ISO Recorder PowerToy 1.0 is an XP-only utility that record ISO images and copy a CD to another CD. Free from isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/isorecorder.htm.

iTunes 4.2 for Windows is the great music-sharing utility originally developed for Apple users, now available for Windows folks. The software is free, but the downloads are not; find out more from www.apple.com/itunes/download/. XP or 2K only.

Jahshaka 1.8.5 works with uncompressed video and audio files with the following modules: desktop (main), animation, editing, effects, paint, text, and library, with more coming. It uses OpenGL to give its users real-time effects, interactivity, and hardware rendering. Free from www.jahshaka.com/.

Japy 1.6 beta is a sophisticated, skinnable MP3 player. It features a dual spectrum analyzer, dual digital Vu meters, short buffering, auto DJ mixer, 13-band equalizer, playlist editor, audio FX (Phaser, Chorus, Flanger, Reverb, Echo, etc), optional skin editor, and supports most music formats. Free from membres.lycos.fr/kellyan/.

Jet-Audio 4.91 is an audio-video player that supports MP3, MIDI, AVI, MPEG video, and audio CD files, and sports a graphic equalizer and video screen capture as well. Free with ads or $39 from www.cowon.com/.

Just Add Wavs 1.00 lets you associate sounds with Windows events as well as other apps; has the ability to associate sounds with events that Windows usually cannot. Free from www.justaddwavs.com/.

Kazaa Lite 1.6.0 is a version of the file-sharing program Kazaa that does not include the spyware, according to Geek.com. Free from www.kazaalite.tk/. Note: the Kazaa Lite project has been shut down due to pressure from Sharman Media, which owns Kazaa. No word on when or if it will return.

KraMixer DJ Software 1.0.1 is professional quality DJ software, suitable for clubs, parties, etc. Supports .MP3, .WAV, and .OGG formats. Not only offers a tremendous degree of control over how tracks are played, but quite easy to use, and free from www.kramixer.vze.com/.

kX Project 5.10.0.3532: The kX Project is an independent development project for providing WDM Audio Drivers for newer operating systems with kX-Compatible audio cards. Its mission is to offer users access to all kX-compatible sound card features, and to promote the development of supporting applications. Free from kxproject.spb.ru/faq.php?language=en.

LAME Ain't an MP3 Encoder 3.70 gets the nod for most original name; it's an MP3 encoder that works with Audiograbber and other rippers. Free as part of the GNU open source project, from www.mp3dev.org/mp3/ or lame.sourceforge.net/.

LameFE 2.2 is a user interface for LAME and other encoders. It offers support for CD Digital Audio, Wave Audio, APE, and for Winamp plug-ins. It writes LAME (that's a given), Ogg/Vorbis, Monkeys Audio, and WAVE. Free from lamefe.sourceforge.net/.

LCARS Media Player 2.01.119 is a fully functional media player with a "Star Trek" interface. Due to design constraints, it requires the Windows Media Player to function. $10 from www.bennisoft.com/.

Liquid Player 6.0 handles most popular digital music formats. You can add tracks to the organizer and create customized playlists as well as arrange both Liquid Tracks and MP3s in the same playlist. It supports the latest CD burners from Creative Labs, HP, Plextor, Philips and Yamaha. Free from www.liquidaudio.com/.

LiveWire! Broadcast 3.6 hunts down and plays streaming media (read Internet radio) broadcasts. $24 to keep from www.eastbaytech.com/livewire.htm.

LOADTeVe 1.6 is a Spanish-only video player that uses both Real and Windows Media formats. Free from www.loadteve.com.

LP Recorder 4.1 and LP Ripper 5.1 work together to handle tracks originally recorded on LPs. The Recorder records vinyl or tape tracks from a line-in connection and converts them to .WAV files; the Ripper open the files, breaks them into correctly sequenced tracks, trims them as desired, and either saves them or converts them into .MP3 or .WMA files. Saving in .MP3 format requires a separately downloaded encoder. $40 for the package from www.cfbsoftware.com/.

LView Pro 2.85 is a full-featured graphics utility that lets you create and capture images from digital sources such as scanners and digital cameras. Lots of professional features and effects. $50 from www.lview.com.

Maplay 1.2+ is a versatile, free MP3 player that handles lots of other formats, including WAV, MIDI, Sun AU, QuickTime, Video CD, MPEG video, CD audio, etc. You can even associate images or text with your playlist entries. Try it from www-inst.eecs.berkely.edu/~ctsay/mp2win32.html.

Maximus 3.4 is a free, loaded CD player with a remarkable amount of options. You'll need to download it from hotfiles.zdnet.com/cgi-bin/texis/swlib/hotfiles/info.html?fcode=000MTN, since the manufacturer, Unlimited Mind, doesn't seem to have an easily locatable Web presence.

MaxLister 2.41 is a small and easy to use drive and CD cataloging tool, that allows you to create virtual catalogs of your drives, network drives or removable media. Free from www.acc.umu.se/~max/.

