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The NURGNew User's Resource Guide To Ubuntu Vancouver
© 2010 Jeff Gantner, Charlene Tessier, and Randall Ross, except
where noted. Some rights reserved.
NURG rev07. Created with OpenOffice.org 3.2.0.
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-
NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.5 Canada License.
2
Welcome
Welcome to the New User's Resource Guide (NURG for short) to
the Ubuntu Project in Vancouver.
Whether you're a non-technical new user of Ubuntu or a new member
of Ubuntu Vancouver Local Community, we think you'll find the
information contained in this guide to be clear, concise, fun, and above
all, useful.
This is a working document, open to changes and suggestions. Your
input is valuable and encouraged.
3
Read Me First!
In this section:
• What is Ubuntu?
• Why use Ubuntu?
• How To Use This Guide
• Map
You've successfully installed Ubuntu (or maybe you're thinking about
it), but you're not sure what your next step is. You've got tons of
questions, but the internet is only helpful to a certain extent before
your searches become frustrating and time consuming.
You think, There's got to be other Ubuntu users out there. Where do
they go when they have questions?
Enter Ubuntu Vancouver LoCo (UVLC), a local community of Ubuntu
users and enthusiasts. Getting help locally begins with the UVLC
Meetup website. From there, you can access a wealth of resources.
Think of this New User's Resource Guide (NURG) as a Vancouver-
centric document that answers some of the most common questions
and points you in the direction of Ubuntu help and resources. It's an
entry point into the world of Ubuntu beginning in Vancouver where we
are fortunate to have a wealth of Ubuntu knowledge and talent.
The UVLC map (see Figure 1) illustrates the scope of the Ubuntu
community in Vancouver and beyond. If UVLC were a continent, each
member would arrive via the Sea of Meetup, disembark in the country
of Theme Night, and travel onward using the NURG as a guidebook.
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The NURG won't tell you how to adjust your panel clock or edit a
photo in F-Spot. Nor will it address technical concepts and procedures
related to the Ubuntu operating system or its bundled software.
However, read this guide first, and then if you find yourself needing
more detailed instructions about the software check out Getting
Started With Ubuntu 10.04, a document written by The Ubuntu Manual
Team. Their website (and document) is here:
http://ubuntu-manual.org/
The best way to approach this document is to begin at the Map
section to see the topics covered. From there, pick and choose what
you'd like to learn more about, or read through it all!
What Is Ubuntu?Ubuntu is three things. It's an operating system for your computer. It's
an ethos. And, it's a very large collaborative project. This document
will expand on these ideas in later sections. For now, just try to
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Figure 1: Ubuntu Vancouver LoCo map
remember that Ubuntu is not only software.
Why Use Ubuntu?There are many reasons, but here's a few:
1. It's free and open source—free to use, free to improve, free to inspect, free to copy and give away!
2. Ubuntu is stable and loads very quickly (in less than a minute on modern computers).
3. It has no viruses! Unlike non-free operating systems, Ubuntu is completely immune from nasty computer viruses.
4. No more Blue Screens of Death. There is no such concept in Ubuntu.
5. It can be run from a CD, a USB drive, or from your hard disk.
6. It can be run exclusively or alongside other systems (Windows or Mac OS X, for example).
7. Ubuntu is updated frequently. New versions (upgrades) are released every six months. System updates are usually released daily.
8. It is supported. (Standard desktop versions are supported for 18 months. Long Term Support desktop versions are supported for three years.)
9. Local communities and professional support are available throughout the world, but most importantly in Vancouver!
10. It's the “next big thing”.
How To Use This GuideWhile you can certainly read this document from beginning to end, this
may not be the best approach depending on your situation.
To quickly find the information you need, refer to the Map, Table of
Contents, Glossary, and Index.
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Additional information on more esoteric topics such as kernels, open
source software, and Ubuntu One can be found in the Appendices.
MapImagine this document is a new country. You've just arrived here, and
you're looking for guide posts and directions. Luckily, others have
arrived before you, and they've produced a map to help you find what
you need.
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Table of Contents
Welcome..............................................................................3
Read Me First!.....................................................................4What Is Ubuntu?................................................................................5
Why Use Ubuntu?.............................................................................6
How To Use This Guide.....................................................................6
Map....................................................................................................7
Ubuntu Vancouver Local Community.............................14Why Local Communities?................................................................14
Installing Community.......................................................................15
Is community an application that I download?............................15
A Bit Of History................................................................................16
Purpose...........................................................................................16
Culture.............................................................................................17
Philosophy.......................................................................................18
Find Answers Locally.......................................................20Meetup.............................................................................................20
Why would I join?........................................................................21
How do I join?..............................................................................21
New Member Survey...................................................................22
Modifying email settings..............................................................23
I'm getting a ton of email from UVLC. How do I change the email settings?........................................................................23
Modifying Mailing List Settings....................................................25
I'm receiving too many reminders and notifications from UVLC. How do I manage this?...........................................................25
Why does UVLC use Meetup?....................................................26
Code of Conduct and guiding principles.....................................26
BE SHARP..............................................................................26
Meetup Menus.................................................................................28
Events (Meetups)........................................................................28
Event Courtesy.......................................................................33
How are meeting locations chosen?.......................................33
Ideas............................................................................................34
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Members.....................................................................................35
All members............................................................................35
My profile (edit your profile)....................................................36
Discussions.................................................................................37
Message Board.......................................................................37
Mailing List..................................................................................39
More............................................................................................39
Polls........................................................................................39
Files.........................................................................................39
Social network channels.............................................................40
Facebook................................................................................40
Twitter......................................................................................40
Flickr........................................................................................40
LinkedIn...................................................................................40
You Tube.................................................................................40
MySpace.................................................................................41
Identi.ca...................................................................................41
Minimize Your Learning Curve........................................42Certified Hardware...........................................................................42
WOE (Ubuntu Works On Everything)..............................................44
Keep Your Ubuntu Up-To-Date........................................................46
Quick Switch Guide From Win To Ubuntu.......................................47
Getting Started With Ubuntu 10.04 Manual....................................48
Desktop Help...................................................................................48
Communicating With Non-Ubuntu Users.......................50But My Friends Use Windows Or Mac!...........................................50
Chatting Online With Others............................................................50
Posting To Your Microblog And Social Network Accounts...............51
Sending And Receiving Email.........................................................52
Sharing Files Created In Other Applications...................................53
Documents..................................................................................53
Images.........................................................................................54
Audio and Video..........................................................................54
Get Your System Running Smoothly..............................56Once You’ve Installed Ubuntu.........................................................56
Run Update Manager..................................................................56
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Add Gmail, Thunderbird, Google Voice and more to the Messaging Menu.........................................................................57
Visit Ubuntu Software Centre......................................................57
Password settings.......................................................................58
Restricted Extras.........................................................................59
Portable memory storage............................................................60
Deleted menus and panels.........................................................61
Menus.....................................................................................61
Panels.....................................................................................62
Does your Camera/Audio Player/Printer Not Work When You Plug It In?....................................................................................62
Install Ubuntu Tweak...................................................................63
A Word About IRC...........................................................................63
Tech Support.....................................................................65How To Get Support........................................................................65
Go LoCo......................................................................................65
Should I Google it?......................................................................65
Free?...........................................................................................66
Installing Software............................................................67Ubuntu Software Centre..................................................................67
Why should I use Ubuntu Software Centre?...............................67
What's the problem with downloading software directly from the internet?......................................................................................68
Wonderful Resources Beyond UVLC..............................69Launchpad.......................................................................................69
What is Launchpad?...................................................................69
Why would I use it?.....................................................................69
Isn't it enough to use Ubuntu forums/Ubuntu Wiki/Ask Ubuntu to get help?......................................................................................70
Launchpad Answers........................................................................70
What is Launchpad Answers?.....................................................70
What makes Launchpad Answers so effective?.........................70
Why should I use Launchpad Answers to get help?...................71
How do I access Launchpad Answers?......................................71
Any advice on asking questions?................................................72
IRC...................................................................................................72
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Websites and Blogs.........................................................................72
Planet Ubuntu..............................................................................72
Ask Ubuntu..................................................................................73
UbuntuWeeklyNewsletter............................................................73
OMG! Ubuntu!.............................................................................73
World of Ubuntu Community (ContributeToUbuntu)...................73
Get Involved......................................................................74Why Do People Contribute and Volunteer To Ubuntu?...................75
I'm New............................................................................................76
Volunteer and Support.....................................................................77
Share Ubuntu..................................................................................77
Ubuntu Advocacy (What Works And What Doesn't).......................77
License..............................................................................80
Appendix A........................................................................81Ubuntu.............................................................................................81
Background.................................................................................81
Philosophy...................................................................................82
How to pronounce Ubuntu..........................................................82
What is Canonical?.....................................................................82
Appendix B........................................................................84What is FLOSS?..............................................................................84
Definition.....................................................................................84
Philosophy...................................................................................84
A Brief History Of FLOSS................................................................84
Free software vs open source.....................................................86
Appendix C........................................................................87Linux................................................................................................87
What is Linux?.............................................................................87
Is Ubuntu Linux?.........................................................................87
Why do some people call Ubuntu Linux?....................................87
Why should I drop the “L-Word” when talking about Ubuntu?....88
Appendix D........................................................................89Ubuntu One.....................................................................................89
Background.................................................................................89
Types of accounts available........................................................90
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How to subscribe.........................................................................90
Appendix E........................................................................91Report Bugs.....................................................................................91
What is a bug?............................................................................91
Why report these bugs?..............................................................91
How do I report a bug?................................................................91
Appendix F........................................................................93FreeGeek Vancouver.......................................................................93
Glossary............................................................................94
Index..................................................................................98
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Ubuntu Vancouver Local Community
In this section:
• Why Local Communities?
• Installing Community
• A Bit Of History
• Purpose
• Culture
• Philosphy
So you're thinking that Ubuntu is just right for you. You like the idea of
freedom. You like the ethos. You like the sound of not worrying about
viruses. You want to learn more.
Or, maybe you've already installed Ubuntu and everything is
functioning as it should. Your printer, digital camera, and mp3 gizmo
are humming along just fine. Excellent! But this isn't the end of the
journey; it's actually the first step into a much broader one.
In either case, there is a local community of users who are happy to
share skills and knowledge and also ideas to improve your Ubuntu
experience. That's where community comes in.
