It seems like I kept running into videos in some format that I had trouble playing, or clicking on a simple audio file that has to wait to load up Media Player so I can hear it, so I finally decided to do something about it even if it cost me a few bucks!
I just wasn't quite prepared for HOW MUCH people think this solution should be worth! Even the free stuff comes with excess baggage and doesn't work half the time.
Finally I ran across the free VLC Media Player and I have been a happy camper since. It never ceases to amaze me what you can find if you look long enough (or just get lucky).
Look at
VideoLan.orgWhat do you think?