Media Digitalizer lets you use your cassettes and LPs with your digital devices. To use this utility, you'll need your cassette or tape player and a common audio cable to connect it to your PC. You can export your choice of digital media, such as .MP3s and .WMAs for use with MP3 players, jukeboxes, iPods and PocketPCs; burn audio CDs for use with any CD Player, or create compressed "TunePaks" for playing on your computer and backing up decaying analog media. Free from www.digitope.com/.

Media Jukebox, part of J.River's Music Exchange system, lets you play music, organize music files, and even make MP3s. Surprisingly full-featured for a freebie. Get it from www.jriver.com.

Media Jukebox 8.0, not the same as the above program, uses Real and WMP technology to play audio files, and lets you download to a wide variety of portable players. Supports Real, Apple, Microsoft, and about 18 other formats. Free from www.mediajukebox.com/, but the Plus version costs $25.

Media Manager 1.4 is a utility that lets you download just about any audio file from the Web onto your machine, organize your audio files into playlists, and record the downloads onto disk (currently only Sharp MiniDiscs are supported, but that will change). Free from www.voquette.com.

Media Tagger 1.1.0 lets you modify any number of media files. Synchronizes ID3 tags (v1/2), renames the files based on the tag, capitalizes file names, creates Winamp playlist (m3u, pls) or file listings in Excel, text, or HTML format; supports for FreeDB (to retrieve track information from the Internet) and MP3, WMA, VQF, OGG, and APE files. Free from www.volny.cz/media-tagger/eng/index.html.

Media Wizard 4.2 is a $50 multimedia utility from www.cdhnow.com/mw.html that converts .WAVs to MP3s and vice versa, converts CD tracks to .WAV or MP3 files, has several customizable skins, interfaces with CDDB, and more.

MediaMonkey 2.0 is an organizer and player for music collectors which catalogs CDs, MP3, WMA and OGG audio tracks, rips CDs, converts audio file formats, creates mixes, and supports Winamp plug-ins. Free from www.mediamonkey.com/.

Menasoft Soundpad is a full featured sound wave editor; free from www.menasoft.com/soundpad/.

Microsoft Windows Media Encoder 7 lets you create presentations featuring live mouse and menu movements over audio/video files. Good for business and instructional purposes, and free from www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia.

Microsoft Windows Media Encoder 7.1 makes .WMF (Windows Media Player) files, both video and audio. Free from www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/wm7/encoder.asp.

Microsoft Windows Media Player 10 is the latest version of Redmond's competition for Real Media's RealPlayer, now bundled with Windows XP. It plays DVDs, RealMedia, MP3, QuickTime, and its own Windows Media Audio (.WMF) files. The newest version goes along with the new MSN Music system, and is the linchpin to Microsoft's new Crescent line of entertainment products. It ain't iTunes and iPod, but it does fairly well. Media Player has been accused of crippling RealPlayer, but you'll probably want both on your system to view as many Web goodies as possible. The recording industry likes the fact that Media Player has its own copy-protection encryption scheme to keep the likes of us from unauthorized downloading. One shareware expert gripes that Media Player crashes his system, and another calls it a "virulent" program that insinuates itself into all kinds of unwarranted places in the computer, so be wary. Available from www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/EN/default.asp. Get the WMP Power Toys (free) from microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/en/download/powertoys.asp; it adds lots of functions and fun options. Find out more about the still-relatively current Version 9 from www.nwlink.com/~zachd/pss/pss.html. Currently, expert opinion is very split on the new WMP, both 9 and 10. I've seen it described as a "clunky resource hog" and as a "breakthrough program...worthy of being your primary vehicle" for using the Web's multimedia assets. Version 9 is a standard inclusion with Windows Millennium and XP; the rest of us have to download it. Newly released: the WMP Bonus Pack, with more skins, some PowerToys, and the ability to convert MP3s to WMF files. Snag it for free at www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia
/en/download/bonuspack.asp. Note to the wary: vulnerabilities abound in versions 6.4, 7, and 7.1, as well as WMP's bundled "skins." The best way to handle the security holes is to avoid using the skins, and to download the patch available from www.microsoft.com/technet/treeview/default.asp?
url=/technet/security/bulletin/ms02-032.asp. Warning: Win 95 and NT 4 users should not try to install WMP 7; instead, go with the earlier version, 6.4. Yet another note: by default, Windows Media Player for XP creates protected WMA files when you rip CDs. Because protected files require licenses for playback, you won't be able to listen to the files on another computer. But you can turn this feature off. In Windows Media Player, open the Tools menu and select Options. Then click on the Copy Music tab, and uncheck the box next to "Protect music."

MicroWAV 9b is a bitty (11K) utility that lets you listen to .WAV files whenever you like. Why load a huge app to listen to a tiny .WAV file? Free from www.mindspring.com/~bobad/macgyver_.htm.

MIDINight Express 2.7 is a wavetable MIDI player that also converts MIDIs to WAVs. Free from www.polyhedric.com/software/mn/.

MidiNotate 4.0 is a special music software tool that is sure to be enjoyed by anyone who reads music. MidiNotate helps you find and download MIDI files from the Internet, and converts them to printable sheet music. $35 from www.notation.com/.