Why Local Communities?Ubuntu has local communities in cities and regions throughout the
world that exist to promote Ubuntu, offer technical support and
information sharing, and celebrate fun times at in-person gatherings.
We can define a local community as a closely-tied group of individuals
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living in a specific geographical area (Vancouver, for example) who
share common interests and issues.
One common issue that UVLC can address is access to information
resources. We want to empower Vancouverites, without discrimination,
to discover and use Ubuntu technology and resources to benefit
themselves and their local community. We want to create resources
and a thriving Ubuntu ecosystem locally so that we don't have to travel
the world (or the internet) looking for ways to get help or ways to
provide help.
Instal l ing Community
Is community an application that I download?
Nope. It's not an app, and you don't download it.
Community is a process, with four steps:
1. Join. Become a member of Ubuntu Vancouver LoCo by joining
our Meetup group:
http://www.meetup.com/ubuntuvancouver/join/
2. Learn. Acquire valuable Ubuntu skills at our Support Saturdays,
Main Events, and Theme Nights.
3. Share. You've got talent, and others are happy to receive your
gifts, be it computer specific or something else that you're good
at.
4. Grow. When you learn and share knowledge with others, you
grow as a human being.
When you become part of UVLC, you are supported by a group of like-
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minded Ubuntu enthusiasts and contributors eager to share their
knowledge. As time goes on, you'll likely want to give back to the
Ubuntu community what you got out of it. When this happens,
everyone benefits.
A Bit Of HistoryUbuntu Vancouver LoCo (Local Community) was founded in April
2008 by Kim Kulak, originally under the pretext of having a release
party. In around April 2009, Randall Ross (a.k.a. The “Buzz
Generator”) joined forces with Kim and added what some might call
“jet fuel.” He sought to make UVLC the best group of its kind in the
world and to make Vancouver a magnet for Ubuntu talent.
And here we are! Ubuntu Vancouver LoCo is now one of the biggest
and most active groups of its kind. We're still growing and becoming
more exciting every day.
As of December 2010, there are more than 450 diverse members who
come from all walks of life, age groups, experience levels, and
interests. There are even some people in the group who don't use
Ubuntu at all. (Shhh! It can remain our little secret ;)
PurposeJoin. Learn. Share. Grow.
The UVLC strives to be the largest, most successful and respected
Ubuntu community in the world. We're here to support our members—
online and in-person, locally. We promote personal interaction, group
activities, and gatherings within and among our membership base.
We're here to help shape the project too. Ubuntu is not only something
we get, it's also something we make.
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We are not OADIs—a collection of Occasional Anonymous Drop Ins
that communicate mainly from behind our computer screens. Instead,
we seek to create and nurture a real—as opposed to virtual only
community of Ubuntu users in Vancouver that will help champion the
social benefits of freedom and humanity that Ubuntu represents.
That said, let's concentrate on making the “in-person” aspect of UVLC
successful.
CultureWe get a lot of common questions from people who want to know
more about UVLC before joining. So, let's shed some light on the
subjects people are most curious about.
Our official name is Ubuntu Vancouver LoCo. This was chosen
because it's consistent with other worldwide Ubuntu local
communities. You can call us UVLC for brevity. You might see or hear
slang or shorthand names such as “Vanbuntu”, “Ubuvan”, or even
“Ubuntu-yvr” bandied about. All of these names refer to us.
Our members are diverse in character and in computer
knowledge. There is a place for you here, no matter your age,
background, or level of technical expertise. We're comprised of tech
gurus, non-techies, beginners, and everyone in-between. Remember,
we're ALL human.
Our vision is for Vancouver to become an “Ubuntu city”. To do
this, we need to grow our membership base by the thousands (and
thousands!)
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PhilosophyWords from our Buzz Generator1:
Let's promote the growth of the Ubuntu Vancouver community organically and naturally, not through financial incentive (perceived or real).
Let's create an atmosphere of collaboration that transcends cultural and socioeconomic boundaries.
Let's continually short-circuit the Vancouver dial-tone of “hyper-monetization” by demonstrating that a healthy and active group of community volunteers can build a foundation of valuable resources for all to share. Merit and social reward can be our motivators.
With that foundation, opportunities will grow to provide services based on the new ecosystem. Many services will be traded. Fewer will be bought and sold. Money is not necessarily a requirement, and reducing the need for money locally makes a stronger Vancouver.
Let's build a community based on real "face-to-face" relationships and encounters, and not on virtual (or purely computer-mediated) methods. Let's not pave the roads for virtuality by investing our time and energy and money in the engines of virtuality. Slick websites, mailing lists, discussion groups, remote chat—these are all examples of pavement.
When we do invest in computer mediation, let's confine that investment and specifically aim to ensure that it improves our local community.
1 Randall Ross is the UVLC Buzz Generator.
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Let's embrace and support other groups in Vancouver when the time is right and only when we are in a position of strength. In the meantime it's prudent to stay focused on strengthening Ubuntu Vancouver.
Ubuntu Vancouver should always strive to be the group that people want to be a part of and the place where they want to invest their valuable energy and talent.
Structure is necessary—not as a default stance—but only when “structurelessness” shows signs of breakage. Let's not make teams within teams for the sake of making teams. (This does sound somewhat circular, doesn't it?). Let's always first understand what our culture is and current capabilities are before we bolt something new onto the group.
Ubuntu Vancouver LoCo is a community, not a business.
Along the way, some members may approach us purely for business motivations. When this happens, it is our responsibility to encourage them to focus on strengthening community and building the Ubuntu ecosystem. Most savvy business people will realize that without a healthy Ubuntu community there will be no business potential and will want to help.
Most of all, let's keep this fun. When the fun stops, the party's over!
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Find Answers Locally
In this section:
• Meetup
• Meetup Menus
When you become a member of Ubuntu Vancouver LoCo you get the
support of a local community of users. You only need to join and get
involved to see the benefits and advantages that local support
provides.
Ubuntu Vancouver LoCo uses Meetup.com as its membership
channel.
Creating a Meetup account and joining UVLC Meetup Group are two
separate processes. You don't need an existing Meetup account to join
UVLC, but if you have one (and maybe you already belong to some
other groups) that's fine. See How do I join? to learn more.
MeetupMeetup.com is a worldwide network of local groups that brings people
together locally and in person.
With over 450 members (and growing) as of December 2010, the
Ubuntu Vancouver Meetup channel is the exclusive online local
community space where you can:
• Join Ubuntu Vancouver
• Stay informed about Ubuntu Vancouver events
• View the Event Calendar, Message Board and Mailing List
• Contribute an idea for an upcoming event
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• Keep in touch with fellow members between events
Plus much more.
Why would I join?
Membership is free!
And joining is the only way to become an official member of Ubuntu
Vancouver Local Community.
When you join Ubuntu Vancouver through Meetup, you become part of
a rapidly growing local community who are passionate about Ubuntu.
As a member of UVLC Meetup Group you can:
• Attend local events and information seminars
• Get Ubuntu help and advice in person
• Be part of a local community who loves their OS and shares knowledge about it
• Grow your own knowledge base
• Make new friends
• Have fun, locally
• Help shape the future of Ubuntu
How do I join?
Joining Ubuntu Vancouver LoCo is a simple process and only takes a
few minutes.
The following procedure assumes that you do not have a Meetup
account and that you are not logged in to your Meetup account (if you
have one).
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Note: The Sign up link at the top of the screen above the Search box
is used to create a Meetup account, not to join UVLC.
To join UVLC Meetup Group:
1. Go to this web address:
http://www.meetup.com/ubuntuvancouver/
2. In the upper-right area of the screen, click Join us!
3. In the Sign up window, type your information.
4. Click Sign up.
You'll be sent an email message that contains a link that you must
click to verify your UVLC Meetup account.
New Member Survey
After you've verified your account, you're automatically directed to the
page Your Meetup Group profile.
On this page you have the option to write a short personal
introduction, upload a photo, and modify your email settings. It is
required that you answer a few questions. One of the questions asks
you to complete the New Member Survey (the friendly URL is
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http://is.gd/3ci71) and verify that you've seen it by typing the last five
digits of the survey web address.
When answering the questions, please be forthright and open. Your
input is valuable and helps us make UVLC the best it can be.
Responses to survey questions are anonymous and held in total
confidence—your name is never attached to the information
submitted.
Modifying email settings
I ' m g e t t i n g a t o n o f e m a i l f r o m U V L C . H o w d o I c h a n g e t h e e m a i l s e t t i n g s ?
If you want to specify how much email you receive from Ubuntu
Vancouver LoCo, change your email settings on your Meetup account
page.
CAUTION! If you turn off all your email, how will you stay abreast of
goings-on in the group? You might instead want to use other strategies
to manage your email. One powerful way is by using filters and other
strategies. Sounds complicated? Luckily, it's not, and your UVLC
friends have already documented how to do it here:
http://www.meetup.com/ubuntuvancouver/messages/boards/thread/98
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Figure 2: UVLC New Member Survey
63220#38048207
If you still want to modify Meetup email settings:
1. Log in to your Meetup account.
2. In the upper-right area of the screen, click Account.
3. In the menu at the upper-left of the screen, click Membership & Communication.
4. In the Your Meetup Groups window, in the upper-right area of the screen, click Edit email settings.
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5. Select or deselect email options for Group notifications, Mailing list, Message boards, and Automated Meetup Reminders.
Modifying Mailing List Settings
I ' m r e c e i v i n g t o o m a n y r e m i n d e r s a n d n o t i f i c a t i o n s f r o m U V L C . H o w d o I m a n a g e t h i s ?
You can control the amount and type of email you receive from UVLC by selecting or deselecting options from the Email settings screen.
There are four option categories: Group notifications, Mailing list, Message boards, and Automated Meetup Reminders. You can specify email options in each category. Scroll down the page to see all the categories. Remember to click the Submit button to save your changes.
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Figure 3: UVLC Meetup Email settings
Note: The Email settings screen controls the amount of email you receive from UVLC only. Modifying the settings on this page will not affect the amount or type of email you receive from Meetup.com or from other Meetup Group subscriptions.
Why does UVLC use Meetup?
Meetup founder Scott Heiferman may have said it best: “Sometimes
you have to use the internet to get off the internet.” UVLC believes in
the collective power of local community and so does Meetup.
