Codecs...

...we're rolling out new PC's (slowly but surely) and in the midst of
putting together our image. Of course, we're stuck with Windows
Media Player for multimedia content and we're trying to determine
what codecs to install with the image. I understand WMP 11 automatically
will download codecs, but I'm a VLC user and WMP 9 when I'm stuck
with that so my experience with WMP is limited anymore. And it looks
like we're going with WMP 10 for the image.

I know from some experiments with spyware and viruses some codecs
seem to come packaged with spyware, and I'm typically suspect of most
of them.

Any recommendations?

Hi,

I am using WMP11 on this box. I have not detected any spyware using:

AVG Antispyware
AVG AV
PC-Cillin
Spybot S&D
AdAware

Nor have I seen any signs of it.

Sorry for any misunderstanding. I didn't mean to imply that WMP itself
contains spyware. I know better than than. But being an MS app, it's
going to pose risks.

I have seen, especially with pr0n, some proprietary-type codecs installing
from .exe's when the movie starts, and infecting the machine. I wonder
if some videos are even using DRM itself, like Sony did, to exert (some)
control over a computer.

Obviously our users aren't going to last long in their jobs surfing for pr0n,
but nonetheless, I view codecs as something of a security risk. I'm just
wondering what the most widely-used, safe codecs are, like DivX perhaps.

Like I said, I've strayed from using WMP for some time and am looking for input about the codecs themselves. Thanks.

Yeah, I was talking about codecs, not the app itself:)

My thinking would be that anything that downloads its own playing software, or installs stuff is a potential threat whatever you use?

Yar!, like that stuff from Sony???

;)

Exactly!

As far as I am aware WMP will still tell you that it doesn't recognise the media and ask for permission to go look for a codec, rather than just "do it"?

Anyway, wouldn't your setup prevent software installations and updates from a user account?

I know that there are third party tools that do this, as well as being able to create restricted accounts within Windows.

:)

This post is also quite interesting. I have also had problems with codecs over the years as some conflict with one another. Can anyone suggest what pack to use. I had a website that listed the packs however I cant find it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by nihil

As far as I am aware WMP will still tell you that it doesn't recognise the media and ask for permission to go look for a codec, rather than just "do it"?

Anyway, wouldn't your setup prevent software installations and updates from a user account?

---

Actually, our understanding is WMP 11 will automatically go out and load codecs regardless the user acc't, but I'm not sure. I'll have to look into those 3rd-party apps.

Multimedia content comprises large amounts of data in our org, especially in sales, marketing and training. WE use powerpoint for most of our multimedia, but dealing with numerous mfg'ers from China to India to Europe to Brazil, our users see a gamut of presentation & multimedia formats. Our thinking in creating this new image is to preload the most commonly used codecs.

I'm going to have to google this stuff this week. Lawdy, one more thing I gotta do. :(

Hmmm,

If it were to do that I guess it would have to be running as "system"?

The big question in my mind is where does it go to find the codecs. Microsoft have been bitten so often and are so paranoid about "signatures" that I doubt if it goes anywhere other than an MS site, or somewhere that MS trusts.......?

This is a site that I use for codecs: http://www.free-codecs.com

From the security angle, have you considered a "virtual sandbox" approach?

Great site nihil. FOund a DVD copy program, going to test it out when i get a DVD drive on tuesday.

Thanks again

You could try ffdshow, no spyware/adware in the packet

It has many feauters, you should try it in an environment with only the WMP you're plainning to use in the image so u' can see if is complete enough to satisfy your needs




Regards

Lawdy, a virtual sandbox? For 500 users, 150 of which are remote?
And an IT staff of three? I need that like I need a hole in my head...

:)