question about video downloads etc...?

Question

I'm getting terrible play back (if they playback at all) from any kind of videos off the internet. I'm a total techno dweeb when it comes to this sort of thing so I have a hard time even describing what the problem is. A video typically will play for 3 to 4 seconds then freeze for several seconds or more, play for another second or so, and freeze up again, and so on. And for what ever it may be worth I'm running windows xp pro on a Dell pc w/933mhz processor, 512m and 40g HD

Answer 1

I've had similar problems. I found that it was due to the speed of my internet connection, getting broadband did for the most part resolve it. However I still get it doing as you've described at times and I've found if I let the video play all the way through then rewind it it will play ok. The problem is that you are trying to watch information that has not so far been downloaded to your machine. If you increase the size of the video players buffer or cache this should also help.

Answer 2

I recommend that you go to http://www.download.com and get AD-AWARE and SpyBot Search & Destory. Install, run, update and scan your computer with both programs. You see, you have to free up the Horsepower from these threats.

Also, try to stop all programs that auto-start when you turn on your computer (except anti-virus). Go to Start and click RUN, type MSCONFIG and go to the startup section. Simply Uncheck each of the BOGUS programs. It is easy to turn on any program that you really need.

Get updates for the various Video programs. Get these from the manufacturer websites.

Real Player - http://www.Real.com - look for the Free Download

QuickTime - http://www.Apple.com - look for the menu item for QuickTime or iTunes Player (depending on the version of Windows that you have installed)

Windows Media Player - http://www.Microsoft.com - look for the menu item Download, then look for the Windows Media section.

Flash or Shockwave or Authorware - http://www.macromedia.com - look for the menu item Downloads, then look for the Download Free Player section.

Adobe Reader for PDF files - http://www.Adobe.com - look for the menu item Downloads, then look for the Adobe Reader section.

Good Luck and Happy Computing!