With its broad marketing reach and rich set of features (like event and
membership management), Meetup does a very nice job of supporting
the current mission and goals of the UVLC. It's also affordable and
always up and running.
Code of Conduct and guiding principles
We encourage and require the participation of our members to
maintain a strong local community.
Within any large group, no matter how cohesive, there can be
disagreements or other situations that affect the overall energy of the
group. If left unchecked, certain negative behaviours can make any
group less interesting and can result in people dropping out, or worse.
As a result, UVLC has established a Code of Conduct and some
Guiding Principles that we require all members to review, to keep in
mind, and to follow when interacting with other group members. Most
of this is common sense.
B E S H A R P
Build Community. The essence of Ubuntu is: "I am what I am because
of who we all are."
26
This local community's focus is to provide face-to-face help for local
Ubuntu users, enthusiasts and participants.
Emit Courtesy. Treat others as you would want to be treated. Set an
example that others would love to follow. It's contagious, like Ubuntu!
Share Freely with Others. Ubuntu Vancouver is built and run by
volunteers who donate time, energy, and resources that keep our
group running. In that spirit, help us grow by sharing any way you can.
Have Fun! You are part of the creation of Vancouver's humanity to
others! We are the ambassadors showcasing the world's greatest free
operating system! Let's celebrate it!
Ask Questions. The community is very open to all questions. Please
let us know and we'll do our best to give you a satisfactory answer.
This venue (meetup/meetings/events) is not for advertising or
promoting your business. Our members come here for community and
to connect with other Ubuntu users in Vancouver. If you are not sure—
ASK!
Respect One Another. Treat everyone with respect. We may not
always agree, but good behaviour and good manners should always
rule. Never make people feel uncomfortable or threatened.
Participate Actively. Ubuntu Vancouver LoCo is a participatory project.
The root of our local community is strengthened by your active
participation. To grow and flourish we need your help! Get involved!
About commercialism: This venue (group/Meetup/meetings/events) is
not for advertising or promoting your business. Our members come
here for community and to connect with other Ubuntu users in
Vancouver. If you have a business (or a cause) and think this is the
27
right place to promote it, it's probably not. If you still really think it is—
please ASK, but please don't be disappointed with the answer!
About everything else: This venue (group/Meetup/meetings/events) is
about Ubuntu. If you're at a UVLC event, or interacting with the group
in its online presence, please keep the discussions related to our
theme and leave the other topics for other groups.
Meetup Menus
After you've logged in to UVLC Meetup Group you'll notice a horizontal
orange menu bar near the top of the screen. Most of what you'll want
to do is accessed here. The following sections will look at the
categories in this menu in more detail.
Events (Meetups)
In the Meetups menu, you can click on Upcoming, Past, Calendar,
and Reviews of Meetups.
UVLC promotes real life interaction between members. No amount of
virtual chat or discussion board discourse can substitute for in-person
contact. That's why we host a number of events regularly in
Vancouver, usually every couple of weeks. We're busy making plans
to host weekly events in more locations, too.
Do you need help installing Ubuntu? Are you stuck on a problem?
Don't pull out your hair in frustration.
Come out to our SupportSaturday and RescueCentre events. We can
28
help you—in person, —with everything from full installations to
technical support and modest training.
See Table 1 for a little peek at what some of our events look like and
what they're all about.
Table 1: UVLC Events
Event Features
Main Event • A social and learning event with potluck (food/drink), entertainment, prizes, and Ubuntu “goodies”.
• Meet your Ubuntu Vancouver friends and learn something about Ubuntu while you're at it.
• Topics include current release features and demos, and sneak peeks at future Ubuntu releases.
29
Event Features
ThemeNight • A brief presentation/Q&A session focused on a single Ubuntu topic.
• If you have an idea for a
ThemeNight, please bring
it forward to the organizer
who will work with you to
get it running. Our
philosophy is that all
presentations are open to
all members without
discrimination.
• Past ThemeNights have
included Where is My
Ubuntu Jet Pack? (a
preview of the next
generation Ubuntu
desktop); Ubuntu From
Anywhere and
Everywhere! (accessing
your home computer
remotely); and Produce
and Edit Great Video
Using Ubuntu.
30
Event Features
SupportSaturday • Normally held once a month, depending on demand.
• Full Ubuntu installations, tech support, and modest training for individuals (businesses excluded).
• Reserved for Ubuntu-specific issues only, excluding unreleased or unofficial versions of Ubuntu.
• Pre-register on the UVLC Meetup website and then answer a short survey about your support issue.
• You're not limited to a single issue, but keep in mind that help may be limited.
• Volunteers (SupportHeroes and SupportHeroines) offer their services for free. We can't promise that your problems will be solved, but we'll do our best. Donations are accepted to help with our costs.
• Please remember to backup your files before arriving as we can't be held responsible for lost or damaged data.
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Event Features
RescueCentre • Normally held during Main Events.
• Quick help offered by a small tech team.
• Useful for general software questions, usage issues, and advice. Generally too short to provide installs and detailed technical troubleshooting.
• More venues (and higher event frequency) are under development as the group grows.
TreatTuesday • A meet n' mingle social event with a punctual start and finish time held at a Vancouver restaurant, pub, or café.
• The emphasis is on socializing and discussing Ubuntu in the cozy confines of a supportive local business while enjoying drinks, snacks, or meals.
• No tech support offered.
• No computers allowed!
32
Event Features
Cup of Ubuntu • A meet n' mingle social event at a Vancouver coffee shop. Again, it's about socializing and brainstorming.
• No fixed start or finish time. Drop-ins are welcome.
• Leave your computer at home!
E v e n t C o u r t e s y
Before posting to the UVLC Meetup site, get a feel for the kinds of
topics that other members are discussing. Then, RSVP to an event
and come check it out. You'll get a firsthand account of what our group
is about and what it isn't. Chances are good that you'll meet some
friends and have a ton of your Ubuntu questions answered in person.
H o w a r e m e e t i n g l o c a t i o n s c h o s e n ?
When deciding, we balance these four factors:
33
Figure 4: Meetup Event Details And Tips
• Location
• Availability
• Cost (ideally free or low cost)
• Room configuration
We are a Vancouver group, therefore we have meetings in Vancouver.
We do our best to choose locations that are centrally located to our
members. Preference is given to spaces that are connected in some
way to our members and that are available free of charge or almost
free.
Ideas
This is an important area in which YOU can contribute by posting and
voting on ideas.
Some ideas turn into Theme Nights depending on popularity, interest
level, and strategic importance.
You can:
34
Figure 5: Location Determination Factors
• Suggest an Idea for a future Ubuntu meeting
• Like and Unlike an Idea
• Post a comment about an Idea
• See which UVLC members like an Idea
Ideas are sorted by most popular (the default) and most recent.
Members
In the Members menu you can click on All members and My profile.
A l l m e m b e r s
You can find every UVLC member on this page and sort the results by
name, join date, and last visited (the default).
Members are categorized under two tabs: All members and The
Leadership Team. You can search for a specific member by typing a
name into the search box.
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M y p r o f i l e ( e d i t y o u r p r o f i l e )
We encourage all members to use their real names and post a recent
photo of themselves. Why?
When you attend an event for the first time, you receive a printed
name tag based on your Meetup profile name. Unless you want to be
called JediKnight1970 (or some other pseudonym) all evening, it's
recommended that you use your real name on your Meetup profile.
On the My profile page you can:
• View and edit your personal profile
• Upload a profile photo
• Edit your email settings
• View greetings from other members
• Add and edit links to your social networking accounts
• View your latest activity
• View your RSVP/Attendance stats (scroll way down)
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Figure 6: Editing Your Profile
• Leave UVLC Meetup Group
Discussions
Although our members do use these pages from time to time, online
discussions are not the focus of UVLC. Days may pass before
anything fresh is posted here, and that's normal. If you don't see much
getting posted, it means the bulk of the discussions are happening at
events, face-to-face. You're missing it! (Subtle hint to RSVP and come
to more events.)
In the Discussions menu you can click on Message Board and
Mailing List.
M e s s a g e B o a r d
The Message Board contains eight Ubuntu forums that can be
searched by keyword. You can start a new discussion in each forum,
or participate in an existing discussion.
Announcements
This forum features discussions about:
• Upcoming meetings and events
• Other things that need to be announced
How I came to Ubuntu
This forum features stories about how our members discovered
Ubuntu and UVLC.
General Discussion
This forum contains a wide variety of Ubuntu discussion subjects
including Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
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Meetings and Face-to-Face Events
This forum focuses on making meetings great. Featured
discussions about UVLC meetings include:
• What you liked
• What you didn't like
• What you want to see next time
Marketing & Advocacy Discussions
Forum discussions include stories about helping people switch
from a proprietary OS to Ubuntu and ways to spread the Ubuntu
message around Vancouver.
Media & Press
Contains interviews and articles by and about UVLC.
Technical Support
This forum features a few tips as opposed to in-depth discussions.
The bulk of Ubuntu technical support happens offline. Sometimes the
very nature of a problem prevents a person from receiving online help.
UVLC encourages you to attend a support event to find answers
rather than posting in this discussion forum. As most technical support
happens in person, some time may pass before you see a response to
your post. In most cases, you may receive a tip or a brief response to
your post and then be asked to attend a SupportSaturday or
RescueCentre for more thorough assistance.
Buy & Sell
Buy and sell Ubuntu-ready systems and components. (If selling,
please ensure equipment works flawlessly with a supported version of
Ubuntu. Otherwise, try eBay instead.)
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Mailing List
Have you deleted an old group email message by accident and now
you need to reference it? Check out the Mailing List, which contains
an archive of UVLC-related messages. Use ubuntu-vancouver-
[email protected] to send a message to every UVLC member who
subscribes to receiving group emails.
The Mailing List is moderated. Please use discretion when sending
group emails. An easy way to gauge if your message is topical is to
ask yourself, Is the theme of my message both Ubuntu and
Vancouver specific? and Do members really need or want to know
about this? If yes, fire away! If no, reconsider sending it.
More
P o l l s
Occasionally, event organizers may request your opinion by
conducting a poll. Your participation is encouraged.
Polls are categorized under Open polls and Closed polls.
F i l e s
Let's say you made a presentation and wanted your slide show file to
be available to group members. You could upload your slide show into
Files and then open a discussion that would use a link to point to your
slide show.
