Comments on: Installing codecs with PackageKit

By: dré

dré — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 09:41:04 +0000

Just my 0,02 €C: Search automatically for codec packages. When there’s only one then just show it. If there are more then show a list of checkable packages where the one (the preferred) is selected by default:

——————

Additional software is required to play “[%TITLE%]“. In order to play this kind of media ([%FORMAT%]) {the following sofware needs|please select one of the following software} to be installed:

[x] Windows Media 9 codecs
gstreamer-xxx 0.10.20-2, 2.3 MB

[ ] Some other proprietary codec
paxkage-xyz 2.12-1, 0.2 MB

(Some general comments about codecs or a link)

[x] Automatically install software from now on
[Abort] [Install software]

By: Jon

Jon — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 07:14:28 +0000

Take a look at the UI used by totem in Ubuntu/Debian for this. I think they’ve got the balance of wording, obtrusiveness, etc. exactly right.

By: Mike

Mike — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 07:13:03 +0000

I’d say “Movie player requires codecs to be installed”, keep the codec type in italics, and then underneath it provide an explanation for novice users:

“Codecs are pieces of software that allow playback of certain video formats. If you do not install the requested codecs, you may not be able to play some video files.”

By: Steven Brown

Steven Brown — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 21:16:09 +0000

like iain pointed out, I think the p in player should be capital P. otte’s gnome-wide auto-install pref sounds nice too.

By: Matthew W. S. Bell

Matthew W. S. Bell — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:59:30 +0000

The damn software is known as a fucking codec by everyone who uses a name for it. Don’t remove information because some people might not understand it. Try to make it easier to know what it means; don’t make it stupid ware.

By: goldman

goldman — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:25:06 +0000

Don’t mention “GNOME”, and don’t call them codecs. “Additional Software”, “extensions” or “plugins” would probably be better.

By: Mark Smith

Mark Smith — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:55:03 +0000

Get rid of the word codec. It means nothing to most people. Junk word.

By: Pete

Pete — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 05:00:37 +0000

Unable to play this type of movie/sound file. Additional software must be installed.

I would avoid the use of the word “codec”. But please please keep the name of the codec viewable somewhere, even if it moves into a disclosable details.

By: Jeff Schroeder

Jeff Schroeder — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 23:55:49 +0000

That looks very nice, but all users might not know what a codec is. Can I suggest you figure out a simple way to explain what a codec is needed for?

You’re on the right track, but not quite yet.

By: Matthew W. S. Bell

Matthew W. S. Bell — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 22:27:03 +0000

I lack context here, somewhat, as to what information has already been given, but to me this dialog is currently useless. I want to know:
- What kind of software is being installed; I vehemently object to the idea that this might be omitted because some people might not know what it means.
- Why is this software being installed? I.e., which movie is causing the prompt?
- What software options do I have? I suspect this may also include issues of Free-ness.
I want the ability to:
- Select and install the relevant softwre
- Or, do nothing.
Preferably, it would be nice if the issue wasn’t brought to a modal dialog at all, but a better user interface used.