Best Alternative to WMP?
 

I know this isn't a computer forum, but I come here for opinions all the time. Here's the quick story:
I upgraded the RAM in my 5 year old desktop computer and wiped it clean because it was running slow and it got a virus. I reinstalled everything and did all the Windows Updates (it started with SP1 after the wipe). Now my windows media player is acting up, and updates and rollbacks don't seem to fix it. It gets some red and green digitized lines while watching videos, and then either crashes or reboots my computer. I tried looking for fixes with no luck (any computer gurus have suggestions?). Everything else runs fine and nice and fast now. So rather than go crazy trying to fix it, I just decided that a better alternative would be to find a new (free) program to take care of all my media-related needs and just make that the default played for everything.

So... what are my best alternatives to using Windows Media Player (besides iTunes - I have it and only use it for iPod purposes)?
Thanks!

for video I use VLC. It will play EVERYTHING and then some

For videos, VLC or GOMPLayer.

For your WMP player, check your system logs, see what is causing the crash. If you are running the version of WMP that comes with XP, upgrade to the latest.

Do the menus on that VLC program appear in German like they are in some of the pictures on the website?

Not sure where you got your screen shots, but no

http://www.videolan.org/vlc/screenshots.html

VLC or Mplayer for videos.

And Foobar for my music. This is ultra light on resources !!