Online Troubleshooting Resources : HOWTO

Online Troubleshooting Resources : HOWTO

Howard Mann

[email protected]
v 1.3 July 24, 2000

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
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Table of Contents
1. [1]Introduction
2. [2]Document Updates

2.1. [3]Copyright and License
2.2. [4]Feedback and Corrections

3. [5]HOWTOs and mini-HOWTOs
4. [6]Frequently-Asked-Questions ( FAQs)
5. [7]Online Support Sections
6. [8]Usenet Newsgroup Archives

6.1. [9]Power Search at deja.com
6.2. [10]Searchlinux.com (CNET Linux Help)

7. [11]Internet Search Engines

7.1. [12]Google.com

8. [13]Mailing List Archives
9. [14]Online User's Manuals
10. [15]Online Unix References and Tutorials
11. [16]Linux Kernel Resources
12. [17]Miscellaneous Resources

12.1. [18]Release Notes and Available Documentation related to
the XFree86 X - Window Server

12.2. [19]GNU Texinfo pages
12.3. [20]GNU Software and Manuals
12.4. [21]Glossary of Linux-related terms
12.5. [22]An online dictionary of computer and technology terms
12.6. [23]A detailed Guide to Personal Computers
12.7. [24]Gary's Encyclopedia

13. [25]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
[26]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.
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2. Document Updates

The latest version of this document will always be available via the
Documents Catalog at the [27]Open Source Writers Group The document
will also be available in SGML, PS, RTF, DVI and other formats at that
website.
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2.1. Copyright and License

Copyright (c) 1999 , by Howard Mann.

Publication and distribution of this document is governed by the terms
of the [28]Open Publication License , Draft version 0.4, June 8, 1999,
or later.
_________________________________________________________________

2.2. 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
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

These documents are associated with the [29]Linux Documentation
Project. There is a [30]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 that available at the website.
The document may be published online before its inclusion into the
database.

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.

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.

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 [31]Linux Network Drivers, the primary site for
information about Network Interface Card drivers , in the Ethernet
HOWTO.
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4. Frequently-Asked-Questions ( FAQs)

A list of FAQs 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, FAQs exist for Linux
distributions, window managers, and the so-called desktop environments
( KDE and Gnome ).

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

* [32]The Linux FAQ
* [33]The XFree86 X - Window System FAQ
* [34]The Linux Kernel mailing list FAQ
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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

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 of the distribution you
are using, familiarizing yourself with what is available.
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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.

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
'net ! ).

There are two websites that provide access to Usenet archives using a
search engine as described in the following sections.
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6.1. Power Search at deja.com

The [35]Power Search page allows you to search using keywords and
other parameters.I suggest you spend some time becoming familiar with
the [36]Search Language 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.*

Another version of this search engine is this [37]Customized Power
Search Page. Customize this page to your liking ( I like the "
DejaClassic" option ), and then choose " Save Settings."

The [38]DejaSearch utility is another application that you may use. It
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.
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6.2. Searchlinux.com (CNET Linux Help)

The [39]Searchlinux website is relatively new, 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
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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.
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7.1. Google.com

This engine has several novel features that are described in its
[40]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 that provides additional relevant
links with each item returned.

In addition, it has a specialized [41]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.
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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 [42]Linux Resource Exchange and the [43]Linux Online Mailing Lists

A relatively new, excellent Mailing List resource is [44]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/s of the Window Manager and/or Desktop Environment you
use.
* The website dedicated to the application or project in question.
* [45]The Mail Archive
* [46]Mailing List Archives
* [47]The Linux Mailing List Archives
* [48]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.
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9. 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.
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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 :

* [49]The Command and Shell User's guide from the Digital Equipment
Corporation is an excellent guide to the Unix Operating System.
Bookmark the Index Page linked there as an online reference.
* [50]UNIXhelp is mirrored on many servers around the world. It is a
useful resource for newbies.
* [51]Introduction to Unix also contains a useful [52]Unix Command
Summary page with brief, but useful, explanations of commonly used
Unix commands.
* [53]Unix is a Four Letter Word... is another resource suitable for
newbies.
* [54]Unix Tools contains useful descriptions of utilities, such as
tar, that are commonly used in daily work.
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11. Linux Kernel Resources

If you would like current information about the Linux kernel,
[55]Kernelnotes.org is the site you should visit. At this site, you
can find out information about the stable and development versions of
the kernel, as well as information about upgrading the kernel. It has
links to unofficial patches and drivers, and much more.
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12. 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.
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12.1. Release Notes and Available Documentation related to the XFree86 X -
Window Server

This documentation accompanies each version of XFree86, and is
available at the [56]XFree86 website. 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.
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12.2. GNU Texinfo pages

A great collection of pages is available at the [57]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.
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12.3. 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 [58]GNU.org website where many [59]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.
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12.4. Glossary of Linux-related terms

The [60]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.
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12.5. An online dictionary of computer and technology terms

The [61]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.
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12.6. A detailed Guide to Personal Computers

The Topic Index to the voluminous hardware guide at [62]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.
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12.7. Gary's Encyclopedia

[63]Gary Momarison's website 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.
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13. 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 !

