How do i install and run a media player

[cid222]

I recently downloaded RedHat 8.0 and i also downloaded a .tar file of mplay i don't much about linux so i need help compiling and installing.

[z0mbix]

Read the Compiling Software NHF (http://www.linuxnewbie.org/nhf/Compiling_Kernels/Compiling_Software.html). But start by moving the tar file to somewhere like ~/src then run tar xvzf mplayer-blah.tar.gz and cd into the new mplayer-blah directory that is created. In there you should see a README and INSTALL files to tell you how to proceed.

[cid222]

Thanx

[mrpurple]

While I agree you should learn how to compile programs for your system as a rule, there are some click to install RPMs that i found

To enable mp3 playing for XMMS get an rpm at:
www.xmms.org
Look for the picture of the cop halfway down the page. It is tiny....download it and double click.

I found easy to install rpms for mplayer (for all video including DVD) at:
www.freshrpms.net
There is a RH8 link on the menu on the left. There you will find the player itself.

You will find that when you double click it it might abort the install, saying that you are missing codecs. It will give a list of missing codecs. Return to freshrpms page and download and install each of the missing packages. you'll find them on the left of that page.

Once installed, you will find the icon to launch it in 'Extras / Sound and Video"

Honestly, if all Linux software was this easy, it would attract way more everyday users. Sadly, this is not yet the case. DO read the NHF on compiling software (but do it while your mp3s are playing in the background : )

[I'm A Penguin]

This is the best advice I've had along similar lines, from a forum member here called zenwolf...

"One of the best things to happen to RedHat is the addition of a modifed version Debian's apt-get package manager.

Head over to
freshrpms.net and download and install these 2 packages: apt-0.5.4cnc8-fr1.i386.rpm and apt-devel-0.5.4cnc8-fr1.i386.rpm. This can be done by doing an su and running rpm -Uvh apt* via the CLI.

Now you are ready to use apt.

Run apt-get update

Now you are ready to access over 1600 packages!

For mp3 support run: apt-get install xmms-mp3

For DVD support: apt-get install ogle ogle_gui

For Divx and Avis: apt-get install xine

You have now added back all the multimedia function back into RedHat that was removed for potentional licensing issues."

Another forum member here, mahdi, suggested the following...

"Don't forget to "apt-get install synaptic" An apt-get GUI"

Like I said, best Linux advice I've had yet!