PC-Freebies

Your netbook came installed with Windows Media Player already so why do you need another media player application? For starters, WMP can’t play all of the most commonly used formats.     There is no shortage these days of media players. It seems that there is not a single application up to the task of playing all formats. Quicktime for .mov, Windows Media Player for .avi and .wmv files and so on. Media Player Classic looks just like the old version of windows media player, but can do so much more. Media Player Classic, when combined with a codec pack such as the Combined Community Codec Pack that has a codec for virtually every type of file, it can play any file thrown its way.

Key highlights of Media Player Classic include:

• MPEG-1, MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 playback. These are the most common video types out there. They play without incident in Media Player Classic.
• DirectShow, QuickTime and RealPlayer architectures. These are lesser known file types but still play within Media Player Classic.
• Matroska and Ogg Containers. Even lesser known file types such as these will still play within Media Player Classic.
• Record live TV with TV tuner

The audio options are also excellent with Media Player Classic. It gives the user the option to output the audio stream in stereo or multi channel surround.

Media Player Classic has an easy to use interface, various custom settings, and is a lightweight installation. It has been able to play every type of file we could throw at it without bogging down our machine. Do yourself a favor and upgrade your cumbersome Windows Media Player to the Media Player Classic.

Current Version: Build 1.1796.0  Installer Size: 1.9 MB   DOWNLOAD LINK

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Tagging your music collection can be a daunting task especially if you have 100’s or even 1000’s of tracks.  MP3Tag makes this process much easier with a great file browser and global change possibilities.  This free software supports ID3v1, ID3v2.3, ID3v2.4, iTunes MP4, WMA, Vorbis Comments and APE Tags.  Also, this tool supports almost 15 different audio formats like AAC, FLAC, MP3, WMA and more.

Some common features included with MP3Tag are:

• Tag multiple files at once with batch editing.
• Create and manage playlists automatically while editing.
• Cover art support for adding pictures to your albums.
• Import tags from popular online database sites like discogs and freedb.
• Rename file names based on tagging information.

There are many more great features with this application and I have found that this is one of the fastest and simplest ways to edit tags for your MP3’s.  MP3Tag is a powerful tool for editing metadata and is a must have for audiophiles.

Current Version: 2.43          Installer Size: 1.77MB          DOWNLOAD LINK

The audio editor that comes with Windows is downright pathetic.  Anyone who desires to record PC audio and edit music and sound tracks will need an advanced audio tool like Audacity.  This free software is so easy to use, even a novice will be able to start editing and mixing tracks immediately after installing this fine program.  Even more surprising is that Audacity is a full fledged audio program that even pros will love.

Some features included with Audacity are:

• Change the speed and pitch of audio tracks.
• Conversion of tapes and records into digital recordings.
• Cutting, copying, splicing and mixing sounds and music.
• Editing of AIFF, MP3, Ogg Vorbis and WAV sound files.
• Recording of live audio.

This is only a small subset of features that Audacity can perform.  To view a full listing of advanced features, follow this LINK.  This complete audio package will satisfy your needs when working with all types of sound.

Current Version: 1.2.6          Installer Size: 2.12MB          DOWNLOAD LINK