[SOLVED] What is proper procedure to log into console

neilemac · 07-25-2011, 11:17 PM

Decided to try to use my console but it didn't work the way I thought it would. What is the proper procedure to log into my console? I've tried to enter data given to me at http://www.zaphu.com/2008/05/30/ubun...-m4a-playback/ It entered the first line of text but not the unwrapped second line. Another line appeared asking my 'neil' login. Tried to enter my password but typed letters wouldn't enter. What do I do?

sag47 · 07-25-2011, 11:28 PM

For security purposes the password does not show up. So enter them with the knowledge that you won't know if you entered it correctly until after you push enter.

What is your intended goal? Perhaps if we redirect your question you could get a better solution.

Also what version of Kubuntu are you using?

SAM

neilemac · 07-25-2011, 11:49 PM

Sorry Sam, am such a newbie I'm uncertain with just about everything when it comes to understanding the guts of the system. Am simply glad I'm no longer stuck using 'winders.' hehe However, my dear tech friend G installed this Linux OS for me but left me to figure things out on my own. Yikes. But I think I'm running version Ubuntu 10.04 using a KDE desktop which is a headache in itself gobbling up resources. My goal was to add codecs so that I could properly play MP4, wmv and other media files. Sometimes flv files play in Dragon Player and/or VLC but some don't, same with the others mentioned. Am mostly confused about the procedure to use a console but do wish to learn if given the proper instructions. Is there a tutorial to which you may refer where I can learn 'the dance.' Am a retired choreographer and willing to learn the new dance. But my habit has been to count 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 to learn the steps and repeat 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 until I had mastered their execution. Hope this response shines a light on the crux of my dilemma. I do appreciate your time and effort to help. Many blessings are willed your way.

Wim Sturkenboom · 07-26-2011, 12:02 AM

I suggest that for the installation of codecs you should try to use Synaptic (a GUI front-end to) the package manager; I think that most of them are in there but not 100% sure.

As Ubuntu changes quite rapidly, older articles often no longer apply; so be careful there.

With regards to the login question:
As mentioned by sag47, the password is not echoed so you don't see anything. Just type it and press <enter>.

neilemac · 07-26-2011, 10:10 AM

Aha Wim, "password is not echoed so you don't see anything. Just type it and press <enter>." ..the smoking gun. Thanks. I have synaptic, have searched and found many items but not yet have I remedied the situation. Shall try the entire exercise over again providing my password without seeing it. Doh! Finally, the light goes on. You're a gem. Shall return if I don't succeed. THANKS AGAIN!

TobiSGD · 07-26-2011, 10:24 AM

If you want to learn about the command line I would recommend this site, it is written with the new user in mind.

spwnt · 07-26-2011, 10:34 AM

you may need to enable the medibuntu repository in order to install vlc and w32codecs (or w64codecs depending on whether you are running a 32 bit version or a 64 bit version)

http://www.medibuntu.org/repository.php

Code:

sudo wget --output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/$(lsb_release -cs).list && sudo apt-get --quiet update && sudo apt-get --yes --quiet --allow-unauthenticated install medibuntu-keyring && sudo apt-get --quiet update
sudo apt-get install app-install-data-medibuntu apport-hooks-medibuntu
sudo apt-get install vlc smplayer w32codecs

it's ctrl shift v to paste into terminal. or you can right click paste.

linux has a bit of a learning curve but its really easy once you get the hang of it.

neilemac · 07-27-2011, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spwnt

you may need to enable the medibuntu repository in order to install vlc and w32codecs (or w64codecs depending on whether you are running a 32 bit version or a 64 bit version)

linux has a bit of a learning curve but its really easy once you get the hang of it.

Aha, methinks I did it. Now then, do I simply close the konsole or must I sign out before shutting it down? Regardless...

Thank you 'spwnt,' have downloaded "the medibuntu repository" but already had VLC installed. Is there a further installation I must perform? When this all started, I didn't have the codecs necessary to play all my media files, although an occasional mp4 and wmv have worked. Am unsure now about entering the string you quoted above; (I'm sure I have 64bit) in order to have the proper 64bit codecs installed?

While here, must thank all those above who have contributed to losing my virginity, as it were, with regard to using a terminal. Am almost overwhelmed with myself by having successfully completed my first "apt-get" entry on my Konsole. My apprehension has passed ...and it's all your fault. hehe Bravo!

Wim Sturkenboom · 07-27-2011, 08:09 AM

Great; once it's completely solved, please mark your thread as solved using the thread tools above the first post.

nerak99 · 07-27-2011, 09:35 AM

if you just close the console window then programmes you have started from it are killed.
If you type exit and then enter, your history will be caught up and the window should close.
If you have su ed to root then you will have to exit twice before the window will close.

neilemac · 07-27-2011, 03:56 PM

Oh oh, my bad; my ADD wouldn't allow me to wait for a reply. I closed the konsole before typing "exit." Now then, shall I have to do the Medibuntu List exercise all over again??? I mean post that suggested string? Sorry for being such a bother.

TobiSGD · 07-27-2011, 04:12 PM

If the programs have done their job (you will see the input prompt with the blinking cursor) then you don't need to do that again. What nerak99 meant was that programs that are currently running in that console will be killed. If your programs are done then don't bother, closing the console will not harm anything.

neilemac · 07-27-2011, 04:36 PM

TobiSGD, thank you. Shall find out if my task worked after I download another video with one of the extensions that hadn't worked before. If it boots up without a hitch, shall be back to pronounce this thread solved. Have my toes crossed. shhh!

spwnt · 07-28-2011, 02:41 AM

sudo apt-get install w64codecs smplayer

should install every codec you will ever need

and you can run it in either vlc or smplayer.

vlc uses its own internal codecs and smplayer is a frontend for mplayer which will use the w64codecs.

vlc will work for most things but smplayer tends to run things better when they are h264 codecs (which is what most mkv's and mp4's are). there is less tearing and it supports ordered chapters.

good luck.

neilemac · 07-28-2011, 07:04 AM

Thank you spwnt.

Quote:

Originally Posted by spwnt

sudo apt-get install w64codecs smplayer

should install every codec you will ever need

and you can run it in either vlc or smplayer.

Does your advice mean I should type "sudo apt-get install w64codecs vlc" instead of typing "smplayer?" I ask because I do not have mplayer installed? Prior to joining this forum, I'd been told by techs who I trust that vlc would handle everything I should need to play my music and videos. Or should I ensure that mplayer is installed before entering your thread quoted above?

BTW, had I realized how quickly and generously other LQ members would respond to my baffled mind, I'd have joined this forum and posed my queries ...years ago. Have been wandering in the dark for far too long. So yes, I thank you ..and all who have given me advice in this thread. Gratefully appreciated.