Mp3 is the most common format for storage and distribution of digital music files. Unfortunately. the codec is propriety. so it cannot be distributed free with distros. Some distros like Linux Mint simply give the codec with the distro. Contrary to open source beliefs. most free music on the Internet is also distributed in the mp3 format. Installing the codec on a Linux distro. while not exactly painful. is a irritating process.

One of the easiest ways to get mp3 codecs for Linux is to go to the fluendo shop. which lets you purchase the codec for zero Euros. The url for the mp3 codec is. When you go to this link. it will ask you to check out the mp3 codec. Don't worry about it. just continue. The next page will ask for a registration. Enter your e-mail id. a password and some personal details that you can make up. What you will receive next is a checkout slip.

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The next page has the downloads. So continue to the downloads page. This lists a number of operating systems that you can download the mp3 codec for. If you are in doubt. select the generic Linux codec.

Rpm packages of xmms with the mp3 codec included are available at. The mplayer' pack age of Linux codecs includes the mp3 codec. {mpcodecs and download the file named all 20071007.tar.bz2. Once you obtain this file (a 13 MB download). unpack it using the tar command, then place the contents in both {usr{local{lib{codecs and {usr{lib{win32. If either of these locations do not exist, make them.