You can choose to make files available to anyone or to UVLC
members only. Meetup scans all uploaded files for viruses (but that's
not an issue for Ubuntu anyway, right?)
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Social network channels
Although UVLC uses Meetup as its membership and main
communication site, we maintain a web presence on several major
social network channels. You can follow UVLC on these channels by
clicking the icons on the left side of the UVLC Meetup page.
F a c e b o o k
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=63797756749
Tw i t t e r
http://www.twitter.com/ubuntuvancouver
F l i c k r
http://www.flickr.com/ubuntuvancouver
L i n k e d I n
http://www.linkedin.com/e/vgh/2301771/
Yo u Tu b e
http://www.youtube.com/ubuntuvancouver
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Figure 7: UVLC Social Network Channels
M y S p a c e
http://www.myspace.com/ubuntuvancouver
I d e n t i . c a
http://identi.ca/ubuntuvancouver
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Minimize Your Learning Curve
In this section:
• Certified Hardware
• U-WOE (Ubuntu Works On Everything)
• Keep Your Ubuntu Up-To-Date
• Quick Switch Guide From Win To Ubuntu
• Getting Started With Ubuntu 10.04 Manual
• Desktop Help
When learning something new, mostly everyone starts at the
beginning and hits a number of speed bumps, potholes, and dead
ends before reaching a final destination. If you're new to Ubuntu we've
got some suggestions and resources you can explore to smooth out
the road and minimize your learning curve.
Certif ied HardwareWords from our Buzz Generator:
Start with hardware that works.
This presents an interesting conundrum if you already have hardware that was running some proprietary system.
Over 90% of the issues I've seen are a result of incompatible hardware. So, before embarking on your Ubuntu journey, choose a system and peripherals that are certified (or at least compatible). If you have hardware and it is not, and if you are in a position to sell or trade, please do so without further thought.
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eBay is your best friend for this: http://ebay.ca/ and Craigslist is also your friend (but second) for this: http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/sys/
(Why the preference? When you sell incompatible hardware on Craigslist it will likely stay in our community. I prefer to export the incompatible stuff to places that like monopolies more than we do and to keep wonderfully compatible stuff in our community. That's why I recommend eBay first.)
Ok. Now you need something new. Before buying, first check the list of certified hardware that "just works" with Ubuntu. Here is the official list: http://webapps.ubuntu.com/certification/.
If you're in a store and see a cool/cheap/esoteric piece of hardware, avoid the temptation to buy it. First, check the list.
And, there are commercial Ubuntu systems vendors that *get Ubuntu*. System76 is quite good: http://www.system76.com/
Don't see something you want to buy on the list? Go to our "Buy and Sell" discussions area and ask the group for recommendations based on what they are currently using.
Table 2 contains a partial list of computers that are certified by
Canonical Inc. to run Ubuntu at time of this writing. For a complete and
up-to-date list, see http://webapps.ubuntu.com/certification/
Table 2: Partial List Of Certified Ubuntu Hardware
Computer Model
Acer Aspire One Laptop PC (x86)
Asustek Eee PC 1000 Laptop PC (x86)
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Computer Model
Eee PC 900 Laptop PC (x86)
ToshibaNB100 Laptop PC (x86)
Tecra M10 Laptop PC (x86)
Hewlett Packard
Mini 1000 Laptop PC
Proliant DL140 G3 Server
Proliant ML110 Server
Proliant ML370
Vmware Inc. ESX 3.5 Server PC
Dell
Inspiron 1420 Laptop PC
Inspiron 1545 Laptop PC
Inspiron 6400 Laptop PC
Latitude 2100 Laptop PC
Mini 10v Laptop LPIA
Vostro 1720 Laptop PC
Vostro 3300 Laptop PC
Vostro 3700 Laptop PC
Optiplex 360 Desktop PC
PowerEdge 860 Server
PowerEdge T710 Server
WOE (Ubuntu Works On Everything)Words from our Buzz Generator:
It Works on Everything. U-WOE!
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I've noticed a recurring theme that I'd like to address. The FLOSS world (and therefore by inclusion the Ubuntu world) has this notion (or hope) that their stuff runs on all hardware: it works on everything.
And, since everything it the world needs a catchy acronym, I am going to name this notion: U-WOE! Ubuntu works on everything. Catchy and exciting!
There's only one problem: It doesn't (yet).
Aptly, the web tells me that "woe" can be defined as "grief; sorrow; misery; heavy calamity". In my experience, this definition captures the net result of one's blind belief in U-WOE.
If my engineering and IT background has taught me anything it is this: Design is not accidental. The connection of a collection of random hardware and software components without rigorous design, integration, and testing *might* work as a functional system. But that's pure luck. More likely it will get only part way there. Maybe up to 80%. But, just try to get the last 20%. And, measure the effort required ;)
Anecdote! In Vancouver BC (home of my favourite Ubuntu Local Community), I see this frequently. Fresh new Ubuntu people come into one of our amazing Ubuntu technical support events with strange and interesting collections of components. They're eager. They love Ubuntu. They want it. Sadly, we can't always get them there though, at least not all the way. And if we can, it's not without some major heroics, hacks, and hours from our support team. That's time (energy, labour) lost on making Ubuntu better. Time taken away from marketing and spreading the word...
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Please don't get me wrong. Ubuntu runs fabulously on a lot of hardware from different places, times, and galaxies. That's truly a real strength of our favourite free operating system. But, if you encounter someone preaching U-WOE please maintain your realism and a good dose of skepticism. Engineering doesn't work that way and "lots" <> "everything".
U-WOE
As an Ubuntu advocate, and as a favour to me, please don't spread this U-WOE notion to those on the other side of the chasm. Let's save U-WOE for the day when it is really true. Until then, if you say U-WOE then woe is you :)
I'm one of those people that wants to see the day when U-WOE is indeed "the law of the land." I'll share more thoughts on how I think that could happen in a future post. Until then, I'd like to hear yours...
* A footnote: To all my friends in other "free operating system projects": I could have picked on your project too. It's just that I like Ubuntu enough to want it to be even more amazing than it is already and this is after all Planet Ubuntu.
Keep Your Ubuntu Up-To-DateWords from our Buzz Generator:
Use an up-to-date version of Ubuntu. By up-to-date, I mean a recent released version preferably one that is designated "Long Term Support". That means Ubuntu 10.04 (also referred to as Lucid Lynx as that was its code name before it was released in April 2010.)
I have seen people running versions of Ubuntu that are months or years out of date. Old bugs don't taste very good. They really don't. Please update.
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I have also seen people running alpha or beta versions of Ubuntu. New bugs sting. Only run pre-release versions of Ubuntu if you intend to assist with bug reporting, translations, development, documentation or some other aspect of the project. (As an aside, when you were using a proprietary operating system in the past were you installing their alpha and beta versions? Was it fun? If you answered yes, you are probably going to enjoy unreleased Ubuntu even more as you can get even closer to the bugs!)
Quick Switch Guide From Win To UbuntuCheck out the Quick Switch guide (Table 3) to see which programs
can be used to replace what you already use. This information has
been compiled by UVLC, and represents our best current advice. All
software is either already installed or is readily available in Ubuntu
Software Centre and can be installed with a single click.
For a more general list written by people we don't know personally,
please visit
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/WindowsApplicationsEquivalents
Want more software? Ubuntu Software Centre (located in the
Applications menu) has thousands of useful applications organized by
category.
Table 3: Quick Switch Guide
If you use Replace with
Outlook Evolution or Thunderbird
MSN Messenger Empathy or Pidgin
Skype Empathy
BitTorrent (and other p2p) Transmission or Vuze
Adobe Acrobat Evince or OpenOffice.org
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If you use Replace with
AVG AntiVirus Not needed ;)
Windows Media Player Rhythmbox
CD Copy Sound Juicer
Adobe Photoshop GIMP
Adobe Illustrator Inkscape
Adobe After Effects GIMP (Plug-ins)
MS Office OpenOffice.org
MS Word OpenOffice.org Writer
MS Excel OpenOffice.org Calc
MS PowerPoint OpenOffice.org Impress
MS Access OpenOffice.org Base
Quicken and MS Money KMyMoney or GnuCash
MS Project Planner
Getting Started With Ubuntu 10.04 ManualWritten for beginners by The Ubuntu Manual Team, Getting Started
With Ubuntu 10.04 tells you how to accomplish tasks in Ubuntu step-
by-step (with screenshots). It's free of charge to download and share,
and it's print friendly too. Check it out here: http://ubuntu-manual.org/
Desktop HelpTo open Help and Support from your desktop:
1. In the panel, click System.
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2. Click Help and Support.
49
Communicating With Non-Ubuntu Users
In this section:
• But My Friends Use Windows Or Mac!
• Chatting Online With Others
• Posting To Your Microblog And Social Network Accounts
• Sending And Receiving Email
• Sharing Files Created In Other Applications
But My Friends Use Windows Or Mac!Not to worry. You won't be shut out from the Windows and Mac crowd
if you use Ubuntu. You can communicate and collaborate with your
friends and colleagues, even if they use proprietary operating
systems.
And you'll still be able to broadcast updates, tweets, messages, and
more to the internet (directly from your desktop, no less).
Chatting Online With OthersEmpathy IM (Instant Messaging) Client lets you communicate in real
time with people you know.
You can launch Empathy from either the Applications menu or from
Chat Accounts in the MeMenu (see Figure 8).
50
See Table 4 for a list of IM networks that Empathy connects with.
Table 4: Empathy Connections
Empathy connects with these IM networks
AIM Gadu-Gadu GoogleTalk
Groupwise ICQ Jabber
MSN MySpace QQ
XMPP Sametime Silc
SIP Yahoo Zephyr
Posting To Your Microblog And Social Network AccountsYou can broadcast posts, messages, and other content to your
microblogs and social network accounts directly from your desktop
using Gwibber Social Client.
You can access Gwibber from either the Applications menu or from
Broadcast Accounts in the MeMenu (see Figure 9).
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Figure 8: Accessing Chat Accounts
UVLC has exclusive documentation to manage all your social
networks. Find it here:
http://www.meetup.com/ubuntuvancouver/messages/boards/thread/10
008308#38481273
Gwibber connects with a variety of microblogs and social network
accounts (see Table 5).
