I am trying to watch a show online but I keep getting the message that I need to download a codec to view it.
Is this safe?
(and please answer me like I am a stupid person who desn't know much about computers - because this is the case ;) Thanks!
Anonymous
Favorite Answer
if you want to watch the video you'll need the codec.
otherwise get another media player (which may still need to download the codec).
http://www.videolan.org/vlc/ my favourite media player.
Simply RED
Watch out! What you normally need only is Adobe Flash Player to watch videos online. Make sure you get that one first:
http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/otherversions/
If the website still requires you to install a video codec then that sounds fishy.
As you don't know much about security, I suggest that you take these precautionary measures:
1. Use a secure browser like Firefox:
http://www.filehippo.com/download_firefox/
2. Add Web of Trust add-on
http://www.mywot.com/
3. Use a decent anti-virus and anti-spyware:
http://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download
http://www.malwarebytes.org/products/malwarebytes_free
Try the 14-day full version of Malwarebytes. It would be best if you can get the lifetime license for only $25. That'll protect you from malicious websites that try to trick you to install fake programs.
4. If you want to know if a site is safe or not, you may use any of these to guide you:
https://www.mywot.com/
http://safeweb.norton.com/
http://www.siteadvisor.com/
Anonymous
You can download one of the latest version of K-lite, a collection of useful codecs to play all your videos/audios properly. Free Link here http://j.mp/1kl9yDs