  Online Troubleshooting Resources HOWTO
  Howard Mann, howardm@xmission.com
  v0.5, 18 September 1999

  This document will direct Linux users to resources available on the
  Internet that provide access to a vast amount of Linux-related infor-
  mation useful in troubleshooting problems.
  ______________________________________________________________________

  Table of Contents


  1. Introduction

     1.1 Document updates
     1.2 Copyright and License
     1.3 Feedback and Corrections

  2. HOWTO's and mini-HOWTO's

  3. Frequently-Asked-Questions ( FAQ's)

  4. Online Support Sections

  5. Usenet Newsgroup Archives

     5.1 Power Search at deja.com
     5.2 Searchlinux.com (CNET Linux Help)

  6. Internet Search Engines

     6.1 Google.com

  7. Mailing List Archives

  8. Online User's Manuals

  9. Online Unix Tutorials

  10. Miscellaneous Resources

     10.1 Release Notes and Available Documentation related to the XFree86 X - Window Server.
     10.2 GNU Texinfo pages
     10.3 GNU Software and Manuals
     10.4 Glossary of Linux-related terms
     10.5 An online dictionary of computer and technology terms
     10.6 A detailed Guide to Personal Computers
     10.7 Gary's Encyclopedia

  11. 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 <http://www.opensource.org> 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.


  1.1.  Document updates

  The latest version of this document will always be available at
  <http://www.newbielinux.com>, my website for Linux newbies.


  1.2.  Copyright and License

  Copyright (c) 1999 , by Howard Mann.

  This document is governed by the provisions of the LDP Copying
  License, the  terms of which are detailed here:
  <http://www.linuxdoc.org/copyright.html>


  1.3.  Feedback and Corrections

  I always welcome feedback and constructive criticism.In particular, I
  wish to be notified about any errors in this document and resources
  deserving of mention, but not presently covered herein.  In
  anticipation, Thanks.


  2.  HOWTO's and mini-HOWTO's

  These documents are associated with the Linux Documentation Project
  <http://www.linuxdoc.org>. There is an Index page
  <http://www.linuxdoc.org/HOWTO/HOWTO-INDEX-3.html> that I suggest you
  bookmark in your browser.

  These HOWTO's 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 that available at the LDP
  website.  The document may be published online before its inclusion
  into the LDP database.

  Note also that other HOWTO's 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.

  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 an ADSL or Cable Modem service - excellent
  guides are available in the form of HOWTO's.

  In addition, authors 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
  <http://cesdis1.gsfc.nasa.gov/linux/drivers/> , the primary site for
  information about Network Interface Card drivers , in the Ethernet
  HOWTO.


  3.  Frequently-Asked-Questions ( FAQ's)

  A list of FAQ's is a traditional accompaniment to Linux-related
  applications, utilities, and the like. An FAQ is typically provided
  online by the developer/s of the product in question, and enterprising
  users sometimes host an "unofficial" FAQ as well. Search for the
  latter with an Internet search engine.

  The FAQ is the first document to peruse when troubleshooting a
  particular application. In addition, FAQ's exist for Linux
  distributions, window managers, and the so-called desktop environments
  ( KDE and Gnome ).

  For Linux newbies, I provide links to three FAQ's that collectively
  address many of the questions posted to the Usenet newsgroups :


  1. The Linux FAQ at  <http://www.fokus.gmd.de/linux/FAQ/Linux-
     FAQ.html>

  2. The XFree86 X - Window System FAQ at  <http://www.xfree86.org/FAQ>

  3. The Linux Kernel mailing list FAQ at  <http://www.tux.org/lkml/>


  4.  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:


  o  Installation Support

  o  Knowledge or Solutions Databases.

  o  Tips and Tricks

  o  Errata, Fixes and Updates


  o  White Papers

  o  Technical Guides

  o  Hardware Guide or Compatibility List

  o  Security Information

  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 XFree86 X - Window System
  you are using.

  I recommend you spend some time at the website familiarizing yourself
  with what is available.



  5.  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.

  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 Power Search utility at deja.com ( see below) ,
  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

  There are two websites that provide access to Usenet archives using a
  search engine as described in the following sections.


