Sound and Video plugins

[kikogol]

Yes, I know there is probably an old post about it but have not been able to find it, so allow me to pose 2 very simple newbie questions:

My current problem is to play an avi file but I am unable to hear it, even after trying configuring all the different options... so I think it must be because I'm missing plugins, filters, decoders or similars. Obviously I'm no expert in all these encoding, video players and similar matters but rather a final user with limited technical knowledge.

Therefore, I would like to ask beyond this current problem and try to address a more general question:

I want to use BSplayer to play ALL my videos... so first I install the player...then what?

What plugins or any other additional features do I need?
Please list ALL of them

When a video does not play properly what should I check and in what order?

Hope it hepls other lost people too.

Thanks