Alright, so one of my biggest pet peves with new users to the linux community, and more specifically, Ubuntu, is that some users like to try to run it for us all. Anyone that has spent any time at all inside the community has run into this at one time or another.

A very common quote either in maling list threads, or in the forums:

"I'm thinking: Linux sucks."

While this is really the frustration of an inexperienced non-technical user showing through, it is entirely counter productive to the community.

If you are a user trying Linux for the first time you will undoubtedly run into issues. Some will be minor others could be more difficult to fix. The real key to a new linux user's survival on their journey is knowing the proper way to find and ask for help.

First off, if you need help, trust me, asking for it is easy and there are plenty of people that will help you on your way.

Do(s):

• Try to explain your issue clearly, what you have tried, what worked, what didnt.
• Even if you made it worse, please explain what you did to make it worse, in other words, be honest.
• Try googling any errors or your issue before you post a new issue, odds are someone else has a documented solution to your problem.
• Post logs, errors, screen shots, anything no matter what you think it does or does not relate to the problem.

Don't(s):

• Don't use negative terms, words, sarcasm, or expletives.
• While your problem s important to us, we are not paid support, do not expect immediate responses.
• Whle your frustration is understandable, we just want to help, do not be negative towards the other users or developers, ever.

While these are the top Do(s) and Don't(s) in my opinion, I am sure there are others. Now that said, while Ubuntu is quite user friendly, and there is plenty of community support for anyone that choses to use it.

I will leave you with one last note, help is all around you. Have a look at this:

Ubuntu Help
Ubuntu Forums
XChat 2 IRC Client for Windows
Ubuntu IRC Chat
Google