Whenever i do a google search and then click on the link i get redirected somewhere completly different! It's very annoying, any ideas what i can do? :/
Avast antivirus be ye friend! www.avast.com
If you're running Firefox then the flashblock and adblock plugins also are must haves :)
As for external drives, any are fine really, but know that 2.5" laptop type drives can run from the usb cable but larger 3.5" desktop type drives will require a power adapter too! If your computer has an eSata socket on the outside then you can use that for connecting an external HDD for fast speeds (be sure computer and drive have the option).
As for mediaplayers it depends what you want, for a simple play it all type player than Firas suggestion of vlc is a good one, if however you want a home theatre media system then look at mediaportal, www.team-mediaportal.com :)