Has anybody simple step by step instructions on how to get FC6 play MP3 files and DVDs?

I added GXine including Xine libraries and other files required for dependencies with yum but have no luck in playing MP3 files or DVDs.

I followed FC distros for some time but after installing FC6 from 5 CDs and finding 5GB software on the harddisk that is not even capable of playing a MP3 file or a DVD, I am very close to tick Fedora off.

I don't mind to go through some extra effort to have Linux but why does it need to be so difficult to get a Linux distro to play MP3 files or DVDs when I can boot Puppy from my USB stick and have all this functionality on any computer?

Rather than offering a download of required plugins, Totem or GXine just pop up a useless error message that plugins are missing. This is the type of error message that I would expect from a Windows box but not from Linux.

Take a look at this guide. Its for Fedora Core 5, but should be okay to use on Fedora Core 6.

Sorry, guide didn't help. I got MP3 working in Realplayer but all other players just fail either by doing nothing or telling me that they can't play the files.

I might just get rid of Fedora and install Puppy permanently.

From memory, you need to install the package: gstreamer-plugins-ugly. This should let you play MP3 in Rythmbox or Totem.

For DVD, do the following:
Both of these tips came from fedorafaq.org.

Having said that, getting rid of Fedora is not a bad idea Try Debian.

--Ian

Did you follow the instructions about setting up the livna repo? The livna repos contains all the codecs you need to play mp3 and other formats.

Thanks, this fixed the problem. Will try Debian next time because I am fed up with loading 5CDs and still having to download software from the internet to get such basic functions. As the only user on the laptop I am very happy with Puppy which I have always with me on a memory stick anyway.