Zune Media Player

All the world seems to be hooked on iPods and iTunes, but here's a secret: Microsoft has a very good media player as well. And you don't need to own and use a Zune device if you want to use the Zune Media Player, which--like iTunes--handles audio and video files.

It has everything you'd expect in a full-featured media player, including multiple ways to manage your library, as well as the capability to create playlists and rip and burn music. Most interesting, though, are some of its more advanced features. For example, you can participate in what's called the Zune Social Community, and get in touch with other users of the Zune device and Zune Media Player. You'll be able to recommend music and videos, and get other folks' suggestions as well.

The software is free. If you like, though, you can pay $15 per month to download and stream unlimited songs from the Zune Marketplace, an associated online music and video store.

| Price: Free