VMANN: you should get VLCPLAYER, imo.
go here:
http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu_dapper
tells you how to install all sorts of cool stuff. none of which you will
find in "the official ubuntu book." in fact, the link you are referred to
in that book is a DEAD link. heh.
http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu_dapper#How_to_install_Multimedia_Player_.28VL\
C.29_with_plug-in_for_Mozilla_Firefox
that's the link directly to HOW TO INSTALL VLC. there's shit about totem in
there too. be sure to install codecs, which function to make your player(s)
work with various file types, and i think improve quality as well.