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Though many users regard QuickTime as a simple multimedia player, it is actually an integrated multimedia architecture: a file format, a media authoring platform, and a suite of multimedia applications rolled into one happy download. The free QuickTime download lets you access images, movies, music, interactive virtual reality, and movable objects (a fun and unique feature).

While intuitive and easy to use, this program lacks modern file-management and batch processing features--the most you can do is add open files to a Favorites list for quick access. The download process is quick and free of advertisements (except for the occasional Upgrade to QuickTime Pro pop-up screen when you launch). Access to QuickTime TV has been improved, and updates are also a cinch, because QT can automatically download and install new components as they become available.

QuickTime plays locally stored media adequately, but its true strength lies in delivering online streaming media. Picture quality is noticeably superior to that of other leading player apps, especially when you view live Webcasts. There is a ton of QuickTime-oriented material on the Web, and Apple’s own site makes extensive use of QuickTime through panoramic product images, demo videos, and other goodies.

Unfortunately, QuickTime doesn’t support the proprietary RealMedia or Windows Media formats, but will open just about any other type of media file, from AVIs to SWFs. QuickTime is thoughtfully designed and a must-have if you want to fully experience multimedia on the Web.