Mini-stream Ripper 1.70.00 lets you rip CD music files to .RM, .MP3, .WMA or .WAV formats directly. Also simplifies conversion of music in .RM, .MP3, .WMA and .WAV media files into other format audio files. $28 to keep from www.mini-stream.com/.

Mmcompview displays the details of all installed multimedia components (Codec, ActiveX filters) and allows you disable/enable specific components. Free from www.nirsoft.net/.

MoodAmp 0.91 is a music organizer that allows you to play your .MP3 files based on your current mood. It can automatically scan your drive and catalog all your music files. You can then choose from various different mood settings, and MoodAmp will play the files that match the mood. In addition, you can also add a personal rating to each title. The program uses either Windows Media Player or WinAmp as an external player. Free from www.it63.com/.

MovieDB 1.3.5.3 is a strong multimedia database program with an interface to iMDB, the capability of handling DVDs, and more. All free from hem.passagen.se/arne1234/moviedb/.

MovieTrack 3.2b is a useful database program for your entire movie collection. It assigns each movie a number, so you can easily organize them. Free from movietrack.net/screenshots.html.

MovieXone lets you edit video and audio files, add titles, and convert between formats. All current video, graphics, and audio formats can be imported into a video production and animated, then played back in different formats, such as streaming video. A/B-editing tracks, one video/titling track, and two audio tracks are available. Free from www.aist.com/international/products/.

Morpheus 1.9 is a file-sharing client that, like the now-defunct Napster, allows users to share music files with each other. Free from www.morpheus-os.com/, but be aware that even though Morpheus no longer uses KaZaA's spyware-ridden provider, you'll still get more than your share of pop-ups and browser intrusions.

MP3 & WAV Converter 1.09directly converts audio files from .MP3 to .WAV format, and from .WAV back to MP3. The program converts the audio digitally, not through the sound card, so your copies will be identical to the originals -- mathematically, at least. Files can be outputted directly to a CD burner or audio editing program. $18 from www.mp3convertors.com/WAV Converter 1.09.

MP3 Burner 4.5 is a simple and powerful program that lets you burn audio CDs from MP3 files. An excellent choice for novices. The trial version is fully functional, but expires after 4 uses -- it'll cost you $20 to keep. Find out more from www.net-burner.com/Products/MP3-Burner.cfm.

MP3 File Description Database 1.0 captures all of the file descriptions in a directory and stores them in a database file. Free from mysite.verizon.net/res0r0en/TwinkleSoft/products.html.

MP3 Folders 2.03 lets you treat a folder as a playlist for MP3 and WAV files, with support for displaying and editing ID3v1 MP3 tags and WAVE audio headers. You can also batch apply ID3v1 MP3 tags to multiple files at once. The songs can be played, using the internal player or launched in a media player of your choice. Free from www.millpoint.com/mp3folders/.

MP3 Fiend 5.2, a free utility from www.mp3fiend.com/, accesses 11 search engines to hunt down the MP3 files you want. Registering it ($25) removes the popup ads, gives you access to technical support, and personalizes the title bar.

MP3 File Editor 5.00b2 lets you edit file names, the different ID tags and lock fields that you don't want changed in the future. Works with Winamp playfields. $25 from www.mp3.cz/mp3fe/ieindex.html.

MP3 Filename Formatter 4.0 is a powerful file utility that helps you keep up with your MP3 files. $15 from www.patrickservices.com/.

MP3 Hint 1.00 is an Explorer add-on which shows the TAG information about an MP3 file by hovering the cursor over the filename. This simple little enhancement allows the user to see information about an MP3 file without having to open that file in a player. Free from www.mp3hint.k7.pl/.

MP3 Navigator 2.42 gives you quick access to your MP3 files and their accompanying tags without taking up a lot of desktop space. $15 from www.vertexlabs.com/mp3nav/.

MP3 Player Screen Saver 2.02 is more than just a screen saver; it plays audio and video files randomly selected from user-specified files. Pretty snazzy for a screen saver, especially since it includes password protection and transition effects. A demo version can be had from www.panix.com/~timh/mp3%20player.htm; it'll cost you $15 to keep.

MP3 PopUp! 1.0 lets you generate a popup menu list in the System Tray, allowing you to play your MP3s with only a single click. Free from www.gene6.com/mp3popup/.

MP3-Slicer 1.2 chops large MP3 files into smaller bits for easy storage and CD burning. $10 from www.swiftp.com/mp3-slicer/.

MP3 To WAV Converter 1.20 is a $15 utility that converts MP3 files into WAVs and vice-versa, singly or in bunches. Find out more from www.mp3-to-wav-converter.com/.

MP3 TrackMaker 1.5 is an audio-editing utility that splits up an MP3 into multiple files (tracks) or joins MP3s into one larger MP3 (mix). $13 from www.heathcosoft.com/.

MP3 Tunes 1.7.8 is a dual MP3 player with lots of extra features that make it useful for amateur DJs or MP3 enthusiasts. Free from home.planet.nl/~hagoo048/.

