Share This
For Seniors: Play Movies with Windows Media Player
Windows Media Player is a program you can use to watch movies on your Windows laptop. During playback, you can pause or fast forward the video, and even rewind it to replay a section if needed. You can play movies you've downloaded to your laptop, or movies on a DVD drive.
If you own a smaller laptop or netbook, it may not have a built-in DVD player. Consider buying an external DVD drive that you attach through a USB port. There are many small models that are highly portable.
Click the icon with an orange circle containing a right-facing arrow on the taskbar, or choose Start→All Programs→Windows Media Player.
Windows Media Player opens. If this is your first time using the player, you may be prompted to make some basic settings.
Windows Media Player plays all sorts of media, including music and photos, in addition to videos. You can use it to organizer your entire media collection.
Click the Maximize button.
Maximize is the square icon in the upper-right corner of the window, next to the X-shaped Close button. When you click it, the window maximizes, which is best for watching videos.
Click Videos in the navigation pane to the left.
Videos on your laptop are listed on the right.
Click the Library folder that contains the movie you want to play.
Double-click a video file.
The video begins to play.
Hover the mouse pointer over the video and use tools that appear at the bottom of the screen to adjust the playback, if desired.
Pause the playback by clicking the round Pause button in the center of the toolbar. Click it again to resume playback. To stop the playback, click the square-shaped Stop button toward the left.
Adjust the volume by clicking and dragging the slider left (to make it softer) or right (to make it louder). Click the megaphone-shaped volume icon to mute the sound (and click it again to turn the sound back on).
If a movie has more than one track (section), click the Next (rewind) or Previous (fast forward) arrow buttons to jump from track to track.
Click the Close button when you're done viewing the movie.
The Media Player closes.
PCs GlossaryPower that comes from an electrical outlet in the wall or power strip.
PCs GlossaryA circuitry board that, when added to a computer internally, increases that computer’s capabilities; also called an expansion card.
PCs GlossaryAn account for the manager of a computer or network. An Administrator account offers significantly more privileges in managing the PC compared to a Standard account.
PCs GlossaryAccelerated Graphics Port; a type of computer video expansion.
PCs GlossaryA type of inkjet printer that can also act as a scanner, fax machine, and copier.
PCs GlossaryA kind of software used for productivity or to create things (the software that does the work).
PCs GlossaryA wireless hub, which connects a computer network.
PCs GlossaryA type of wireless network standard used for short distances with devices such as cell phones and laptops.
PCs GlossaryAny high-speed Internet connection, whether provided through cable, DSL, or satellite.
PCs GlossaryThe range of radio waves over which wireless devices communicate.
PCs GlossaryA means of accessing the Internet that runs through your cable TV coaxial connection.
PCs GlossaryA key on a keyboard that, when pressed to make active, causes letters to appear capitalized on the monitor’s display when you press the corresponding letter key on the keyboard.
PCs GlossaryA video upgrade card that can capture incoming analog video signal and convert it to digital video.
PCs GlossaryThe container that stores ink or toner for use in a printer.
PCs GlossaryA Category 5 networking cable used to connect a computer to a network hub.
PCs GlossaryCompact disc; a removable storage medium that can hold data, text, and graphics.
PCs GlossaryA type of drive that you can attach to your computer in order to copy data from your PC to a recordable CD or DVD.
PCs GlossaryThe metal frame on which your computer’s internal components and circuits are mounted.
PCs GlossaryAn integrated computer circuit containing many elements connected on a single unit.
PCs GlossaryA group of chips that work together to perform a specific task or function. For example, a motherboard on a computer contains chips for the BIOS, CPU, memory, expansion slots, and other components; this collection of chips is the motherboard’s chipset.
PCs GlossaryAn electrical device that provides a path for electrical current to flow.
PCs GlossaryA legacy port found on the console’s I/O panel.
PCs GlossaryThe main computer box, although it may also be called the system unit or the CPU (which is incorrect). It’s a box that contains your computer’s soul, its electronic guts. On the outside, the console sports various buttons, lights, and holes into which you plug the rest of the computer system.