Table 5: Gwibber Connections
Gwibber Social Client connects with these microblogs
Flickr Twitter
StatusNet Qaiku
Facebook FriendFeed
Digg Identi.ca
Sending And Receiving EmailYou can send and receive email to and from your Windows and Mac
(and Ubuntu!) friends using Evolution Mail. To learn more about
Evolution, go here: http://projects.gnome.org/evolution/
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Figure 9: Broadcast Accounts
Another popular email client is Thunderbird, which you can install from
Ubuntu Software Centre in the Applications menu. UVLC has created
exclusive community documentation for Thunderbird called “Taming
Your Email”, which you can read here:
http://www.meetup.com/ubuntuvancouver/messages/boards/thread/98
63220#38048207
In our view, a document written by local experts is more valuable than
one written by distant strangers. However, if there is a piece of
information that you just can't seem to track down, you can enter the
world of Thunderbird here: http://www.mozillamessaging.com/en-
US/thunderbird/
Sharing Files Created In Other Applications
Documents
Let's say your friend or coworker sends you a document that was
created in MS (Microsoft) Office. You think to yourself, Uh-oh. Can I
open this thing? Can I save it so that others can open it?
Yes to both questions.
MS Office documents can be opened with OpenOffice, which is
included with Ubuntu and features a word processor (Writer), a
spreadsheet application (Calc), and a presentation creator (Impress).
By default, OpenOffice saves new documents with its own special file
extension (Writer uses .odt). You can override this in the Save As
dialogue by selecting a different file extension (.doc, for example).
If you find yourself doing this frequently, you might want to drop the
hint to your proprietary software friends that OpenOffice can be
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installed, free of charge, on Windows and Mac.
Table 6 lists common MS Office files compatible with OpenOffice
applications.
Table 6: Compatible Document Files
Open and save these MS Office files . . .
. . . using these OpenOffice applications
DOC, DOCX Writer
XLS, XLSX Calc
PPT, PPS, PPTX Impress
Images
Table 7 lists common image files that are compatible between Ubuntu
and proprietary operating systems.
Table 7: Compatible Image Files
Image Files
JPEG, JPG
PNG
TIFF
BMP
Audio and Video
Table 8 lists common audio and video file formats that are compatible
between Ubuntu and proprietary operating systems.
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Table 8: Compatible Audio/Video Files
Audio and Video Files
WAV
MP3
MP4
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Get Your System Running Smoothly
In this section:
• Once You've Installed Ubuntu
• A Word About IRC
Once You’ve Instal led UbuntuYou may be wondering what the best tweaks are to get your system
running smoothly. There are thousands of modifications and add-ons
to customize your system to your exact needs. However, this is so
personalized we wouldn’t be able to address all of these concerns in
this document.
For personal customization you will find the section Wonderful
Resources > Websites and Blogs especially useful.
Run Update Manager
Just because you’ve installed the latest version of Ubuntu from a CD
or online doesn’t mean that your system is totally up-to-date. At any
given time, there are likely updates and patches waiting for you as
Ubuntu is updated almost daily. So, make sure you run Update
Manager (if it doesn’t update you first) so that you’re benefiting from
the latest fixes and features.
(Source: OMG! Ubuntu)
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Add Gmail, Thunderbird, Google Voice and more to the Messaging Menu
Make the Messaging Menu (the green envelope icon in the top panel)
work better for you by adding notification support for Gmail,
Thunderbird, and Zimbra.
(Source: OMG! Ubuntu)
Visit Ubuntu Software Centre
One size certainly does not fit all, so if you’ve explored everything
there is in the default installation of Ubuntu and you find you need
something more, take a look in Ubuntu Software Centre.
Thousands of applications are there for you to enjoy, all with a single
click to install. If you’re a graphic artist and have used Adobe’s
creative suite in the past, you’ll want to add Inkscape (vector graphics
creator and editor) and GIMP (image editor). Consider adding VLC if
you want to use your computer as a media watching powerhouse. Or
add and play some awesome games.
Ubuntu Software Centre can be launched from the Applications menu.
Again, everything installs in one-click, so browse around—make sure
you check out the cool new Featured Applications section, too!
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Figure 10: Get Notified When New Email Arrives
Password settings
Configure your system to force yourself to log in at the start of each
session.
This will not only ensure additional security for you but also will
eliminate a potential irritation: the constant nagging of “enter key ring
password” throughout your computing session. If you are prompted for
it, the key ring password is the same as your login password and is
asked by the system to ensure that you have administrator rights to
the system before allowing you to use potentially restricted resources
or modify your system.
Password settings can be found here:
System>Administration>Login Screen.
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Figure 11: Ubuntu Software Centre
Restricted Extras
Due to patent and licensing restrictions in different parts of the world,
as well as the project’s commitment to freedom, Ubuntu does not
install all pieces of software that you might want, especially if you're
the type that watches a lot of movies or listens to a lot of music on
your computer.
File formats such as MP4, MOV, WMV, MP3, FLV, and other patent-
encumbered formats are not free (as in freedom) and have distribution
restrictions. To use files with these types, you'll need to go to Ubuntu
Software Centre and install Ubuntu restricted extras. You can find this
item by typing its name in the Search box in Ubuntu Software Centre.
Note: This item is also required for Flash-enabled websites such as
YouTube.
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Figure 12: Login Screen Settings
Portable memory storage
You have a 4 GB USB memory stick and have just deleted all the files
on it, yet when you try to add a new file your computer responds that
the memory stick is full. You check the properties and indeed find that
all the memory is being used, but there are no visible files. What
happened?
Ubuntu creates a “hidden file” called trash that actually still contains all
of the files you just deleted. To remove them for real, ensure that your
storage media is plugged into your computer and do one of the
following:
• Right-click on the trash bin and select Empty Trash.
or
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Figure 13: Ubuntu Restricted Extras
• Click your storage media, view the hidden files, and then delete the trash folder.
Deleted menus and panels
You were clicking around and the next thing you know your menus—or
even worse, your top panel—is gone! You accidentally deleted it, but
how do you bring it back?
M e n u s
To restore menus:
1. Right-click on a blank area of the panel, and select Add to
Panel.
2. Select from the list or search for the item that was deleted.
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3. Click Add.
P a n e l s
To restore panels:
• Open the terminal (Accessories > Terminal) and type the following commands:
gconftool-2 --shutdown
rm -rf ~/.gconf/apps/panel
pkill gnome-panel
Note: These commands are case-sensitive, and the spaces between
the characters are important. You can copy and paste the above text
into your terminal window to ensure that you have no typos. You do
not need administrator privileges to do this.
Does your Camera / Audio Player / Printer Not Work When You Plug It In?
The most likely reason is that your hardware vendor does not support
Ubuntu.
The best way to get this resolved (if it is resolvable) is at a
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SupportSaturday, a RescueCenter, or by using our Technical Support
forum at meetup.com/ubuntuvancouver. If you’re in a rush, or it’s the
middle of the night, you can also try Launchpad Answers.
Install Ubuntu Tweak
(Only if you’re familiar with Ubuntu, and consider yourself in the
“power-user” category.)
Ubuntu Tweak is a one-stop shop for managing and installing extra
applications, tweaking your desktop (such as putting the window
controls back on the right and choosing which icons show on the
desktop) and allowing you to keep your system in tip-top shape with
the built in system cleaning options.
(Source: OMG! Ubuntu)
A Word About IRCInternet Relay Chat (IRC) is a form of real time Internet chat. It is
mainly designed for group (many-to-many) communications in
discussion forums called channels, but also allows one-to-one
communication via private message. Many popular Ubuntu-related
63
Figure 14: Ubuntu Tweak
channels are on Freenode.
You may be directed to these channels when participating in the more
technical parts of the world wide Ubuntu community .
Ubuntu Vancouver does not maintain an active presence on IRC for a
number of reasons:
1. Community <> IRC.
2. Our resources are best applied locally helping neighbours; and
3. Most problems are beyond the scope of an online chat.
(Source: IRC Wiki)
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Tech Support
In this section:
• How To Get Support
Get local tech support in person at a UVLC event and online via the
Technical Support forum in the UVLC Meetup site.
Find a bug? Report it (see Appendix E) and help the developers of
Ubuntu keep their code tight.
How To Get Support
Go LoCo
There are two avenues of local support available to members.
First, we encourage you to attend a SupportSaturday event. If one isn't
upcoming, then try our RescueCentre, which is held during a Main
Event.
Second, go to the UVLC Meetup site and post your query in the
Discussions > Message Board > Technical Support forum. You
may also want to search this forum in case someone else posted a
similar question and received help.
Should I Google it?
Not everything is solved with a Google search—your technical
problems included. A far better way to get help online is to use
Launchpad Answers, unique to Ubuntu.
Words from our Buzz Generator:
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Having technical issues? Want to track down solutions on the web? Ouch! Use online searches (Google etc.) only as a last resort.
Sounds heretical right? Unfortunately, search results are often stale, confusing, and irrelevant to your particular situation. There are much better online information resources in the Ubuntu world that can help. I've written about this before and my advice still rings true: http://www.meetup.com/ubuntuvancouver/messages/boards/thread/8521005
(Note: you must be logged in to view this message.)
Free?
Words from our Buzz Generator:
How long will Ubuntu offer free tech $upport?
That depends on the type of support you want and need. Free support is available from the community (both online and in-person). Support is available as a paid service from Canonical and other Ubuntu partners.
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Installing Software
In this section:
• Ubuntu Software Centre
Ubuntu Software CentreIf you've migrated from a proprietary OS, you may be in the habit of
searching Google for software to download and install that's usually in
the form of an .exe file. This is the old way to get new software, and
while it works in a proprietary software world, with Ubuntu, there's a
much better way.
Use Ubuntu Software Centre exclusively to install new software that is
tested, signed, validated, and in most cases, works!
Go to Applications > Ubuntu Software Centre to discover
thousands of applications, free of charge, without having to set your
cursor inside a Google search result or a dubious third-party website.
Why should I use Ubuntu Software Centre?
Software is easy to find. There are thousands of titles arranged by
category. You'll find office applications, image and multimedia editors,
fonts, games, plus tons more good stuff. Once you've found something
interesting, click the More Info button to read more about a particular
program.
Software is easy to install. Find a title you're interested in, and then
click the Install button. Authenticate the installation with your password
and you're done.
Software is easy to remove. No more rooting around in the deepest,
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darkest, scariest nether regions of your operating system to remove
unwanted software and dead shortcut icons. Ubuntu Software Centre
keeps track of the programs you've installed and gives you a
headache-free way to uninstall them: just click the Remove button.
