Windows Media Player

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Windows Media Player is a media player software computer program used for playing audio and video on Microsoft Windows operating systems. It has been ported to other operating systems as well. It is part of the Windows Media framework.

Windows Media Player competes with RealNetworks RealOne player, Nullsoft's Winamp, and Apple Computer's QuickTime.

Windows Media Player comes bundles with the Windows Operating System, however the newest versions of the player are meant to require the newest versions of the OS. Some view this practice as an echo of Microsoft's success in driving out Netscape Communications Corporation from its dominant position in the web browser market. Only this time, they contend, Microsoft attempts to drive its competitors in the streaming media market out of business.

Major versions:

• Windows Media Player 6.4 for Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows NT 4.0
• Windows Media Player 7.1 for Windows 98, Windows 2000, and Windows Me
• Windows Media Player 8 for Windows XP
• Windows Media Player 9 for Windows 98 Second Edition, Windows Me, and Windows 2000 and a separate version for Windows XP