While a number of programs exist for viewing digital media (such as Windows Media Player or iTunes), VLC has the added functionality of being able to open more specific file formats than most other media players. VLC’s ability to play files that would require the use of several different applications makes it a truly “multimedia player.” Streaming audio and video capabilities are also available for more advanced users who would like to stream video from an office computer to a laptop on the same network. The “snapshot” feature is also valuable for users looking for an easy way to create screenshots or screen-captures from DVDs or digital video files. The VLC player usually can open an incomplete or damaged file that other players cannot.

 

VLC is available for a number of operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS X, several varieties of GNU/Linux, and more.