PROGRAM | USABILITY | INTERFACE | COMMENTS |
|---|
Grip | Good | Fair | Grip is easy to use for ripping CDs. The series of tabs that the interface is arranged into is a little clumsy but not too hard to navigate through. The program could use some redesign in its configuration options, to make them friendlier for new users. Grip does the job efficiently. |
Rhythmbox | Great | Great | Simple layout and function make this the uncluttered choice for practical users who just want to listen to music, not stare at prettiness. The program is a little younger than other Linux audio players and is still working out a few bugs. |
Noatun | Fair | Good | This program works well but feels weird. The skins look cool sitting on your desktop but aren't easy to use when you are in a hurry. The options for playback are simple. Choose this player if you need style over function. |
XMMS | Great | Good | Here is the solid, standby program with the best cross-section of features. XMMS has the practical usability of Rhythmbox and the visual fun of skins and visualizations of Noatun. XMMS outshines both those programs in its combined power. The interface is a little cramped and is showing its age. Unless new versions make improvements, newer players could surpass XMMS. |
Xine/Totem | Great | Great | Xine is flexible, dependable, and well designed. Using codecs and plug-ins, you can make the program play just about anything. It is easy to install and control, and the usability increases when using the simplified controls of the front-end add-on Totem. |
Mplayer | Fair/good | Good | It's a chore to install and configure, but MPlayer is a good media player and great to use as a browser companion for online media files. The program is fully functional from the command line as well. |
Ogle | Good | Good | Ogle is the DVD player for Linux, period. DVD is all Ogle does, and it does it well. The interface is plain but functional. A couple features could use some work, but available additions to the program, such as Goggles, go a long way in making up the difference. |
Real Player | Good | Good | Real's Linux version 10 is a great improvement over past versions. The installer is an executable that will be a different experience than installing most other Linux software. For best results on streaming audio and video, set up MIME types in your browser in addition to (or instead of) setting up the plug-in. Embedded streams in Web pages can be played with Real Player but require more effort from you to get going. |
Helix | Fair | Great | Helix Player is new and a little shaky in its progression so far, but it's got potential and should be supported. Install it and play with it. You might want to have backup players installed, in case you run into snags. |
