Newbie question - How do I play DVDs on my computer

[RoamDog]

I know this is the absolute most basic question, but how do I play DVDs on my computer? I have never played (music) CDs or (video) DVDs on my old computer in the past.

But now I have a new rig and want to watch DVDs on my new computer.
I have a LITE-ON DVDRW LH-20A1H attached to my Asus P5Q Pro mobo using an Intel E8500 chip. Am running Windows XP (Pro). The drive works fine as I can use it to play games.

I have downloaded and installed the Windows Media Player 11. But there must be more to the story??

Feel free to point me to a step-by-step guide for newbies.

Would also appreciate links to authoritative and objective comparative reviews of any additional software I need (free if possible). And/or whether I should replace WMP with something else (hard to resist as it is free).

Thanks.

 

[CalvinHobbes]

You need some type of MPEG2 decoder to use Windows media player. VLC is a free program as is Media Player Classic.

 

[Oyeve]

Originally posted by: CalvinHobbes
You need some type of MPEG2 decoder to use Windows media player. VLC is a free program as is Media Player Classic.

Yep, works great and less filling (utilization)

 

[jtvang125]

Don't all OEM PC manufacturers include a dvd program if the computer came with a dvd drive? Unless you built the computer yourself using a bare dvd drive then I would check if any dvd software was preinstalled (PowerDVD, WinDVD).

 

[RoamDog]

Originally posted by: jtvang125
Don't all OEM PC manufacturers include a dvd program if the computer came with a dvd drive? Unless you built the computer yourself using a bare dvd drive then I would check if any dvd software was preinstalled (PowerDVD, WinDVD).

Bought the LITE-ON DVDRW LH-20A1H from NewEgg. No DVD software included. (However, I may go look in the closet. I seem to remember getting some kinda DVD software with a burner that I bought in 2004.

 

[mc866]

Don't bother with Win DVD or Power DVD. As stated above try VLC or Windows media player classic + K-lite or CCCp codec packs, both are free and use very little resources.

 

[coldmeat]

+1 for VLC

 

[zzuupp]

+2 for VLC

 

[s44]

MPC-Homecinema

 

[Chapbass]

VLC +3. using it right now

 

[Tiamat]

I use Windows Media Player Classic. It runs much better than power DVD or ulead DVD that came with my dvd burner.

 

[RKS]

VLC plays most anything right away.

 

[WraithETC]

Vlc osx > vlc windows

its true.

 

[thomsbrain]

I use Windows Media Player Classic (not to be confused with Microsoft Windows Media Player) for all my video needs. Haven't tried VLC before.