Absolutely Free Software -
Best Windows Multimedia Freeware

No shareware, no nagware, no adware. Reviewed constantly. Categorized conveniently.

This page is updated regularly. Last update: August 18, 2005.

Free Multimedia Software

There's a lot of overlap in these categories. A general media player can probably play videos and music. It might be able to burn CD's or watch DVD's. Heck, you can get picture viewers that play music. The current version of Windows Media Player can do all these things. Why do you need anything else?

Well, you might not, but you may prefer a more dedicated tool. Something faster. Something that manages your music better. Something you just like.

Free DVD Burning Software
Free CD Burning Software

CDBurner XP Pro CDBurnerXP Pro

The best free DVD burning software around.

Don't let the "Pro" in the name fool you. This is freeware. Some of the features include audio CD burning (duh), audio CD ripping, burn-proof (no coasters), burn or create ISO files. It writes to any of the following: CD-R/CD-RW/DVD+R/DVD-R/DVD+RW/DVD-RW.

http://www.cdburnerxp.se/

Free Media Player / Video Player - General

VLC VLC

Media Player Classic  Media Player Classic

Either of these players are excellent general-purpose media players. VLC has the advantage of coming bundled with every video codec under the sun, and it plays streaming media as well. They both play DVD's, CD's, VCD's, and all major video and audio formats. Media Player Classic is small and superfast. For Real Audio or Real Media Files, get Real Alternative. It comes bundled with Media Player Classic.

http://www.videolan.org/vlc/

http://sf.net/projects/guliverkli/

http://www.free-codecs.com/download/Real_Alternative.htm

Free Music Player

WinAmp WinAmp

iTunes iTunes

There are a lot of free music players for Windows, including Windows Media Player, which is perfectly adequate for occasional use. Music junkies, though, want something more. Whether you prefer iTunes or WinAmp depends on your specific needs.

If you want something unobtrusive, yet powerful, go with WinAmp. It's perfect for using while doing other things on your computer. I particularly like the global hotkey support that lets you control it while you are still working in another program. No need to switch focus.

If you want something to help manage a large music collection, or if you plan to buy songs online, iTunes is unbeatable for ease of use, elegant interface, and powerful features.

http://www.winamp.com/player/

http://www.apple.com/itunes/

Free Audio Editor / Recorder

Audacity  Audacity

Simply put, it is the best. No other free audio editor even comes close. Supports all major formats, runs quick, and performs all the standard functions: cut, copy, splice, record, mix, adjust speed and pitch.

http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

Free Audio CD Ripper

CDex CDex

Many media or audio players have CD ripping built in, but if you have a large CD collection to go through or want a standalone tool, CDex is the way to go. Does everything you would expect it to: total control over ID3 tags, track numbering, automatic album look-up, etc.

http://cdexos.sourceforge.net/

Free Video DVD Ripper

DVD Decrypter DVD Decrypter

DVD Shrink DVD Shrink

DVD Decrypter rips DVD videos in their original compression to unencrypted images. If you wish to play the movie from your computer, that's fine. However, it may be too big to burn with your DVD burner. (Consumer DVD+R and -R generally only hold 4.5 gigs, commercial DVD movies often have more than 6.)

DVD Shrink rips, decodes, then re-encodes your movie to a smaller size so you can fit them on a DVD-R or +R. It even allows you to remove "extras" like previews or subtitles.

note! DVD Shrink is no longer active, due, no doubt, to legal pressures. It is still available as a download at MajorGeeks. Get it while it lasts!

http://www.dvddecrypter.org.uk/

http://majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=4020