I'm skeptical about that. I've never seen as version of Windows
without Windows Media Player. Even my copy of Windows 7 Starter
Edition, the cheapest, most basic version of Win7 includes it.
In any case, maybe there's a reason they call your version "Basic."
If it's missing a feature, it will say it right on the box. You
should know what you are buying.
Then why is it not included except ...???
You're bought an operating system. Any extra basic programs they
throw in are for your convenience only. You're free to use them or
not or find and use any of the many alternatives.
I also had to install an extra codec for AC3 sound on my XP and
Vista computers. It was not a problem, and I didn't waste any time
whining to a bunch of strangers about it. I just installed it and
went on with life.
And Yes, easy matter to download VLC or similar but in my humble
experience the less software you have to install in Windows the
more stable the system is.
VLC is not a system codec, you should know. It's a media player with
codecs included for its use only. I tried it out, but I didn't like
it much. I despise Windows Media Player, and I never use it. I
prefer Media Player Classic for video and Foobar2000 for audio.
Often once software is installed you then later notice some
anomaly but it's too late to fully undo the changes. Especially
installers that update or augment Windows components and don't
clean that crap up also.
Sounds like you're afraid to install any software other than what
came with the computer. If so, the lack of one certain codec will
likely be the least of your problems.
Of course, if you don't like the combination of bells and whistles
that Microsoft includes with their operating system, you're free to
go use someone else's operating system. Be sure to cross your
fingers and hope that THEY include every bell and whistle you could
hope for.
When I use Windows and see the design, that's all I see, a pile of
Goto's. In other words the basic premise/design itself is flawed.
What premise is that?