Ubuntu Wiki

These questions are asked the most on the #ubuntu IRC channel.

I didn't set a root password, what is it? What is sudo?

• Ubuntu uses the sudo model for admin and user actions. Check out the RootSudo page for all the information.

How do I install things on Ubuntu? What is sources.list? Why can't I compile? Why does ./configure give errors?:

• Please see the InstallingSoftware page.

How do I install Ati/Nvidia/Ndiswrapper drivers?:

• Please see the BinaryDriverHowto page

Why won't MP3/Divx/Quicktime/Realmedia/Flash work?:

• Please see the RestrictedFormats page

Why don't encrypted DVDs work?:

• You will need the libdvdcss package, /msg ubotu dvd

Isn't Ubuntu just Debian with sugar on top?:

• Please see http://www.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/relationship , and consider reading some of MarkShuttleworth for more information

I think I found this bug, where to report it?:

• The Ubuntu bugtracker is at http://www.launchpad.net/distros/ubuntu/+bugs

Where can I find documentation and support?:

• The official documentation at http://help.ubuntu.com

• This wiki - start at UserDocumentation.

• The forums at http://ubuntuforums.org

• See also http://www.ubuntu.com/support

How can I upgrade to the next version of Ubuntu?:

• To write.

When is the next release of Ubuntu?:

• There is a new release in Ubuntu every April and October

Why hasn't package FOO been updated yet, a new version has been out for weeks?:

• The stable versions of Ubuntu will only get security updates. This means no new versions of packages. The current development version will get updates until 2 months before release. The last two months are spent solely on improving stability. You may however, be able to find the new package in backports or in 3rd party repositories. Details can be found at UbuntuBackports

What is a pastebin?:

• A pastebin is a site where you can post large texts and/or images. Pasting a lot of text in the channel is not allowed and will only get you kicked. You can find the Ubuntu pastebin at http://paste.ubuntu-nl.org

Why was I kicked from #ubuntu?:

• The rules of #ubuntu are written down at the IrcRules page - these are quite strict at some points but that is neccessary to keep a channel as big as #ubuntu friendly an helpful

Can I become an operator?:

• No. See also the IrcRules page

Who is Ubotu? Where can I find more information about the #ubuntu IRC chat? Are there other channels?

• Please see the InternetRelayChat page

How can I contribute to Ubuntu?:

• Please see http://www.ubuntu.com/community/participate, HelpingUbuntu or EasyWaysToHelpUbuntu.