Free Codecs

www.free-codecs.com is dedicated to the little bits of software that translate your audio and video files into something your computer can use.

Called codecs, they allow something like Windows Media Player or whatever software you use to listen or watch with, to read new files. Basically, if you have a file that you want to play and you cannot - you come here.

For example the XP codec pack has just about all a Windows XP user would need to play audio and video from the web. There is a Vista pack too - although I thought that came with everything including the kitchen sink.

And if you want to learn more there is a guides section that explains some of the finer points of codecs. Including "What codecs should I use?" article that tells you how to go about finding the right piece of software to play your audio or video file.

Just about all of them are free and - according to the site - have been scanned for spyware and viruses