[sf-lug] Answers at Ubuntu.com

[Ken Shaffer]

 When I mentioned to Jim at a recent SFLUG meeting that I was spending some
time at the Ubuntu site helping out people who have problems, he suggested I
write up a note for the mailing list -- others may be interested, both as a
way to find answers to questions and to offer their expertise to others.
    I've always been aware of the "bugs" section at the ubuntu.com site, but
have never looked much at the two support sections:  1)the web based
community support and 2)the mailing list for technical questions.  Much to
my surprise, the two are apparently totally separate entities, each
requiring their own login.
   The last few months, I've started to  spend more time at the
ubuntu.comsite helping out in the "technical answers system" (From
www.ubuntu.com, click on the support tab, then the "Techincal Answers
System" link). Here, people can post technical questions about Ubuntu or
applications and get help from other users.  The questions are categorized
for quick search filtering.  Support groups, both formal and informal, tend
to form around the categories.  Mostly I respond to installation or wireless
setup problems -- the first hurdles for new users interested in getting a
working Ubuntu system.  Help is welcome from anyone, but before formally
joining a support team, you need to generate a gpg key and sign the code of
conduct.
   I also find the technical questions section is a pretty good place to
learn alternate ways of dealing with a variety of problems I encounter on an
Ubuntu system.  When others are asking about a problem  which you also have,
you might pick up a workaround, or even decide to file a bug report.

Ken Shaffer
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