After installing Ubuntu, install the "restricted extras," and streaming media
works. I've never needed to know the names of any of the programs.

Programs are generally not in hidden folders, they are in root, often in
/usr/bin.

It makes it easier for people to help you if you mention the exact version of
Linux you have installed. For example, my laptop has Ubuntu 12.04 and Linux Mint
13, my desktop has Xubuntu 12.10 and Linux Mint 13.