My observations on 'Help Topics' in Dapper

[Duncan Lithgow]

Here are some passing observations on the current state of the Help docs 
in Dapper. Hope something I've noted is relevant and useful.

Duncan

* 'Help Topics':
  * General:
    - file:///usr/share/ubuntu-docs/ubuntu/desktopguide/C/desktopguide.xml
    - all headings and titles include unreadable character 
"3. Configuring Your System"
  * Hardware > Sound:
    - "1. Check that the sound isn't muted, click the speaker icon on 
the top panel of your Ubuntu desktop and check each device." Clicking on 
the speaker icon does not give access to multiple devices. Should this 
read "right click and select 'Open Volume Controls'" or something else?
    - "2. Check to see if root can use sound. Type into a terminal:
      ---------------------
        $ sudo totem &
      ---------------------
    Once Totem launches, try playing a sound or movie file. If the sound 
now works, do the following in a terminal to enable everyone to use 
sound:" Should this include a phrase like '(you will need the root 
password)'
    - the command doesn't seem to help:
      -----------------
      duncan at ubuntu:~$ sudo totem &
      [1] 10604
      -----------------
    - Here's a try with 'sudo totem'
      -----------------
      duncan at ubuntu:~$ sudo totem
      Password:
      (totem:10664): Gdk-WARNING **: locale not supported by Xlib
      (totem:10664): Gdk-WARNING **: cannot set locale modifiers
      ** (totem:10664): WARNING **: Failed to connect to the session 
bus: No reply within specified time
      -----------------
    - At the end of the sound section it states "More information can be 
found on SoundProblemsHoary on the Ubuntu Wiki." If the information is 
valid for Dapper then the page should state that. Maybe it should to a 
page like SoundProblemsGeneral which links to version specific problem 
where needed.
* Device manager. Starts with a set of content free windows, then hangs

Opinion:

* 'Help Topics' should start automatically on first bootup.