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

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 !