References

1. Online-Troubleshooting-HOWTO.html#INTRO
2. Online-Troubleshooting-HOWTO.html#DOCUPDATES
3. Online-Troubleshooting-HOWTO.html#AEN30
4. Online-Troubleshooting-HOWTO.html#AEN35
5. Online-Troubleshooting-HOWTO.html#HOWTOS
6. Online-Troubleshooting-HOWTO.html#FAQS
7. Online-Troubleshooting-HOWTO.html#ONLINESUPPORT
8. Online-Troubleshooting-HOWTO.html#USENET
9. Online-Troubleshooting-HOWTO.html#DEJACOM
10. Online-Troubleshooting-HOWTO.html#SEARCHLINUX
11. Online-Troubleshooting-HOWTO.html#SEARCHENGINES
12. Online-Troubleshooting-HOWTO.html#GOOGLE
13. Online-Troubleshooting-HOWTO.html#MAILINGLISTS
14. Online-Troubleshooting-HOWTO.html#USERSMANUALS
15. Online-Troubleshooting-HOWTO.html#UNIXREFS
16. Online-Troubleshooting-HOWTO.html#KERNEL
17. Online-Troubleshooting-HOWTO.html#MISCRESOURCES
18. Online-Troubleshooting-HOWTO.html#XWINDOW
19. Online-Troubleshooting-HOWTO.html#TEXINFO
20. Online-Troubleshooting-HOWTO.html#GNUMANUALS
21. Online-Troubleshooting-HOWTO.html#GLOSSARY
22. Online-Troubleshooting-HOWTO.html#WEBOPEDIA
23. Online-Troubleshooting-HOWTO.html#PCS
24. Online-Troubleshooting-HOWTO.html#ENCYCLO
25. Online-Troubleshooting-HOWTO.html#CONCLUSIONS
26. http://www.opensource.org/
27. http://www.oswg.org/
28. http://www.opencontent.org/openpub/
29. http://www.linuxdoc.org/
30. http://www.linuxdoc.org/HOWTO/HOWTO-INDEX-3.html
31. http://cesdis1.gsfc.nasa.gov/linux/drivers/
32. http://www.fokus.gmd.de/linux/FAQ/Linux-FAQ.html
33. http://www.xfree86.org/FAQ
34. http://www.tux.org/lkml/
35. http://www.deja.com/home_ps.shtml
36. http://www.deja.com/help/help_lang.shtml
37. http://www.exit109.com/~jeremy/news/deja.html
38. http://homemade.hypermart.net/dejasearch/
39. http://www.searchlinux.com/
40. http://www.google.com/why_use.html
41. http://www.google.com/linux
42. http://www.linuxrx.com/Lists/Lists.perl
43. http://www.linux.org/help/lists.html
44. http://www.geocrawler.com/
45. http://www.mail-archive.com/lists.html
46. http://www.uwsg.indiana.edu/hypermail/
47. http://kernelnotes.org/lnxlists/
48. http://www.tux.org/hypermail/
49. http://www.unix.digital.com/faqs/publications/base_doc/DOCUMENTATION/V40D_HTML/APS2HDTE/TITLETXT.HTM
50. http://www.ucs.ed.ac.uk/~unixhelp/servers.html
51. http://wks.uts.ohio-state.edu/unix_course/intro-1.html
52. http://wks.uts.ohio-state.edu/unix_course/intro-137.html#HEADING137-0
53. http://www.msoe.edu/~taylor/4ltrwrd/
54. http://netizen.com.au/services/training/
55. http://www.kernelnotes.org/
56. http://www.xfree86.org/
57. http://www.geek-girl.com/unix.html#texinfo
58. http://www.gnu.org/software/software.html#DescriptionsOfGNUSoftware
59. http://www.gnu.org/manual/manual.html
60. http://www.firstlinux.com/guide/
61. http://www.pcwebopedia.com/
62. http://www.PCguide.com/topic.html
63. http://members.aa.net/~swear/pedia/index.html