PCs GlossaryThe circuits that control data transfer to and from a disk drive (floppy disk, hard disk, or optical disc).
PCs GlossaryA charged wire in a laser printer that draws the toner off the drum onto the paper.
PCs GlossaryCentral processing unit; A computer component, often called a processor and microprocessor, whose speed determines how fast your PC operates.
PCs GlossaryCathode ray tube; an older type of computer monitor that offers better color quality than an LCD monitor.
PCs GlossaryThe blinking icon on the computer screen that shows you where the characters you type appear; also called an insertion pointer.
PCs GlossaryDigital audiotape; A type of computer backup drive that copies data to a tape.
PCs GlossaryPower that comes from the battery that powers a laptop.
PCs GlossaryDouble data rate; A computer DIMM memory module that’s still in general use.
PCs GlossaryMemory modules that double the data transfer rate between your RAM and your motherboard.
PCs GlossaryA normal computer setup; A type of computer made up of a PC console, monitor, mouse, keyboard, and any additional attachments. A desktop PC isn’t easily portable.
PCs GlossaryA kind of computer Internet connection that uses existing phone lines.
PCs GlossaryA means of storing, transmitting, manipulating, or reproducing data, images and sounds by using groups of electronic bits represented by 1 and 0.
PCs GlossaryDual Inline Memory Module; A standard type of computer memory module.
PCs GlossaryDual in-line memory module slot, a small circuit board that holds memory chips.
PCs GlossaryA driver used by games, graphics, and audio programs in Windows.
PCs GlossaryA component of a computer that reads information from and writes information to a certain kind of disk.
PCs GlossaryThe information that appears on your computer screen.
PCs GlossaryA contraption used to hold a PC’s internal disk drives, an optical (DVD) drive, and a hard drive.
PCs GlossaryA special type of program that allows specific computer hardware to work.
PCs GlossaryDigital Subscriber Line; a type of Internet connection that takes advantage of unused frequencies in existing phone lines.
PCs GlossaryA CPU made up of two independent processors combined onto a single integrated circuit.
PCs GlossaryDigital video; used to describe camcorders that record video digitally.
PCs GlossaryDigital video disc; a removable computer storage medium that has a larger capacity than a CD.
PCs GlossaryA disk drive in or attached to your computer that can read information from DVDs and CDs.
PCs GlossaryA type of printer that transfers heated solid due from a ribbon to specially coated paper, producing continuous tones, like those in a photo produced from a negative.
PCs GlossaryA protocol for assigning dynamic IP addresses to devices on a network.
PCs GlossaryExtended Data Output; an older type of computer memory module that’s used on only old Pentium motherboards.
PCs GlossaryEnhanced Integrated Drive Electronics; a type of hard drive.
PCs GlossaryAdapting work or working conditions to suit the worker.
PCs GlossaryThe standards and protocols used by Windows for networking.
PCs GlossaryA circuitry board that you can add to a computer internally to expand that computer’s capabilities.
PCs GlossaryA slot on a computer’s motherboard available for adding expansion cards, which add new components to the PC.
PCs GlossaryAnother name for a peripheral.
PCs GlossaryExternal devices such as peripheral hard drives, DVD drives, flash drives, or memory card readers.
PCs GlossaryA component of a printer in which you place paper that you want the printer to take and print on; also called a paper feed.
PCs GlossaryA technology that sends data as light at high speeds and in large amounts.
PCs GlossaryA binary (not physical) container that holds a chunk of information stored in a computer.
PCs GlossaryA software or hardware device designed to block unauthorized intruders from gaining entry to an individual computer or a network.
PCs GlossaryA type of computer connection that you can use to attach various devices to your PC; most often used to connection DV camcorders.
PCs GlossarySame as IEEE 1394 port.
PCs GlossaryA keychain-size storage unit that saves files on memory cards; you can plug it into your computer and access it like any other external hard drive.
PCs GlossaryA special type of computer memory that works like both RAM and ROM; information can be written to flash memory, but that information isn’t erased when the power is off.
