mirror of https://github.com/tLDP/LDP
1245 lines
31 KiB
XML
1245 lines
31 KiB
XML
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="iso-8859-15"?>
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<!DOCTYPE article PUBLIC "-//OASIS//DTD DocBook XML V4.2//EN"
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"http://www.oasis-open.org/docbook/xml/4.2/docbookx.dtd" [
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<!ENTITY email "jean DASH philippe DOT guerard AT tigreraye DOT org">
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<!ENTITY tldpurl "http://www.tldp.org/HOWTO/Online-Troubleshooting-HOWTO/">
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]>
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<!-- $Id$ -->
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<article lang="en">
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<articleinfo>
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<title>Online Troubleshooting Resources: HOWTO</title>
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<author>
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<firstname>Jean-Philippe</firstname>
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<surname>Guérard</surname>
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<email>&email;</email>
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</author>
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<pubdate>2006-05-25</pubdate>
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<releaseinfo>Version 1.7</releaseinfo>
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<revhistory id="revhistory">
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<revision>
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<revnumber>1.7</revnumber>
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<date>2006-05-25</date>
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<authorinitials>JPG</authorinitials>
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|
<revremark>
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|
|
Two updates following suggestions of Oguz Yarimtepe (the Basic
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Unix Tutorial of Idaho State University is not available
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anymore, update of the link to the Why use Google page). Added
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a section listing translations of this document.
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</revremark>
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</revision>
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<revision>
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<revnumber>1.6</revnumber>
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<date>2005-08-06</date>
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<authorinitials>JPG</authorinitials>
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<revremark>
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|
Added FOLDOC (thanks to Howard Mann for suggesting this).
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|
General document update and cleanup. Added the text of the Open
|
|
Publication Licence at the end of the document.
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</revremark>
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</revision>
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<revision>
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<revnumber>1.5</revnumber>
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<date>2002-10-20</date>
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<authorinitials>JPG</authorinitials>
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<revremark>
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|
More dead links removal & URL updates.
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|
Author and copyright updated as per Horward Mann request.
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</revremark>
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</revision>
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<revision>
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<revnumber>1.4</revnumber>
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<date>2002-03-04</date>
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<authorinitials>JPG</authorinitials>
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|
<revremark>
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|
Dead links removal. Outdated links update. Revision of the
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HOWTOs and FAQs sections.
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</revremark>
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|
</revision>
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<revision>
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<revnumber>1.3</revnumber>
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<date>2000-07-24</date>
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<authorinitials>HM</authorinitials>
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<revremark>
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Update.
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</revremark>
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</revision>
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<revision>
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<revnumber>1.2</revnumber>
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|
<date>1999-11-20</date>
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<authorinitials>HM</authorinitials>
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<revremark>
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|
Added "Introduction to Unix" to Unix section.
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</revremark>
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</revision>
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<revision>
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<revnumber>1.1</revnumber>
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<date>1999-11-08</date>
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<authorinitials>HM</authorinitials>
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<revremark>
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|
Added Geocrawler.com to Mailing List Section. Convert to
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DocBook.
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</revremark>
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</revision>
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<revision>
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<revnumber>0.5</revnumber>
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<date>1999-09-18</date>
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<authorinitials>HM</authorinitials>
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<revremark>
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Initial release.
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</revremark>
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</revision>
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|
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</revhistory>
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<abstract><para>
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Troubleshooting a Linux-related issue is often perceived as a difficult
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task. But, often, the solution is just a few clicks away on the
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internet. This document will direct Linux users to resources available
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on the Internet that provide access to a vast amount of Linux-related
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information useful in the troubleshooting problems.
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</para></abstract>
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</articleinfo>
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<section id="intro">
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<title>Introduction</title>
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<para>
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The traditional means of troubleshooting computer-related problems
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involves consulting user's manuals, books, friends - probably enticed
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with goodies - and, when all the former do not yield a solution, calling
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the technical support service of the vendor of the product in question.
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|
And, we all know pleasant and reliably efficacious the latter stratagem
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is. Unfortunately, this is the norm in the sphere of commercial
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proprietary products.
