Windows Media Player

Windows Media Player icon

in Windows XP

Windows Media Player icon

in Windows 7 or Windows Vista

Alternately, you can click on the Start Button, click All Programs, click Windows Media Player.

Some systems also come with Windows Media Center. It is similar to Windows Media Player, but meant to be used with a television and has simpler controls.

Using Windows Media Player

Windows Media Player is quite different on Windows XP and Windows 7.0. However, the parts and features work the same way:

• • Now Playing

    • Screen that let's you view what's currently playing

  • Library

    • Organize all the music that is on your computer

    • Create and manage play lists

• Rip

  • • Copy an audio disc to your computer and convert it to a digital music file

• Burn

  • • Create your own audio discs

• • Sync

    • Copy music to your MP3 Player

  • Media Guide

    • Access free and paid content on the Internet

For a detailed introduction on how to use Media Player, refer to the Help Tutorials referenced below:

• Windows Media Player 11 - Windows XP

• Windows Media Player 12 - Windows 7

Exercise - Play a CD

Let's explore Windows Media Player by simply playing an audio CD:

• 1. Insert the CD into your drive. The Auto-Play menu should appear.

  2. Select Play Audio CD using Windows Media Player. The CD should start playing in the Now Playing window.

  3. Try out the various controls to see how they work.