PCs GlossaryWhen a game controller rumbles or provides resistance to your hand that matches the action on-screen.
PCs GlossaryFront Side Bus; the primary pathway between a computer’s CPU and memory.
PCs GlossaryA device that you attach to your computer that allows you to input movement and actions when playing a computer game.
PCs GlossaryA game controller that features a flat surface and many buttons.
PCs GlossaryGraphics processing unit; the chipset used on your PC’s video card.
PCs GlossaryThe circuitry that runs the computer monitor and controls the image that the monitor’s screen displays.
PCs GlossaryA computer’s monitor and graphics adapter.
PCs GlossaryA disk drive on your PC that can store the greatest amount of information and access it in the quickest manner; therefore, it’s the main source of permanent storage.
PCs GlossaryThe physical part of a computer — anything you can touch and see, such as the computer console, monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
PCs GlossaryThe I/O jack where you plug in your headphones or external speakers.
PCs GlossaryHeadphones that include a built-in microphone for online communications and game playing.
PCs GlossaryA computer function by which it saves all the computer’s memory (everything the system is doing), then turns the computer off.
PCs GlossaryA common connection point for devices in a network.
PCs GlossaryA feature of certain Pentium processors that makes one physical CPU appear as two logical CPUs, overlapping two instruction streams in order to achieve a gain in performance.
PCs GlossaryAlso called FireWire; a type of connection that you can use to attach various devices to your computer, similar to USB.
PCs GlossaryA type of computer printer that uses an ink ribbon and some device to physically bang the ribbon on the paper.
PCs GlossaryA type of computer printer that lobs tiny balls of ink directly on the paper to create a printout.
PCs GlossaryInformation sent to and received by your computer.
PCs GlossaryThe blinking icon that appears on your computer screen at the location where characters you type appear; also called a cursor.
PCs GlossaryInput/Output; the two kinds of activity that a computer engages in — it accepts input from outside devices and gives you output information in a variety of forms.
PCs GlossaryAn identifier for a computer or device on a TCP/IP network.
PCs GlossaryAn infrared computer port that can be used to communicate with devices such as PDAs and other laptops.
PCs GlossaryIndustry Standard Architecture; the oldest type of computer expansion slot, used now mainly for compatibility with older expansion cards.
PCs GlossaryThe device you type on; it’s the primary way you communicate with the computer, with input.
PCs GlossaryA specialized, small printer that can create all kinds of labels on label tape.
PCs GlossaryA portable computer.
PCs GlossaryA type of computer printer that uses a laser beam to create the image, giving a crisp and fast output.
PCs GlossaryLiquid crystal diode; A type of computer monitor, also called a flat-panel monitor, that’s thin and uses relatively little electricity.
PCs GlossaryLight Emitting Diode; a display and lighting technology used in almost every electronic product.
PCs GlossaryA specific port on older PCs to which you would connect a keyboard, mouse, or printer. These ports have been gradually phased out on PCs and replaced by the versatile USB port.
PCs GlossaryThe I/O panel jack where you plug a traditional audio-producing device (stereo, VCR, and so on) into the PC for capturing sound.
PCs GlossaryA computer network that spans a relatively small area. Most LANs are confined to a single building or group of buildings.
PCs GlossaryTo identify yourself on a computer by entering a user name and password.
PCs GlossaryTo tell Windows that you’re done using the computer without actually turning off the computer; you must log in to use it again.
PCs GlossaryTo identify yourself on a computer by entering a user name and password.
PCs GlossaryTo tell Windows that you’re done using the computer without actually turning off the computer; you must log in to use it again.
PCs GlossaryA storage device that’s essentially the same thing as flash memory, although media cards are designed for use with various gizmos, such as digital cameras and MP3 players.
PCs GlossaryTemporary computer information storage which is emptied when you turn off the computer; also called RAM. The term "memory" also refers to the physical chips capable of holding data.
PCs GlossaryThe most recent form of permanent computer storage technology. The general term applies to all the different types of solid-state storage devices. Six main types of memory cards are available.
PCs GlossaryA narrow printed circuit board that holds memory chips.
