Overview
If you think you have found a bug, please report it! You may end up saving other ClearOS users a lot of time and frustration by taking a minute or four to report an issue. If you are new to bug reports, please take some time to read this document. Here's how to jump right in:
User Account
For now, please contact security@clearfoundation.com to request an account on the bug tracker. The tracker will be integrated with the primary clearfoundation.com login system a little later this year.
How To Contribute
Bug or Not-a-Bug?
It is sometimes difficult to tell the difference between a bug and a non-bug. For example, you may find that your Internet connection has become unstable. It could be a firewall issue, or it could be a satellite communications error caused by a solar flares (yes, it does happen!). If you are unsure, then the best place to discuss it is in the online forums. The Bug Team, Moderators, and Developers are always on the prowl.
Creating a Bug Report
The Bug Team certainly realizes that bug tracking software is not exactly for everyone. However, a detailed bug report is very much appreciated. Here are some guidelines for bug reports:
- If you are more comfortable using the forums or e-mail, then please do so!
- Please do not use the tracker for technical support issues, bugs only.
- Details, details and more details.
That's the short version. If you have a couple of minutes, then the Simon Tatham memo on how to report bugs effectively is well worth the read.
Workflow / Lifecycle
A bug generally goes through the following lifecycle in the Bug Tracker
| Status | Description |
|---|---|
| New | The status just after the bug report has been submitted |
| Feedback | The feedback status is set when more detailed information is required |
| Acknowledged | If the initial bug report cannot be duplicated right away, the bug is acknowledged by one of the Bug Team members |
| Confirmed | The status is changed to confirmed if the bug can be verified or duplicated |
| Assigned | When a developer is ready to take on responsibility for fixing the bug or adding the feature, the assigned status is set |
| Resolved | The bug fix or feature was committed to the source code system |
| Closed | The bug fix or feature has been packaged and released |