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</para>
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<para>
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In contradistinction, Linux, and related distributions, utilities and
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|
applications software, have largely been developed according to the
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<ulink url="http://www.opensource.org" >Open Source</ulink> model,
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wherein developers have used electronic communication over the Internet
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- typically in the form of publicly-accessible Mailing Lists - to
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collaborate with their peers in the refinement of the associated source
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code. Such collaboration has also traditionally involved the online
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publication of user's manuals, lists of Frequently-Asked-Questions
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(FAQ's), knowledge bases, release notes, formal guides such as this
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document (HOWTO's) and tutorials. In addition, users often assist others
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through the forum of Usenet and other newsgroups and the posted messages
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|
are readily accessible in the form of searchable archives. These
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Linux-related newsgroups are renowned for their high level of user
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participation. In significant measure, Linux may be considered a product
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|
of the Internet.
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|
|
</para>
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<para>
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Considered together, these resources enable access to a large,
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ever-expanding factual database, and my intent is to encourage and
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|
direct the reader to utilize these repositories when faced with an issue
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|
not addressed in the documentation that is included with each
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|
distribution of Linux. Linux veterans who assist newcomers through the
|
|
forum of Usenet soon become aware of the frequency with which certain
|
|
technical questions are repeatedly posted - questions the answers to
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|
which are readily available in one or more of the existent online
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|
repositories. So, to diminish the likelihood of being "flamed" in
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|
response to your posted question on Usenet or irc, read further!
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</para>
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<para>
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Armed with a browser, Linux users may rapidly become adept at
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troubleshooting their systems. The key is knowing how and where to look.
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My objective is to guide the user - particularly the Linux newbie - in
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this quest.
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</para>
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|
|
<section id="updates">
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|
|
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<title>Document Updates</title>
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<para>
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The <ulink url="&tldpurl;">latest version</ulink> of this document will
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|
always be available at the <ulink url="http://www.tldp.org">Linux
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|
Documentation Project</ulink>. The document will also be available in
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|
SGML, PS, PDF, and other formats at that website.
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|
|
</para>
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|
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</section>
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<section id="copyright">
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<title>Copyright and License</title>
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<para>
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Copyright © 1999-2005, by Jean-Philippe Guérard. This material may
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be distributed only subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the
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Open Publication Licence, v1.0 or later (see <xref linkend="openpub"/>).
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|
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</para>
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|
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</section>
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<section id="feedback">
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<title>
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Feedback and Corrections
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</title>
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<para>
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I always welcome feedback and constructive criticism. You can reach me
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|
at <email>&email;</email>. In particular, I wish to be notified about
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|
any errors in this document and resources you believe deserving of
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|
inclusion, but not presently covered herein. Because the assessment of
|
|
the value of a particular resource is inherently subjective, I do not
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|
guarantee that I will include it, but I will certainly give any
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suggestion thoughtful consideration. In anticipation, Thanks.
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</para>
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</section>
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<section id="translations">
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<title>
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|
|
Translations
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</title>
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<para>
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This document has already been translated in several languages. If you
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have made a translation of this document, please e-mail me and I will
|
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add your translation to this list.
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|
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<itemizedlist>
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<listitem><para>
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A <ulink
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url="http://www.traduc.org/docs/howto/lecture/Online-Troubleshooting-HOWTO.html">French
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translation</ulink> has been made by Benoît Sibaud, of the <ulink
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url="http://www.traduc.org">Traduc.org</ulink> project.
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</para></listitem>
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<listitem><para>
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A <ulink
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url="http://docs.comu.edu.tr/howto/online-troubleshooting-howto-intro.html">
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Turkish</ulink> translation has been made by Oguz Yarimtepe, of the
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<ulink url="http://docs.comu.edu.tr">docs.comu.edu.tr</ulink> project.
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</para></listitem>
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</itemizedlist>
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</para>
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</section>
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<section id="history">
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<title>
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Document history
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</title>
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<para>
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Howard Mann conceived and formulated the first version of this HOWTO. He
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kept managing and updating it until version 1.3. Maintainership was then
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taken over by Jean-Philippe Guérard, who is now in charge of this
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document.
