Ubuntu
totem package

how to play a DVD

Asked by Michelle Walker

Ok. Next problem. I am trying to play a DVD. Error says I need plugins. Fine. I go to the Restricted format section, click on the link to download the package (ubuntu-restricted-extras-package) and I get a pop-up box that says 'apturl' and 'choose the application'. What application? Also, I have the new version of Ubuntu and many of the instructions are leading me to places that don't exist.
I also have to install libdvdread4 but the instructions say to go to 'Applications', then 'Add-Remove'. I go to applications, there is no add-remove selection.

I really want to like this OS. Sigh! I guess I'm used to Windows that is ready to play right out of the box. I also use a MAC but I am truly stuck. I don't mind installing stuff but it seems instructions are in code or not very clear. Please help...I am trying hard to understand how things work...I don't want to go back to Windows! :)

Boo-hoo!

Michelle

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Ubuntu totem Edit question
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Allan Shand
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kernowyon (kernowyon) said : 		#1

Hi again Michelle!

For Add/Remove, substitute either the Applications > Ubuntu Software Centre or the much more powerful System > Administration > Synaptic Package Manager

Try grabbing the ubuntu-restricted-extras package from the Synaptic Package Manager and see if you get the same error there.

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Michelle Walker (milore55) said : 		#2

You are a Doll for responding so quickly. This is a challenge but I am up to it. I did as you suggested (Synaptic Package Manager and Software Center under Videos, etc) )but I do not see anything listed as ubuntu-restricted-extras package. Should I be looking for another name? There is alot of new lingo to learn and I'm still learning it.

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Michelle Walker (milore55) said : 		#3

I did a search and I found it. I also said some things would be added and removed by default if I choose to install. It asked twice so I want to make sure I say yes before I do it. For example: removing libavcodec52.

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Best Allan Shand (ashand79) said : 		#4

Hi Michelle thank you for sharing your problem with us here at launchpad. I will try to help you as much as I can. The first thing that is different between windows and ubuntu is that all of the software, plugins, addins etc... are called packages and can be installed from "Ubuntu Software Center" which should be at the bottom of your main menu. When you open this program it gives you a list of sections to browse: sound & video, graphics, education etc... or you can search for a specific package/program from the search box in your situation if you were to paste ubuntu-restricted-extras in to the search box and when it has found the package you hit the install button. The reason this function isn't installed by default is it would break the law in certain countries to give it away (I personally have no idea which countries that would be but Ubuntu do). It sounds like you are using an out of date guide which includes the add/remove applications section which was changed into the software center recently my advice would be to get a copy of the Ubuntu Manual which you can download from here( http://ubuntu-manual.org/ )which will give you the basics then if you are still unsure on any subjects send me a message and I will find the info for you.

"Friendly advice is something you should never have to pay for but a beer would be nice :) "

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kernowyon (kernowyon) said : 		#5

Hmm.... not sure why it wants to remove that, but presumably it will add another version of the codec.

Go for it I say ;) Whats the worst that could happen!

The restricted extras is a meta-package, which means it will draw in various things that you would probably want anyway - such as flash.

I shall "subscribe" to this question to see how you get on and be around in case you get stuck.

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Michelle Walker (milore55) said : 		#6

I can't believe how supportive everyone here is. Cowboy79 I'll take your advice and kernowyon I'll take the plunge. Thank you so much. I won't bother you anymore today but I will keep this open and post what happens.
THANKS SO MUCH!

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Sam_ (and-sam) said : 		#7

Reference.
https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/totem/+question/123204

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marcobra (Marco Braida) (marcobra) said : 		#8

New to Ubuntu: read the Ubuntu Manual, it's very informative: http://ubuntu-manual.org/
Click on the "download Button" to download the latest PDF version

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Michelle Walker (milore55) said : 		#9

Thanks Allan Shand, that solved my question.