If you are having problems playing certain types of media files, you may need to download and install the latest media players. Newer media players may offer smoother playback, larger screen sizes for videos, enhanced stereo options for music files, and more.

Here are some websites for common media players:

Windows Media Player - You should keep your Windows Media Player up-to-date to enjoy the widest variety of multimedia files available on the Internet. It's easy to do; just visit "Windows Update" with Internet Explorer (click on "Tools", then "Windows Update"). Then, check the latest Critical Updates and Windows 2000 updates for Windows Media Player. Of course, if there are critical updates, you should get those, too (hint, hint).

QuickTime - Many software programs and websites use the QuickTime media format developed by Apple. To get the latest version of their free playback tool, visit: http://www.quicktime.com

Real/RealAudio - Many websites use Real's streaming audio and video files. These let you listen or view songs or movies as you are downloading the files instead of having to wait until the files are downloaded before enjoying their contents. Also, this format supports listening or viewing live audio or video. To get the latest version of the playback tool, visit: http://www.real.com. Note that Real offers a free and paid version of the tool - you may have to look carefully throughout their website to acquire the free version of the RealOne Player, if desired.

Shockwave and Flash - The Shockwave and Flash media formats are used for many online multimedia files including movies, games, and interactive menus. Both players can be downloaded at Macromedia's website at http://www.macromedia.com

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