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</para>
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</section>
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</section>
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<section id="faqs">
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<title>Frequently-Asked-Questions (FAQs)</title>
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<para>
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Users of Internet Newsgroups and Mailing lists soon discovered that some
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basic questions were being asked over and over again. To provide an
|
|
answer to these questions, and to avoid them being repeated continually,
|
|
FAQs were developed, listing the most classical questions and their
|
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agreed answers.
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|
|
</para>
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<para>
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|
A list of FAQs is also a traditional accompaniment to Linux-related
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software. The FAQ is the first document to peruse when troubleshooting a
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particular application. It provides answers to typical questions, and is
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a good place to start troubleshooting a specific problem. In addition,
|
|
FAQs exist for Linux distributions, window managers, and the so-called
|
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desktop environments (KDE and Gnome).
|
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|
|
</para>
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<para>
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A FAQ is typically provided online by the developers of the product in
|
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question, and enterprising users sometimes host an
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<quote>unofficial</quote> FAQ as well. Search for the latter with an
|
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Internet search engine.
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</para>
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<para>
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For Linux newbies, I provide links to two FAQs that collectively
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address <emphasis>many</emphasis> of the questions posted to the Usenet
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newsgroups:
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</para>
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<itemizedlist>
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<listitem><para>
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<ulink url="http://www.tldp.org/FAQ/Linux-FAQ/">The Linux FAQ</ulink>
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</para></listitem>
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<listitem><para>
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<ulink url="http://www.tux.org/lkml/">The Linux Kernel mailing list
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FAQ</ulink>
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</para></listitem>
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</itemizedlist>
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</section>
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<section id="onlinesupport">
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<title>Online Support Sections</title>
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<para>
|
|
|
|
These sections are typically found at the websites of Linux
|
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distributions, and often contain a variety of helpful documents with
|
|
information not easily encompassed within a FAQ. This is the second
|
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place to go when troubleshooting a problem. Look for sections with one
|
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or more of the following titles:
|
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</para>
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<itemizedlist>
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<listitem><para>
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Installation Support
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</para></listitem>
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<listitem><para>
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Knowledge or Solutions Databases
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</para></listitem>
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<listitem><para>
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Tips and Tricks
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</para></listitem>
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<listitem><para>
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Errata, Fixes and Updates
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</para></listitem>
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<listitem><para>
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Security Information
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</para></listitem>
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<listitem><para>
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Bug Tracking System
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</para></listitem>
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<listitem><para>
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Bug Database
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</para></listitem>
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<listitem><para>
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Hardware Guide or Compatibility List
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</para></listitem>
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<listitem><para>
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Technical Guides
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</para></listitem>
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<listitem><para>
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White Papers
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</para></listitem>
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</itemizedlist>
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<para>
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Some websites provide a site search engine that will facilitate your
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quest for a solution.
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</para>
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<para>
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If you have a problem with a newly installed distribution, look here
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first as bugs and their fixes are typically posted here. You may find a
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detailed guide that will help you accomplish a task such as upgrading
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your kernel or the version of the X Window System you are using.
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</para>
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<para>
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I have often been able to solve problems with my Linux distribution by
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looking into the bug report database, and finding that another user
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already has offered a solution to this issue.
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</para>
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<para>
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I recommend you spend some time at the website of the distribution you
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are using, familiarizing yourself with what is available.
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</para>
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</section>
|
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|
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<section id="searchengines">
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<title>Internet Search Engines</title>
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<para>
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I frequently use a Search Engine to retrieve helpful or necessary
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information from the 'net. These engines catalogue pages from
|
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commercial, personal and academic websites, as well as Mailing Lists and
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the like.
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</para>
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<para>
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There are several good search engine. It is worthwhile becoming very
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familiar with the operational details of at least one non-directory
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engine to maximize the efficiency and efficacy of your search efforts.
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You probably already have a favorite - I like
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<emphasis>Google.com</emphasis>, and will discuss it in a little more
|
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detail.
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</para>
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<para>
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The key to a successful search is to use a good set of keywords. If
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you're getting a specific error message, you might search for its text.
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Otherwise, you need to find a few relevant words describing your
|
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problem. Then, by trial and error, you should be able to find some
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pertinent information.
