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26 out of 28 people found this review helpful
1 stars
Version: RealPlayer 10
"Were it not for RealMedia, I'd never use this."
Pros: A must have if you want to view/hear RealMedia, RealVideo or RealAudio files.
Cons: I do like the fact that Microsoft does have some competition in the online media world, but I don't like the software needed to view/hear that media.
RealPlayer is clunky, slow, ugly, and doesn't fit in with the rest of Windows software,
It insists upon "registration" for every user on your computer (including the administrator, which makes absolutely no sense).
The default interface is annoying and is something I turn off immediately. It takes you to real.com and throws videos at you.
The default setting also put RealPlayer in your system tray and pre-selects "alerts" for you. It's annoying and just one more program to clutter your system tray. I disable right after installation (they don't make that easy, either).
And of course you're nagged to purchase the "Pro" edition.
If you don't pay attention, you get other junk installed too (namely a stupid "Try AOL" icon on your desktop and start menu).
Nope, if it weren't for the fact that I want to view RealAudio/Video files on occasion, I'd not even bother installing this sorry excuse for software.
It's really too bad, because RealPlayer for Linux is much nicer and I really like the idea of truly cross-platform media format, but the Windows version of RealPlayer stinks, period.
- 2 replies to this review
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if you go to sofpedia.com or file hippo you can get..
REAL PLAYER ALTERNATIVE does the same job without the bloat.
i like your reviews gone through them all ticked helpful the ones i agree with :)
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Real has a dirty little secret. It's called Real Player Enterprise Edition. It's not well known, but it has all the features of RealPlayer without most of the bloat and it's free as well.
Most notably missing is all the junk that RealPlayer 10 installs in the system tray.
Also missing are all the icons for other junk that the regular player puts on your desktop/start menu.
You do have to register, but it's quick and easy. They just want an email address and Zip Code.
Speaking of registration, the Real Player Enterprise web site does ask for registration as well. But of course there's nothing that says you have to put in accurate information....
RealPlayer Enterprise Edition looks pretty much like the regular RealPlayer but the green is replaced by a more pleasant blue.
Lastly, it starts up taking you to the "enterprise" site rather than real.com. Therefore it loads much quicker. Of course just like in RealPlayer 10, you can change settings to get rid of that as well.
Do a web search for "RealPlayer Enterprise Edition". I was unable to find it just searching real.com
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