> How do I get the codecs please.

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/RestrictedFormats#head-ade7b6cc5a280ee943fd788\
4cf7dc49ebe7e22ca

sorry I read you first post as saying you understood that part.

and you will find the forums great too

http://ubuntuforums.org/

there is a plugin for fire fox that adds them to the main bar