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</para>
|
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<section id="google">
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<title>Google.com</title>
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|
|
<para>
|
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This <ulink url="http://www.google.com">engine</ulink> has several novel
|
|
features that are described in its <ulink
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url="http://www.google.com/technology/">Google Technology page</ulink>.
|
|
In particular, the engine often returns the most useful pages first; in
|
|
fact, I have often found that the first listed page contains the
|
|
information I need. Because it caches web pages, it is relatively fast
|
|
at displaying requested items. It has a so-called
|
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<trademark>GoogleScout</trademark> feature, activated by clicking on the
|
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"similar pages" links, that provides additional relevant links with each
|
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item returned.
|
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|
|
</para>
|
|
|
|
</section>
|
|
|
|
</section>
|
|
|
|
<section id="usenet">
|
|
|
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<title>Usenet Newsgroup Archives</title>
|
|
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
The ability to search for and retrieve information from archived posts
|
|
to the Linux-related (Usenet) newsgroups represents a powerful means of
|
|
troubleshooting in Linux.
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
Search engines permit one to search the archives by stipulating the
|
|
forum, keywords, authors, dates, language and combinations thereof.
|
|
Because the number of Linux-related newsgroups is large, the likelihood
|
|
of finding useful information is high.
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
The main web site that currently provides access to Usenet archives
|
|
using a search engine is <ulink url="http://groups.google.com"/>. The
|
|
most effective way to do a search is to use its <ulink
|
|
url="http://groups.google.com/advanced_group_search">Advanced Groups
|
|
Search page</ulink>.
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
I would like to relate a brief anecdote to demonstrate the efficacy of
|
|
this approach. The first time I attempted to build a kernel, I was
|
|
presented with this error message when I invoked a <quote>make</quote>
|
|
command:
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
|
|
<screen>
|
|
make[1]: as86: Command not found
|
|
make[1]: *** [bootsect.o] Error 127
|
|
make[1]: Leaving directory `/usr/src/linux/arch/i386/boot'
|
|
make: *** [zImage]
|
|
Error 2
|
|
</screen>
|
|
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
I had no idea what <literal>as86</literal> was, but I entered it as the
|
|
keyword in the <emphasis>Subject</emphasis> field of the Advanced Groups
|
|
Search page at groups.google.com, and was presented with a large number
|
|
of posts from folks who had encountered the same problem. Respondents
|
|
had provided the reason and solution: I did not have an assembler/linker
|
|
necessary to create machine code, and the <medialabel>bin86</medialabel>
|
|
package provided it. I downloaded and installed a RPM package of the
|
|
latter and was on my way. This entire process took about 10 minutes!
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
|
|
</section>
|
|
|
|
<section id="mailinglists">
|
|
|
|
<title>Mailing List Archives</title>
|
|
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
As you might expect, there are a very large number of Linux-related
|
|
Mailing Lists that enable developers and users to communicate and
|
|
collaborate on projects. These Lists cover every conceivable aspect of
|
|
Linux, from the technical arcana of kernel development to the relatively
|
|
unfocused discussion of issues at the newbie level. Subscribers to a
|
|
particular Mailing List are generally very knowledgeable in the List's
|
|
topic, and detailed and useful information is often retrievable. The
|
|
communications are publicly accessible through Internet search engines
|
|
and in the form of online Mailing List Archives. You will typically see
|
|
archived pages when you conduct a search using an Internet search
|
|
engine.
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
Usually, you will not need to look directly in a Mailing List Archive.
|
|
<link linkend="searchengines">Search engines</link> like Google.com
|
|
include these archives in their databases. If you can't find anything
|
|
with a search engine, it might be worthwhile to browse or search in an
|
|
appropriate Mailing List.
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
Also, not all Mailing Lists are associated with an online archive, but
|
|
this is increasingly the case. Similarly, not all archives have an
|
|
associated search engine.
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
Initially, try locate the Mailing List Archive you are interested in by
|
|
typing keywords and "mailing list archive" in an Internet search engine.
