once you have the codecs installed soundjuicer will be able to rip for
you and rhythmbox will play or rip them for you. both are default apps.

Recently I have become fond of amarok as a player which is installable
through the add/remove applications tab at the bottom of your apps menu

How do I get the codecs please.

I love Ubunto but it is taking a little of getting used to

> 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

If you enable extra repos you can do it by synaptic.

http://psychocats.net/ubuntu/sources