system 'players'

Hello, I'm trying to find the correct thread to get an understanding about
the different players I have in my system. The players I'm referring to
a Macromedia players/shockwave etc.; RealPlayer; Windows Media Player9;
G2; and player/players. My main concern is Macromedia/ShockWave and all
their 'companions'. They seem to be adding a lot of folders and files to my
system, that may not be compatible(ShockWave/Player10) I had Macromedia on
my 'trusted' list, but removed it. I see that any one on that list can
automatically download whatever and whenever they want to without your
knowledge of permission. Macromedia files present problems in there naming
process(over 66 characters), which my system utilities refuse to read. Is
there a Microsoft program that can replace the funcitonality of Macromedia
players? I see that some sites(even Microsoft) require the ShockWave player
for videos. I do not want to stress my system performance with programs I
may not need. Is there a Microsoft program(s) that will allow my system to
run peacefully? I only run programs like, Boggle for '95; PuzzleMaster;
MusicWrite; Microsoft Picture It
! 2002; ACDSee3.0(?); a flatbed scanner; an inkjet printer;cd/cdr-w; image
editing and desktop publishing programs(several);Adaptec cd programs(loaded)
and photo cd's, etc. My system runs Windows
98se/128Sdram/30gig(hd)/100fsb/40x(max)cd-cdr/w(slow speed read/write),
according to today's standards .Until I got back on the Internet, everything
ran okay. Would like to know what 'players' may have to do with these
programs, and what Microsoft program(free; updates; or otherwise) options do
I have? Have decided to stay in the Microsoft family. If you gotta have
problems, it might as well be in the family!