What's the problem with downloading software directly from the internet?
In most cases, it's completely unnecessary. That's what Ubuntu
Software Centre is for.
Additionally, there are a number of potential problems that could
occur:
• Some Linux-based software may not be compatible with Ubuntu
• Software downloaded directly from the internet may be uninstallable and cause damage to your Ubuntu installation
For the majority of users, Ubuntu Software Centre has almost every
type of program needed, even titles published by Canonical partners
(Skype and Adobe Reader, for example).
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Wonderful Resources Beyond UVLC
In this section:
• Launchpad
• Launchpad Answers
• IRC
• Websites And Blogs
Beyond UVLC, there are some excellent Ubuntu resources available
online.
Launchpad
What is Launchpad?
Unique to Ubuntu, and one of its “ace cards”, Launchpad is a website
that hosts collaborative software projects. There are many dedicated
areas of Launchpad including:
• Launchpad Answers (a Q&A support area)
• Code hosting and review
• Cross-project bug tracking
• Web-based translation
Go here to take a highly visual tour: https://launchpad.net/+tour/index
Why would I use it?
Two main reasons:
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• To contribute to the Ubuntu project (contributing is a core value)
• To get help (see the subsection Launchpad Answers)
Isn't it enough to use Ubuntu forums / Ubuntu Wiki / Ask Ubuntu to get help?
No. Each one of these avenues has serious limitations.
Forums are loud and the content is usually stale. Ubuntu Wiki is
difficult to navigate and the content is sometimes stale. Ask Ubuntu is
a proprietary website with no multilingual support, and there isn't any
feedback loop between users and developers.
If you need online help, try Launchpad Answers instead.
Launchpad Answers
What is Launchpad Answers?
Launchpad Answers is the knowledge base area of Launchpad.
Use Launchpad Answers to get Q&A (Question and Answer) help
online. It's the next-best-thing to getting in-person help.
What makes Launchpad Answers so effective?
Effectiveness is related to your participation. When you report if your
problems were “Solved” or your questions merely “Answered”, you
make an important contribution to the continuing quality of Launchpad
Answers.
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Why should I use Launchpad Answers to get help?
First, your questions and bug reports are reviewed and responded to
by Ubuntu developers, worldwide users, and Ubuntu Vancouver LoCo
members (not necessarily in that order).
Second, information posted on Launchpad Answers is of high quality
and is less contradictory than what you'll find on Ubuntu discussion
forums, mailing lists, and search engines.
Questions posted in forums tend to get lost in a sea of threads.
Questions posted to a mailing list may or may not be read or
responded to. The answers given may or may not be relevant. Google
or other search engine returns may be stale or irrelevant. Or you could
drown in information overload!
Third, your questions are treated as database entries that can be
indexed, filtered, and applied to future releases of Ubuntu. In the case
of bug reporting, your post (and received response) becomes linked to
the Launchpad bug reports database.
How do I access Launchpad Answers?
To search the database of questions and answers, click here:
https://answers.launchpad.net/
To ask or respond to a question, you need a Launchpad account. If
you've got one, log in here: https://login.launchpad.net/
If you don't have an account, you need to create one here:
https://login.launchpad.net/+new_account
71
Any advice on asking questions?
Yes!
When asking questions, it's important that you type the word
“Vancouver” somewhere in the body of your post for “tagging”
purposes. For example, “Hi, I'm in Vancouver and I was wondering
how to . . .” or something along that line.
Tagged posts can easily be searched and responded to by UVLC
members. Of course, you may receive help from someone located
outside the geographical area.
IRCIRC (Internet Relay Chat) is an especially useful tool for
geographically dispersed (and usually technical) communities. You
can use IRC to chat in real time with people in a different geographical
area than you. Because UVLC meets regularly, in person, we haven't
the need for an IRC channel. We also find that most support issues
aren't solvable over a chat conversation.
Ubuntu Canada uses IRC though. So if you're not in Vancouver or just
want to chat with someone in far away places you can find out more
info here: http://ubuntu-ca.org/
Websites and Blogs
Planet Ubuntu
Planet Ubuntu is a syndicated blog of all official Ubuntu members
around the world. The project's founder and other Ubuntu leaders and
community members worldwide write articles that appear here. It's
usually a good source of “what's going to happen next” information
72
about Ubuntu the project.
Ask Ubuntu
Ask Ubuntu is a collaborative Q&A site for Ubuntu users and
developers. It's completely free, and you don't need to register to use
it.
http://askubuntu.com/
UbuntuWeeklyNewsletter
The UbuntuWeeklyNewsletter features news and interesting tidbits
about Ubuntu and its variants Kubuntu, Edubuntu and Xubuntu. It's
widely read by users, developers, and some members of the media.
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UbuntuWeeklyNewsletter/
OMG! Ubuntu!
OMG! Ubuntu! is a blog geared toward Ubuntu users who are not
necessarily techies. It focuses on presenting development news, witty
opinion pieces, interviews, and more to a mainstream Ubuntu
audience.
http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/
World of Ubuntu Community (ContributeToUbuntu)
Part of the Ubuntu Team Wiki, this website is really a guide to help you
make a contribution to Ubuntu. It covers a lot of territory including
marketing, donating, writing code, and communications.
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/ContributeToUbuntu
73
Get Involved
In this section:
• Why Do People Contribute And Volunteer To Ubuntu?
• Why Do People Contribute And Volunteer To Ubuntu?
• Volunteer And Support
• Share Ubuntu
• Ubuntu Advocacy (What Works And What Doesn't)
You may have heard the saying, “it takes a community to raise a
child.” But it's also true that it takes a community to raise (and
maintain) Ubuntu and other great Free/Libre Open Source Software
(FLOSS).
Without community involvement and the participation of thousands of
volunteers from around the world, Ubuntu couldn't exist. Huge
amounts of effort and cooperation go into creating Ubuntu.
Ubuntu is part of a larger ecosystem of software built on the FLOSS
model. It is the result of collaboration between many individuals of
diverse talents. No single company or person owns FLOSS because it
cannot be owned.
74
This is a striking realization for many people, especially those who've
migrated from a proprietary (for profit) operating system to a FLOSS
operating system like Ubuntu.
To learn more about FLOSS, see Appendix B.
Why Do People Contribute and Volunteer To Ubuntu?Some reasons why people get involved with Ubuntu include:
• To improve existing software
• To improve and learn new skills
• To be part of a cooperative project that benefits oneself and others
• To act on deeply held beliefs that software should be freely available to all
75
Figure 15: The Ubuntu Ecosystem
• To act on deeply held beliefs that we are part of a “shared humanity” and to make our society more just and more sustainable
Volunteer contributions take many forms. You don't need to be an
expert code writer to contribute.
Ubuntu is open to all who want to become part of the community. You
can get involved in marketing campaigns, software bug testing,
designing artwork, writing user documentation, or simply donating your
time and particular skills with your local user group. (This is also true
for many FLOSS projects.)
I 'm NewWords from our Buzz Generator:
I'm new to the group. What's the best way to get involved?
First, come to a Main Event or two to experience the group culture. You'd be surprised just how different we are from these little bits of text and avatars you see on your screen. You'll also likely be surprised by how we don't fit into the pattern you may have seen of other groups that form around technology topics.
Next, send Randall an email. Introduce yourself: especially what interests you and where you see an opportunity to add your unique talents. (You may have also included that information in your New Member Survey).
Get close(r) to your local community. That's where the enthusiasts and experts are.
76
Most people err by assuming that since Ubuntu is free and downloadable then the support must also be downloadable (or online) and of course free. They also err by thinking that they are on their own. Instead, make a decision to come out in person to events. You'll find that you quickly meet people that you enjoy working with and being around. That makes your peer-support network stronger, and relieves the burden on yourself to be a system administrator for yourself and your family/friends. It also begins that process where you'll hear fewer gripes about those proprietary systems sold by fruit companies and monopolists ;)
Volunteer and SupportVolunteers are always needed to help organize events, provide tech
support, and promote Ubuntu in street-level marketing campaigns.
Donations and gifts are always welcome and go back into funding
local meetings, events, presentations, parties, and the promotion of
Ubuntu.
Share UbuntuTell others about Ubuntu Vancouver LoCo:
http://meetup.com/ubuntuvancouver.
Ubuntu Advocacy (What Works And What Doesn't)Words from our Buzz Generator:
We could write a book on advocacy and all of its nuances, and perhaps one day we should. For now, here's a summary of our best tips on how to spread the good word about Ubuntu to your friends, family, colleagues, and even random strangers on the street. (Yes, we've done that too!)
77
1) Pronounce it correctly. It's pronounced “Oo-boon-too”. When you mispronounce a word, your credibility is immediately called into question.
2) Use Ubuntu yourself. Every day. Make it your only OS and immerse yourself in it. After all, if you're not confident enough to do so, why should anyone else? As Gandhi once said “Be the change you want to see.”
3) Don't assume people have ever heard of it. Pretend it's brand now to them. Introduce Ubuntu as Ubuntu, and skip the references to arcane systems of days gone by, and also skip the computer science minutia. Most people don't care and tend to tune out if you try to impress with jargon or recount a history lesson.
4) Choose your targets. Don't assume that everyone is ready for Ubuntu. Some aren't. Since you have limited resources and time, try to gauge whether a person is receptive to new ideas and ways of thinking, generally. Ask them some probing questions (without saying Ubuntu) that will help you understand their comfort with change. If they seem to be open-minded, give it a shot.
5) Don't be a soloist. You're not the whole Ubuntu Vancouver LoCo. The nearly 500 people in the group who use Ubuntu have a much greater wealth of Ubuntu knowledge than yourself individually. So, if you've found someone that you think is ready for Ubuntu, encourage them to join the group as their next step. There's no substitute for a community and the person you send our way will be richer in knowledge because you have done so.
6) Learn about Ubuntu and know it well. If you don't know something, defer to Ubuntu Vancouver LoCo. Someone in the group will know it. Don't make up answers. Don't misuse terminology.
78
7) Always be prepared to give a brief but interesting demo. Have a good, clean working system running the latest released Ubuntu version. Ideally, you'll want a separate user called “demo” or something similar set up so you're not exposing personal files or strange configurations and settings that will confuse your target audience. Encourage them to play with the system themselves.
