I just refresh my Ubuntu 10.04 repository and here's what I found :

canonical-census :
This package installs a daily cron job for surveying how many original OEM installs are running in the world. Note that this does not send any user specific data; it only transmits the operating system version (/var/lib/ubuntu_dist_channel), the machine product name, and a counter how many pings were sent.

Basically Canonical wants to know how much Ubuntu users out there. So if you want to be counted, you can install this application. But if you think it is too intrusive, leave it alone.
I think as a user counter this is a better way than easy-to-manipulate online survey.


keyword : canonical census

Almost any tips about Ubuntu I found, needs administrator right or root (command that starts with sudo) to edit some files and that usually means opening up terminal and command line typing.
I like to do things GUI-ly, here's what I did to minimize or even eliminate the need to open up terminal.
The main idea is to create a super file browser, in my case it is Super Nautilus (Nautilus with administrator or root permission). So when some tips or occasions require me to edit some system files all I have to do is browse with this Super Nautilus and edit the needed files. This is how to make Super Nautilus launcher :

• right click in the desktop and choose Create Launcher
• in Command field : type gksu nautilus (for Ubuntu) or kdesu dolphin (for kubuntu),
  

If the desktop is too obvious you can make a launcher from Ubuntu Menu.

So now, instead of open a terminal and type sudo gedit /somefolder/somefile, all I have to do is launch Super Nautilus and browse to /somefolder/somefile. It still asks for password, so it's still safe if somebody launch it incidentally (or on purpose). As safe as you keep your password that is.
Be very cautious though when using this super file browser :

• use it necessarily
• close it when you're done
• must know what are you doing.

Or you'll brick your Ubuntu :p



keyword : super nautilus, no CLI