QuickTime

Apple's multimedia player has long been among the most versatile such programs, for Windows users as well as Mac aficionados. Since it supports over 200 audio and video formats, you're likely to experience a minimum of hassle in playing any file you come across.

Two attractive features in this most recent version stand out: Instant-On gives you immediate playback to files, and Instant Access lets you use a time slider to jump through a movie. The program also includes skip protection to prevent interruptions in streaming media, a redesigned interface, and support for other recent codes. This version also features 3GPP: a new MPEG-4-based standard for the creation, delivery, and playback of multimedia over new, high-speed wireless networks.

Version: 6.5.2
Price: Free
QuickTime lets you experience streaming music, full-motion video, and 360-degree scenes. The plug-in, which is part of the main installation, can run inside Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator/Communicator, and America Online. You can optimize your connection speed options for DSL or cable modem, and you can use skins to change QuickTime's appearance.

This version features 3GPP: a new MPEG-4-based standard for the creation, delivery, and playback of multimedia over new, high-speed wireless networks.

The player is free, but if you want to encode files or change formats, you'll have to upgrade to the professional version, QuickTime Pro, which costs $30.