wmv, mov, supported in linux?
 

sorry if this is too much of a newb question, but i had heard different things about how linux handles mov and wmv files. say i am browsing the web in firefox on ubuntu, can i go to apple trailers to see a few movie trailers? can i go to gamespot to watch game clips? what options do i have to stream the files, or even play them?

there are a number of options, i personally use the mplayerplug-in which uses mplayer and the additional windows dll files to play stuff like this just fine.

FYI, encrypted WMA/WMV is not supported for obvious reasons. But everything else plays fine with MPlayer, Xine, etc. with proper codecs/dlls installed. Mplayer-plugin with Firefox is getting better everyday :D. These are the sites that I visit frequently:

1. Apple.com/trailer (Sometimes all HD trailers start to load at once, but may be my version of plugin is old)
2. Gamespot (flawless)
3. iFilm (you have to manully click after the ads)
4. Youtube (flash, minor audio/video sync issue)
5. Yahoo Movies (Quicktime trailers doesn't play, WMVs are fine)

well wmv/wma is not "supported" on a strictly legal basis. but it's totally totally possible to play them if you are aware of the potential licensing infringements against microsoft.

sure sure, i was not planning anything illegal. i just want to be able to view webcontent, and maybe play a few wma files

i just have windows now, and use quicktime which i hate. it constantly adds itself to my starup list anytime i watch a trailer. i wouldnt mind an alternative for that in windows too

well that's the thing, certain interpretations of many countries copyright and other laws do make what you want to do technically unlawful or illegal. many people read the same rules and say that it's fine, bit of a touchy subject really