A computer video software question.

[Steve]

--- In HPFGU-OTChatter at yahoogroups.com, "Iggy McSnurd"
<CoyotesChild at c...> wrote:
> Iggy here:
> 
> Does anyone know where I can download a free AVI to MPEG converter
> program?  A friend sent me a disk with some AVIs on it, and I can't view
> them.  (Alternately, does anyone know where I can get a free AVI viewer
> program?)
> 
> I should mention that my OS is Windows XP.
> 
> 
> Iggy McSnurd

bboy_mn:

AVI is a Microsoft format, so Windows Media Player should be able to
play it, as well as the Apple Quicktime viewer which reads multiple
media formats, and Real Player which also reads many different media
formats.

Open Windows Media Player, then go to the [File] menu then select
[Open] and browse to the location where you .AVI file is located and
select it. I should play.

You can do the same thing in these other media players (Quicktime,
Real Player) and they should be able to play it too.

If you really want an alternative Media Player, go to www.DownLoad.com
which is run by CNET and is a safe place to download freeware,
shareware, updates, and trial software. On the front page, select the
'Audio & Video' catagory, and select 'Players'.

Once you have the page with all the Players, select the column heading
for either 'Downloads' or 'User Rating' and it will sort the list on
that criteria. I perfer to sort by 'Download' on the assumption that
if a million people downloaded it in the last week, it must be pretty
good. 

Also, there is a 'Most Popular' catagory for most software, CNET
reviews, and video converters.

Also, make note of whether you are getting a functional version or
limited version, and whether you are getting an open ended trial or a
time limited trial version. This should be on the description page for
the program.

When you go to the main page for a specif player, you will find User
Ratings and User comments. These are frequently summarized in
percentages, check the total number of comments before you put too
much weight in percentages. Frequently, there are only a few comments.

If possible, I try to use the link to the programmer/creators website
to download the program rather than the Download.com [download] link.
That was I can get more information on the product as well as other
product available from the same person/company, and I'm also assured
of getting the latest version.

Steve/bboy_mn