Ubuntu

Installing VLC on Ubunu GNU/Linux

You can install VLC using the Advaced Packaging Tool. Make sure you enabled the universe section and type the following:

 $ sudo apt-get install vlc

look out there are many depricated vlc based packages like gnome-vlc etc. just installing vlc will do.

Many vlc plugins can be installed afterwards:

 vlc-plugin-alsa - ALSA audio output plugin for VLC (install it if sound doesn't work)
 vlc-plugin-arts - aRts audio output plugin for VLC (install it if sound still doesn't work and you're using KDE)
 vlc-plugin-esd - Esound audio output plugin for VLC (install it if sound still doesn't work and you're using Gnome)
 vlc-plugin-ggi - GGI video output plugin for VLC
 vlc-plugin-glide - Glide video output plugin for VLC
 vlc-plugin-sdl - SDL video and audio output plugin for VLC
 vlc-plugin-svgalib - SVGAlib video output plugin for VLC