Q. I want to play mkv format file in my Ubuntu machine, but I am unable to do Totem player is asking me some plugins to install. I want to use VLC player as it plays many formats, how can I do that?

VLC Player is an excellent player due to it’s support of many formats and simplicity. By default Ubuntu uses Totem player to play all Video files and rhythmbox to play audio files. We can change this default applications to whatever application we want.

To change default player we have to edit system configurations. This can be achieved in many ways.

Through System setting applet: Click on settings icon on your Ubuntu desktop which is located at right side above corner. Go to system setting options as shown in below screen shots and change default video and audio player.

rightclick

ubuntu_system_details

Through right clicking video/audio file: We can even right click on video and audio files, select 'Open with' option and from the menu select VLC player.

Below procedures are done through root logins.

Through replacing totem.desktop file with vlc.desktop file: 

	sudo mv /usr/share/applications/totem.desktop /usr/share/applications/vlc.desktop

Through editing /usr/share/applications/defaults.list configuration file:

	sed -i 's/totem/vlc/g' /usr/share/applications/defaults.list

Once you are done any of above things you can play any kind of video and audio files with VLC player by default.

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Surendra Anne

Mr Surendra Anne is from Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India. He is a Linux/Open source supporter who believes in Hard work, A down to earth person, Likes to share knowledge with others, Loves dogs, Likes photography. He works as Devops Engineer with Taggle systems, an IOT automatic water metering company, Sydney . You can contact him at surendra (@) linuxnix dot com.