Real Player got a slap in the mouth from stopbadware.org. I can’t think of a mainstream program that deserves it more! I’ve had many an issue with the application acting like it owns MY computer in the past. I love to see bad/annoying programs punished.

Long ago I found Real Alternative and I’ve never once looked back or found a single real media file I couldn’t play. If you dread the Real headaches, check out the alternative.

There’s a QuickTime alternative as well, I use it on any Windows machine that has no need for iTunes. Both of the alternatives are great projects and those of you who detest overbearing software owe it to yourself to give them a look. That said, you’ll be responsible for keeping them up to date. There’s no automatic update programs for these solutions (gotta take the good with the bad).