== Open Week -- Introduction and Random Q&A -- Jono Bacon and Jorge Castro -- Mon, Oct 11 == {{{#!IRC [15:01] Logs for this session will be available at http://irclogs.ubuntu.com/2010/10/11/%23ubuntu-classroom.html following the conclusion of the session. [15:02] alrighty! [15:02] welcome everyone to Ubuntu Open Week! [15:02] here we are for another weekly dose of content designed to get you all excited about being part of the Ubuntu community! [15:03] just as we kick off, I want to say a big thankyou to akgraner and jcastro for working hard on putting the week together [15:03] * jcastro waves! [15:03] :-) [15:03] we have done this for a number of releases now, and we have always found it a useful method of helping to get people involved in Ubuntu :-) [15:03] I just wanted to talk for a few moments before we do the general Q+A [15:04] and then we will throw it open and jcastro and I are going to answer whatever questions you like [15:04] for those of you who don't know me, I am Jono Bacon, the Ubuntu Community Manager, and jcastro is Jorge Castro who is our Ubuntu Upstream Relations Coordinator who works on my team [15:05] we both work at Canonical to help grow a strong and empower Ubuntu community [15:05] I believe Ubuntu has come a long way in recent years [15:05] when we started out we had a very clear focus - built the best Operating System we could [15:06] one designed for Linux enthusiasts and geeks [15:06] when the project started the goal was to bring real simplicity and focus in a world typically dominated by high technology [15:06] the global Ubuntu community wrapped their arms around this challenge, and it didn't take long before Ubuntu became the distro of choice for many Linux users [15:07] I would go to conferences and see pretty much everyone using Ubuntu [15:07] and throughout this time we would all feel a real satisfaction in "bringing Free Software to people" [15:07] today though, we face a much loftier challenge and opportunity [15:08] we have the potential to bring Free Software to *millions* of computer users around the world [15:08] the kind of people who have no idea what IRC is, what Linux is, how technology works [15:08] the kind of people whose priority in life is something other than computers [15:09] there are millions of end users around the world who are dissatisifed with Microsoft and Apple [15:09] they are tired of the limitations of those products, their cost, and want something better [15:09] and I firmly believe that Ubuntu can be that solution [15:10] in business circles this is typically revered to as "crossing the chasm"; a term that has become so clichéd and common that it is almost embarressing to say it [15:11] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crossing_the_Chasm [15:11] but it is true nonetheless, the theory goes that there is a chasm between initial adoption (e.g. Linux users loving ubuntu) and the mass computer user base using Ubuntu [15:11] many have thought they can get over that chasm, and many have tried [15:12] to build a bridge of the chasm required new thinking and new things - it needs marketing towards those users, technical features that are missing that they need, support resources, and more [15:12] and while many have failed to get over, it is typically because they only have limited resources and can't put every step into the bridge that is needed [15:12] well, we are differet [15:12] different [15:12] we can [15:13] we can build every step because we have an incredible global community [15:13] and to build each step required many different disciplines - we need developers, packagers, testers, translators, support folks, advocates, and more === harrisonk_away is now known as harrisonk [15:14] getting over the chasm isnt for people who are ultra-technical, it is not just for people with a Canonical paycheck === hunt0r_ is now known as huntz0r [15:14] it is something that every single one of you can help with [15:14] Ubuntu Open Week is all about that [15:14] it is all about enabling you folks to build a step in that bridge to get us over the chasm [15:14] and the opportunity i intense - just think about the world enjoying Free Software via Ubuntu [15:15] think of the money saved by charities and education, the better reliance on better technology, safer computing with a barely recognizable virus threat, software that everyone has a right to, that everyone has an opportunity to make better === harrisonk is now known as harrisonk_away [15:16] this is why we are here, and this is why every single one of us is critical to our success together in bringing Free Software to the world [15:16] to do this we have an awesome new release, the Maverick Meerkat [15:17] and this week we have a week jam packed with awesome sessions, and you can see the list of sessions at https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UbuntuOpenWeek [15:17] so, without further ado [15:17] let [15:17] lets get into the Q+A [15:17] want to kick it off jcastro? [15:17] sure [15:18] Since 10.10 just came out, why don't you guys pile up some questions for the bot in -classroom-chat [15:18] jcastro, why don't you explain how to ask questiond [15:18] let me explain how questions work [15:18] :) [15:19] In #ubuntu-classroom-chat you ask the ClassBot a question [15:19] but he needs it in a certain format to work [15:19] so you do it in this format: [15:19] ClassBot: QUESTION: What's your favorite Iron Maiden album? [15:20] and then