New to SVG and Inkscape, but I think I have the basics
I have attempted to produce paths using the Function Plotter and Parametric Curves extensions.
For these attempts I keyed data using simple equations, like y=x, and values I found on the web. I believe I have the correct sequences... Draw a rectangle, set the stroke for the rectangle background, select the object, call the extension, apply. Either nothing happens or if I continue past the error “Inkcape has encountered an error...” much like the one mentioned in this report https://bugs.launchpad.net/inkscape/+bug/335183. Inkscape locks and I need to reboot to close it. My system is Unbuntu 11.10 and the Inkscape version is .48. I have reviewed the related earlier post here but cannot find the error in my ways. Thank you for any suggestions or directions.

Welcome to InkscapeForum!

I'm not very familiar with those extensions, so I can't speak to the steps. The manual probably has some info though (Help menu > Inkscape manual). They are relatively new extensions, so perhaps need more polish, although I really know very little about the technical side of Inkscape (writing extensions, etc.).

But I do find that Inkscape often crashes when using extensions. (Especially Add Nodes extension, almost always crashes on 1st attempt! Using Spirograph extension, will crash after 5 to 7 spirograms have been drawn. Interpolate crashes a lot too. Etc.....) Another possibility is that result that you've asked Inkscape to draw is challenging your system's memory.

Beyond that, I'd say just remember that Inkscape has not yet produced a version 1.0. Not even a 0.50, although we're getting close! So Inkscape still has a lot of growing yet to do.

Or maybe someone else has more and/or better info about this