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5. Since I'm starting from scratch, I have the opportunity to get my video codecs right from the beginning. Can anyone explain exactly what I need to install to make the various internet videos display without getting a raft of spyware on my machine?

Use mplayer. I'm serious. The only codec I have installed is DivX. With that and mplayer I can play any file on my system.

If you're talking about streaming video, then also install the standalone Quicktime player.
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Matt