Windows Media Player
 

How come sometimes when I download a video, it only has the sound and just has one of those crazy images in the middle? Do I have to download components or something?

You probably need a certain to view it codec.

what kind of video file is it? mpg, avi, wmv, ????

www.vcdhelp.com :) just get a codec pack :P

I assume that it is just a MPEG, but I'm not sure, all it says is "Windows Media Audio/Video File"

What is a codec pack and which one is a good one to get?

is it worth it with those ad-ware threats?

Search google for XviD codec and there is a page (around 2nd or 3rd link down) that has a download that will solve your problems. XviD is what you need.

I downloaded the Xvid one and it still doesn't work