Ubuntu Desktop Training
304 / 335
Figure 9.14: Ubuntu Forum Rules Page
Follow all the instructions on this and the following pages to sign on to the Ubuntu forum. You will then receive a confirmation that your registration is complete.
You can now sign in with your new user name and password and start using the Web forum for posting new messages and searching the existing ones. The postings on the Web forum are segregated into several categories based on their subject. To get an answer for a specific question, you may first look into the related category. Each category contains threads to all the postings already made under that category.
An alternate method to search the desired information is by using the Search option on the right of the home page. You can type your question in the Search Forums field and run a search. It is more than likely that you will find your desired information in these postings.
However, if you do not find the required information in the questions that have already been asked, you can create a new posting on the Web forum. You are likely to receive an answer very quickly, otherwise the Unanswered Posts Team will pick up your post within 24 hours.
9.4.3IRC Channels
Note:
The IRC channels are a form of real-time Internet chat that enable users to talk directly (and immediately) with one another.
IRC channels are available on the freenode network, irc.freenode.net. The best channel for you to interact with other Ubuntu users is #ubuntu. Other specialised channels related to Ubuntu variants, such as #kubuntu, #edubuntu and #xubuntu are also available. In addition, channels related to bugs, development, LoCo teams, accessibility and documentation are also available.
To see a list of IRC channels and clients, go to https://help.ubuntu.com/community/InternetRelayChat.
There are many ways to connect to an IRC channel and one of them is by using the Pidgin instant messenger. Connecting to Pidgin was covered in Lesson 3.
1. Open the Buddies menu to view the available options, and click Add Chat. This displays the Add Chat dialogue box.
Ubuntu Desktop Training
305 / 335
Figure 9.15: Buddies Menu
2.To interact with ubuntu users, type #Ubuntu in the Screen name field. Then click Add. This adds the Ubuntu users’ account to your Buddies List.
Figure 9.16: Add Chat Dialogue Box
3.Notice that #ubuntu is added as an IRC account to your Buddy List. Double-click the account name to enter the IRC channel for Ubuntu users.
Figure 9.17: Buddy List
4.You have now entered the IRC channel for Ubuntu users. You can use the box at the bottom of the window to type your messages, and press Enter to send them.
Ubuntu Desktop Training
306 / 335
Figure 9.18: IRC Channel for Ubuntu Users
9.4.4LoCo Teams
Note:
The Ubuntu LoCo (short for ’Local Community’) teams are a vital resource for providing localised support. With the incredible success of Ubuntu around the world, the Loco project helps groups of Ubuntu fans and enthusiasts work together in their regional teams to help advocate, promote, translate, develop and otherwise improve Ubuntu.You can access them through: http://www.ubuntu.com/support/community/locallanguage.
The following screenshot displays the list of languages in which you can receive help and support on Ubuntu:
Figure 9.19: The LoCo Teams Page
To receive help and support on Ubuntu in your local language, select the desired language from the Non-English Support list.
Ubuntu Desktop Training
307 / 335
Figure 9.20: Non-English Support Page
If you want to start a LoCo team or join an existing one, go to: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/LoCoTeams. To view the list of LoCo teams, visit https://wiki.ubuntu.com/LoCoTeamList.
9.4.5The Ubuntu Team Wiki
Note:
The Ubuntu Team Wiki is a central Web site that provides access to useful information on Ubuntu and the supporting Ubuntu project. The pages are continually updated by the Ubuntu community members. The Ubuntu Team Wiki can be accessed at https://wiki.ubuntu.com/.
The following is a screenshot of the Ubuntu Team Wiki home page:
Figure 9.21: The Ubuntu Team Wiki