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
You may also find Mailing List archives at the following locations:
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
|
|
<itemizedlist>
|
|
|
|
<listitem><para>
|
|
|
|
The website of the distribution of Linux you use.
|
|
|
|
</para></listitem>
|
|
|
|
<listitem><para>
|
|
|
|
The website of the Window Manager or Desktop Environment you use.
|
|
|
|
</para></listitem>
|
|
|
|
<listitem><para>
|
|
|
|
The website dedicated to the application or project in question.
|
|
|
|
</para></listitem>
|
|
|
|
<listitem><para>
|
|
|
|
<ulink url="http://www.mail-archive.com/lists.html">The Mail
|
|
Archive</ulink>
|
|
|
|
</para></listitem>
|
|
|
|
<listitem><para>
|
|
|
|
<ulink url="http://www.uwsg.indiana.edu/hypermail/">Mailing List
|
|
Archives</ulink>
|
|
|
|
</para></listitem>
|
|
|
|
</itemizedlist>
|
|
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
This is not a complete listing of archives and you may find additional
|
|
sites with an Internet search engine. But, this should certainly get you
|
|
going.
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
|
|
</section>
|
|
|
|
<section id="howtos">
|
|
|
|
<title>HOWTOs</title>
|
|
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
HOWTOs are detailed reference documents on a specific subject, usually
|
|
following a step-by-step approach. A HOWTO is a good document to help
|
|
you discover a task or a topic you don't know. It will provide you with
|
|
the basic steps and the major references.
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
These documents are particularly useful when you decide to provide or
|
|
access a new service with your Linux system, or when you embark on a
|
|
technically complex project. For example, you may have the option of
|
|
accessing the 'net with a DSL or Cable Modem service - excellent guides
|
|
are available in the form of HOWTOs.
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
Authors of these documents often include references and links to sites
|
|
that they have found useful. You may find the information you need at
|
|
one of these hyperlinked sites rather than in the HOWTO itself.
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
|
|
<!-- It would be nice to find a new relevant example to put here. -->
|
|
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
To find HOWTOs, the first place to go is the <ulink
|
|
url="http://www.tldp.org">Linux Documentation Project (LDP)</ulink>. The
|
|
LDP includes a <ulink
|
|
url="http://www.tldp.org/HOWTO/HOWTO-INDEX/howtos.html">HOWTO Index
|
|
Page</ulink> that I suggest you bookmark in your browser.
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
These HOWTOs are written by Linux users and are periodically updated by
|
|
the authors. Many authors provide the latest version at a personal
|
|
website and a hyperlink to the latter is typically provided in the
|
|
document. This version may be newer than the one available at the LDP
|
|
website.
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
Note also that other HOWTOs are available, the authors of which have not
|
|
submitted them to the LDP. It is definitely worthwhile trying to find
|
|
these with an <link linkend="searchengines">Internet search
|
|
engine</link>, using the "howto" keyword.
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
|
|
</section>
|
|
|
|
<section id="usersmanuals">
|
|
|
|
<title>Online User's Manuals</title>
|
|
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
Some of the major Linux distributions, Window Managers and Desktop
|
|
Environments publish their user's manual online. If the entire manual is
|
|
not online, installation and configuration guides are typically found at
|
|
the relevant website. This also applies to major applications like the
|
|
<emphasis>Gimp</emphasis> (GNU Image Manipulation Program) or
|
|
<emphasis>Apache</emphasis>.
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
So, for those users who do not have the printed manual, a wealth of
|
|
installation and configuration guidance is generally available online.
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
|
|
</section>
|
|
|
|
<section id="unixrefs">
|
|
|
|
<title>
|
|
|
|
Online Unix References and Tutorials
|
|
|
|
</title>
|
|
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
As Linux is a Unix-like operating system, a general familiarity with
|
|
fundamental Unix concepts such as the Unix directory hierarchy and file
|
|
permissions is essential. Fortunately, there are many Unix tutorials
|
|
online that collectively cover everything a user might need to know to
|
|
use Linux. I suggest you bookmark the following as an online reference
|
|
library:
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
|
|
<itemizedlist>
|
|
|
|
<listitem><para>
|
|
|
|
The Wikipedia <ulink url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unix">Unix
|
|
article</ulink> is a good place to start. It includes an Unix history,
|
|
explains some Unix concepts and includes an explanation of basic
|
|
commands and some relevant links.
|
|
|
|
</para></listitem>
|
|
|
|
<listitem><para>
|
|
|
|
Eric S. Raymond's <ulink
|
|
url="http://en.tldp.org/HOWTO/Unix-and-Internet-Fundamentals-HOWTO/">The
|
|
Unix and Internet Fundamentals HOWTO</ulink> is a good document to learn
|
|
about the Unix concepts.
