Default view on lens should show the FAQ

[Jorge Castro]

If the user isn't searching for anything and just invokes the lens perhaps it should show the general FAQ:

http://askubuntu.com/questions?sort=faq

[Jorge Castro (jorge)]

OK from trying the lens in 12.10 I think we can adjust this bug a bit. I still think it should show the FAQ questions in an Ask Ubuntu Section.

However in the "Official Help Documents" section the documents appear to be just dumped in there and in no kind of order, perhaps we can "seed" those results with the higher level documents first?

[Mark Tully (markjtully)]

The FAQ is, as far as I know, not available through the API. It should be possible to scrape the relevant webpage to populate it, though, or alternatively, hard-code selected questions into the lens. The latter approach assumes that the Frequently asked questions will not change substantially over the life of 12.10, of course.

(I've filed bug #1049842 about how to order results in the "Official Help Documents" section)

[Jorge Castro (jorge)]

Scraping is probably too rude, I'll take an item to give SE feedback on exposing the FAQs through the API.

[Mark Tully (markjtully)]

I've tested hardcoding default questions into the lens and it's quite easily done. If StackExchange FAQs are not available, or won't be before Quantal's release, then we should consider this approach (the other option being no results at all for blank searches). I've taken a look at the FAQ questions listed on askubuntu.com and I have some concerns about the ones chosen. These are the current top 15:

How do I report a bug?
I have a hardware detection problem, what logs do I need to look into?
There's an issue with an Alpha/Beta Release of Ubuntu, what should I do?
What are PPAs and how do I use them?
My computer boots to a black screen, what options do I have to fix it?
How well do laptops with Nvidia Optimus work?
What should I do when Ubuntu freezes?
How do I fix a “Problem with MergeList” error when trying to do an update?
How to revert to GNOME Classic?
How can I configure Unity?
How do I install and use the latest version of GNOME Shell?
How to upload package with dependencies to my PPA?
What Application Indicators are available?
How do I reset a lost Administrative (root) password?
How can I install software or packages without Internet (offline)?

By votes, the list looks as follows:

What Application Indicators are available?
What are Unity's keyboard and mouse shortcuts?
How can I configure Unity?
Flash video appears blue
What are PPAs and how do I use them?
Comparison of backup tools
How do I install Oracle Java JDK 7?
How to revert to GNOME Classic?
How can I edit/create new launcher items in Unity by hand?
How do I report a bug?
How can I improve overall system performance?
How do I upgrade from 10.04 or 11.10 to 12.04?
Can I move the Unity launcher?
How do I install and use the latest version of GNOME Shell?
What lenses for Unity are available?

Some of the questions in both of these lists seem to me to be a bit technical for inclusion as the default questions in the lens. For example, would we really want 'How do I report a bug' as the top question? I feel that it may not instill confidence in the novice user. The votes list is a little better, but I think a good list of 12 hand-picked questions (that number fits the lens nicely - 2x6, 3x4 or 4x3 in the lens depending on how it's open) that are likely to remain relevant for the life of Quantal could be the best solution for now.

[Mark Tully (markjtully)]

I've settled on the following 12 questions for now:

How do I install software using the Ubuntu Software Center?
What are Unity's keyboard and mouse shortcuts?
How can I configure Unity?
How can I keep recent files from appearing in Unity?
What is a terminal and how do I open and use it?
What should I do when Ubuntu freezes?
What are PPAs and how do I use them?
How do I install extra drivers?
How do I install Adobe Flash player?
How can I improve overall system performance?
What lenses for Unity are available?
What Application Indicators are available?

[Jorge Castro (jorge)]

That list looks great, I've fixed one up for installing codecs and stuff:

- http://askubuntu.com/questions/9096/how-can-i-enable-video-and-audio-codecs

[Mark Tully (markjtully)]

I've added the codecs question at the expense of the question about improving system performance (whose answer was pretty much "Unless you really know what you're doing, don't")