Using Preferences in Bugzilla

Introduction

Bugzilla is a robust and widely used bug-tracking system that enables organizations to effectively manage software issues and bugs. One of the most important features of Bugzilla is its extensive selection system, which allows users to tailor their Bugzilla experience to their individual needs and preferences. These settings allow users to configure various aspects of Bugzilla, from account settings to email notifications, display options, search criteria, workflow automation, and even custom fields.

Account Preferences

Bugzilla allows users to customize their account settings according to their needs. Users can change settings related to their personal information, such as name, email address, and time zone. They can also set their default landing page, preferred language, and other account-specific settings.

Below are some key aspects of Bugzilla account setup.

• Personal Information:
  Users can change their personal information such as name, email address, and time zone.
• Default Landing Page:
  Bugzilla allows users to select a preferred landing page after login. Users can specify the page they want to see, such as the home page, a specific product/component page, or their assigned errors.
• Preferred Language:
  Bugzilla supports multiple languages and users can set their preferred language in the Bugzilla interface.
• Accessibility settings:
  Users can configure settings related to font size, contrast, and other accessibility features for comfortable browsing.

General Preferences

Bugzilla's general settings contain a wide range of settings that allow users to customize their Bugzilla experience according to their needs and preferences. These settings affect the overall behavior and appearance of Bugzilla. Here are some key aspects of Bugzilla's general settings:

• Date and Time Formats:
  Users can choose between different formats according to their regional or personal preferences, ensuring that Bugzilla timestamps are displayed in a familiar and easy-to-understand format.
• Number of bugs per page:
  Users can set the number of bugs displayed on the Bugzilla page.
• Visibility of Fields and Actions:
  Bugzilla offers users the ability to control the visibility of certain fields and actions on bug pages.
• Default Error Status:
  Users can set the default error status to be used when creating a new error.
• Display of bug comments:
  Bugzilla provides options to control the display of bug comments.
• Time Tracking Settings:
  When time tracking is enabled in Bugzilla, users can specify settings related to time estimation and tracking.
• Auto-refresh:
  Bugzilla allows users to configure page auto-refresh settings.

Email Preferences

Bugzilla's email settings allow users to control the type and frequency of email notifications they receive from the bug-tracking system. These settings allow users to stay on top of important error activity without being burdened with excessive email notifications. Below are some key aspects of Bugzilla's email settings:

• Event Notifications:
  Users can choose to receive email notifications about events such as bug assignments, bug updates, plugins added, comments posted, and more.
• Bugs Viewed:
  Users can view specific Bugzilla bugs to get updates on their progress.
• Component/subcomponent notifications:
  Users can select the components they want and receive notifications when bugs are reported or updated in those areas.
• Query Orders:
  Users can create custom queries in Bugzilla to filter and identify bugs based on specific criteria. Bugzilla allows users to subscribe to these requests and receive email notifications when new bugs matching the request parameters are added or existing bugs are modified.
• Unsubscribe and Summary Options:
  Bugzilla provides options to unsubscribe from certain email notifications or enter summary mode.

Saved Searches

Bugzilla's Saved Searches allow users to save frequently used search queries and access them quickly. These saved searches help users streamline their bug-tracking workflow and efficiently recover relevant bugs. Below are some key aspects of Bugzilla's saved searches:

• Saving search queries:
  When users perform a search in Bugzilla, they have the option to save the search query for later use.
• Quick access to saved searches:
  Bugzilla provides a separate section in the user interface where users can access their saved searches.
• Manage Saved Searches:
  Users can edit, delete or update their saved searches as needed.This flexibility allows users to maintain an organized and up-to-date collection of saved searches.
• Default Search:
  Users can set a saved default search to appear as the default search when logging into Bugzilla.
• Customizing Search Columns:
  Bugzilla provides users with options to customize the columns displayed in search results for saved searches.

Name and Password

In Bugzilla, users must provide a valid username and password to access their account and use the bug tracking system. Usernames and passwords play a key role in authenticating users and protecting their account information.

• Username:
  A username, also known as a username, is a unique identifier assigned to each Bugzilla user.
• Password:
  A password is a confidential and secure combination of characters that the user chooses to protect their Bugzilla account.
• Password management:
  Bugzilla provides users with options to manage passwords securely. Users can change their password at any time through account settings or settings.
• Security Best Practices:
  Users are encouraged to follow Bugzilla's password security best practices. This includes choosing a unique password that is not used on other accounts, avoiding passwords that are easy to guess, and regularly updating passwords to keep your account secure.

Permissions

Bugzilla permissions control access and actions that users can perform in the bug tracking system. Bugzilla provides a flexible and customizable permission system that allows system administrators to assign roles and grant specific rights to users according to their responsibilities and requirements. Below are some key aspects of Bugzilla access rights:

• User roles:
  Bugzilla typically defines several predefined user roles, such as administrators, developers, testers, and reporters. Each role is associated with a specific set of privileges that define the actions that users in that role can perform.
• Privilege Levels:
  Bugzilla provides a set of privileges that control the actions users can take. These levels include:
  • View:
    Determines whether users can view errors and related information.
  • Editing:
    Allows users to edit error fields, add comments, and make changes to existing errors.
  • Create:
    Allows users to create new bugs in Bugzilla.
  • Close:
    Allows users to close bugs and mark them as resolved.
  • Assign:
    Allows users to assign errors to themselves or others.
  • Manage:
    Provides administrative privileges that allow users to configure system settings, manage users and groups, and define custom fields and workflows.
• Group-based access rights:
  Bugzilla supports the creation of user groups, which allows for easier access control. Administrators can assign permissions to groups, and users can be added or removed from groups as needed.
• Custom Permissions:
  Bugzilla allows administrators to set custom permissions for specific needs. Custom permissions allow precise control over Bugzilla features and permissions.
• Inherited Rights:
  Bugzilla supports rights inheritance, which means that rights defined at higher levels, such as the product or component level, can be propagated to lower levels, such as individual bugs.
• Assign access rights:
  Administrators have the right to assign access rights to individual users, groups of users, or roles. They can grant or revoke certain access rights based on user requirements and project needs.