern used for childrens educational software)
its moving 1000.000.000 miles an hour