Video is one of the fastest growing media file types found online. From the video sharing applications like YouTube to promotional videos on websites to simply watching a DVD on your laptop, there are a number of instances in which you may need or want to play a video file on your computer. With the growing number of uses for video online there is an even larger number of video formats, and with the quality and technology behind these formats improving, the files sizes of video is getting larger and larger. To play videos on your PC will need to have all the appropriate codecs. This article will help you understand what codecs are and how to install them on your computer.

What is a Codec?

Codecs are applications that allow your computer to read and decompress video files so that they are viewable on your computer. There are a number of different types of codecs that you may need to view different video files types and if you are having trouble viewing a particular video both online and on your PC this may be the reason. In most cases your PC will install all the necessary codecs through updates or automatically when you install a new device or program that requires a codec. There are of course instances where this may not happen, and in those cases you will have to manually install the appropriate codec to play the video in question yourself.

Installing a Video Codec Automatically

There are two ways that you can install codecs to your PC. The first is the most simple and is also a quick way to ensure that you have all of the necessary codecs you’ll need to play videos. In Windows there is an option to download all available codecs. In most cases you will have to perform this step if you are using an older version of the Windows operating system so the instructions that follow are for pre-Windows Vista operating systems.

1.    Click Start > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs.
2.    Select the Windows Setup tab > Sounds and Multimedia > Details.
3.    Make sure the Audio Compression and Video Compression checkboxes are selected and click OK.

If you are using a newer version of Windows, such as Vista or 7 then you can solve most codec problems by making sure that you have all the necessary and most recent updates. You can find out with you need any updates by visiting www.updates.microsoft.com. This will automatically start your PC’s update tool.
If you are having trouble with on specific file type or application in particular then you may just need to install a specific codec for that program or file type. You can download most codec for free online from the makers of the particular program or file type you are having issues with. You will want to make sure that you only download codecs from reputable sites, such as through Windows Update or through the official site for the maker of the particular codec in question.

That's it.  With these essential steps you should have no trouble installing a new codec when you need to.

Where Do Other Codecs Come From?

Short answer, the web.  The point being that you can find codecs all over, and almost all for free (so don't be fooled by vendors trying to hock codecs for dubious prices).  A Google Search for the specific codec will yield many results, and at this point, all you have to do is remember the rules to safe searching and downloading, namely, only download from sites that are verified or well known.

Microsoft itself offers several codecs to Windows users, so feel confident in any codec you get from a Microsoft site.  Additionally, popular download portals like Download.com, FileHippo.com, Softpedia and TuCows distribute codex versions, and they employ a precise screening process to ensure their safety.  Simply type in the type of video you want to play - one of the most common being DivX - and you'll get varied results in no time.  Once you find what you're looking for and you feel the download is safe, get the file and store it in a place where you can easily access it.