[vlc] suse installation problem

[Michael Peternell]

Why is it so normal that Linux installation instructions just do not 
work? 2 out of 3 times when I do "./configure" it produces an error. the 
only distribution that really works seems to be debian, because "apt-get 
install $package_name" works always, for every package supported.


of course these problems don't occur on development machines. but try 
the suse installation instructions on any newly set up SuSE box, and you 
are guaranteed to see an error! do you know why people like windows? i 
can tell you: because the installation program ALWAYS works. also it 
would be nice to write on the website that you get the current release 
version with "cat /etc/SuSE-release" (or "cat /proc/version" anyways) 
because the ordinary dumb user will quickly turn back to windows if they 
have to deal with so much "installation resistance".


by the way: I use debian, but I wanted to help a friend installing vlc. 
no chance. then i wanted to install an msn-client. no chance.


END_OF_RANT


here come the hard facts:

http://www.videolan.org/vlc/download-suse.html


# zypper in vlc
Loading repository data...
Reading installed packages...
Resolving package dependencies...

Problem: nothing provides libaa.so.1 needed by vlc-1.1.2-2.8.i586
 Solution 1: do not ask to install a solvable providing vlc

Choose the above solution using '1' or cancel using 'c' [1/C]: 1
Resolving dependencies...
Resolving package dependencies...
Nothing to do.


Basically, I had the choice between not successfully installing vlc (1) 
and not trying to install vlc (C). In case you wonder: both options 
don't install vlc.


This is just intended as feedback. I already have a solution: replace 
SuSE with debian :-) But for every rant of this kind, there are 1000 
novice users who just start screaming and buy windows instead. (I know 
that it is theoretically possible to install VLC on SuSE. Also it is 
theoretically possible to install an msn-client. But if I have to 
install more than 2 different programs on SuSE, it's faster to just 
replace the operating system and then write "apt-get install vlc pidgin 
thunderbird" and go get a coffee while the computer does the work.)


Best regards,

Michael


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