|
|
|
|
</para></listitem>
|
|
|
|
<listitem><para>
|
|
|
|
The <ulink url="http://www.ee.surrey.ac.uk/Teaching/Unix/">UNIX Tutorial
|
|
for Beginners </ulink> of the University of Surrey is a good step by
|
|
step tutorial for beginners.
|
|
|
|
</para></listitem>
|
|
|
|
<listitem><para>
|
|
|
|
<ulink
|
|
url="http://www.tru64unix.compaq.com/docs/base_doc/DOCUMENTATION/V40D_HTML/APS2HDTE/TITLETXT.HTM">The
|
|
Command and Shell User's guide</ulink> from Digital Equipment
|
|
Corporation is an excellent guide to the Unix Operating System. Bookmark
|
|
the <emphasis>Index Page</emphasis> linked there as an online reference.
|
|
|
|
</para></listitem>
|
|
|
|
<listitem><para>
|
|
|
|
<ulink url="http://star.pst.qub.ac.uk/help/unixhelp/">UNIXhelp</ulink>
|
|
is mirrored on many servers around the world. It is a useful resource
|
|
for newbies.
|
|
|
|
</para></listitem>
|
|
|
|
<listitem><para>
|
|
|
|
<ulink
|
|
url="http://wks.uts.ohio-state.edu/unix_course/intro-1.html">Introduction
|
|
to Unix</ulink> also contains a useful <ulink
|
|
url="http://wks.uts.ohio-state.edu/unix_course/intro-137.html#HEADING137-0">Unix
|
|
Command Summary</ulink> page with brief, but useful, explanations of
|
|
commonly used Unix commands.
|
|
|
|
</para></listitem>
|
|
|
|
<listitem><para>
|
|
|
|
<ulink url="http://unix.t-a-y-l-o-r.com/">Unix is a Four Letter
|
|
Word...</ulink> is another resource suitable for newbies.
|
|
|
|
</para></listitem>
|
|
|
|
</itemizedlist>
|
|
|
|
</section>
|
|
|
|
<section id="miscresources">
|
|
|
|
<title>Miscellaneous Resources</title>
|
|
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
In this section, I provide a number of links to websites that I have
|
|
found useful while learning to use Linux. This is an eclectic
|
|
collection, but keep these handy.
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
|
|
<section id="Xwindow">
|
|
|
|
<title>
|
|
|
|
Release Notes and Available Documentation related to the X Window Server
|
|
|
|
</title>
|
|
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
Depending on the X Window Server your distribution is using, you will
|
|
need to look at either the <ulink url="http://www.xfree86.org/">XFree86
|
|
website</ulink> or the <ulink url="http://xorg.freedesktop.org">X.Org
|
|
Foundation website</ulink>. Whenever you have trouble with your X
|
|
environment, peruse the notes applicable to your videocard and chipset.
|
|
These typically provide details about the configuration of the X Window
|
|
System relative to your card, and will enumerate any "options" you have
|
|
to include in the <filename>XF86Config</filename> file that governs X.
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
|
|
</section>
|
|
|
|
<section id="gnumanuals">
|
|
|
|
<title>GNU Software and Manuals</title>
|
|
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
Many important programs that are frequently utilized by the Linux user
|
|
are GNU utilities - for example, the <application>tar</application>
|
|
(archive) and <application>gzip</application> (compression) programs.
|
|
Descriptions of these programs are located at the <ulink
|
|
url="http://directory.fsf.org/">FSF Free Software Directory</ulink>
|
|
where many <ulink url="http://www.gnu.org/manual/manual.html">Online
|
|
Manuals</ulink> may also be found.
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
These manuals typically provide a lot more information than is found in
|
|
the corresponding <application>man</application> page on your system.
|
|
For example , compare the <application>man</application> page and online
|
|
manual for the <application>tar</application> utility.
