Playing music and movies in Ubuntu.

ok, you know WHAT version of Ubuntu you have???, we need more information about the problem.

linux 7.04. A new problem has come up. when I try to use the synaptic package manager I get an error message " E: dpkg was interupted, you must manually run ' dpkg --configure -a' " this is somebody's idea of a joke right ?

Another problem, same message as above when I try to use updater, does anything on this thing work ?

Hello Ian,

As far as playing movies and music are concerned, if you open your files with the totem video player (in the menu : Applications > Sound and Video > Movie player), you will automatically be offered the possibility to install the necessary codecs. They are not included as part of Ubuntu, as there are license issues involved.

The error message synaptic is giving you is clear as to it's origin : you must have interrupted it at some point. To repair this problem, just hit alt+F2 to get the "Launch an application" window, and type in "gksudo dpkg --configure -a", and select "Launch in a terminal". The system will ask you for a password, then proceed to repair problems.

I hope this helps you. Let us know. I point out that users more often get good answers to their questions when showing respect. These questions are answered by humans, most of them volunteers, so please bear this in mind. To maintain a respectful atmosphere, please follow the code of conduct - http://www.ubuntu.com/community/conduct/

Hey hey he is a newbie to ubuntu I think so... So just relax mate... As far as playing movies in a totem player or movie player in generak requires the installation of a codec(COmpressor DECompressor) for media types and these are not provided in ubuntu because some are nonfree and restricted formats.. as far as updater (synaptic) goes.. Launch in a terminal (Applications => Accessories => Terminal) and execute gksudo dpkg --configure -a you will be asked for a password and proceed to repair the problems you have got.. As far as codecs are concerned Use automatix2 to install codecs(some may be restricted if you are in the US) Automatix2 is an easy simple GUI based program to install some of the popular softwares.. Just click on this link..
http://www.getautomatix.com/apt/dists/feisty/main/binary-i386/automatix2_1.1-4.11-7.04feisty_i386.deb if you are using an i386 machine or if you are on a AMD64/EM64T (running 64bit ubuntu) click on this link..
http://www.getautomatix.com/apt/dists/feisty/main/binary-amd64/automatix2_1.1-4.6-7.04feisty_amd64.deb
and save the file on to your computer..
Install it by just double clicking the file...
Once installed you can find Automatix2 in Applications --> System Tools,
Run Automatix2 and under Codecs and Plugins section click on Multimedia codecs and click on start.. You should be done..
(Note: If you are seeing AUD DVD Codecs option then you have already agreed to the automatix EULA concerning their legal status in the US if you are a resident of US)
Hope this helps,
Regards,
Bhavani Shankar.

Its in general.. Sorry for the typo error!!

Sorry guys, I have done as you suggested but the only thing that happens is a message saying "requested operation requires superuser privelege" I truly don't know what this means. Jonathan please don't mistake my frustration for disrespect. I have the utmost respect for your obvious ability. my frustration comes from a month of trying to get linux up and running. I wanted to use it for my home business, but alas it's not working out.

or you can simply use sudo dpkg --configure -a Sudo stands for superuser do and it emulates the superuser..
Regards,
Bhavani Shankar.

Oh Oh sorry man.. You want to execcute it as a root... Then what cesare told is right...

A command executed as a root is called the root command and the user who executes commands under such previlages is known as superuser..

Thanks Cesare Montedonico, that solved my question.

Thanks to all who helped. Again, apologies if I appeared disrespectful, believe me it was pure frustration. I am determined to use linux on my business computer if only to silence the knockers who all told me that it's only a geek thing. So, thanks agaim fellas.

i have ubuntu 7.04 fiesti..