There's a lot to learn about Firefox OS. Don't worry, you don't have to be an expert or even own a Firefox OS phone to help users. This course will help you learn the essentials, so you can dive into the support forums superhero-style.
Table of Contents
What will I learn from this training?
This training won't teach you the meaning of life, but you'll be able to:
- Learn the essential features of Firefox OS
- Know how to handle certain types of questions
- Learn about resources for questions you don’t know how to answer
What kind of questions will I see on the support forum?
The questions will vary (how exciting!), but here's what we typically support:
- Questions about Firefox OS features (how do I...?)
- Help with features that aren't behaving as expected.
While we'd love to be able to help with all questions, the following topics are beyond our scope:
- Help with third party apps - in this case, ask users to contact the developer.
- Help with their Internet service or data provider - ask users to contact their carrier. We've listed their contact information [Firefox OS carrier support contact information | here]
- Hardware - ask users to contact operator or place of purchase.
- System updates - partners and carriers are responsible for updates
What will I need to answer Firefox OS questions?
For most questions, you'll just need one (just one!) of the following:
- The Firefox OS simulator on your computer:
Firefox OS feature guide
We've condensed all the essentials into this little space. Use this as a starting point for your journey to becoming a Firefox OS superhero. If a particular section interests you, click on the related articles to expand your knowledge and impress your friends.
Ready? Let's get to know Firefox OS:
Basics
So... What's Firefox OS anyway?
Hopefully, you've heard something about Firefox OS. It's a neat, lightweight, mobile operating system. It uses open web technology instead of slow, fancy platforms, so it's faster, more flexible, and presents more options.
Some Firefox OS users are using a smartphone for the first time. If they might not be familiar with things like touch gestures. The "first time use" tour should launch when they turn on their phones for the first time, but here's a reference in case they need a refresher:
Knowing what version of Firefox OS a user has is useful too. Here's an article to help them figure that out:
Firefox OS has everything you'd expect in a smartphone: camera, communication (email, sms, contacts,) music, maps. While different versions might have varying features, the following are consistent:
- Adaptive Search so you can easily find apps tailored to your search.
- Switch or quit apps
- Listen to the radio
- Using the camera
- Installing apps
- Calls and voicemail
- Add, manage and share contacts
- Send messages
- Send and manage email
- Maps and locations
Here's a handy guide to What's New in Firefox OS?
Device limitations
Firefox OS features are fairly consistent, but there are some low memory devices with limitations:
- Tarako Devices: There are some specifics about the Tarako device limitations -
- Apps in the background may close automatically to make room for the application running in the foreground. This is normal.
- It does not support opening PDF files.
- It does not open email attachments larger than 2MB.
Communications Features (Calls and messages)
Firefox OS has all the communications features you'd expect in a smartphone. You can email, send text and multimedia messages, and, of course, make regular voice calls. Firefox OS even lets you make group calls, because we all know that the more people are on the call, the merrier it is. Some Firefox OS phones also let you use more than one SIM card.
Settings (or making Firefox OS look or behave a certain way)
The Settings menu is where you'll be able to set up or change the way Firefox OS behaves (like sounds, displays, connections or system updates). The topic page lists lots of helpful articles, but here are the ones you might find the most helpful:
- Everything related to Internet, data and device-to-device connections
- Dual SIM cards
Privacy and Security
Of course, the Mozilla community cares a great deal about privacy. The Privacy and Security topic page lists all the useful articles to help users keep their information safe on their phone and on the Web. The most popular features are:
- Do not track on Firefox OS
- Set your SIM PIN
- Find My Device for Firefox OS - only on Firefox OS 2.0
What resources will I not be able to live without?
Well, okay, your life will go on without these resources, but they'll be really handy while you're answer questions on the support forum.
- Firefox OS knowledge base
- Contact Firefox OS carrier support
- Fixing problems This is the part of the knowledge base where we cover troubleshooting or common questions.
For Contributors participating in the Contributor Qualtiy Training for Chapter 11 click here
