Been through a lot of distros over the years. Can't seem to make the leap of faith tho :-) I would ideally run ubuntu, and win2K in a vmware VM, as there are apps I need, so I am hopefully on a path to eventually see if the CAD and other stuff, will run in vmware well enough to let me delete the win2K boot partition and become 90% linux.

Be it known, that I like what I see, I think things have come a long way over the years, so although these are somewhat negative questions/cpmments, there is much to be said for what is good, as well. Just don't want to be perceived as simply putting forth a rant <g>

I see the offer to add updates to my system, which includes a whole bunch of applications, and so, being a new install, I just said "sure, go ahead and put on all the updates"

Well, it was 168M, took a while to install, and when it was done, I had no clue where any of these new apps were at, or frankly, even what they were. I saw them in the terminal window during the install. Is there a log file somewhere?

Being from OS/2 and windows, I expect new installed apps to show up somewhere. In a menu, on the desktop, somewhere. I don't see what is so hot about an installer that puts the app on the system, but doesn't inform the user where it is, or that it is even available.

My other "I just don't get it" is codecs. None of the multimedia apps work for playing mp3s, movies on my dvd player, and I am not sure why that would be. Are mp3 codecs proprietary? I mean, even the most rudimentary OS installs on that other team, let me play mp3s right out of the box.

I did all the system updates, and still can't play any media as it says I don't have the codecs installed. I went to

http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu_E...timedia_Codecs
and it says this is how I install codecs

sudo apt-get install gstreamer0.10-ffmpeg gstreamer0.10-gl streamer0.10-plugins-base \
gstreamer0.10-plugins-good gstreamer0.10-plugins-bad gstreamer0.10-plugins-bad-multiverse \
gstreamer0.10-plugins-ugly gstreamer0.10-plugins-ugly-multiverse libxine-extracodecs w32codecs

Someone is kidding right? :-) I am supposed to type (or paste) three full lines of commands, just to play an mp3?

Again, I like what I see, but what is up with all these hoops to do the most basic functions? I realize that ubuntu is mostly a command line OS, but I am not sure I am up for command lines that are three full lines long, to watch my DVDs on my pc.

Given those basic functions seem to require so much understanding, I am not sure if I will make it to the point where I can install VMware server. <shrug>

Thank you for listening. I am not wanting to come off as just whining, but golly, its tough enough to move to new systems, and get a feel for what is going on, so I am curious if I am missing something that would make these things simpler, or is it just assumed that anyone who uses ubuntu, will simply have to search for newly installed apps, and figure out codecs as well? After all, I don't even know how to tell which files are executable, :-) and which are not, and I am totally lost by the need for "./" as I simply have not spent enough time "under the hood"

There, I am done. :-) I appreciate the space, and the help I have gotten in getting my install booting and running.

Much obliged.

It's not really worthwhile to address these issues that have been discussed 100's 0f times on these forums, but since you took the time to attempt (not entirely successfully) to ask about them in a non-condescending manner, let me touch on a couple of them.

Assuming that the packages were correctly designed, and if they're from a repo officially sponsored by your distro, they should be; Any new applications will show up on a menu. An "upgrade" such as you describe probably does not include any new applications. Furthermore, many of the updates you see going by are libraries which may be used by many applications, but are not applications themselves.

Of course mp3 codecs are proprietary. Otherwise they would be included. OSes that cost 100s of dollars are presumably paying royalties to the owners of codecs, or else they personally own them, and would expect other OSes distributing them to do likewise..

That string of commands, provided for you so you don't even have to understand it, is not just for mp3s. It includes codecs for most commonly used streaming formats. Formats used by programs like Windows Media Player, Quicktime, RealAudio, etc., as well as mp3s.

Suggesting that the distributors of free OSes should provide you with everything that proprietary and costly one's do is immature and ill-informed.

It should also be pointed out that the number 1 proprietary OS doesn't provide most codecs for you for free. As well as the fact that they have licenced them (and passed on the cost to you in the purchase price) to play DVDs you need to buy software, to play anything other than a .mox, .rm or .avi involves you either finding and downloading a codec pack or paying again for something. Copy/pasting 3 lines of code is a very easy way of allowing you to play just about every single codec out there isn't it?

