have not been able to open are convert zip and rar files to something useable.Please tell.

You will need to be more clear as to what you are tring to do.

Are you just trying to extract zip/rar files? Or something else. We cannot help you without more detail.

I seem to be able to open and extract them,But viewing ,running or implementing them is another story.
Every time I try I get need+plugin ,I try to get the right one still don't work,or it says need +plugin
but none available for this sys sorry.Or nothing happens!.(these are varying programs,files, videos,photos, executable programs etc.
Its vary rare that I can get any of them to work.Please Help! I really Like this ubuntu 12.04 but am obviously
having some problems.Again any suggestions. Thank Rich.

Linux programs are rarely distributed as either zip or rar so if these are windwos apps they won't work without using something like WINE or perhaps a VM.

Once extracted, simple data files like text or graphics should be accessible to the appropriate application. Not quite sure that you mean by plugins unless you are trying to do all this from a browser.

is the English language your primary language , or is some other.

What is " them " ??? please inform us as to just WHAT "they" are .
1) what plugin?
2) for what program?
3) WHERE did you get these unnamed "plugins" for whatever "it" is ?
the URL would help .

none ? what? is available and for what ? is it not available .

without knowing just WHAT " them" is that is not working on Ubuntu, there is no way we can even begin to help .


for photos
Ubuntu HAS a built in photo viewer
for PDF's
Ubuntu HAS a built in pdf viewer/editor
for music
Ubuntu HAS a built in music player ( some formats might not be installed by default)
for Movies
( store bought dvd's)
Ubuntu HAS a built in dvd player


please be specific as to just what " them" and "it" is .