There are few other players left which I could use:
Windows Media Player(which I dread to open due to obvious reasons)
WinAmp (I used to like the 2.x versions-simple and did the job well...but I lost interest in later versions)
Then there is the Google player..
On the contrary, I didnt like the earlier versions of Real. But now, it is the only reliable player for me. In all this may be the GUI interface has also a role to play. At work I use only VLC player. Just wondering why I didnt install this at home

Have to get it. Just about plays anything without downloading additional s/w.