CrunchBang - Code, Design & GNU/Linux

HOWTO Install RealPlayer on Ubuntu

In my last post I had a mini rant regarding the BBC's use of RealPlayer and how I believe Real's media formats are not particularly well supported under Linux. In the comments which followed, James pointed out the fact that RealPlayer is supported under Linux; you just have download the executable binary file and install it yourself. In my reply to James, I stated:

While it may not be difficult for power users to install Real Player, I think regular users would maybe struggle. Personally, I cannot remember the last time I had to download and install an executable binary; which either says a lot about the current state of Linux and how far it has come, or how poorly supported Real Player is.

Anyhow, I do not like moaning about stuff without doing anything constructive to rectify things; so, I decided to write this little howto install RealPlayer guide for Ubuntu Linux. If this is something you are interested in doing then follow the instructions on my wiki.

Update: I have moved the instructional part of this post to my wiki, see:
http://crunchbang.org/wiki/realplayer-on-ubuntu/

Ubuntu On The BBC

In case anyone does not know, the BBC News 24 channel has a technology programme named Click. The Click website describes the show as, "The BBC's flagship technology programme"; so expect a fairly mainstream show featuring technology news and gadget reviews. Anyhow, Andrew kindly reminded me that this week Click contains a special on free [as in beer] software. Ubuntu Hardy Heron and OpenOffice.org are clearly spotted in the programme, which has to be a good thing :) If you missed the show, you can watch it online with the BBC's iPlayer.

Also, while I am on the subject of the BBC, is it not about time the BBC made their online services more Linux friendly? As a fully paid up license holder I am somewhat frustrated with the BBC's continued support of Windows Media Player and Real Player media formats, neither of which are particularly well supported on Linux. In fact, these days I rarely use the BBC website as it frustrates me so :(