MP3 Utilities 1.6.23 is a package with six applications to manage MP3s. Free from www.emilianomartin.com.ar/MP3%20Organizer/Intro.asp#MP3sUtilities.

MP3 Viewer 1.72 helps you keep track of the MP3s you've downloaded; edit ID3 tags, preview files, and more. $12 from www.s-typy.com/mp3view.html.

MP3 Wav Maker Pro 3.1 is a $25 goodie that lets you convert .WAV files into .MP3s, and vice versa. Includes an audio player. Find out more from www.mightsoft.com/.

MP3Bee 2.0 lets you burn .MP3 and .WAV files onto audio CDs with little fuss, and includes a MP3 player. $15 from sahertian.com/.

MP3BookHelper 2.2.9 provides ID3v1 and ID3v2 tag-editing and file- renaming functions. It can also be used to easily create Winamp- compatible playlists (M3U files), Information (NFO) files, Parity archive (PAR) data recovery files, and Simple File Verify (SFV) checksum files. You can export and import ID3 tags to and from comma delimited text files, verify CRC/MD5 checksums and more. The program makes a good MP3 tagging utility and playlist generator, with many additional features that are not commonly found. Free from mp3bookhelper.sourceforge.net/.

MP3Gain 0.7.1 is a freebie that controls the volume of the MP3s you burn to CD, making sure that they're all at the same gain level. Very, very useful. Find out more from www.geocities.com/mp3gain/.

MPEGable X4 Live implements the MPEG-4 encoder for video and audio data and enables real-time encoding on MMX-based processors above 500 MHz without any additional compression hardware. You can speed up video downloads from your Web site, save space on your hard drive, watch your video in a preview window before encoding, and automate your encoding for up to ten different videos. The program includes the MPEGable player for playing MPEG-4 files. $25 from www.dicas.de/.

MP3Gain 1.0 adjusts the volume of multiple MP3s to make your listening smoother and more pleasurable. Does not alter the files themselves. Free from www.geocities.com/mp3gain/.

Mp3Tag 2.23 lets you batch-edit MP3 ID3 tags. Free from mp3tag.de/en/.

msTagger 1.01 edits MP3 file tags, including ID3 tags. Free from www.mstagger.prv.pl/.

Multi-Tag 2.0, like the above program, edits MP3 file tags singly or in bunches, allowing you to include artist, album, year, and your own comments to the file documentation. Free from www.compumatrix.com/.

Music MasterWorks 3.7 is a sophisticated piece of music composing software that gives you the power to create, play, record, edit, and print music. $35 from musicmasterworks.com/.

Musical Keyboard 1.0 transforms the keyboard into any musical instrument. $10 from www.avlandesign.com/muskey.htm.

MusicBoss Grabber 2.0 is a $30 utility that copies audio CD files into MP3 format quickly and easily. Find out more from www.musicboss.com/.

MusicMatch Jukebox 8.2, from www.musicmatch.com/, competes with Real Network's RealJukebox for MP3 and RealAudio ripping and playing, and converting audio CD tracks to MP3, WMA, or WAV formats. Supports CDDB. The $20 upgrade lets you record and play back files at higher Kbps, along with other enhancements that the free Basic version doesn't have. Now bundled with some Dell PCs.

Mpxplay 1.47.3 is a DOS-based audio utility. Free from mpxplay.tripod.com/.

MyCaster is a free utility that provides you with the means to program your own personal Internet radio station. Check it out at www.mycaster.com/. Note: MyCaster disappeared for a while as part of the Scour Exchange revamping. It is promised to reappear soon.

N.Player 1.0.0.1 is a free, full-featured audio and DVD player from www.samo.cz/nplayer/.

Napigator 2.08 is a free plugin to Napster (see below) that lets users see server status, allowing users to choose optimal servers to minimize interrupted transfers and slow download rates. More info is available at www.napigator.com/. Also works with WinMX.

Napster used to let you hunt down and download MP3 and WMA files. What gave it more oomph, and what caused such controversy, is its community of users, who used to swap music and audio files with abandon heedless of copyright laws. This has come to an end now that the courts have put their feet down. Napster has reinvented itself as a legitimate, pay-to-download site that works only with Windows 2K/XP. If you want free file sharing, you'll have to go elsewhere. The Napster program is free from www.napster.com/.

NeoAudio 1.5 extracts CD audio files to WAV, MP3, OGG Vorbis or WMA directly. It also encodes and decodes MP3s, OGGs, WMAs and more. Remote and local CDDB and ID3v2 file naming is supported during extraction for automatic track naming. Free from www.neonapster.com/.

Nero 6, formely known as Nero Burning ROM, is a program that transfers .WAV and .MP3 files to CD-R discs in audio format (i.e. you can play them in your stereo and not just on your computer). The new version adds a DVD/movie player and lots more. Very, very versatile program. $100 from either www.ahead.de/ or www.nero.com/.

Nero InfoTool 2.11 specifies the write speeds, supported formats, and other information on every CD or DVD drive in your system. It examines hardware as well as on the media in your drives. Free from www.cdspeed2000.com/.

