Install all the following in the specified order for best results. IrfanView can be used to display pictures as well as video – all the rest are primarily video players. Some files play best in one or other player, especially if they are incomplete, and most will play DVDs or CDs. These are not infested with Spyware, so you can use them relatively safely. Don't use Codec Packs – they are full of spyware or illegal copyright-infringing content.
Download from http://www.irfanview.com/
IrfanView plugins (install after installing IrfanView): http://www.tucows.com/adnload/194967_75078.html
Similar to DivX and used for MPEG-4, but free and not full of dodgy spyware. Unfortunately the XVid site only has the source – to install the actual software, try the following:-
http://www.koepi.org/xvid.shtml
Allows you to view most content with requiring dodgy codec packs (which often either violate copyright or contain spyware) - http://ffdshow.sourceforge.net/
Download the most recent version (currently ffdshow-alpha) from http://sourceforge.net/projects/ffdshow/ , then click “Files”. Configure it as follows:-
Go to Start\Programs\FFDSHOW\Configuration; Click on “Tray, dialog & Paths” - tick “Show tray icon”, “Extended info”, “Add tray icon menu to player's stream/languages menu”
Based on Microsoft's Media Player, but without the questionable features, and able to play more modern types of video, especially if FFDSHOW is installed. Download from http://sourceforge.net/projects/guliverkli/ then click on “Media Player Classic”, and download the newest version.
Download from here: http://www.videolan.org/vlc/download-windows.html
Gspot will check a file and tell you if you have the necessary codecs to play it - http://gspot.headbands.com/gspot252dl.html
http://www.apple.com/quicktime
Sometimes, you will have to use Real Player for Real files that won't play in anything listed above. There are codec packs which claim to allow you to play RealPlayer files - these generally contain illegal copyrighted code, so I don't recommend them. To minimise spyware issues, download Real Player 8 from here - http://forms.real.com/real/player/blackjack.html
Once downloaded, go to View\Preferences, then untick “Play a clip when RealPlayer starts up”. On “Support” untick “send RealPlayer GUID to RealServers” and “Send configuration info when connecting to Technical Support”. When prompted by ZoneAlarm to allow RealPlayer access to the Internet, do not tick “remember this setting”
Back to Software page
Back to Homepage