We all know Netflix doesn’t support Linux systems, including Ubuntu and there’s no sign they’re going to change that. If your only machine is a Linux machine then you’re out of luck watching movies on Netflix.
This brief tutorial is going to show you how to use a particular PPA repository to download customized packages, including Wine to make Ubuntu 13.04 Raring Ringtail Netflix ready. Without these software packages, you’re not going to be watching any Netflix show using your Ubuntu box.
To make this happen we’re going to be installing a package called Netflix-desktop. Don’t let the name fool you it’s not an official Netflix program. Netflix-desktop contains open sources packages including Wine software that are heavily customized to work with Netflix. It’s also includes Microsoft’s Silverlight browser plugin which Netflix requires. Although watching Netflix movies using this application works in Ubuntu, the performance is not as good as watching the same movies using Windows or Mac OS X systems.
To get started, press Ctrl – Alt – T on your keyboard to open the terminal. When it opens run the commands below to add this PPA to your system.
sudo apt-add-repository ppa:ehoover/compholio
After adding, it run the commands below to update your system and install Netflix-desktop.
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install netflix-desktop
When you’re done, go to Ubuntu Dash and launch the program. By default, the program opens with full-screen mode. Press F11 to exit.
That’s it! Did I say the performance is not as good as watching using a Windows PC? Well, try it for yourself and see.
If you decide you don’t want it, continue below to learn how to completely remove Netflix-desktop from Ubuntu.
To get rid of it, run the commands below to uninstall it.
sudo apt-get purge netflix-desktop && sudo apt-get autoremove
Finally, run the commands below to remove its PPA from your system;
sudo apt-add-repository --remove ppa:ehoover/compholio
Remove Wine’s directory from your home directory
rm -rf .wine-browser/
Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to make Ubuntu 13.04 Netflix ready using PPA packages?
To make Ubuntu 13.04 Netflix ready, you can use a specific PPA repository to download customized packages, including Wine and Netflix-desktop. These packages are tailored to work with Netflix on Linux systems.
What is Netflix-desktop and how does it work with Ubuntu?
Netflix-desktop is a package that contains open-source software like Wine and Microsoft's Silverlight browser plugin, customized to function with Netflix on Ubuntu. It allows Ubuntu users to stream Netflix content on their machines.
What are the steps to install Netflix-desktop on Ubuntu 13.04?
To install Netflix-desktop on Ubuntu 13.04, you need to add the PPA repository using sudo apt-add-repository command, then update your system and install Netflix-desktop using sudo apt-get commands.
How can I launch Netflix-desktop in Ubuntu after installation?
After installing Netflix-desktop, you can launch the program from the Ubuntu Dash. By default, the program opens in full-screen mode, and you can exit full-screen by pressing F11.
Is the performance of Netflix-desktop on Ubuntu comparable to Windows or Mac OS X?
While Netflix-desktop allows you to watch Netflix on Ubuntu, the performance may not be as optimal as on Windows or Mac OS X systems. Testing it yourself is the best way to determine if it meets your expectations.
How can I uninstall Netflix-desktop from Ubuntu 13.04?
To remove Netflix-desktop from Ubuntu 13.04, you can use the command sudo apt-get purge netflix-desktop. This will completely uninstall the package from your system.
What are the limitations of watching Netflix on Ubuntu using Netflix-desktop?
Watching Netflix on Ubuntu using Netflix-desktop may have performance limitations compared to Windows or Mac OS X. The application is customized but may not deliver the same experience as on other operating systems.
Are there any alternatives to Netflix-desktop for streaming Netflix on Ubuntu?
While Netflix-desktop is a popular option, other alternatives like using a virtual machine with Windows or using browser-based solutions may also allow you to stream Netflix content on Ubuntu.
