downloading codecs (XP-SP2)

[rabee]

I occasionally run into a film strip icon that requires that I download a codec to view the file.
What makes this necessary - I have Windows Media Player built into my machine.
I have been warned that many of these "codecs" contain viruses, so up till now, I have backed off downloading them. Are they legitimet applications, and if so, why doesn't Windows provide them?
Maybe they're from Apple - I rememeber that Quick Time used to mess up the computer in the past, then I was told it was something about Apple and Windows fighting over control of the file.
Can anyone shed some light on this? Thanks.

[JohnGray]

See what Wikipedia has to say about codecs!

Windows Media Player doesn't provide support for decoding every possible audio or video file format that anyone thinks to invent, and it would be unreasonable to expect this, I think.

As with all programs, you should download codecs only from trusted sources, perhaps primarily the originator/manufacturer of the digital format. I am quite happy to download Real Alternative (which includes Real Media codecs) from http://www.free-codecs.com/

I don't use QuickTime much, but would be happy to obtain QuickTime Alternative from the same source.

John

[rabee]

Thanks a lot, John - that's what I needed to learn. Appreciate it.

[kaplinb]

There is an attempt to create a media player with ability to open every possible audio or video file format:

K-Lite Mega Codec Pack 1.59

It is <img src=/S/free.gif border=0 alt=free width=30 height=15> 32.1 MB download.