classbot will present them in this channel and we'll answer them [15:20] (all questions qill be asked like this for the entire week) [15:21] (ok the bot seems busted at the moment, give us a second) [15:22] ok, so you don't need the classbot bit [15:22] just like this: [15:23] QUESTION: What's Ubuntu? [15:25] (technical difficulties, bear with us for a moment) [15:25] Fifthmarch asked: Can I get the final release of 10.10 by updating the beta version I have [15:25] Fifthmarch, yep [15:25] :) [15:26] Just use the normal update-manager and you'll be set [15:26] guiwegian asked: How to upgrade to 10.10 from 10.4 with update manager? [15:26] In order to upgrade you can use the update manager [15:27] http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop/get-ubuntu/upgrade [15:27] this page has all the information you need for upgrading your version of ubuntu [15:28] ChrisWoollard asked: When will the wiki.ubuntu theme be changed to the modern style? [15:28] ChrisWoollard, yep [15:28] it is planned [15:28] in fact [15:28] you can play with it now by choosing "Ubuntu Light" theme in your preferences [15:29] it's just not turned on by default while the web team fixes the little bugs [15:29] Pernig asked: It took quite a long time for me to upgrade to Meerkat, and it doesn't seem that much different. What's new in this release? [15:29] jono: this would be a good time to tell us what your favorite features for 10.10 are [15:30] Pernig, all the details are on http://www.ubuntu.com of the new features [15:30] personally I love: [15:30] * Unity in the netbook edition - an awesome new interface for Ubuntu [15:30] * the sound indicator menu improvements [15:30] * a raft of Ubuntu Software Center improvements [15:30] * lots of new software updates [15:30] * shotwell is now shipped with Ubuntu [15:31] those are my main ones [15:31] I personally dig updates in the installer, and the nice new checkbox to get multimedia support in the installer. [15:31] what about you, jcastro? [15:31] :) [15:31] Did you know we do multitasking in the installer? [15:31] after you partition, it starts installing [15:31] :) [15:31] while you're filling out your name and all that [15:31] instead of just sitting there! [15:31] that's cool [15:32] drcooper asked: Is this session for technical questions? (I dont think so...if not sm1tell these people) [15:33] We can answer some technical questions (based on our knowledge), if something is more detailed you can probably get better support on the ubuntu mailing lists, ubuntu forums, or askubuntu.com [15:33] mostly this is an intro session this hour-long block to kick off the week [15:34] If the bot doesn't ask your question in here it means we have no clue. :) [15:34] daker asked: When will the ubuntu forums got a new light theme ? [15:34] jono: any idea about this one? I know they are working on it. [15:35] it's a little complicated for the forums because they are also in the process of a major update to the forum software, so for them it's not just a simple matter of updating the theme [15:35] jcastro, I am not sure, I know it is on the TODO list for the team [15:35] Marceau asked: my ubuntu pc is on a very slow connection, but I donwloaded the 10.10 iso. Is it possible to upgrade using the iso? [15:36] It sure is, stick the CD in and choose upgrade [15:36] (You'll have to boot off the CD) [15:36] OwaisL asked: At last UDS we had a session by the name, "making nautilus awesome" or something but nothing happened to nautilus. Are there any plans for Natty? Why not just ship nautilus-elementary? [15:36] That's a good question; I happened to be at that session [15:37] The improvements to nautilus likely weren't done due to lack of resources [15:37] (this is why we're always looking for developers) [15:37] OwaisL, shipping Nautilus Elementary is not as simple as just packaging it [15:37] naultilus is a key part of the desktop and changing it is risky [15:37] as far as what file manager to ship, that is a decision the desktop team makes [15:38] I am not sure why there are no major changes to nautilus though [15:38] (convincing the -elementary folks to get their fixes upstream to nautilus would be a win for everyone) [15:38] RibPreto-Brasil asked: Is it out of question to move back window buttons to right or do you consider that sometimes? [15:39] let me take this one [15:39] the change of the the windows buttons was a cosmetic change with a functional benefit made two releases ago [15:40] those of you who use Unity can see why the buttons on the left are a benefit - the buttons merge into the top panel and save a lot of space [15:40] there are no plans to move the window buttons [15:40] and frankly, I think we have bigger fish to fry and problems to solve :) [15:41] sandersch asked: Will Ubuntu Netbook Edition be pre-loaded on netbooks? === zahris_ is now known as zahris === snoopy is now known as Guest22880 [15:41] sandersch, yep [15:41] You can already get UNE preloaded today from vendors like system76 and zareason === IAmNotThatGuy is now known as Mohan_chml [15:42] awk asked: Is the ubuntu font available for other platforms as well ? [15:42] certainly [15:42] it's just a .ttf [15:42] see http://font.ubuntu.com for more details and downloads [15:42] ChrisWoollard asked: Will you switch to Libre Office in 11.04? (What is your take on that openoffice / libreoffice issue? [15:43] Mark mentioned that we would be supporting it in the press release. I suspect this issue