Another point to highlight here would be that Ubuntu is definitely NOT a "command line" OS. Ubuntu is very much revolving around the GUI. Ubuntu subscribes to the same philosophy as it's parent Debian/GNU Linux, which is open source. It cannot, by principle, include those codecs out of the box along with other software, ie:flashplayer, realplayer, java etc. These are available however, in the unofficial multiverse and universe repositories. If that is not easy enough you may also install either Easyubuntu or Automatix which will give you an OS experience more comparable to that other big OS you are used to. As XavierP pointed out you do also have to go 'codec hunting' on occasion with other OS's as well as seperately download things like Realplayer or Quiktime and in most cases would have to pay extra money for a program capable of playing dvd's.

Thats what I do, takes all of about 2min to get them all installed. I very rarely type a list of terminal commands, almost always use cut/paste, especially when reading instructions.

Linux Mint is an Ubuntu clone, that has all multimedia codecs, etc, installed and setup by default. I don't know how it compares to Ubuntu, but I think they are pretty much the same thing. As far as accessing repositories, etc, I don't know if Mint is compatible with Ubuntu repos, although I imagine it is.

If this minor issue is frustrating you, figure out a way to dual boot, because Vmware player frustrated the heck out of me. I ended up using Codeweavers for the 1 or 2 programs I needed that were Windows only, and couldn't be happier.

As has been stated many times here before, its best to stick with Linux apps if possible. Some of this may be helpful... Looks like there are a couple that may not be freeware,

http://ubuntuforums.org/archive/index.php/t-72236.html
http://ubuntuforums.org/archive/index.php/t-228890.html

IGF

Perhaps I'm odd, but MP3s played fine for me out of the box with debian...
Sure, I had to install win32 codecs for some other codecs (which took about five minutes), but I did have MP3 support, I believe. I've used both Debian and Ubuntu. Ubuntu's better for beginners, but with Debian I feal like I have more control. Plus, they had already set up totem to use xine, which I could never do on my own

I realize that Ubuntu is mostly a command line OS

While the Terminal is a tool that "unleashes the power of Linux" for IT pros and power users, and some folks just like to play with it, for the average user, it's no more necessary than the Start->Run command in Windows.

I am curious if I am missing something that would make these things simpler

Yes, you are. Open the System->Administration menu and select Synaptec Package Manager to view all available packages in the Ubuntu Repositories and install the ones you want. If an app is selected that requires a library file that's not on your system, the lib file will automatically be included in the download. Can't get any easier...

It may also be worth taking a look at EasyUbuntu, a program which aims to make it, erm, easy to install most of the missing multimedia bits.

Rob

Edited to add: I recently installed Windows XP Media Center edition, and then was particularly irked that even this does not come with the libraries necessary to play DVDs - after you pay for MCE, you are expected to pay yet more to use it for what it is designed for. At least Ubuntu is free! (as in beer, as well as in freedom).

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Assuming that the packages were correctly designed, and if they're from a repo officially sponsored by your distro, they should be;
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Well they're not. That is why I posted what I did. Sorry to bother you, but your reply is voluntary, and if you don't care for the questions, move along.

I read the very long list of updates, or at least most of it, and of course, lots of libraries, but also more than a few apps that I was interested in getting. Your statement that they will show up in a menu, is not true, on my system. I have used the package manager to install applications, and there is no sign of those apps in any menu. That is why I posted what I did. I rather resent the implication that these apps are installed and in a menu, as they are most certainly not. I would like to learn, but if the object is to belittle my efforts, your time would be better spent helping someone else


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is not just for mp3s. It includes codecs for most commonly used streaming formats. Formats used by programs like Windows Media Player, Quicktime, RealAudio, etc., as well as mp3s.
---------

So this is how ubuntu users are instructed to steal proprietary codecs? <shrug>
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Suggesting that the distributors of free OSes should provide you with everything that proprietary and costly one's do is immature and ill-informed.
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I have loaded whole bunch of distros over the years, and ubuntu is the first one I have ever done, that didn't allow me to play mp3s. You are a real moron. A typical linux user, holier than tho, immature butthead. Go away, and don't come back

Doesn't work that way for me. It seems to install the package, but then I have to go find the apps. They are not put into any menu or on the desktop. That is why I am asking, for if it worked that way, I would not be here saying that I cannot find apps after they are 'installed' :-)

Any idea why that would be? As I said, I don't even know how to identify the executable file when I finally do find the directory where the application resides :-)

All the other distros I have tried, put installed apps into a menu I can access, that is why I am rather bummed at how things are working so far, with ubuntu.