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
|
|
</section>
|
|
|
|
<section id="FOLDOC">
|
|
<title>The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing</title>
|
|
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
The <ulink url="http://www.foldoc.org/">Free On-line Dictionary of
|
|
Computing (FOLDOC)</ulink> is a huge encyclopedia of computing terms and
|
|
concepts, maintained by Denis Howe. It has very detailed articles, with
|
|
a lot of cross references. It's a very good reference to understand
|
|
anything related to computing.
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
|
|
</section>
|
|
|
|
<section id="webopedia">
|
|
|
|
<title>An online dictionary of computer and technology terms</title>
|
|
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
The <ulink url="http://www.pcwebopedia.com/">PC Webopedia</ulink>
|
|
consists of a large online dictionary of computer-related terms and a
|
|
search engine that provides links to documents that discuss each item in
|
|
more detail. For example, I used this site to learn the differences
|
|
between <emphasis>ISA</emphasis> and <emphasis>PCI</emphasis> buses.
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
|
|
</section>
|
|
|
|
</section>
|
|
|
|
<section id="conclusions">
|
|
|
|
<title>
|
|
|
|
Concluding Comments
|
|
|
|
</title>
|
|
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
If you are a Linux newbie, you may want to create a
|
|
<emphasis>Troubleshooting</emphasis> folder in your browser's bookmark
|
|
list, into which you put the hyperlinks I have included in this
|
|
document, as well as those pertinent to the distribution of Linux and
|
|
the Window Manager or Desktop Environment you use.
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
As you use these links, you will quickly become adept at troubleshooting
|
|
online.
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
|
|
<para>Cheers and happy searching!</para>
|
|
|
|
</section>
|
|
|
|
<appendix id="openpub">
|
|
|
|
<title>Open Publication License</title>
|
|
|
|
<subtitle>v1.0, 8 June 1999</subtitle>
|
|
|
|
<section id="opl-requirements">
|
|
|
|
<title>
|
|
|
|
Requirements on both unmodified and modified versions
|
|
|
|
</title>
|
|
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
The Open Publication works may be reproduced and distributed in whole or
|
|
in part, in any medium physical or electronic, provided that the terms
|
|
of this license are adhered to, and that this license or an
|
|
incorporation of it by reference (with any options elected by the
|
|
author(s) and/or publisher) is displayed in the reproduction.
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
Proper form for an incorporation by reference is as follows:
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
|
|
<blockquote><para>
|
|
|
|
Copyright (c) <year> by <author's name or designee>. This
|
|
material may be distributed only subject to the terms and conditions set
|
|
forth in the Open Publication License, vX.Y or later (the latest version
|
|
is presently available at <ulink
|
|
url="http://www.opencontent.org/openpub/"></ulink>).
|
|
|
|
</para></blockquote>
|
|
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
The reference must be immediately followed with any options elected by
|
|
the author(s) and/or publisher of the document (see section VI).
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
Commercial redistribution of Open Publication-licensed material is
|
|
permitted.
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
Any publication in standard (paper) book form shall require the citation
|
|
of the original publisher and author. The publisher and author's names
|
|
shall appear on all outer surfaces of the book. On all outer surfaces of
|
|
the book the original publisher's name shall be as large as the title of
|
|
the work and cited as possessive with respect to the title.
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
|
|
</section>
|
|
|
|
<section id="opl-copyright">
|
|
|
|
<title>
|
|
|
|
Copyright
|
|
|
|
</title>
|
|
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
The copyright to each Open Publication is owned by its author(s) or
|
|
designee.
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
|
|
</section>
|
|
|
|
<section id="opl-scope">
|
|
|
|
<title>
|
|
|
|
Scope of license
|
|
|
|
</title>
|
|
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
The following license terms apply to all Open Publication works, unless
|
|
otherwise explicitly stated in the document.
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
Mere aggregation of Open Publication works or a portion of an Open
|
|
Publication work with other works or programs on the same media shall
|
|
not cause this license to apply to those other works. The aggregate work
|
|
shall contain a notice specifying the inclusion of the Open Publication
|
|
material and appropriate copyright notice.
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
SEVERABILITY. If any part of this license is found to be unenforceable
|
|
in any jurisdiction, the remaining portions of the license remain in
|
|
force.
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
NO WARRANTY. Open Publication works are licensed and provided "as is"
|
|
without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including, but not
|
|
limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a
|
|
particular purpose or a warranty of non-infringement.
