I chose to use REAL player for my videos because in my opinion it provides higher quality with smaller streaming files which means overall better performance.

However, I think that most people will want to leave things intact and add only the functionality to play REAL media when it is encoutered. I personally dont want REAL Player to take over all of my media playing configuration which is what REAL will do if you let it.

Install REAL player with minimal footprint.

DO NOT JUST CLICK NEXT AT INSTALL PROMPTS

Before installing REAL Player, read these tips:

• Select "Basic" setup.
• At Desktop screen, DESELECT (uncheck) ALL Icons.
• At file associations, DESELECT ANY media type that is already assigned to some other player i.e. MS Media Player, Quick Time.
• UNSELECT "Google Toolbar" option.
• Go ahead and register using your email address etc, REAL will not SPAM you.

• While in Real Player, pull down menu, goto "Tools/Preferences", "Automatic Services" and UNSELECT "Auto Update". Remember to on occasion manually check for updates.
• Goto "Tools/Preferences", "Message Center" and UNSELECT "checking". Answer Yes to confirmation.
  
  Get REAL Player