NeroMIX Play and Burn 1.3 is a $50 program that converts any input from a home stereo to CD-readable files. Comes with a cable for line-in recording. Find out more from either www.ahead.de/ or www.nero.com/.

Net Player 3.0 streams and downloads free MP3 files by NDE. It features 'Beatbox' (contains sound samples mixing and playing), a large choice of MP3 music files in many categories (updated regularly), built-in MP3 player, and more. If you don't mind being restricted to NDE-only MP3s (mostly house and trance mixes), this is an excellent audio player, especially for those of us who like to mix our own music. Free from www.nde2000.com/.

NetShow 4.0 is Microsoft's competitor for the ubiquitous RealPlayer. It seems to work about as well as RealPlayer, but of course it doesn't play .RA or .RAV files (though it plays lots of other formats). It also incorporates a free WinNT server. Drawbacks include jerky video replay at 28.8Kbps; it works much more smoothly with a better connection. Play it safe by downloading it free from www.microsoft.com/ and having both Real and NetShow capability.

Notify CD Player 1.51.3 provides you with Internet-accessed information about your music CDs. Get it free from www.artech.se/~mlt/software/index.html.

NTI CD-Maker Professional is a CD burner that isn't quite as good as either Easy CD or Nero Burning, according to a recent test. $50 from www.ntius.com/.

Offline CD Browser 3.1 catalogues all the downloads you've copied to CD. Free from hem.spray.se/anders.peterson/ocdb.html.

OneClickPlay 2.0 automatically generates a playlist (.M3U) from any directory, with optional sub-directories. Free from czech-ware.net/popelka/index.asp?page=ocp&lang=en.

OptD2d records all the audio from your sound card directly to a CD-quality .WAZ file. Good for recording streaming audio, but remember to turn off your PC's sound effects before recording. Free from www.opcode.co.uk/.

OrangeCD Player 4.10 is a small, reliable CD player that sits unobtrusively in your System Tray and plays music CDs. CDDB access and other frills; not bad for a freebie. Find out more at www.firetongue.com/.

Ots CD Scratch 1200 1.00.014 lets you use your CD drive as a "turntable" and mixing station for DJ'ing. Cool program for aspiring mixmasters, and free from www.cdscratch.com/.

Ovation Studio Pro 2.1.4 is an award-winning utility that lets you create multimedia apps such as screen savers, games, tutorials, presentations, CD-ROM front ends, etc. Not the cheapest at $299, but you can try it for 30 days to see how it works for you. Go to www.risoftsystems.com/ovation.asp for more info.

paper cd case makes paper CD cases. Easy enough, and free from www.papercdcase.com/.

PCDJ Broadcaster is a free, extremely powerful multimedia player that can play most popular compressed audio and video formats, including MP3, M3U, PLS, and WMA. Listen to Internet radio stations or stream your own high-quality audio (many DIYers are using this utility to program and produce their own Internet radio programming). A built-in video viewer lets you play videos while you listen to music. Create professional-sounding MP3 mixes with pitch and fade controls. Other features include a CD ripper, CDDB support, and an MP3 organizer with search capabilities. Free from www.visiosonic.com/.

Personal AVI Editor 1.57 is a fast and easy-to-use video capture and editing program that creates AVI files from existing AVI and bitmap files. Also captures video from any Windows-supported video capture card and records audio from any Windows-supported sound card. The program lets you convert frame rates and sample rates on the fly, create digital effects in plug-in modules, add titles and text, fade in and out, cross fade, use eight directional wipes, and mix audio. $10 from www.flickerfree.com/.

Planet MP3 Find 3.0.1.0 hunts down MP3 files from around the Net with no muss nor fuss. It even has a built-in FTP client for easy downloading. Free from www.innovators.com/products/PlanetGroup/index.asp.

Power Mp3 Editor 2004 is a $30 digital audio editor with an intuitive, easy-to-use interface along with dozens of audio effects and tools for converting audio files into different formats. The home page is currently inaccessible, but can be downloaded from www.itprodownloads.com/filedownload?fileid=283811.

PowerDVD XP 5.0 is a software decoder that allows you to watch DVD videos on your PC, as well as view files in .AVI, .WMV, .VCD and other formats. Also captures scenes from your favorite movies and save them as images or wallpaper for your desktop. $50 from www.gocyberlink.com/english/index.jsp.

PowerShow Pro 2.33 is another slide-show creation utility, with plenty of effects and compatible with most graphics and multimedia formats. Requires VBRUN300.DLL. $32 from www.srosystems.com/.

PowerPlay plays audio CDs, pulls track information from the CD Database, and even hunts up lyrics from the International Lyrics Server. Free from www.info.tampere.fi/~llysalol/powerplay/.

Quartet X2 Music Studio 2.0 is a music composition program and sequencer that uses the MIDI section of your sound card to create orchestral music. Whether you are a professional musician, or someone who can't read sheet music, you can easily create musical masterpieces with little or no training. $20 from www.woltec.com/music1.html.

