Introducing Windows Media Player

You launch the Windows Media Player by clicking the Start button and selecting All Programs, Windows Media Player. WMP starts in its Full mode, as shown in Figure 14.1.

Figure 14.1. Windows Media Player 10 for Windows XP use WMP for all your audio and video playback and recording needs.

NOTE

Think of a visualization as a kind of "live" wallpaper that moves along with your music.

If you're using WMP to watch a movie or other video file, the picture displays in the video window in the center of the player. If you're using WMP to listen to music, this area can be used to display what Microsoft calls "visualizations" or to display information about the currently playing song, album, or artist.

WMP's playback controls are always at the bottom of the window. Here you'll find the normal transport buttons, including Play/Pause, Stop, Rewind, and Fast Forward. WMP also includes Next and Previous track buttons, along with a volume control and mute button.

To the right of the window is the Playlist area. Individual tracks of a CD or DVD are listed here. This area also displays the songs in any playlists that you create.

Between the playback controls and the video/visualization window is an area called the Now Playing Tools area. This area can display controls specific to the type of file you're playing. For example, if you're playing a DVD, this area can display the Variable Play Speed and Next Frame controls.

Finally, tabs along the top of the window link to key features of the player. Click a tab and the entire player interface changes to reflect the selected feature Now Playing, Library, Rip, Burn, Sync, and Guide.