How can you play a VCD or DVD-R on your computer?

[JSFord]

If someone gives you a VCD or DVD-R, how can you play it in your computer? Do you have to install a dvd software decoder?
If so whats the best one? Preferable free.

[Tommyknocker]

Go to the Tools section at left, do a search for "DVD ,SVCD ,MPEG2 Players". There are three listed there that are freeware. Remember: to play a DVD-R or CD-R(W) ((S)VCD), you have to have a DVD-R(W) drive. To play a (S)VCD disk, you only need a CD-ROM drive

[AarontheRipper]

Actually, you don't need a DVD-R drive to play burned DVDs, you only need a DVD-rom.

[Tommyknocker]

It is all moot. He has both, according to his profile.