installin ffmpeg, mencoder et al..

Hi all - just been trawling through this forum and noted a couple of posts suggesting that it is better to install ffmpeg for a site rather than use that provided by dreamhost..

Now I have never had to install apps on a server before (I'm a developer not linux admin - thats what the guy on teh phone does ;))...

Anyway as far as i can see I need to install ffmpeg, mencoder + mplayer and flv2tool. Fisrt problem I have is the links I have found to download these apps are dead. Second I need a good tutorial on the subject taht I can follow (as s non-server admin type fella) and install these.

My site needs to convert video files to flv so if there is anything else I need that I have ommitted I woudl be greatful if you could give me a nudge in the ribs.

(Also - can I heck as like get command line access - using secure shell client - coual some one please tell me teh correct name and port for the host I need (OK OK the generic details and I can put the details for my site in as needed)

LOADS of thanks in advance...