PCs GlossaryThe I/O jack in which your computer’s microphone plugs into.
PCs GlossaryYour computer’s main hardware chip that determines the speed at which your computer can work; also called the processor and CPU.
PCs GlossaryMusical Instrument Digital Interface; rather than digital audio, a MIDI file gives the computer directions on how to play a song — kind of like how a program is a set of directions that tells your computer how to accomplish a task.
PCs GlossaryThis special version of the IEEE 1394 connector is designed specifically for digital video and for connecting digital cameras.
PCs GlossaryA standard computer connector used to connect a microphone to your PC.
PCs GlossaryThe most popular PC configuration, where the desktop computer sits upright on a desktop or tucked away below the desk.
PCs GlossaryModem is a contraction of modulator-demodulator. A device that converts digital data from a computer into analog data for transmission over telephone lines by modulating it into waves. At the other end, a modem converts the analog data back into digital form by demodulating it. Cable modems also convert data but that information may stay in digital form.
PCs GlossaryWhere you connect your PC’s dialup modem to the phone jack in the wall. If two phone or modem holes are on the I/O panel, the second one is for a telephone extension.
PCs GlossaryA key on a keyboard that works in combination with other keys to do various tasks.
PCs GlossaryBeing made up of a number of individual pieces that can each be replaced without having to change the whole.
PCs GlossaryThe box and hardware that make up the part of your computer that displays information, it's output.
PCs GlossaryThe main circuit board of a microcomputer, which contains essential PC components, such as the processor and memory.
PCs GlossaryA helpful device that lets you work with graphical objects that the computer displays on the monitor.
PCs GlossaryA device built into a laptop that emulates a standard mouse. Also called a touch pad.
PCs GlossaryA specialized sound card that contains a hardware encoder/decoder, which speeds up your PC’s ripping and MP3-playing performance.
PCs GlossaryA portable device that allows you to listen to your songs when you’re away from your PC.
PCs GlossaryA video card specifically designed for encoding and decoding Motion Picture Experts Group digital video (usually from a DVD).
PCs GlossaryA group of two or more computer systems linked together. Components of a network include a networking adapter, cables, and a hub.
PCs GlossaryWhere you plug in a local-area network (LAN) connector or where you attach a broadband modem to the PC’s I/O panel.
PCs GlossaryA device that interfaces a PC with a network.
PCs GlossaryNetwork information card; Ethernet networking hardware that your computer requires to connect to a network.
PCs GlossaryAnother name for a laptop.
PCs GlossaryNew Technology File System. The standard file system used for Windows NT, 2000, XP, and Vista. NTFS is preferred to the older FAT32 system. NTFS improves system performance, reliability, and disk space use, and it also offers improved security. For example, you can set permissions for individual files as well as directories to control access by other users.
PCs GlossaryA key on a computer keyboard that, when pressed to make active, makes the numeric keypad on the right side of the keyboard produce numbers. When the Num Lock key is inactive, you can use the numeric keypad for moving the text cursor.
PCs GlossaryThe keypad that allows you to type numbers when the Num Lock key is on.
PCs GlossaryOptical character recognition; a program that allows the computer to read text from a scanned item and convert it to text that you can edit.
PCs GlossaryOpen Graphics Language; a 3D graphics language developed by SGI, which has become a de facto standard supported in Windows (among other) computers.
PCs GlossaryAnything that the computer produces.
PCs GlossaryA small hand-held, battery-operated computer.
PCs GlossaryThe portion of a computer printer in which you store the paper that the printer eventually prints on; also called a feeder tray.
PCs GlossaryThe location on a computer printer where the printer paper comes out and is stacked.
PCs GlossaryA computer connection that used to be the primary means of connecting a printer to your computer; still used with some printers and peripherals.
PCs GlossaryFrequently found on laptops, this credit-card-size card contains a hard drive that you can insert into a PC slot to grab data you want to transport.
PCs GlossaryPeripheral Component Interconnect; the most common form of internal expansion for a PC.
PCs GlossaryThe next generation of PCI PC expansion that communicates with the motherboard quickly and efficiently.