8) Never compare Ubuntu with other operating systems, free or not. When you do, you draw their attention away from your message and towards a competitor's. Don't name names. Refer to other products only in the general sense, or by using comical terms such as “the monopolist in Redmond”, and “the fruit company in Cupertino.”
9) Use stories. People appreciate a good story about your personal journey. How did you discover Ubuntu? What impressed you the most about it? When did you make the decision to never turn back?
Even though these tips will likely steer you in a good direction in your advocacy efforts, never forget that there are no universal strategies. Every person you approach will need a slightly different flavour of the above.
Have fun!
79
License
THE WORK (AS DEFINED BELOW) IS PROVIDED UNDER THE
TERMS OF THIS CREATIVE COMMONS PUBLIC LICENCE
(hereafter "LICENCE").
The full license can be found here:
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.5/ca/legalcode.en
Creative Commons is not a party to this Licence, and makes no
warranty whatsoever in connection with the Work. Creative Commons
will not be liable to You or any party on any legal theory for any
damages whatsoever, including without limitation any general, special,
incidental or consequential damages arising in connection to this
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Commons has expressly identified itself as the Licensor hereunder, it
shall have all rights and obligations of Licensor.
Except for the limited purpose of indicating to the public that the Work
is licensed under this Licence, neither party will use the trademark
"Creative Commons" or any related trademark or logo of Creative
Commons without the prior written consent of Creative Commons. Any
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Creative Commons may be contacted at http://creativecommons.org/.
Creative Commons Canada may be contacted at
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80
Appendix A
Ubuntu
Background
Ubuntu is a popular FLOSS operating system for desktop, notebook,
netbook, and server computers. Its first public release was in October
2004.
It costs nothing to download, copy, and if you're a programmer, to take
apart and improve the source code.
The current standard release is 10.10 and the LTS (Long Term
Support) release is 10.04, which debuted in April 2010. See Table 9 for
the differences between standard and LTS releases.
Table 9: Ubuntu Standard And LTS Releases
Standard release LTS (Long Term Support) release
Current release (pre-release nickname) and date launched
10.10 (Maverick Meerkat), October 10, 2010
10.04 (Lucid Lynx), April 29, 2010
Release frequency Every 6 months Every 2 years
Support duration Free security updates for 18 months
3 years for desktops; 5 years for servers
Cost FREE FREE
Ubuntu is a no-cost replacement for popular commercial operating
systems (think giant monopoly in Redmond and a fruit company in
81
Cupertino2).
Ubuntu comes loaded with useful software applications that let you:
• Surf the internet (virus-free!)
• Create spreadsheets, documents, and presentations
• Communicate over social networks
• Create and manage multimedia files
Additional software (free of charge) is available to download through
Ubuntu Software Centre, a built-in application easily accessible from
the Ubuntu desktop. No more software downloads from the internet
vortex!
Philosophy
Ubuntu means “humanity to others” and “I am what I am because
of who we all are” in the Zulu and Xhosa languages of South Africa.
With this spirit of humanity, cooperation, and freedom of computing at
its heart, the goal of Ubuntu is to be accessible to everyone regardless
of language, disability, or income.
How to pronounce Ubuntu
Ubuntu is pronounced Oo-boon-too.
What is Canonical?
Canonical is a company founded in 2004 by South African
entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth to support, promote, and fund Ubuntu.
The company offers a range of services including customized Ubuntu
2 The intention here is to avoid promoting the big two proprietary operating systems.
82
training to businesses and individuals for a fee. Profits are channelled
back into the ongoing development and promotion of Ubuntu.
83
Appendix B
What is FLOSS?
Definition
No, it's not the melt-in-your-mouth pink candy you buy every summer
at the PNE, nor is it a thin filament that you slide between your teeth
after meals.
FLOSS is an acronym for Free/Libre Open-Source Software.
Sometimes in English-only environments it's referred to as FOSS
(Free Open Source Software) despite the ambiguity of the English
word “free”.
FLOSS embodies two concepts: free software and open source
software, both of which have slightly different philosophical
approaches.
Philosophy
At the heart of FLOSS exists the idea of sharing software and source
code. The word “Free”, as used in this context, has nothing to do with
the price of the software, but everything to do with a user's software
rights.
These rights include the freedom to use, examine, copy, distribute,
modify, and yes, even sell a piece of FLOSS (although this last point
would likely be debated by some people).
A Brief History Of FLOSSIn the early years of personal computing, software was freely shared
84
by users and manufacturers, who were happy to have programs
written that made their hardware tick.
Eventually, the cost of producing software skyrocketed, and a growing
number of software developers were soon competing with programs
that came freely bundled with computer maker's machines.
By the late 1970s, the software industry began to distribute programs
whose source code could not be examined and modified, and soon
after, copyright law was extended to include software programs.
In 1983, a disillusioned MIT hacker named Richard Stallman began
the GNU Project, and in 1984 work on the GNU operating system had
started.
A year later the Free Software Foundation (FSF) was formed, and the
GNU Manifesto published. Foremost in this document was the concept
of software freedom for all users, or “copyleft”.
In 1997, Eric Raymond, a computer programmer and open source
advocate, published an essay that outlined the free software ethos.
This paper influenced Netscape to release their Communicator
Internet Suite as free software in 1998.
Soon, Raymond and other advocates began looking for ways to
introduce free software concepts to the corporate software world.
Realizing that social idealism was not particularly inspiring to the
commercial software players, Raymond hit on two ideas: renaming the
free software crusade and recasting it as being good for business.
Thus, “open source” become the chosen moniker, and the Open
Source Initiative (OSI) was founded.
85
Free software vs open source
Is it the same thing? Sort of. Not exactly. Maybe. Argh!
Seriously, some people argue that free software and open source
software are two different products and philosophies. Others consider
the two things to be essentially the same, but with slight variations in
principles.
Regarding free software, the word “free” is used in this way: “You have
personal freedom to do what you want with this software.”
Even though you may have gotten your software free of cost, this is
not a mandatory requirement of free software.
Open source software focuses more on the idea of collaboratively
developing source code as a new business model rather than being a
trumpet blast for personal liberties.
Both free software and open source software have their own advocacy
foundations:
• Free Software Foundation (http://www.fsf.org/)
• Open Source Initiative (http://www.opensource.org/)
86
Appendix C
Linux 3
What is Linux?
Linux (pronounced Lin-nuhks) is a kernel—the core around which
some FLOSS computer operating systems (Ubuntu, for example) are
built.
A kernel isn't, on its own, an operating system, but rather a set of
computer instructions that enables hardware to communicate with
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System).
Contrary to common thought, Linux isn't a corporation, and no one
person owns it.
The Linux kernel is named after Linus Torvalds, the Finnish computer
programmer who created it in 1991.
Is Ubuntu Linux?
No. Ubuntu is a FLOSS operating system that uses the Linux kernel.
Why do some people call Ubuntu Linux?
A couple of reasons come to mind:
1. Old habits die hard. Early FLOSS operating systems were little more than the Linux kernel and a few basic parts. Even as GUIs (Graphical User Interfaces) improved and user-friendly applications were added, people still thought of their OS as being Linux.
3 Some content in this section was adapted from the work of Randall Ross.
87
2. Bad marketing.
Why should I drop the “L-Word” when talking about Ubuntu?
Two good reasons:
1. Most ordinary computer users are turned off by anything that sounds remotely esoteric and tech heavy. The word “Linux”, and all of its implications, are way above the interest levels of ordinary users.
2. Ordinary computer users who want to install Ubuntu will resist if they think that Ubuntu is complicated, tech heavy, esoteric, only for programmers—you get the idea.
88
Appendix D
Ubuntu One
Background
Many people use multiple computers depending on their location and
job or interest. The more computers you use, the more inconvenient it
can be to manage your digital life.
Ubuntu One is a cloud computing service that lets you store, access,
and synchronize the following files securely across your computers:
• Documents
• Music
• Firefox bookmarks
• Evolution address book contacts
• Tomboy notes
Your files are stored “in the cloud”—a remote Ubuntu server accessed
via the Indicator panel or from any other computer at the Ubuntu One
website at www.one.ubuntu.com/
89
Figure 16: Accessing Ubuntu One
Types of accounts available
The Ubuntu One Basic account gives you 2 GB of free storage that
syncs across an unlimited number of computers. You can buy music
from the Ubuntu One Music Store (integrated with Rhythmbox) and
have it sent directly to your personal cloud for syncing with your
computers later.
For a monthly fee, you can upgrade to packages that include more
storage (in 20 GB increments) and the ability to stream your cloud
music library to your cell phone.
How to subscribe
To subscribe to Ubuntu One, visit
https://one.ubuntu.com/plans/plan/subscribe_basic/
Log in using your existing Launchpad information. If you don't have a
Launchpad account, you'll need to create an Ubuntu Single Sign On
account.
90
Appendix E
Report Bugs
What is a bug?
A bug is an error in a software program's code that hinders the
expected performance of a program.
Perhaps you've been using software long enough to recognize a bug
when you experience it. It's when something “under the hood” goes
wrong somewhere, and the program behaves in unexpected ways or
crashes—that is, it stops responding to your input.
Why report these bugs?
It's good practice to report bugs to alert the developers to problems. If
they don't know that something is wrong, how can they begin to fix it?
How do I report a bug?
This link, https://help.ubuntu.com/community/ReportingBugs,
describes in detail the procedure to report bugs (see Figure 17).
91
92
Figure 17: Bug Reporting Procedure
Appendix F
FreeGeek VancouverFreeGeek is a non-profit computer recycling and reuse organization in
Vancouver. They refurbish donated computers, install Ubuntu as the
OS, and then donate the computers to volunteers and non-profit
organizations.
Although FreeGeek Vancouver is a distinct group unaffiliated with
UVLC, we're supportive of the work they do.
For more info, check out http://freegeekvancouver.org/
93
Glossary
<>: Not equal to.
Alpha: A first release of a software program that is usually tested
exclusively by developers.
App: Truncated variation of the word Application. A computer software
program.
Beta: Software that is released after alpha testing and before an
official public release. Tested by users and developers.
BIOS: Basic Input/Output System. The first set of instructions that a
computer processes upon start-up.
Blue Screens of Death: Derogatory slang for content displayed by a
computer whose proprietary software OS has crashed.
Bug: Glitches or unexpected responses of a computer's operating
system.
