Technically Speaking
14 April 2004

Since music, in the form of MP3s, is such an important part of the world of personal computing now there is a real need for software that does a good job of not only playing but also organizing users sometimes multi gigabytes of music.

The two most popular free programs are Windows Media Player, http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/default.aspx , and Real Player, http://www.real.com , but there is a third free program for the PC from a somewhat surprising source, Apple.

The Windows Media Player is easy to use and provides some nice features it is also now on version 10 not only does it handle music but it also handles video files and streaming audio. The program integrates well with windows and has some very nice features. In addition to playing both audio and video files it allows the making of play lists, the ripping of music from audio CDs, the burning of CDs, listening to internet radio and TV stations, and supports multiple MP3 and media players. The interface can be a bit confusing, and is not as intuitive as it should be. Often you will find that a menu or feature is hidden and it takes too long to find it or turn it back on. The program will search your hard drive for songs and add them to its library function. I have found it to be hit and miss on occasion. All in all a good program that is free and somewhat easy to read.

Real Player is in many ways identical to Windows Media Player feature wise, the current version is more sleek and streamlined than in the past and it is much easer to use now. You probably have Real Player on your computer because a great many video files, both streaming and downloadable are available only in REAL format. Despite how confusing the download site is you can actually get it for free. I do not sign up for the trial, just dig around a bit and you will find the free version. You also want to pay attention when installing the free version, look closely each time you hit next, there are “other” programs that it will try and install, just uncheck them.

Once the domain of only MAC users now iTunes is available for Windows users. The program, was built to support the iTunes music store where Apple sells songs for 99 cents each but it also supports other music files. ITunes, http://www.itunes.com , is a powerful program that works with one thing and des it well, music. It has the same audio features as Windows Media Player and Real Player, but packaged them in a slick and easy to use package. The interface is intuitive and simple to understand, and the importing of you personal music collection is a snap. There is even an option to disable the iTunes music buying service tab. It is a great free program that while built for the iTunes store will help to organize and play your music collection.

Taking up my gaming time for the last week or so has been Doom 3 for the Xbox. It is a great port of the PC version that came out last year. The graphics are top notch and the programmers have managed to wring out a yet more spectacular game on the now ageing Xbox. They have mad a game that really scares and excites, my one gripe: why can’t I have the gun and the flashlight equipped at the same time? I now it is to keep it extra scary but still.

For PC Doom 3 Players last week saw the release of the Doom 3 Expansion Pack Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil. It seems a bit expensive for an expansion at $34.99 but the reviews for it are quite good garnering an average of 84%.

Scheduled to come out on April 18th for the Xbox is Unreal Championship 2: The Liandri Conflict. This should be a great game, the demo was amazing. I don’t just say that because a person friend of mine Ryan Brucks is one of the level designers.

Due to space limitations the PSP vs. DS comparison will be in the next edition.

The deadline for interesting locations/landmarks addresses for Google Maps, http://maps.google.com, has been extended to Monday April 18th. Send them in to mat@muw.edu to try and with the $10 Wal-Mart gift card.

As always send your tech questions or comments to mat@muw.edu. They will be answered in a future column or with a personal reply.

Remember when visiting the Spectator website to find clickable links make sure you go to http://www.muw.edu/spectator not http://muw.edu/spectator without the www you will not find it.

Mark Taylor, a senior in communication, was previously an information systems trainer for the US Air Force and a technical support technician for an internet service provider. A game and consumer electronics reporter during the Dot Com boom, he now owns Fanfare Media Services in Columbus.