[wplug] Mastering Linux

[Michael]

Hi,
        I love Linux... Not just because it is free, but because it is more secure, more stable, and truly allows me to customize my desktop.  Especially nice is being able to use a limited account for all my work, yet still be able to do admin functions just by typing in the root password, i.e. to install software.
        There is one thing that drives me nuts though... Why is it so HARD to install or update software?  Upgrading Firefox or Shockwave can be like pulling teeth, only not quite as pleasant.  Sometimes I get lucky and manage to do it correctly... but as I change from one version of Linux to another the process seems to change.  It would sure be nice to click on "update" to get the latest version of Firefox... Windows can do it... I know Linux could... but doesn't.
         My best luck with with Mandrake... which is now Mandriva.... so I switched to Fedora 4 when they reorganized and am considering Ubunto.  Right now I'm still using Fedora 4, but I would really like to be able to play MP3's, update Flash, Shockwave, and Firefox... but the Red Hat update servers will not cooperate and I have had little luck manually upgrading.  Where can I find a really good, understandable tutorial to show me how to update Fedora and find the right plugins to play MP3s and assorted video files?  Can Linux do .wmv files too?  Thanks for the help!
                                       Type to ya later,
                                                                 Michael Niedermayer
 
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