Windows Media Player came with every Windows release since version 3.0, and now the time has come for Windows Vista! Let’s take a peak.

Windows Media Player's history

16 years ago, Microsoft introduced Windows 3.0, and the media player included in that version had no resemblance to the Windows Media Player built in all Windows Vista versions, from Home Basic to Ultimate. At that time, only four buttons were enough - Eject, Pause, Start and Stop!

After 4 years, Windows 95 came with a media player that could play AVI and MPEG files, but had problems with the large ones.

Getting closer to the present day, Windows 98 Second Edition introduced Windows Media Player 6.1, the first version officially known as "Windows Media Player".

Since 1998, Windows Media Player improved continuously, arriving to the 11th version on the 30th of October, 2006, for Windows XP, while the one included in Windows Vista has been officially released on the 8th of November.

Getting to know Windows Media Player's interface

Windows Media Player 11 can play music and video files, as well as rip and burn CDs. Being the most versatile digital media tool present in Windows Vista, Windows Media Player is also able to connect to various Windows-compatible media download services, just about the same way as iTunes does it.

The last version of the Windows Media Player has a pleasant interface that can be spiced up using various skins. When content is playing and Now playing is selected, the Player window has six main elements.

• The player taskbar contains tabs that give you quick access to key features of the program and its customization options.
• The menu bar, usually hidden, offers access to Windows Media Player's features and options. To make it visible, tap the Alt key or press Ctrl+M.
• The main player window changes according to the selected tab. For example, when the Library tab is active, the area contains the Navigation and Details panels, while when playing content, the Visualization pane and Enhancements pane are shown in most cases.
• The list pane can display the contents of the Now Playing, Burn or Sync list, depending on the selected tab.
• To manage playback of audio and video files, Windows Media Player has VCR-style controls ready for its users, including a wide range of special purpose buttons allowing you to control volume and the appearance of the program.
• The last element of the interface is the full/compact mode button, a control that displays a customizable drop-down menu with different options that allow you to choose which item to play.

Related articles:

• Windows Media Player Basics: Libraries and Playlists
• Windows Media Player Basics: Burn CD/DVD
• Windows Media Player Basics : Rip CD, add and rename tracks, change bit rates