Getting Help

If your system fails to boot, or if you’re unable to complete the Linux installation process, don’t despair. The help you need is probably close by, in one of these sources:

  • The Debian Web Site

  • Linux FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

  • Linux HOWTOs

  • The Debian mailing lists

  • USENET newsgroups

  • Internet Relay Chat (IRC)

The following sections describe these sources and explain how to access and use them. You should generally consult them in the order specified.

The Debian Web Site

The Debian Web site, http://www.debian.org/, is your main source for information on Debian GNU/Linux. It provides documents, links, and resources galore.

FAQs

Linux FAQs present commonly asked questions and answers. The Debian GNU/Linux FAQ is available online at http://www.debian.org/doc/FAQ/. You can also find it on the CD-ROM that accompanies this book, in the /doc/FAQ directory. The Linux FAQ is available at http://metalab.unc.edu/LDP/FAQ/Linux-FAQ-1.html.

HOWTOs

Linux HOWTOs address specific topics of interest to Linux users. They’re found in the /usr/doc/HOWTO direcotry of an installed Debian GNU/Linux system. You can also find them online at http://metalab.unc.edu/linux/intro.html. At this point in your Linux experience, you’ll probably find the Installation-HOWTO useful. Use it to find workarounds for your installation and configuration problems.

The HOWTOs are generally available in plain text format. You can use Microsoft Windows WordPad, or another text editor of your choice, to access ...

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