MP3s with Ximian Desktop

Novell Cool Solutions: Question & Answer

Posted: 27 May 2004

Q:
I tried to play an MP3 music file with the default music player (xmms), but it didn't work. Why can't I do that, and how can I play my MP3 files?



A:
Due to licensing restrictions on MP3 playback and decoding, and legal ambiguity surrounding the role of Free software with respect to those licensing restrictions, Ximian is unable to ship a free MP3 player.

If you wish to play MP3 files you have a number of options:

The paid version of Ximian Desktop 2 includes RealPlayer, which can handle MP3 files as well as RealAudio files.

The website xmms.org has information about MP3 patent issues and suggestions for finding MP3-enabled players.

The OGG file format is unencumbered by patent restrictions and is playable by XMMS and many other players. You can learn about it at Xiph.org.

Novell Cool Solutions (corporate web communities) are produced by WebWise Solutions. www.webwiseone.com