I don't know why there are 50 billion posts for every distro ever created in regards to installing and using these formats now a days. Anyway, everything you will ever need to know to setup and use these formats, dvd, mp3, wma, wmv, quicktime on (K)Ubuntu  Linux will be here...

If you are using Ubuntu or Kubuntu this is a page dedicated to these restricted formats and how to set them up.

Those new Linux users may opt to use things like Automatix or use a Linux distro that isn't based out of the U.S. that doesn't care about the restrictions or the honor in open source like (K)Ubuntu. I would not use Automatix, as it really is simple setting this up without it and it will keep your installation standard.

I typically uninstall the default video players in Kubuntu. I then install Xine, Xine UI , Mplayer and the Mplayer Firefox plug-in. I then install the codex, etc. The link above will have everything working in a few copy pastes. I do not use MP3 preferring Ogg or Flac over it, but I do not use a modern day Walkman and never will. For movies I use Ogg theora, but then again I don't care if it works in a dvd player.

I see people complain that (K)Ubuntu is a pain because it won't just play these formats. The fact is that it would most likely include them by default if greed on the part of the corporate market and their over use of copyright, patents, and dirty business tactics didn't interrupt such freedoms to their law abiding customers who only wan't to play their purchased goodies.

You must also consider that Windows cannot play DVD unless you buy a DVD player or use one that includes an open source back end that maybe illegal for you to install and use. It also won't play many other formats, like Quicktime, unless you install a third party application so what the hell is the difference? Some people need to just stop complaining or buy a Mac so you can have the best of both worlds.

Personally I like (K)Ubuntu's (well Debian's) philosophy on this and you still have the choice to install and use the restricted formats either way - open source and Linux are really all about choice. If you don't know (K)Ubuntu's ( Debian's) philosophy on these subjects you should.  I do however disagree with the hardcore supporters who find themselves in conflict over the issue - we want games, we want mp3 players, we want movies, we want drivers for the hardware we pay for, whether it be free or proprietary doesn't really matter.

Anyway, out of all the years I've used Linux these issues have become so trivial I am actually amazed people still ask how to setup DVD, MP3, WMA/V, Quicktime playback. (K)Ubuntu is most likely the best documented distro I've had the pleasure to use and also has many great forums, wikis, and documentation sites.