Overview

Microsoft Windows Media Player is the latest free version offered for Windows XP, Vista and Win 7 users. The software allows you to watch videos or listen to music in a variety of supported formats quickly and easily whether that is on your computer or the internet. Burning CDs and DVDs is simple and easy and the menu is simple to follow even if you have never done anything like that before. Let’s analyze why this media player is embraced by many alike.

Installation

Microsoft has lots of downloadable software and a high level support is provided for all its installations and the Windows Media Player is no exception. It’s easy to download but the time taken to install it could be quicker. It automatically upgrades form the previous player if you have one installed. Note that this is only those who are running the Win XP operating platform.

Interface

The intuitive interface makes navigation easy and quick and the design of Windows Media Player is very sleek and chic. Simply sorted into a menu you can understand and with many options under each menu, it can be as complicated or as simple as you need it. Choose whether you want to burn, rip, listen to music or watch videos. You can even go onto the internet and choose an assortment of downloads and compare prices too.

Pros

The modern look is enhanced and there are a few skins to choose from with the option of downloading and integrating other skins from the internet. Music is generally of a good clear quality and watching videos is like child’s play. The Windows Media Player has a great search facility that speeds up your search. You can rate your music with a star rating facility which allows you to categorize them easily. A button to create your own playlist enables you to do just that as well. You can choose your music by artist, genre, song, album, year or your star rating or you can just use the handy search box.

Cons

One of the disadvantages is that there is no tree view, which for many is a highly valuable way of sorting music. The old tab system has been replaced by the library, which you need to access in order to find your music of choice although you can find choices by the search box that is always on the screen.

Alternatives

RealPlayer is a choice many people go for instead of Windows Media Player and having used both, I have to say that the new version of Microsoft’s Windows Media Player beats it hands down. The main problem with RealPlayer is that it seems to always have a glitch and can freeze or crash for no apparent reason. Windows Media Player is more stable, in addition it plays and burns flawlessly and quickly too. The definition for videos is also of a better quality.

Conclusion

Although not to everyone’s taste, the Windows Media Player is a basic, stable and versatile music and video media tool. Ripping and burning CDs and DVDs is easy and straightforward with no complicated or unnecessary menu options. If you are a Windows XP, Vista or Win7 user, grab it now!