Watch and listen to RealMedia without RealPlayer

I cannot stand RealNetwork's RealPlayer and all of the bloatware that comes with it. It is a slow, bulky hog that sinks its roots into your system with a messaging system that seems like it can only be turned off by uninstalling the software. Its installation process not only demands your full attention to keep it from hijacking all of your file associations, but it also requires registration so they can get their grubby hands on my email address.

Apparently some bad press about their software has prompted RealNetworks to clean up their act a bit, but trust is a difficult thing to regain once you've lost it, so I've done without. It was a pain not to be able to view or listen to some content, but I've managed to get along.

Now I can have my cake and eat it too, for now. I recently discovered an application called Real Alternative/Media Player Classic that is capable of listening to both RealMedia audio and video without having to install RealNetwork's software. Apparently, it's been around for a while now. So far, it has worked great, and I highly recommend it. Follow the link below to try it for yourself.

Link