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-Online Troubleshooting Resources : HOWTO
-!!!Online Troubleshooting Resources : HOWTO
-!Howard Mann
-!Jean-Philippe Guérardv 1.4 March 4, 2002
-
-
-
-
-
-This document will direct Linux users to resources available on the Internet
-that provide access to a vast amount of Linux-related information useful in
-troubleshooting problems
-
-
-
-
-
-----; __Table of Contents__; 1. Introduction; 2. Document Updates: ; 2.1. Copyright and License; 2.2. Feedback and Corrections; 3. HOWTOs and mini-HOWTOs; 4. Frequently-Asked-Questions (FAQs); 5. Online Support Sections; 6. Usenet Newsgroup Archives; 7. Internet Search Engines: ; 7.1. Google.com; 8. Mailing List Archives; 9. Online User's Manuals; 10. Online Unix References and Tutorials; 11. Miscellaneous Resources: ; 11.1. Release Notes and Available Documentation related to the XFree86
-X Window Server; 11.2. GNU Texinfo pages; 11.3. GNU Software and Manuals; 11.4. Glossary of Linux-related terms; 11.5. An online dictionary of computer and technology terms; 11.6. A detailed Guide to Personal Computers; 12. Concluding Comments
-!!!1. Introduction
-
-The traditional means of troubleshooting computer-related problems
-involves consulting user's manuals, books, friends - probably enticed with
-goodies - and, when all the former do not yield a solution, calling the
-technical support service of the vendor of the product in question. And, we all
-know pleasant and reliably efficacious the latter stratagem is. Unfortunately,
-this is the norm in the sphere of commercial proprietary products.
-
-
-
-In contradistinction, Linux, and related distributions, utilities and
-applications software, has largely been developed according to the Open Source model, wherein developers
-have used electronic communication over the Internet - typically in the form of
-publically-accessible Mailing Lists - to collaborate with their peers in
-the refinement of the associated source code. Such collaboration has
-also traditionally involved the online publication of user's manuals,
-lists of Frequently-Asked-Questions (FAQ's), knowledge bases, release
-notes, formal guides such as this document (HOWTO's) and tutorials. In
-addition, users often assist others through the forum of Usenet and
-other newsgroups and the posted messages are readily accessible in the
-form of searchable archives. These linux-related newsgroups are renowned
-for their high level of user participation. In significant measure,
-Linux may be considered a product of the Internet.
-
-
-
-Considered together, these resources enable access to a large,
-ever-expanding factual database, and my intent is to encourage and direct the
-reader to utilize these repositories when faced with an issue not addressed in
-the documentation that is included with each 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 which are readily available in one or more of the
-existent online repositories. So, to diminish the likelihood of being "flamed"
-in response to your posted question on Usenet or irc , read further!
-
-
-
-Armed with a browser, Linux users may rapidly become adept at
-troubleshooting their systems. The key is knowing how and where to look. My
-objective is to guide the user - particularly the Linux newbie - in this
-quest.
-
-----
-!!!2. Document Updates
-
-The latest version of this document will always be available via the
-''HOWTO index'' at the Linux Documentation Project
-The document will also be available in SGML, PS, PDF, and other
-formats at that website.
-
-----
-!!2.1. Copyright and License
-
-Copyright (c) 1999-2000 , by Howard Mann.
-
-
-
-
-Copyright (c) 2002 , by Jean-Philippe Guérard.
-
-
-
-
-Publication and distribution of this document is governed by the terms of the
-Open Publication
-License , Draft version .4, June 8, 1999, or later.
-
-----
-!!2.2. Feedback and Corrections
-
-I always welcome feedback and constructive criticism. You can
-reach me at jean-philippe.guerard@laposte.net. In particular, I wish to be
-notified about any errors in this document and resources you believe
-deserving of inclusion, but not presently covered herein. Because the
-assessment of the value of a particular resource is inherently
-subjective, I do not guarantee that I will include it, but I will
-certainly give any suggestion thoughtful consideration. In anticipation,
-Thanks.
-
-----
-!!!3. HOWTOs and mini-HOWTOs
-
-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.
-
-
-
-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.
-
-
-
-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. For
-example, I found Linux
-Network Drivers, an interesting site for information about
-Network
-Interface Card drivers, in the Ethernet HOWTO.
-
-
-
-To find HOWTOs, the first place to go is the Linux Documentation Project (LDP).
-The LDP includes a HOWTO
-Index Page that I suggest you bookmark in your browser.
-
-
-
-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.