Quartz Studio Free 3.70 is an easy-to-use multi-track digital audio recorder, useful for quick creation of music tracks or audio assembly. Free from www.dasound.com/programs/921/.

Quick Mixer 1.1.0 lets you mix audio tracks quickly and easily (hence the title, duh). Nicely functional for a freebie; check it out at www.geocities.com/quickaudiomixer/.

QuickMix 1.04 lets you configure your audio levels and save the scheme for future use. Free from www.msaxon.com/quickmix/.

QuickTime Player 6 is the free version of the venerable Apple video player. It works quite well and handles most media formats (but not WMF). The everpresent reminders to upgrade to the $30 Pro version are annoying. Free from www.apple.com/quicktime/.

R DVD Player 1.0 is a simple, easy-to-use DVD player with a number of useful features. Free from fleebo.com/michaelssoftware/.

ra2wav 1.0 converts Real Player (.RA) files to .WAVs for play on the appropriate audio utilities. Free from www.southcom.com.au/~gwalker/download/ra2wav.htm.

Radiator 1.6 lets you listen to and record audio from a number of different sound cards. Free from flesko.cz/.

Real Entertainment Center is a free bundle of Real's entertainment and multimedia software, all detailed below. It includes new versions of RealDownload, RealJukebox, and RealPlayer. The Plus version costs $50 and includes a 10-band graphic equalizer, cross-fade ability, variable-bit-rate MP3 encoding, and the ability to print basic info and jewel case covers for your CDs. Get more info at www.real.com/.

REAL MP3 Finder 5.3 is a freebie that locates MP3s from a variety of Web sites. Check it out at www.saphware.com/.

RealOne Player 2.0 combines the Real Player and Real Jukebox into a single product which gives the user the ability to play streaming media (including radio broadcasts), play and burn CDs, and more. The basic version is free; Premiuim services costs $20 for the first month and $10/month thereafter. Find out more from www.realnetworks.com/. Be aware that RealOne's typical installation changes a slew of system settings and file associations; try the Custom installation for more control.

Realizer for Winamp 1.1 is a Winamp plugin that overcomes the limitations of compressed music files for better sound. $10 to keep from www.arboretum.com/S20_products/
S28_realizer_pro/Realproinfo.html.

RealPlayer 10 from www.real.com/ is as close to an indispensible freebie as you can have. So many Web sites use Real Audio (.RA) formatting, you'll need the player soon enough. The player plays Real Video (.RAV) as well as audio transmissions and other multimedia formats. Get the Plus version and save preset stations, scan for sites, control video quality, and record sound clips. Recently a war has broken out between RealNetworks' RealPlayer and Microsoft's NetShow. To give yourself unlimited access, download both. If you have an earlier version of the RealSystem, you need to replace it with the Real 8 download immediately; the technological improvements are that good, and the earlier editions have security flaws. Another freebie is RealJukebox Basic, which allows you to "rip" and program MP3 files, CD tracks, streaming feeds, etc (although make sure to disable the feature that lets RealJukebox send requested CD info back to RealNetworks' database). ZDNet has a nice online article at www.zdnet.com/zdhelp/stories/main/0,5594,2405744-1,00.html that gives the lowdown on installing and using RealPlayer; it's slightly dated (written for RP7), but still worth a look. A security patch that permanently disables RealJukebox's ability to transmit info about requested CDs is available at www.realnetworks.com/company/privacy/
jukebox/privacyupdate.html; you can also go through "Help/Check for Update."

RealPresenter G2 is a freebie that lets you turn MSPowerPoint slides into audio- and video-enhanced Web-based presentations. Designed to work seamlessly with PowerPoint. Find out more at proforma.real.com/rn/tools/presenter/index.html.

RealSlideShow 2.0 is a freebie from www.realnetworks.com/products/slideshow/index.html that lets you create Web-based slide shows. The Basic version is free; the Plus version costs $100.

RealSystem 8 is the beta version of the latest edition of this Internet video utility. Find out more from www.real.com/.

RealVideo 9 is a solid utility that lets Webmasters offer high-quality video at reduced data rates as well as allowing surfers to view streaming and downloadable video. Free from www.real.com/.

RecordNow MAX 4.1 is a CD burner that isn't quite as good as either Easy CD or Nero Burning, according to a recent test, but is quite muscular for heavy-duty use. $39 from www.stompinc.com/.

Replay Radio 5.0 records Internet radio and streaming feeds; also has a library of radio stations and archived files for your use. $30 from www.replay-radio.com/.

RightMark Audio Analyzer 5.3 is a program for music pros: a tool to test the electro-acoustical performance of sound cards. Test frequency response, noise level, dynamic range, THD (total harmonic distortion), IMD (intermodulation distortion), and stereo crosstalk. Conduct a loopback test, playback, recording, generate a .WAV file with a test signal, and analyze a .WAV file with a recorded test signal. You can save the results in an HTML or .PNG file. Free from audio.rightmark.org.

