A typical Linux system is largely comprised of unrestricted, open-source software. But some of the most popular software around is either closed-source or open-source, but restricted by patents.

I've heard of (and even sometimes used) video players like VLC when Windows Media Player prompts me to download "new codecs", but I've also heard people talk about codec packs like K-Lite, Shark007, ...

Beyond WMV, there are a variety of open-source codecs that you may need at some point. While for many you can install the individual codec when needed, I've found the easiest way to ensure you can ...