Kubuntu: all going well apart from an MP3 farce
Having used Kubuntu intensively over the weekend (I had a big piece of work to do), so far it seems very easy to use. I've had no problem setting up printers or anything like that. Installing software, using the built in installer, is easier than it is on Windows. I now have a wider selection of software (including games) than I do on my Windows setup!
The one gripe I have is that Kubuntu does not support MP3s. Instead, you have to use an open-source alternative called Ogg Vorbis. This is fine, apart from the fact that I have tonnes of MP3s, and an iPod Shuffle which I use to play those MP3s when out and about. The need to be able to play and record (from CDs that I have bought) MP3s is an ongoing requirement for me.
Having done a quick bit of internet searching, the solution to the MP3 playing issue was easy to solve by installing another bit of software. I can now play all my music.
Making Kubuntu rip MP3s from CDs is proving much more of a struggle, and I haven't found a solution that I have been able to implement. The solution seems to be to install Lame, but how to install and use it is not exactly clear, and the Lame website instructions are not comprehensive to the average computer user. So I'm a bit stuck on this one.
I need to be able to burn MP3s so that I can play them on my iPod, so this is something I'm going to have to resolve. Only a small selection of portable music players from unheard of companies play Ogg Vorbis files, and I don't want to ditch my iPod - I would end up spending the same amount of money on a new music player as I would upgrading to Vista, completely defeating the purpose of having Kubuntu!
This whole Kubuntu & MP3 issue seems a farce to me. According to reputable sources, Kubuntu won't play MP3s because of patent issues. Ironically then we have a situation where Microsoft, with MP3 support built in to Windows, is supportive of the established music file standard, whilst a free software company stops its users being able to use it. MP3s are something that people like, and is the alternative to music file formats containing Digital Rights Management (DRM), and there's nothing more hateful than DRM for a lot of open source supporters.
My view is that Kubuntu should resolve the MP3 issue now. Pay the licence fee for the patents or whatever, just deal with it and make MP3s a supported standard. MP3s might not fit into the free software philosophy, but be pragmatic - you're losing potential converts. Ordinary people will be put off moving from Windows to Kubuntu because of the lack of MP3 support.
Neither I nor anyone else wants to have to keep Windows just for its MP3 ripping ability.
Comments
On the one hand I understand the philosophy of Ubuntu as it pertains to MP3's, that is only wanting open-source but with the proliferation of mp3 files out there in comparision to ogg, it isn't practical.
Although it's simple enough to download the right codex and the right programs.
The patent holders provide the right to use the codec for personal use only, so long as it is downloaded by the person in question from them. Microsoft on the other hand buys a corporate licence for a large amount of money, for the right to distribute the codec to its customers (including many who are not using the OS for personal use). Some distros have looked into buying similar rights, but as I understand it this is not possible since the patent holders will not allow them to distribute it for free without placing restrictions on to whom they are distributing. For example, if I downloaded Kubuntu for my company and installed it on thirty machines, I and Kubuntu would be violating the terms of the patent licence (it's not personal use). Since Kubuntu and any other linux distro is largely licensed under the GPL, this kind of distribution restriction is not allowable (nor desirable, IMO).
The simple solution is to provide the option for users to download the codecs very easily for themselves once they have installed the OS, and this is generally what happens. When you first try to play an MP3 in Amarok, it should point you to the correct download (or at least it did for me).
Ubuntu's position on this is very similar to many other distros and justified in my opinion. They do make it very easy to access the codec for their users, but they won't pay to support a company which is attempting to stop them from achieving their mission. Ogg/Vorbis is widely used in some communities and they are pushing for its adoption, but you're right that it probably won't replace MP3 any time soon as the most widely used codec. Instead, all we can really do is wait for the MP3 patent to run out (not that long now) and then everyone will be happy.
Another reason why software patents are a big bad mess!
Pete - I cannot find any way to get the software needed to rip MP3s from CDs. The MP3 playing isn't an issue as the software for that function was easy to find and install.
KAudioCreator, and
LAME.
I then started KAudioCreator from the K Menu and there was an option to encode as MP3.
Not for you?
As I said, cannot work out from the Lame website how to install Lame.
In fact, almost lost control of Adept too when I followed some online instructions on installing Lame. The source.list file went blank, but luckily had followed instructions to back it up first and so was able to recover it. I'm not messing with files again...
I use Automatix to install all the codecs I need. It works for Ubuntu, not sure about Kubuntu though. Might be worth a look, although I note from your other entries that you've already sorted it out. ;¬)
Take a look at these instructions, as they should get you started:
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/CDRipping
If you have any other questions, let me know.
Hi Eric
Yes, problem solved now, thanks. Cheers for the link.
I've also installed linux on my Dell laptop. Had issues with getting KDE to recognise/remember my wireless details, so am using Gnome instead on that. 2 computers, 4 operating systems!