Many people are aware of these IRC channels already, but many may also not be aware. I thought I would post a quick note here to let everyone know that there are some unofficial XFree86 related IRC channels for both development discussion as well as end user help, etc. that people can use.
The following channels are all on the irc.freenode.net network, which was previously known as irc.openprojects.net. Please use the irc.freenode.net address when connecting as the latter address is obsolete. The channels are: #xfree86 Average number of users is approx 45 A general XFree86 chat forum for end users, developers and others looking to discuss XFree86 related items, including, but not limited to: XFree86 configuration help, compiling XFree86, troubleshooting problems, and other general topics of discussion. GNOME/KDE and other similar higher level GUI things are not on topic, and those projects have their own respective channels for discussion. Some XFree86/X11 developers frequent this channel and help people out when they can as time permits. Developmental discussions sometimes occur here as well, however people are encouraged to use the #xfree86-devel or #dri-devel channels below first when discussing developmental issues. #xfree86-devel Average number of users is approx 14, but growing lately This channel is intended for developers to discuss topics related to all sides of X development, including X server debugging and troubleshooting, video driver programming, or any similar discussion regarding the development of XFree86 itself. Questions about X client application development, X APIs, and similar are also welcome. The channel is rather young however and there isn't always someone present who has an answer to a given question. Developers are welcome, and in fact encouraged to lurk in the channel and help other developers also. Some XFree86/X11 developers also frequent this channel and will generally respond to questions if they are at the keyboard, are able to answer the question, and are free to chat. #dri Average number of users is approx 15 This channel is for end user discussion of issues related to DRI, 3D acceleration, configuration, etc. I don't frequent this channel so I'm not familiar with the channel's policies, or details of the types of discussions that make up the general content though. If you've got DRI questions, it is probably worth checking out. DRI related end user questions are also welcome in the #xfree86 channel. #dri-devel Average number of users is approx 20 This channel is quite a bit different than the ones above on a day to day basis. The channel's focus is strictly developmental discussion of DRI (Direct Rendering Infrastructure), Mesa, and the kernel side of DRI - the DRM. End user questions, configuration help, and similar should not be asked here, but should be asked in either #dri or #xfree86. DRI development meetings are held every Monday at 5:00pm EST (2200 UTC) for a couple of hours generally in which DRI developers get together to interactively discuss DRI developmental issues. The meetings are open to anyone to attend, and not restricted to DRI developers. Note that end users asking for help configuring DRI or XFree86 is very off topic on #dri-devel, and should be asked instead on #xfree86 or #dri, however end users are welcome to participate in discussions, ask questions about development, how to get started developing DRI, and also provide feedback that may help developers. Most of the above channels have been available on irc.freenode.net (formerly irc.openprojects.net) for a year or more, however some are a bit newer. All XFree86 users and developers are welcome to drop by and participate, ask questions, help others. Some people hate IRC of course, and won't at all be interested in any of this. I used to be one of those people for about 6 years myself, so I understand where you're coming from. ;o) I've since found IRC can however be a useful tool for communication with other developers and users though, and thought I'd post a note here to let people know these discussion forums exist should they wish to participate. Take care, TTYL -- Mike A. Harris _______________________________________________ XFree86 mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://XFree86.Org/mailman/listinfo/xfree86