Canonical: Software company founded by Mark Shuttleworth that
funds Ubuntu development and sells Ubuntu technical support for
individuals and businesses.
Channel: A platform for communication.
Cloud: Refers to cloud computing, which uses virtual servers and
remote storage.
Esoteric: Refers to methods or language that is understood only by a
select few.
Flash-enabled: Refers to websites and other digital channels that use
94
Flash software technology to display multimedia content (audio, video,
animation).
FLOSS: Free/Libre Open Source Software.
Forum: An online discussion website or electronic bulletin board.
Freenode: An IRC network used to discuss peer-directed projects.
FSF: Free Software Foundation. A non-profit advocacy group founded
in 1995 that promotes software freedom.
GB: Gigabyte. One million bytes.
GNU: GNUs Not Unix. A free, Unix-like computer operating system.
GPL: General Public License. A widely used GNU free software
license.
GUI: Graphical User Interface. The clickable visual objects on a
computer screen.
Hack: A clever workaround to solve a computer problem.
IM: Instant Messaging. A form of real time communication between
two or more people using computers and other devices along with a
specialized software program.
IRC: Internet Relay Chat. A form of real time communication between
groups of people in online discussion forums (channels).
Kernel: The core component of a computer operating system. Acts as
a bridge between the computer's software and hardware.
Linux: A kernel or core around which some free software systems
(such as Ubuntu) are built.
95
LoCo: Local Community, as in Ubuntu Vancouver LoCo.
LTS: Long Term Support. A designation that indicates the duration of
technical support available for an Ubuntu operating system (three
years for desktops, five years for servers).
Meetup: Refers to the Meetup.com website, UVLC's official
membership channel.
Microblog: An internet broadcast platform. Differs from a traditional
blog in that its content (posts or updates) consists of short, time-
sensitive statements.
MIT: Massachusetts Institute of Technology. A private research
university located in Boston, Massachusetts.
Monopoly: Refers to a company that has exclusive control of a product
or service.
NURG: New User's Resource Guide; this document.
OADIs: Occasional Anonymous Drop Ins. Refers to the members of
some computer and technology support groups (not UVLC!)
OS: Operating System. Software that manages and runs a computer's
hardware and applications.
OSI: Open Source Initiative. A San Francisco-based public benefit
corporation founded in 1998 that promotes the awareness and
importance of open source software.
PC: Personal Computer. A computer whose characteristics (size,
price, capabilities) are suited for use by an individual.
Peripheral: Refers to a device (digital camera, scanner, printer) that is
connected to a computer.
96
Proprietary: Refers to software that is created for profit and sold with a
use license. Copying and modification of proprietary software is strictly
prohibited.
Q&A: Question and Answer.
Tweet: A post or status update on Twitter, a microblogging website.
Unix: A computer operating system created in the late 1960s at Bell
Labs in New Jersey.
USB: Universal Serial Bus. The interface or port on a computer that
connects with a wide variety of peripheral devices such as USB drives
(memory sticks), printers, and cameras, among others.
UVLC: Ubuntu Vancouver Local Community. A support community for
Ubuntu users in the Greater Vancouver region.
U-WOE: Ubuntu Works On Everything. A myth that Ubuntu works on
all computers.
Vector graphics: Images comprised of paths, not pixels. Vector
graphics remain smooth at any size or resolution.
97
Index
110.04..........................................8110.10..........................................81
AAdobe Acrobat...........................47Adobe After Effects....................48Adobe Illustrator.........................48Adobe Photoshop......................48Adobe Reader............................68AIM.............................................51Ask Ubuntu.................................73AVG AntiVirus.............................48
BBitTorrent....................................47Blogs..............................................
Ubuntu...................................72Blue Screens of Death.................6Bug.............................................65Bugs...........................................91Buzz Generator..............................
Words from...18, 42, 44, 46, 65, 66, 76, 77
CCalc......................................53, 54Canonical...................................82CD Copy.....................................48Certified Hardware.....................42Chat Accounts............................50Chatting......................................50Communicating..............................
With non-Ubuntu users..........50Community.....................................
Installing................................15Contribute.......................................
To Ubuntu..............................75
Craigslist....................................43Cup of Ubuntu............................33Cupertino....................................79
DDigg............................................52
EEBay...........................................43Edit.................................................
Meetup profile........................36Email..............................................
Sending and receiving...........52Email settings, changing................
Meetup...................................23Empathy.........................47, 50, 51Eric Raymond.............................85Event Courtesy..........................33Evince........................................47Evolution..............................47, 52
FFacebook...................................52Files................................................
Meetup...................................39Finding...........................................
Tech Support.........................65Flickr...........................................52FLOSS...........................................
Definition................................84History...................................84Philosophy.............................84
Free software.............................86Free Software Foundation.........85Free/Libre Open-Source Software...................................................84FreeGeek Vancouver.................93Freenode....................................64FriendFeed.................................52
98
GGadu-Gadu................................51Getting Started With Ubuntu 10.04...............................................5, 48GIMP....................................48, 57Gmail..........................................57GNU Manifesto..........................85GNU Project...............................85GnuCash....................................48Google........................................57Google search............................65Google Voice..............................57GoogleTalk.................................51Groupwise..................................51Gwibber......................................51
HHelp................................................
Desktop.................................48Hidden file..................................60
IICQ.............................................51Identi.ca......................................52IM...............................................50Impress..........................48, 53, 54Inkscape...............................48, 57Installing.........................................
Software................................67Ubuntu Tweak........................63
Instant Messaging......................50IRC.......................................63, 72IRC Wiki.....................................64
JJabber........................................51Joining............................................
Ubuntu Vancouver LoCo.......21
KKey ring password.....................58Kim Kulak...................................16KMyMoney.................................48
L
Launchpad.....................................What is it?..............................69Why use it?............................69
Launchpad Answers.......................Access...................................71What is it?..............................70What makes it effective?.......70Why use it?............................71
Linus Torvalds............................87Linux...........................................87Lucid Lynx..................................46
MMac................................50, 52, 54Main Event...........................29, 65Mark Shuttleworth......................82Maverick Meerkat.......................81Meeting locations...........................
How chosen...........................33Meetup...........................................
Email filters............................23How to join.............................21Menus........................................
Discussions.......................37Edit your profile.................36Events (Meetups)..............28Ideas..................................34Mailing List.........................39Members............................35Message Board.................37More..................................39
Modifying email settings........23Modifying Mailing List Settings...............................................25Why join?...............................21Why UVLC uses it.................26
MeMenu.....................................50Memory stick..............................60Menus............................................
Restoring...............................61Messaging Menu............................
Adding to...............................57Microblogs............................51, 52MS Access.................................48MS Excel....................................48MS Money..................................48
99
MS Office.......................48, 53, 54MS PowerPoint..........................48MS Project..................................48MS Word....................................48MSN.....................................47, 51MSN Messenger........................47MySpace....................................51
NNetscape....................................85NURG.............................................
How to use...............................6
OOADIs.........................................17Ocial Network Accounts.............51OMG! Ubuntu!............................73Open Source Initiative................85Open source software................86OpenOffice...............47, 48, 53, 54OpenOffice.org.....................47, 48OpenOffice.org Base.................48OpenOffice.org Calc..................48OpenOffice.org Impress.............48OpenOffice.org Writer................48Outlook.......................................47
PPanels............................................
Restoring...............................61Password settings......................58Pidgin.........................................47Planet Ubuntu............................72Planner.......................................48Portable memory storage...........60Posting...........................................
Microblog...............................51Social Network Accounts.......51
Posting to.......................................Microblogs and social networks...............................................51
QQaiku..........................................52QQ..............................................51
Quick Switch Guide....................47Quicken......................................48
RRandall Ross..............................16Receiving.......................................
Email......................................52Redmond....................................79Reminders and notifications, modifying........................................
Meetup...................................25Reporting........................................
Bugs......................................91RescueCentre......................32, 65Restoring........................................
Menus....................................61Panels....................................62
Restricted Extras........................59Rhythmbox.................................48Richard Stallman........................85
SSametime...................................51Scott Heiferman.........................26Sending..........................................
Email......................................52Mailing List messages...........39
Sharing files...................................Audio and Video..............54, 55
MP3...................................55MP4...................................55WAV...................................55
Documents............................53DOC...................................54DOCX................................54PPS...................................54PPT....................................54PPTX.................................54XLS....................................54XLSX.................................54
Images...................................54BMP...................................54JPEG.................................54JPG....................................54PNG...................................54TIFF...................................54
100
Silc.............................................51SIP.............................................51Skype...................................47, 68Social network accounts......51, 52Social Network Channels...............
Facebook...............................40Flickr......................................40Identi.ca.................................41LinkedIn.................................40MySpace................................41Twitter....................................40You Tube...............................40
Sound Juicer..............................48StatusNet...................................52SupportHeroes...........................31SupportHeroines........................31SupportSaturday..................31, 65Survey............................................
New Member Survey.............22Switching........................................
From Win To Ubuntu.............47System76...................................43Systems vendors...........................
Ubuntu...................................43
TTerminal window........................62ThemeNight................................30Thunderbird....................47, 53, 57TreatTuesday.............................32Twitter...................................52, 97
UUbuntu............................................
Advocacy...............................77Background...........................81Blogs......................................72Contribute and Volunteer......75Current standard release......81Customization........................56Long Term Support release...81Modifications.........................56Patches..................................56Philosophy.............................82Pronunciation........................82Share.....................................77
Systems vendors...................43Tweaks..................................56Updates.................................56Websites................................72What is it?................................5Why use it?..............................6World wide community..........64
Ubuntu Canada..........................72Ubuntu Manual Team.............5, 48Ubuntu One................................89Ubuntu Software Centre................
Installing new software from..67Why use it..............................67
Ubuntu Tweak............................63Ubuntu Vancouver Local Community.....................................
Code of Conduct and guiding principles...............................26Culture...................................17History...................................16Philosophy.............................18Purpose.................................16Why?.....................................14
UbuntuWeeklyNewsletter...........73Update Manager........................56USB............................................60
VVLC............................................57Volunteer........................................
To Ubuntu..............................75
WWebsites........................................
Ubuntu...................................72Windows..................48, 50, 52, 54Windows Media Player..............48WOE...........................................44World of Ubuntu Community......73Writer....................................53, 54
XXMPP.........................................51
Y
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