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Personal computer may be used as a multifunctional multimedia station, since it is capable of reading almost any media format. However, in order to accomplish these tasks, the PC may require the installation of additional software, namely codecs, players, viewers and so on. From one edition to another Windows is constantly being optimized to work with new extensions. Currently, the in-built media player features native support for a wide range commonly used formats. Nevertheless, third-party applications surpass the default player in terms of functionality and performance. So, it is always possible to extend the operating system by downloading third-party software.
The good news is that most multimedia applications for Windows are available for free. Popular media players, viewers and codec packages, with a few exceptions, may be downloaded and used without payment. As for various audio/video and graphics editors, this is not the case. Applications that are designed to provide basic functionality usually do not charge users (or ask, but not much), while professional software is distributed on a paid basis and the price tags may reach several thousand US dollars for one digital copy. Some large software development companies, like Adobe for example, offer both monthly and annual subscription packages. In conclusion, it is recommended to select a graphics editor based on your requirements and total budget.