  5.1.  Power Search at deja.com

  This is the pre-eminent site for all things Usenet, and the Power
  Search utility is at : <http://www.deja.com/home_ps.shtml>. Spend some
  time at this site learning how to use the search engine effectively,
  including an appreciation of the Search Language
  <http://www.deja.com/help/help_lang.shtml> nuances. In particular,
  note the value of using the wildcard symbol.  You will be repaid time
  and again for your efforts. I typically enter the following for a
  "routine" search:



       LANGUAGE : English
       SUBJECT :  try different keywords, thinking of a subject line you would use for a post.
       FORUM    :  *linux* or comp.os.linux.*



  There is another nice interface to the Power Search utility at :
  <http://www.exit109.com/~jeremy/news/deja.html>. Customize this page
  to your liking ( I like the " DejaClassic" option ), and then choose "
  Save Settings."

  You may also be interested in using the DejaSearch utility, available
  at :   <http://homemade.hypermart.net/dejasearch/> , that will print
  out the retrieved posts in one HTML file for your perusal. By using
  this, you will not have to page back and forth in your browser.


  5.2.  Searchlinux.com (CNET Linux Help)

  This is a relatively new site with many of the same features as
  deja.com. It has "basic" and "advanced" search options. The latter
  does not have as many options as the Power Search feature at deja.com.
  It has a nice one-click option whereby one may view one's own posts
  and associated replies. It is found at :  <http://www.searchlinux.com>


  6.  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.


  6.1.  Google.com

  This engine has several novel features that are described at :
  <http://www.google.com/why_use.html>. 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 that  provides additional
  relevant links with each item returned.

  In addition, it has a specialized Linux search engine at :
  <http://www.google.com/linux> 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.
  7.  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 at :
  <http://www.linuxrx.com/Lists/Lists.perl> and the Linux Online Mailing
  Lists at:  <http://www.linux.org/help/lists.html>.

  You may also find Mailing List archives at the following locations :


  1. The website of the distribution of Linux you use.

  2. The website/s of the Window Manager and/or Desktop Environment you
     use.

  3. The website dedicated to the application or project  in question.

  4. The Mail Archive at :  <http://www.mail-archive.com/lists.html>

  5. Mailing List Archives at : <http://www.uwsg.indiana.edu/hypermail/>

  6. Linux Mailing List Archives at : <http://kernelnotes.org/lnxlists/>

  7. Tux Mailing List Archives at : <http://www.tux.org/hypermail/>

  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.


  8.  Online User's Manuals

  Some of the major Linux distributions and Window Managers/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.


  9.  Online Unix 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 :


  1. A large well-organized reference at :
     <http://www.dicamp.univ.trieste.it/du96/unix/TOC.html>

  2. Unixhelp at  <http://www.ucs.ed.ac.uk/~unixhelp/servers.html>

  3. Unix is a Four Letter Word... at
     <http://www.linuxbox.com/~taylor/4ltrwrd/title.html>


  10.  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.


  10.1.  Release Notes and Available Documentation related to the
  XFree86 X - Window Server.

  This documentation accompanies each version of XFree86, and is
  available at: <http://www.xfree86.org/>. Whenever you have trouble
  with your X environment, peruse the notes applicable to your
  videocard/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 XF86Config file
  that governs X.


  10.2.  GNU Texinfo pages

  A great collection of pages is available at : <http://www.geek-
  girl.com/unix.html#texinfo>. Included are links to pages on the
  following:


  o  Bash    - The Bourne-again shell

  o  Configure    - used when compiling programs from source code

  o  G++    - the GNU C++  compiler

  o  Gcc  - the C compiler

  o  Libc  - the GNU C library

  o  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.


  10.3.  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
  :
  <http://www.gnu.org/software/software.html#DescriptionsOfGNUSoftware>
  and online manuals for many of these are found at :
  <http://www.gnu.org/manual/manual.html>.

  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.


  10.4.  Glossary of Linux-related terms

  This online guide at : <http://www.firstlinux.com/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.


  10.5.  An online dictionary of computer and technology terms

  The Webopedia website at :  <http://www.pcwebopedia.com/> 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.


  10.6.  A detailed Guide to Personal Computers

  The Topic Index to this voluminous hardware guide at :
  <http://www.PCguide.com/topic.html> 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.


  10.7.  Gary's Encyclopedia

  Gary Momarison's website at
  <http://members.aa.net/~swear/pedia/index.html> contains a very large
  number of sorted Linux-related links. You may use the "find" function
  in your browser to find links in a particular category. Peruse this
  website to appreciate what it has to offer.


  11.  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/Desktop
  Environment you use.

  As you use these links , you will quickly become adept at
  troubleshooting online.

  Cheers and happy searching !