PCs GlossaryPersonal digital assistant; a handheld computerized device.
PCs GlossaryA type of network, often found in small and home offices, in which each workstation has equivalent capabilities and responsibilities.
PCs GlossaryA hand-held, pen-shaped scanner with which you can re-create drawings or text as image files.
PCs GlossaryA device, such as a CD-ROM drive or printer, that is not part of the console. Peripheral devices can be external — such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, monitor, or scanner — or internal, such as a CD-ROM drive, CD-R drive, or internal modem.
PCs GlossaryA computer printer specifically designed to create photographs that rival traditional 35mm prints.
PCs GlossaryA type of network cable that’s designed to withstand high temperatures, such as inside a heating duct.
PCs GlossaryA place on a computer where you can attach a device to send and/or receive information.
PCs GlossaryAn adapter card that you can insert into your PC to add computer ports.
PCs GlossaryA device that provides approximately six electrical outlets into which you can plug your console and peripherals. The power strip also usually provides protection against power spikes and surges.
PCs GlossaryWhere you get the computer’s printed output, also called hard copy.
PCs GlossaryThe action that a computer takes on input to produce a different output.
PCs GlossaryThe component of a computer that handles the processing work the computer does; also called a CPU and a microprocessor.
PCs GlossaryA type of software that may or may not be used for productivity or to produce output, such as a computer game or a video editing program.
PCs GlossaryA type of connection dedicated to the kind of keyboard and mouse that feature this connector.
PCs GlossaryRandom access memory; a computer component that allows you to store data.
PCs GlossaryRambus memory modules are much faster than the standard DDR modules, but are being replaced by DDR2 modules.
PCs GlossaryTo restart your computer.
PCs GlossaryA base connected to a power outlet into which you can place a device that runs on rechargeable batteries in order to recharge those batteries.
PCs GlossaryStorage media, such as a CD, DVD, or flash drive, that can be taken away from your PC.
PCs GlossaryThe number of pixels that your monitor’s display can show, both horizontally and vertically.
PCs GlossarySomething that a computer uses to get work done, such as memory or processor power.
PCs GlossaryRead-only memory; Permanent memory that can’t be altered by the microprocessor.
PCs GlossaryA sophisticated device used to connect your network; it can manage hundreds of networked computers and handle Internet traffic.
PCs GlossaryRepetitive stress injury; a physical condition caused by putting too much strain on a joint of the body.
PCs GlossaryOne of the fastest means of connecting to the Internet, by using an outdoor antenna and a subscription to a satellite service.
PCs GlossaryA device that attaches to a computer and can create a graphics file of an object you place on the scanner (much like a photocopier, only a scanner produces a file rather than a paper copy).
PCs GlossaryThe part of the computer monitor on which information is displayed.
PCs GlossarySignifies the number of dots (pixels) on the entire screen.
PCs GlossaryA key on a computer’s keyboard that, when pressed and therefore active, reverses the function of the cursor keys in some spreadsheet applications.
PCs GlossaryAlso called SyncDRAM, these memory modules take the form of standard DIMMs. This kind of module is too slow for current PC use.
PCs GlossaryAn older kind of versatile computer port that can connect a variety of devices to the PC; it has been largely replaced with USB ports.
PCs GlossaryA 32-character unique identifier attached to the header of packets sent over a network that acts as a password when a mobile device tries to connect the network.
PCs GlossarySingle Inline Memory Module; a type of memory module that often needs to be added in pairs.
PCs GlossaryA state in which the computer slips into a special, power-saving setting, like going into a low-power coma.
PCs GlossaryInstructions that tell the computer hardware what to do or how to act; the brains of the computer.
PCs GlossaryA circuit-filled gadget that plugs inside your PC to add music and explosions to computer games.
PCs GlossaryA sound card feature that creates a 3D feeling to the sound being produced by your computer.
PCs GlossaryA computer connection, which requires special fiber optic cable, that’s used for digital audio.
PCs GlossaryI/O panel connectors used for digital audio. Special fiber-optic cable is required: Audio coming into the computer plugs into the In hole; the sound the computer generates goes out the Out hole.
