Installing Codecs & Applications in Ubuntu

Ubuntu is a free software so it comes without proprietary codecs (video, sound) or proprietary applications installed. This does not mean installing such is difficult - just to the contrary, it is a breeze.

First I would recommend adding the Medibuntu Repository to your software sources. Repository is a server with software applications to which you can connect your Ubuntu for automatic installation and updates. Here is a short how-to add Medibuntu :

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Medibuntu

This step is not a must but I would strongly recommend it because Medibuntu hosts apps like Skype, Google apps, special codecs, etc. Once you have this repository connected it is enough to open Synaptic software manager and work only within it (System -> Administration -> Synaptic). A simple tutorial on Synaptic with some screenshots can be found here :

http://www.nongnu.org/synaptic/action.html

Next I would open the Settings->Repositories menu in Synaptic and enable the software channels. I always enable all of them except for the Source Code ones. Source Code is only for developers. Once you have enabled all software channels Close the Repositories window and hit the Refresh button (upper left corner). Now you are ready to Search and Install any kind of application. Once you find and mark the chosen apps (right-click -> Install) do not forget to hit Apply in order to get everything installed.

Last but not least is a short list of codecs & apps which should be enough for a great multimedia experience. Installing the following should enable reproduction or burning of any type of multimedia :

ubuntu-restricted-extras
w32codecs
libdvdcss2 (encrypted dvd playback)
smplayer
vlc
audacious
xine-ui
songbird
libk3b2-extracodecs
skype
deluge (torrents)
amule (emule)
nicotine (soulseek)

Sometimes it happens that an application is too new and missing from the default repositories. In such a case I usually go to :

http://www.getdeb.net/

and download the application I need for my version of Ubuntu. To install the downloaded application I just right-click on the downloaded package and choose Install... Sometimes it happens I cannot find a build of the needed application for my version of Ubuntu (I like installing the latest, even during the Beta testing phase). Then I just download and install the build for the version closest to mine.

Enjoy !


* If you are enjoying Ubuntu please consider donating a small amount to the project :

http://www.ubuntu.com/community/donations