RioPort Audio Manager 3 works with Real, WMA, QuickTime, AVI, and other file formats, lets you rip CD tracks, burn CDs, and has numerous playlist and compilation options. Supports all S3 Diamond Rio models and any others using MDM and API-related interfaces. The free version gives you 25 uses; after that, you pay $19 for the fully functional upgrade. Get it from www.rioport.com/.

RipCast Streaming Audio Ripper 1.3 allows you to connect to various Shoutcast-compatible Internet servers/broadcasters and to save the streaming audio as individual MP3 files. RipCast is designed to let you download and listen to the music at the same time. As the broadcaster plays one song after another, RipCast downloads each song to a separate MP3 file. Free from www.xoteck.com/ripcast/.

RockN Player 3.0 is a simple-to-use MP3 and WAV player that features support for M3U playlists, provides visual effects, an Explorer-like filelist, and more. Free from www.rocknaudio.com/.

Sateira CD&DVD Burner 1.32 is a package of high-quality programs for CD and DVD burning which includes four stand-alone programs: Data Burner, Audio Burner, DropToCD Lite and session commander. $40 from www.sateira-software.com/.

Scanner Recorder 1.8 is an audio utility designed to record voice input with a minimum of hard disk usage. Free from www.davee.com/.

SetVol 1.1.0.12 is a freebie that lets you automatically set your PC's volume for various users. The author's Web site, homepages.compuserve.de/klukas/develop.html, seems to have disappeared, but you can still find the program at www.pcworld.com/downloads/file_description/0,fid,15481,00.asp. A similar program, Mute, which simply mutes your PC's volume, is available from www.pcworld.com/downloads/file_description/0,fid,15480,00.asp.

Simple 4.5j works nicely for recording files onto CDs, including entire directory structures; converts files from one audio format to another; supports CDDB; features a Playlist Editor; and more. Not bad for a freebie. Find out more at www.geocities.com/simplelance/index.html.

SimpliCD 1.0 is a highly recommended, no-nonsense, easily used CD burner. $50 from www.oaktech.com/.

Siren Jukebox 2.0 is a third-party version of Real Networks' Jukebox, combining features from both RealJukebox and RealPlayer. Lots and lots of features; $48 from www.sonicfoundry.com/ (a free, lighter version called Siren Xpress 2.0, is also available).

SKMP3 2.0 is a skinnable, compact MP3 player (with playlist) which includes a CD to MP3 or WAV ripper and an MP3 Internet search tool. Requires the VB6 runtime files. Free from www.it-mate.co.uk/new/media.html.

Slides and Sounds Plus 2.0 lets you create slide shows for office or home presentations. Lots of effects, and supports .AVI, QuickTime, and MPEG video, along with several audio formats. $40 to keep from www.inmediapresents.com/slideshow.html.

SnackAmp 2.0 is a multi-platform music player with common music player abilities as well as multi-user support and a powerful auto-play list feature. Not a flashy program, but designed for functionality and efficiency, it allows you to catalogue your media folders and removable media (CDs, etc.) for fast searching and access, edit ID3 tags, rename and move files, and more. Works in network environments, and offers a mini-view and a browser play control, a built-in server for remote access, and more. Intended for serious media collectors, and will probably not appeal much to beginners who are looking for an all around .MP3 player. Free from snackamp.sourceforge.net/.

SnapStream PVS 1.55 lets you record TV video onto your PC's hard drive through your video capture card or TV tuner card, and then watch it on any Windows PC. You can also transmit your recorded video over any network: home, Ethernet, or the Internet. Slick little goodie, huh? And free to boot from www.snapstream.com/Default.htm.

SnapTouch 2.03 is a software tool for creating digital photo albums and batch processing a large quantity of images. With this program, you can label, resize, frame and edit digital photographs. $15 from www.snaptouch.com/index.shtml.

SoftDisc 2.13 is an image file creating/editing/managing tool that also lets you emulate a virtual CD. The program lets you store disk information in ISO format as well as record info on disk from local and network hard disk drives and removable media. $20 from www.ezbsystems.com/softdisc/.

Softdiv CD Ripper 1.0 makes direct digital copies from audio CDs, saving them as MP3, WMA, OGG, WAV, RAW, VOX, G.723 and G.726. It includes an ID3v2 editor, so you can read and edit the audio files. Plus, Softdiv CD Ripper can convert MP3 to WAV and vice versa. $17 from www.softdivshareware.com/cdripper.html.

sOnar 1.3 is a sound file manager that helps you locate that one particular .WAV or .MP3 from the hundreds on your hard drive. Free from web.tiscali.it/_flat/sonar.jsp.html.

Songs-DB 1.3 is a sophisticated digital-music manager. Free from www.songs-db.com/.

Sonique 1.808 is a slick little audio player that handles common audio formats, lets you create playlists, and gives you equalizer, tempo, and balance controls, along with lots of skins. Free from sonique.lycos.com/.

Sound Forge 5.0 is a feature-rich audio editor -- it ought to be, because it'll cost you $350 for the full version (the download is a demo only). If you're serious enough about your audio files to be ready to lay out this kind of money, surf to www.sonicfoundry.com/.