PCs GlossaryDevices that emit sound from your computer. Speakers can be external, built into the console or the monitor, or even headphones.
PCs GlossarySpecifications about how a group of network devices communicate.
PCs GlossaryA kind of mouse that looks like a pen and draws on a special pad, which translates to the computer display.
PCs GlossaryA speaker box designed for low-frequency sounds, which gives oomph to the bass in music or adds emphasis to the sounds in games.
PCs GlossaryA special type of power strip that helps fight irregularities in the electrical supply that runs to your computer.
PCs GlossaryFor surround sound, this is the I/O panel jack into which you plug the rear left and right speakers.
PCs Glossary3D environmental audio, created by a set of speakers positioned around the listener.
PCs GlossaryA type of computer connection that allows you to attach an S-Video monitor, video recorder, or television to your PC.
PCs GlossaryA device that connects computers in a network and manages the signals between those computers.
PCs GlossaryThe main box of the PC; also called the console. It’s a box that contains your computer’s soul, its electronic guts. On the outside, the console sports various buttons, lights, and holes into which you plug the rest of the computer system.
PCs GlossaryA computer designed to give accurate time information for any computer that checks in on the Internet.
PCs GlossaryA powdery ink substance that comes in a cartridge; used by laser printers.
PCs GlossaryA standard optical computer connector that creates high-quality sound reproduction.
PCs GlossaryA PC configuration that has essentially a full-sized desktop console standing on its side, usually on the floor; includes a lot of room for expansion.
PCs GlossaryA kind of upside-down mouse; you use your thumb or index figure to roll a ball on top of the mouse, while the whole contraption stays stationary.
PCs GlossaryA power strip combined with a battery to keep your computer running when the power goes out.
PCs GlossaryA complete revision of a computer program that you use to replace the current program.
PCs GlossaryUninterruptible power supply; basically, a power strip combined with a battery to keep your computer running for a short time when the power goes out.
PCs GlossaryUniversal Serial Bus; a computer connection that you can use to attach many different kinds of devices and peripherals to a computer.
PCs GlossaryA type of computer program that’s designed to help you manage the computer, or diagnose or fix problems.
PCs GlossaryThe term for the original PC’s serial port.
PCs GlossaryVideo Gate Array; a name used to describe graphics adapters.
PCs GlossaryThe circuitry that controls the image appearing on the monitor’s screen; also known as a graphics adapter.
PCs GlossaryThe I/O port where you plug in your monitor.
PCs GlossaryThe most recent version of the Windows operating system.
PCs GlossaryWireless access point; a device that brings wireless connectivity to an existing wired network.
PCs GlossaryA video camera that attaches to your computer and allows you to upload images or video to the Web.
PCs GlossaryWired Equivalent Privacy; the encryption for a computer network.
PCs GlossaryA computer network that spans a relatively large geographical area. Typically, a WAN consists of two or more local-area networks (LANs).
PCs GlossaryWireless fidelity; the original 802.11b standard wireless base station.
PCs GlossaryThe most common operating system on PCs.
PCs GlossaryA security protocol for wireless local-area networks.
PCs GlossaryA network connected by cables.
PCs GlossaryMaking a connection between computers or a computer and devices without physically connecting them with wires or cables; usually involves using radio signals to send and receive information.
PCs GlossaryAn intermediary device that exchanges information between various configured wireless devices.
PCs GlossaryA network that features specific equipment, such as network interface cards and routers, in place of wires (copper or optical fiber) for connectivity.
PCs GlossaryA computer program in which you generate, edit, store, transmit, or duplicate electronic text documents.
PCs GlossaryWorkgroup computing occurs when all the individuals have computers connected to a network that allows them to send e-mail to one another, share data files, and schedule meetings.
PCs GlossaryZero insertion force; a type of socket designed for easy insertion in which a lever is pulled down to lock the chip in place.
PCs GlossaryA type of file compression where one or more files can be placed into a single file archive, which is digitally compressed to take up less room on the hard drive.