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
|
|
</section>
|
|
|
|
<section id="opl-modified-works">
|
|
|
|
<title>
|
|
|
|
Requirements on modified works
|
|
|
|
</title>
|
|
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
All modified versions of documents covered by this license, including
|
|
translations, anthologies, compilations and partial documents, must meet
|
|
the following requirements:
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
|
|
<orderedlist>
|
|
|
|
<listitem><para>
|
|
|
|
The modified version must be labeled as such.
|
|
|
|
</para></listitem>
|
|
<listitem><para>
|
|
|
|
The person making the modifications must be identified and the
|
|
modifications dated.
|
|
|
|
</para></listitem>
|
|
<listitem><para>
|
|
|
|
Acknowledgement of the original author and publisher if applicable must
|
|
be retained according to normal academic citation practices.
|
|
|
|
</para></listitem>
|
|
<listitem><para>
|
|
|
|
The location of the original unmodified document must be identified.
|
|
|
|
</para></listitem>
|
|
<listitem><para>
|
|
|
|
The original author's (or authors') name(s) may not be used to assert or
|
|
imply endorsement of the resulting document without the original
|
|
author's (or authors') permission.
|
|
|
|
</para></listitem>
|
|
|
|
</orderedlist>
|
|
|
|
</section>
|
|
|
|
<section id="opl-good-practice">
|
|
|
|
<title>
|
|
|
|
Good-practice recommendations
|
|
|
|
</title>
|
|
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
In addition to the requirements of this license, it is requested from
|
|
and strongly recommended of redistributors that:
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
|
|
<orderedlist>
|
|
|
|
<listitem><para>
|
|
|
|
If you are distributing Open Publication works on hardcopy or CD-ROM,
|
|
you provide email notification to the authors of your intent to
|
|
redistribute at least thirty days before your manuscript or media
|
|
freeze, to give the authors time to provide updated documents. This
|
|
notification should describe modifications, if any, made to the
|
|
document.
|
|
|
|
</para></listitem>
|
|
<listitem><para>
|
|
|
|
All substantive modifications (including deletions) be either clearly
|
|
marked up in the document or else described in an attachment to the
|
|
document.
|
|
|
|
</para></listitem>
|
|
<listitem><para>
|
|
|
|
Finally, while it is not mandatory under this license, it is considered
|
|
good form to offer a free copy of any hardcopy and CD-ROM expression of
|
|
an Open Publication-licensed work to its author(s).
|
|
|
|
</para></listitem>
|
|
|
|
</orderedlist>
|
|
|
|
</section>
|
|
|
|
<section id="opl-options">
|
|
|
|
<title>
|
|
|
|
License options
|
|
|
|
</title>
|
|
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
The author(s) and/or publisher of an Open Publication-licensed document
|
|
may elect certain options by appending language to the reference to or
|
|
copy of the license. These options are considered part of the license
|
|
instance and must be included with the license (or its incorporation by
|
|
reference) in derived works.
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
|
|
<orderedlist numeration="upperalpha">
|
|
|
|
<listitem><para>
|
|
|
|
To prohibit distribution of substantively modified versions without the
|
|
explicit permission of the author(s). "Substantive modification" is
|
|
defined as a change to the semantic content of the document, and
|
|
excludes mere changes in format or typographical corrections.
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
To accomplish this, add the phrase `Distribution of substantively
|
|
modified versions of this document is prohibited without the explicit
|
|
permission of the copyright holder.' to the license reference or copy.
|
|
|
|
</para></listitem>
|
|
<listitem><para>
|
|
|
|
To prohibit any publication of this work or derivative works in whole or
|
|
in part in standard (paper) book form for commercial purposes is
|
|
prohibited unless prior permission is obtained from the copyright
|
|
holder.
|
|
|
|
</para>
|
|
<para>
|
|
|
|
To accomplish this, add the phrase 'Distribution of the work or
|
|
derivative of the work in any standard (paper) book form is prohibited
|
|
unless prior permission is obtained from the copyright holder.' to the
|
|
license reference or copy.
|
|
|
|
</para></listitem>
|
|
|
|
</orderedlist>
|
|
|
|
</section>
|
|
|
|
</appendix>
|
|
|
|
</article>
|