Had WMP. Tried VLC. Don't like VLC. Needs some work IMO. Back to WMP.

If you don't like Microsoft... don't use windows. There are a LOT of alternatives out there.

I was disappointed at the new version of MediaPlayer, then Windows did the automatic install for me, I went back to the newest Winamp, and its fine.

I don't really like microsoft, but I'm also cheap and lazy. I've got no money invested in what I have, so it'* just easier to make it work for me than to start over.

And I totally forgot about winamp. I think I'll give that old girl a good ole downloading tonight.

The newest version of internet explorer won't work on a bootleg copy of windows, either. For as much as they charge you for windows, you should be getting a damn good product, not the mediocre one they sell. For as much profit and revenue they make, it should be a virtually perfect product.

Do a Google search there is a workaround for the windows verify stuff.

Easiest way: Don't update. Computers work fine without all the weekly updates.

Switch to Debian or a variant of it. Mint is a new Debian destro I've been messing with and its pretty decent.

apt-get > world

i agree as far as programs, but always get all the security updates. XP is bad enough with all the patches. without them its a nightmare.