Video conversion

Faced with an issue of video incompatible with player / DVD player ? I faced one recently.
After some search and trails, I zeroed on FFmpeg. I must  admit that, the use of this software from command line is initimidating for newbies like me.
But alas, we have WinFF a graphical frontend for FFmpeg.
I could successfully convert mpeg4, mkv video files to mpg ones ( NTSC DVD format)
Conversion takes whole lot of time, 2-3 hrs on my core i5 laptop for approx 1.5 GB output video.
Anyway, that is not an issue if we are able to see the resulting video on DVD player.

All in all, i am happy with my choice of WinFF.

Graphic merge tool for Linux

I have been used to Araxis merge for doing file/folder diff and also help in merging. (replace, add before, add after, etc.)

Was searching for similar tool on Linux. Found that Kdiff can be a good option. http://kdiff3.sourceforge.net/
Dowloaded Kdiff source and followed instructions to build and install it on my SuSe 9.2
I had a problem while compiling translation software ( which it tries to install by default). Skipped that folder and Kdiff was built and installed successfully.

Great, it has 3 view diff. In addition some good basic merge features, though not as good as Araxis.

Java in Mozilla

By default applets won't work in mozilla 1.7.2 on my SuSe 9.2. Basically it would crib about unavailability of plugin. "application/x-java-vm"... So Googled and found the following links.
Test if Applets work in your browser http://www.java.com/en/download/help/testvm.xml
Then if required follow the steps ( very detailed) to install the plugin: http://www.java.com/en/download/help/5000010500.xml

For me I have a softlink to plugin ( shared object) in:
/opt/mozilla/lib/plugins :
lrwxrwxrwx libjavaplugin_oji.so -> /usr/java/jre1.5.0_11/plugin/i386/ns7/libjavaplugin_oji.so


You need to login as root to install.

Enjoy chatting and applets !!

Upgrading firefox in OpenSuse10.3

1. Go to YAST->Software Repositories
2. Add Specify URL: http://download.opensuse.org/repositories/mozilla/openSUSE_10.3/ Complete remaining steps
3. Go to YAST->Software Management
Select Mozilla FireFox package. It will be probably already highlighted in blue if update is available.
4. Check Update ICON against Mozilla firefox entry
5. Next . It will ask for update of dependancies. Accept and complete remaining steps.
Note: During upgrade its better to close firefox browser. With this process there is no loss of bookmarks, last session, history etc. for all users