-
-
-
-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 using an Internet search engine as I describe in a
-subsequent section.
-
-----
-!!!4. Frequently-Asked-Questions (FAQs)
-
-Users of Internet Newsgroups and Mailing lists soon discovered
-that some 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 agreed answers.
-
-
-
-A list of FAQs is also a traditional accompaniment to
-Linux-related software. The FAQ is the first document to peruse when
-troubleshooting a particular application. It provides answers to typical
-questions, and is a good place to start troubleshooting a specific
-problem. In addition, FAQs exist for Linux distributions, window
-managers, and the so-called desktop environments (KDE and
-Gnome).
-
-
-
-A FAQ is typically provided online by the developers of the
-product in question, and enterprising users sometimes host an
-"unofficial" FAQ as well. Search for the latter with an
-Internet search engine.
-
-
-
-For Linux newbies, I provide links to two FAQs that collectively
-address ''many'' of the questions posted to the Usenet
-newsgroups :
-
-
-
-
-
-
-*
-
-The
-Linux FAQ
-
-
-*
-*
-
-The Linux Kernel mailing
-list FAQ
-
-
-*----
-!!!5. Online Support Sections
-
-These sections are typically found at the websites of Linux
-distributions, and often contain a variety of helpful documents with information
-not easily encompassed within a FAQ. Look for sections with one or more of the
-following titles:
-
-
-
-
-
-
-*
-
-Installation Support
-
-
-*
-*
-
-Knowledge or Solutions Databases
-
-
-*
-*
-
-Tips and Tricks
-
-
-*
-*
-
-Errata, Fixes and Updates
-
-
-*
-*
-
-White Papers
-
-
-*
-*
-
-Technical Guides
-
-
-*
-*
-
-Hardware Guide or Compatibility List
-
-
-*
-*
-
-Security Information
-
-
-*
-*
-
-Bug Tracking System
-
-
-*
-*
-
-Bug Database
-
-
-*
-
-Some websites provide a site search engine that will facilitate your quest
-for a solution.
-
-
-
-If you have a problem with a newly installed distribution, look here first
-as bugs and their fixes are typically posted here. You may find a detailed guide
-that will help you accomplish a task such as upgrading your kernel or the
-version of the X Window System you are using.
-
-
-
-I recommend you spend some time at the website of the distribution you are
-using, familiarizing yourself with what is available.
-
-----
-!!!6. Usenet Newsgroup Archives
-
-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.
-
-
-
-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.
-
-
-
-The main web site that currently provides access to Usenet
-archives using a search engine is groups.google.com. The most
-effective way to do a search is to use its Advanced
-Groups Search page.
-
-
-
-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 "make" command:
-
-
-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
-
-I had no idea what ''as86'' was, but I entered
-it as the keyword in the ''Subject'' 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
-''bin86'' 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 (I do have an ADSL connection to the 'net
-!).
-
-----
-!!!7. Internet Search Engines
-
-I frequently use a Search Engine to retrieve helpful or necessary
-information from the 'net. These engines catalogue pages from commercial,
-personal and academic websites, as well as Mailing Lists and the like.
-
-
-
-Of course, there are a large number of available Search Engines, and I
-suggest you try several before giving up on a particular quest. Research has
-shown that any one of them catalogues but a small portion of existent web pages.
-It is worthwhile becoming very familiar with the operational details of at
-least one non-directory engine to maximize the efficiency and efficacy of your
-search efforts. You probably already have a favorite - I like
-''Google.com'', and will discuss it in a little more
-detail.
-
-----
-!!7.1. Google.com
-
-This engine has several novel features that are described in its
-Why use Google.com
-page. 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
-''!GoogleScout (TM)'' feature, activated by clicking on
-the "similar pages" links, that provides additional relevant links with
-each item returned.
-
-
-
-In addition, it has a specialized Linux Search Engine that I use as my
-primary Internet search tool. It searches the database of linux-related pages at
-Google.com further promoting search efficiency. Try it - I am confident
-you will bookmark it immediately.
-
-----
-!!!8. Mailing List Archives
-
-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 publically 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.
-
-
-
-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.
-
-
-
-Initially, try locate the Mailing List Archive you are interested in by
-typing a keyword/s and "mailing list archive" in an Internet search
-engine.