will be discussed at length at the Ubuntu Developer Summit [15:43] keep your eyes on http://uds.ubuntu.com to see when libreoffice will be discussed, I'm sure it will be announced when the final decision is made [15:44] That is something I personally am looking forward to in 11.04! [15:44] professorb asked: Lucid was a milestone release and I feel Meerkat hasn't changed a lot, but that's because Lucid was so good, it feels like Ubuntu isn't making as many major changes because it's got a lot of things right, but with that in mind what's next for Ubuntu, what big changes can come? [15:45] As the above answer, this is discussed at UDS [15:45] I don't want to dodge the question but for real, we'll know in about 2 weeks. :) [15:45] https://blueprints.launchpad.net/sprints/uds-n [15:45] this page has the incoming blueprints to what's coming up to be discussed at UDS [15:46] please feel free to read and subscribe to those to get a feel for what's going on in the project [15:46] drcooper asked: Why isnt Lubuntu be an official variant yet? [15:46] This is something a lubuntu person can probably answer better [15:46] I do know that they've been putting a bunch of work into becoming an official variant [15:47] we always try to encourage people who build on ubuntu to get involved, so I am looking forward to having another ubuntu [15:47] I personally just tried lubuntu on an older machine and it is pretty slick, that team is doing a great job! [15:48] AndrewMC asked: On linux mint they have xchat preinstalled that once opened would join you automatically into their on and off topic rooms, has Ubuntu ever considered doing this?... i personally think it is a good idea as it would make it easier for people to get support [15:48] We used to install xchat by default many years ago [15:48] but these days IRC is a little bit too geeky for a general purpose OS to ship out of the box [15:49] some people are really passionate about this (for understandable reasons) [15:49] but currently we offer empathy for rudimentary support of IRC in the default install [15:49] and for users that want a more hardcore client (like irssi, ftw) they can install it via the ubuntu software center. [15:49] nisshh asked: It was mentioned some time ago, that 'Windicator's' would replace where the window button's used to be, is this planned for Natty? [15:50] nisshh, not sure [15:50] windicators was an idea Mark had but I have seen little implementation work on it [15:50] There are 10 minutes remaining in the current session. [15:51] nisshh asked: Will there be a fixed-width version of the new Ubuntu font for terminals? [15:51] I know the team is currently focused on the current font [15:51] I don't /believe/ there will be a fixed-width version (remembering from the original session) [15:52] this might be a good question to ask on the ayatana mailing list [15:52] ChrisWoollard asked: Can you give me a job at Canonical? ;) [15:52] nisshh, there is a monospace font I believe [15:52] ChrisWoollard, apply :-) [15:52] http://webapps.ubuntu.com/employment/ [15:53] drcooper asked: Is it possible to get apt work like a bittorrent system so as to speed up installations? I am referring to a model in which users will be seeding packages. [15:53] we've been on-and-off looking at ways to improve the download performance for users [15:53] there have been rsync-like proposals for apt [15:54] all of those ideas are currently still being discussed, I don't think anyone has figured out exactly how to do delta-debs in a way that is useful for people without causing more load on the mirrors [15:54] so the best answer to this is "not yet" [15:55] RibPreto-Brasil asked: It is extremely awful that the installer uses Internet connection without user permission. Cant you let the 'first update' after first boot, and warning user about that?? [15:55] Please file a bug in the installer or mention it on the ubuntu-devel list. The package name is "ubiquity" [15:55] There are 5 minutes remaining in the current session. [15:56] woo, no more questions, the queue is empty [15:56] ask them while we have time! [15:56] (Remember that at this time on Thursday Mark will be holding a session just like this) [15:56] to answer your questions that we might not have been able to give you good detail on [15:56] !q [15:57] also folks, I do weekly videocast Q+A sessions on ustream [15:57] ChrisWoollard asked: When is Ubuntu One for windows due? [15:57] www.ustream.tv/channel/at-home-with-jono-bacon [15:57] According to U1 team member Josh Hoover: http://askubuntu.com/questions/1276/when-will-ubuntu-one-for-windows-be-released/5832#5832 [15:57] beta within the next couple o weeks! [15:58] keep an eye on their blog for details [15:58] ewaldmire asked: is any work being done to get Ubuntu on HP and more Dell systems? [15:58] Last question [15:58] thanks for all the questions folks [15:58] Yes, we're always working with OEMs to get ubuntu on more machines [15:58] our OEM team are always actively working with vendors [15:58] http://webapps.ubuntu.com/certification/ [15:58] see this page for details [15:59] ok, that's it, whew [15:59] Thanks everyone for kicking off the week [15:59] we'll be having specific sessions the rest of the week [15:59] check the schedule https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UbuntuOpenWeek [15:59] and feel free to participate, and thanks for coming! [16:00] up next Laura is going to educate us on how to improve your LoCo team }}}