Perhaps somethings is missing, or not configured properly? I will look at easyubuntu and see if it helps.

Thanks a lot for the info.

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If this minor issue is frustrating you, figure out a way to dual boot, because Vmware player frustrated the heck out of me. I ended up using Codeweavers for the 1 or 2 programs I needed that were Windows only, and couldn't be happier.
-------------

Well, shouldn't it be 'frustrating' if I am just really starting out? I am not saying I quit, its too hard, I am just pointing out that maybe I am doing something wrong, hoping to learn what it is. If it takes a three line command to get all the codecs, I am capable, but I couldn't help wonder if there was something wrong, or if there was another way. I am sorry if it came out like a complaint. It happens. Linux/distros, is not an easy leap, and lacking the full motivation, it is indeed, rather daunting at times.

I really like codeweavers, but it doesn't work with the apps I use. Everyone always assumes CAD means Autocad :-) I have to use what my clients demand, like solidworks, or a particular PCB layout package. I may have to stay with dual boot, but it would be nice to use a virtual machine eventually.

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As has been stated many times here before, its best to stick with Linux apps if possible.
-------------

Absolutely agree. Just sometimes, you can't get there from here :-)

Much obliged for the help. I am gonna take a look at Linux Mint. Never heard of it till now. Might be something to try. I have had some issues with ubuntu, not that it makes me want to give it up yet. It takes time to get past the quirks and differences. Getting good help like this, is usually what it takes to keep pluggin away.

Thanks a lot for the advice.

Yes, I found that to be a bit quirky, myself, although it seems to be mainly for apps that are supported by their own developers rather than the Ubuntu team (commercial, perhaps, from the Universe and Multiverse repos?).

Personally, I just use Alacarte Menu Editor (in the Applications->Accessories menu) to add the app to a menu. You will need to browse for the app, though. The executable file will be the one with (normally) the name of the application (i.e. "Wine" or "ClamAV"), and a meaningful icon.

Also, if you want the icon on the desktop or panel, when you find it, right-click it and select your preference from the pop-up menu. If your choice isn't there, you can drag-n-drop it where you want it.

Sorry. I do take time to study things and try to understand the reasons behind them, but my failings are obviously identifiable.

I hope the "typical Linux user" part is true. (One interesting thing about Linux is that good spelling abilities are a real benefit.)

I assume, by the punctuation, that this a continuation of you analysis of "typical Linux users."

Again, I'm sorry, but I'm here for the long term, doing my best to help people at the level I perceive will be most beneficial to them.

.
.
Name one.

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Yes, I found that to be a bit quirky, myself, although it seems to be mainly for apps that are supported by their own developers rather than the Ubuntu team (commercial, perhaps, from the Universe and Multiverse repos?).
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That makes sense. I will keep that in mind....

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Personally, I just use Alacarte Menu Editor (in the Applications->Accessories menu) to add the app to a menu.
----------------

Now I know something is awry, as there is no such thing in any of my menus :-) Is that something you added, or should it be there? Maybe my install was bad from the start?

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You will need to browse for the app, though. The executable file will be the one with (normally) the name of the application (i.e. "Wine" or "ClamAV"), and a meaningful icon.
---------------

Thanks.

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Also, if you want the icon on the desktop or panel, when you find it, right-click it and select your preference from the pop-up menu. If your choice isn't there, you can drag-n-drop it where you want it.
------------------

I shall persevere. Much obliged for the hints.

Moaning about spelling and punctuation in such forums is really reaching for something to complain about, and actually rather poor netiquette on your part.


I posted, asked for some advice, noted that it may sound like a rant, but that I was mostly just not understanding, and about all you had to offer was that 'the topic was already discussed elsewhere,' and that I was 'immature, and ill-advised.' Useless words, at best, clearly intended to offend, and to incite.

You are under no obligation to respond to requests for help, so why do you feel the need to waste my time, and yours, getting after me, and pretending to be some wonderful linux user who can only talk down to someone trying to learn? There is no logic in that at all.

If you don't like the question, leave it alone, and go help someone else. There is no need to be a smart ass, or to cause hard feelings. Take your giant ego, and find someone who is willing to put up with it, that way you can feel important, and someone who needs your wisdom will benefit.