Sound Frequency Analyzer 1.0 analyzes voice or other input through a mic and transforms it into fancy color patterns. Engineers know this as frequency analysis; you and I just like the pretty colors. Free from www.relisoft.com/Freeware/freq.html.

Sound Library 1.90 handles organizing those ten zillion .WAV files on your system, and lets you assign sounds to events without going through MS Plus! Free from dworks.virtualave.net/.

SoundEdit Pro 1.1 is a digital audio editor for home studio recording and for people who are just getting started with audio editing. Supports most audio formats, lots of features, and goes for $40 from www.studna.cz/go/detail.php/fid/1462. The site is in Czech, but don't let that throw you.

Soundengine is a free WAV editing program from www.cycleof5th.com/en/products/sefree/index.htm.

SoundField 1.2 gives you a visible display of the music or sounds playing on your PC, in the form of pulsating multicolored circles. Free from www.visiblearea.com/downloads/.

Soundplant 26.1 is a multi-functional audio performance program, allowing you to sample and play music and rhythm snippets and much more. Surprisingly strong for a freebie; find out more at www.soundplant.org/.

StreamCap 1.0 captures streaming audio and video feeds. Easy to use, and free from www.mcdev.com/products.shtml.

StreamRipper32 2.6 "rips" streaming audio tracks from Shoutcast Internet radio and other streaming feeds. Free from streamripper.sourceforge.net/sr32.

SuperSonic 4.11, provides an extensive, virtual audio rack to handle sound files. The trial version is aptly named, as it will only process the first 15 seconds of any file. Try it from www.sonicspot.com/supersonic/supersonic.html and fork over $40 if you find it useful.

STP 10301 (SysTrayPlay) is a small, bare-bones MP3 player that uses very little system resources. Free from systrayplay.chat.ru/.

Sub Station Alpha 4.08 works in real time in adding subtitles to live videos on a Windows PC via a "genlock." Compatible with other subtitling programs and can read JACOsub, ZeroG, Subsonic, MacSub, RealText, and plain text files. Free from www.eswat.demon.co.uk/substation.html.

Subhash VCDPlayer 2.0 is a general-purpose media player with special support for Video CD playback. In addition, it also allows you to capture still images from video files (bitmap format). It uses Windows Media Player for all core functionality. You can use it to search for files, and you can operate many commands via keyboard shortcuts. Free from www.domaindlx.com/vsubhash/.

Super DVD Ripper 1.90 can copy DVD to DIVX AVI files or MPEG1 or MPEG2 files. $36 from www.dvdtodivx.net/index.htm.

SureThing CD Labeler 3.1 does just what it says: makes labels for homemade CDs. It does it so well that it won a Shareware Industry award. Lots and lots of photo, font, and other effects. $40 from www.surething.com/ST/.

Synapse Media Player 1.01 is an artificially intelligent media player, that not only plays your .MP3, .WMA, .OGG, and other files, but it also finds and memorizes patterns in your listening habits. You can activate this feature and Synapse will play music from your library based on what you have listened to and what it -- statistically -- thinks you will like. Free from www.synapseai.com/.

Synchro CDDB 1.0 is a full-featured CD player for your PC. Free from www.synchro3.com/.

TabStyler 3.51 is a $40 utility that allows you to create, edit, and print songs, including the associated guitar or piano chords in a graphical representation. The maker no longer supports this program, but you can still get it from www.pcworld.com/downloads/file_description/0,fid,17281,tk,hsx,00.asp.

TagScanner 4.3 supports all MP3 files and lets you generate tags by file or folder name. There's also full ID3 tag support and a ton of genres for almost any player you happen to be using. Free from xdev.narod.ru/tagscane.htm.

TextAloud 1.402 is a goodie that translates text into audio; it reads your e-mail, software directions, Word files, what have you, to you. You can save converted files as MP3 files and play them on an MP# player, even. $20 from www.nextuptech.com/.

Total Recorder 4.1 records all kinds of audio from Windows Media Player and saves it as an .MP3 or .OGG file, including streaming audio, MIC and line input, and more. The regular version goes for $12, while the $36 Pro version lets you schedule recording times. Find out more from www.highcriteria.com/.

TPlayer 1r10 is a music player and mixer for .MP3, .WMA, .OGG and .WAV audio files. It features customizable Automix settings, 4 Automix sort options, manual mix and fade-out, dual independent players with real time VU meters, drag 'n drop playlist editor, Explorer-like song list, supports multiple sound cards, and more. Free from pages.infinit.net/tplayer/.

TrayPlay 1.0 is a bare-bones media player with the features most of us need. Free from www.chime.tv/.

TweakMP PowerToy for Windows XP 1.0 is an XP plug-in that brings useful Windows Media Player settings to the forefront. Can be used to adjust queuing in the media library, automatically level the volume for burning CDs, and make the most of full screen animations. Free from www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/default.aspx.

Twins Video Player 1.5 plays video in several formats, including DivX and AVI, as well as MP3 audio files. Includes support for 20 different subtitle formats and sports a friendly interface, including a play list. Free from www.twins-software.com/.