-
-
-
-For a listing of linux-related Mailing Lists, peruse websites such as the
-Linux Resource
-Exchange and the Linux
-Online Mailing Lists
-
-
-
-A relatively new, excellent Mailing List resource is Geocrawler (The Knowledge Archive). This
-is a continuously updated, searchable archive of a large number of Lists that
-also allows one to register and subsequently post to any particular Mailing
-List. Its user interface is simple and its search function delivers messages
-very quickly. I highly recommend this site.
-
-
-
-You may also find Mailing List archives at the following locations
-:
-
-
-
-
-
-
-*
-
-The website of the distribution of Linux you use.
-
-
-*
-*
-
-The website of the Window Manager or Desktop
-Environment you use.
-
-
-*
-*
-
-The website dedicated to the application or project in
-question.
-
-
-*
-*
-
-The Mail
-Archive
-
-
-*
-*
-
-Mailing List
-Archives
-
-
-*
-*
-
-Tux Mailing List
-Archives
-
-
-*
-
-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.
-
-----
-!!!9. Online User's Manuals
-
-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
-''Gimp'' (GNU Image Manipulation Program).
-
-
-
-So, for those users who do not have the printed manual, a wealth of
-installation and configuration guidance is generally available online.
-
-----
-!!!10. Online Unix References and Tutorials
-
-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:
-
-
-
-
-
-
-*
-
-The Command and Shell User's guide from Digital Equipment
-Corporation is an excellent guide to the Unix Operating System. Bookmark
-the ''Index Page'' linked there as an online
-reference.
-
-
-*
-*
-
-UNIXhelp is
-mirrored on many servers around the world. It is a useful resource for
-newbies.
-
-
-*
-*
-
-Introduction to
-Unix also contains a useful Unix
-Command Summary page with brief, but useful, explanations of commonly
-used Unix commands.
-
-
-*
-*
-
-Unix is a Four Letter
-Word... is another resource suitable for newbies.
-
-
-*----
-!!!11. Miscellaneous Resources
-
-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.
-
-----
-!!11.1. Release Notes and Available Documentation related to the XFree86
-X Window Server
-
-This documentation accompanies each version of XFree86, and is
-available at the XFree86 website.
-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 theXF86Config file that governs X.
-
-----
-!!11.2. GNU Texinfo pages
-
-A great collection of pages is available at the Geek Girl.com website.
-Included are links to pages on the following:
-
-
-
-
-
-
-*
-
-''Bash'' - The Bourne-again
-shell
-
-
-*
-*
-
-''Configure'' - used when compiling
-programs from source code
-
-
-*
-*
-
-''G++ '' - the GNU C++
-compiler
-
-
-*
-*
-
-''Gcc'' - the C compiler
-
-
-*
-*
-
-''Libc'' - the GNU C library
-
-
-*
-*
-
-''Make'' - a program for directing
-recompilation
-
-
-*
-
-Note that some of these are included in the "docs" that come
-with Linux distributions. In general, these are detailed technical documents of
-particular interest to developers. However, if like me, you are not a
-programmer, you may peruse the introductory sections of these documents to get
-insight, for example, into those configureand
-make commands you use when installing applications
-from source code.
-
-----
-!!11.3. GNU Software and Manuals
-
-Many important programs that are frequently utilized by the Linux user are
-GNU utilities - for example, the tar (archive) and
-gzip (compression) programs. Descriptions of these
-programs are located at the GNU.org
-website where many Online Manuals may also be
-found.
-
-
-
-These manuals typically provide a lot more information than is found in
-the corresponding man page on your system. For
-example , compare the man page and online manual for
-the tar utility.
-
-----
-!!11.4. Glossary of Linux-related terms
-
-The First Linux
-online guide has a nice collection of terms and definitions, sorted
-alphabetically. Go
here if you encounter a term that you have not seen before or
-do not understand.
-
-----
-!!11.5. An online dictionary of computer and technology terms
-
-The PC Webopedia 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 ''ISA'' and
-''PCI'' buses.
-
-----
-!!11.6. A detailed Guide to Personal Computers
-
-The Topic Index to the voluminous hardware guide at PC guide.com will give you a
-great idea of the contents of this website. I used it quite frequently when
-first installing Linux and configuring the X Window System. I learnt a lot about
-videocards and monitors, including the concepts of screen resolution, color
-depth etc., useful when troubleshooting X display problems.
-
-----
-!!!12. Concluding Comments
-
-If you are a Linux newbie, you may want to create a
-''Troubleshooting'' 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.
-
-
-
-As you use these links, you will quickly become adept at troubleshooting
-online
.
-
-
-
-Cheers and happy searching !
+Describe
[HowToOnlineTroubleshootingHOWTO
] here.
