IrfanView 3.75 is a fast, simple image viewer and editor that supports all major graphic formats, including BMP, DIB, JPEG, GIF, animated GIF, PNG, PCX, multipage TIFF, TGA, and more. In addition, it features drag-and-drop support, directory viewing, TWAIN support, slide shows, batch conversion, and modifications such as color depth, crop, blur, and sharpen. Version 3.75 features support for ICS (Image Cytometry Standard) format and CDR/CMX format, and adds RAW saving. MPG/AVI frames can now be extracted from the Options menu, and much more. It works just fine with Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP and is free! 
Download

Another freebie is QuickTime 6.0. Although many users regard QuickTime (QT) as a simple multimedia player, it is actually an integrated multimedia architecture: a file format, a media authoring platform, and a suite of multimedia applications rolled into one happy download. The free QuickTime download lets you access images, movies, music, interactive virtual reality, and movable objects (a fun and unique feature). While intuitive and easy to use, this program lacks modern file-management and batch processing features--the most you can do is add open files to a Favorites list for quick access. The download process is quick and free of advertisements (except for the occasional ““Upgrade to QuickTime Pro”” pop-up screen when you launch). Access to QuickTime TV has been improved, and updates are also a cinch, because QT can automatically download and install new components as they become available. QuickTime plays locally stored media adequately, but its true strength lies in delivering online streaming media. Picture quality is noticeably superior to that of other leading player apps, especially when you view live Webcasts. There is a ton of QuickTime-oriented material on the Web, and Apple’’s own site makes extensive use of QuickTime through panoramic product images, demo videos, and other goodies. Unfortunately, QuickTime doesn’’t support the proprietary RealMedia or Windows Media formats, but will open just about any other type of media file, from AVIs to SWFs. QuickTime is thoughtfully designed and a must-have if you want to fully experience multimedia on the Web.  It works with Windows 98/Me/NT/2000/XP.  
Download

Formerly known as Divx Player and DivX Codec, DivX 5.0.2 is a major update to the popular video software that introduces a new generation of DivX technology, and contains all the software you need to create and watch videos in the popular DivX video format. DivX 5.0 includes many new features, such as enhanced video quality, more effective compression capabilities, and full support for the MPEG-4 Advanced Simple Profile decoding method. Version 5.0 is also optimized for AMD Athlon and Athlon XP processors and supports the new MPEG-4 based DivX file format. DivX Video Bundle also includes the new DivX Player 2.0 alpha, which supports the MPEG-4 format and offers a skinnable interface system. Version 5.0.2 is a bug fix release that fixes issues discovered in DivX 5.0.1. It is also free, includes a necessary installer and works with Windows 98/Me/NT/2000/XP, DirectX 7.0.  
Download

DirectDVD 4.7 is a full-featured digital DVD player and software decoder for Windows that brings the most powerful DVD movie capabilities to your PC. With DirectDVD's Software Decoder, you are able to watch all your favorite DVD movies on multiple CPUs, regions, graphic controllers, and DVD drives. DirectDVD includes advanced theater-quality audio such as TruSurround XT, Dolby Digital, Dolby Headphones and the first DVD player to offer Circle Surround II from SRS Labs! Unique features inside include, DVD to MP3, proprietary de-interlacing algorithms for reduction of motion effect on VGA monitors, and CSS software support for playback of all your favorite movies or other encrypted content. Change the playback view of your DVD using letterbox, pan, and crop technology. The skins package allows the user to easily change DirectDVD's look and feel and easily take full control with amazing realistic overlays directly inside the interface. Update 4.47 adds SRS Surround Plug-ins, New Control Panel, Web Plug-ins for DVD. It works with all windows programs since 95 and is free to try, but $39 if you want to keep it.  
Download

MaXimus DVD 1.2 is a free software player for viewing DVD media on a home PC. Features include image capturing, a DVD catalog system, and fullscreen mode. MaXimus DVD also allows you to choose from a multiple selection of skins and display colors.  It is free, works with all Windows versions since 95.
Download

Zoom Player 2.7 is designed to be a simple, dynamic, and flexible method for viewing your favorite video media. The program uses two modes of operation: a Media mode, which can play standard media files, and a DVD mode, which uses DirectShow DVD filters to play DVD content. Specific DVD features include DVD navigation using any DirectShow-compatible combination of filters, color control (for supported cards), a bookmark system, and more. Specific Media features include extensive playlist support, a chaptering system, and a file definition system that allows you to save pertinent information about each file.  It is free and works with all Windows versions since 95.
Download