[FFmpeg-user] ffmpeg issue

[Da Rock]

On 12/11/11 22:54, Phil Rhodes wrote:
>>> The windows binaries tend to have everything switched on
>
>> so do the same on linux
>
> How? Are there Linux binaries with everything switched on?
>
> Creating a build environment for ffmpeg can be very difficult. 
> Creating a build environment for ffmpeg that supports a wide variety 
> of third-party libraries is a major computing project requiring expert 
> skills.
>
> I mean, seriously, I assume linux has some sort of standalone 
> executable program format - why is there no equivalent of ffmpeg.exe? 
> The windows binaries end up being many, many megabytes with everything 
> included, but the point is: they actually work, whereas linux, as 
> we've seen, causes endless problems in this regard.
>
Its not that simple. And no matter where you go with an attitude like 
that even the exceedingly patient support at freebsd would be taxed.

Put simply (and I'll admit bluntly): Winblow$ and M$ are paid money to 
do things like this so that a user can just sit on their ass and never 
know how a computer works. If thats the way you want it, ok. But then 
there are things that you'll never ever be able to do.

Linux/Unix is a bit more difficult; you *have* to get your feet wet and 
check out under the hood to find out what ticks. It is *a good 
experience* - albeit if your a newbie you'll want good help and not 
heavily biased remarks (no distro support will ever be unbiased, but 
some are definitely better at tact and helping than others. I find Linux 
a little fiery for my taste).

A core policy of Linux/Unix has always been - and always will be - have 
one unit (program, whatever) do one thing, and do it really well. Then 
another user or developer can come along and piece it all together, 
maybe write a wrapper for it and use the units together.

Another policy is (and this is why winblows will never fit on a cd or 
dvd) to reuse code as much as possible; thats merely a side effect of 
the above policy. So instead of having several programs with their own 
code taking up twice as much room or more, several programs *share* the 
same code in libraries. Updates can then be made to a library without 
upsetting the rest of the system.

Now a lot of this happens "under the hood" in winblows so you don't pay 
attention to it, and essentially your system is administered by M$ 
(freaky thought when you think about it). You also then pay a tech to 
come an fix your computer as well as paying for the software; so 
technically you're getting ass-raped twice! :(

You can get Linux distros that will do most of this, but never all; 
because the general idea is you learn about whats happening to your 
system instead of being a blackbox under the desk that magically does 
things for you. *You* can then fix your computer instead of being 
charged a fee for a 5min fix. And free online help to boot! Win-win... :)

It is scary. I get that. But just because DOS hasn't been in use for 
years shouldn't make you frightened of a black screen with white text 
blinking at you for a response or command. And if you want help there 
are people on the lists out there that will help you. It may take longer 
to get an answer but if you're patient they will.

You've started with ubuntu, thats good. Its the best stepping stone into 
the world without limits. If you're not happy there with what you want 
to do, try PC-BSD maybe. Or freebsd: they're one and the same- one has 
more user friendly features is all. And the lists are the same, patience 
is the key though.

There are volunteers on these lists giving *free* advice and they can 
take time to respond. The questions@ list is very well populated though, 
with users worldwide with a wide range of experience in many different 
OS as well. The advice will be limited to mostly BSD systems and apps 
running on them though. If you are asked to provide more info, then do 
so, and if you can't then ask how; in no time you'll become more 
familiar with the terms mentioned here. I have noticed the ubuntu fellas 
are pretty good too.

Use diplomacy and you'll get everywhere. Meanwhile I think this list has 
been flamed enough? What say all? :)