============================================================== FAQ maintainer: should "I am a newbie, where can I get help without bothering the list?" be added? Section 3 of the FAQ does not really look sufficient, does it? ============================================================== OK, you have been warned: it is not a newbie list. However, it all depends on your trying to solve the problems you have yourself by the tedious RTFM process, and if that does not help, on your ability to formulate your problems. Other list members may have different opinions on what you should do. They are right. IMHO, there are several points to consider: 1) Have you got Linux installed? Are your problems related to installation / initial configuration? If yes, have you got access to a computer (linux or otherwise) elsewhere? You did send this post from (shiver) a Windows box, didn't you? Did you try to read the installation-related docs online? If you are trying to install Red Hat, look at http://www.redhat.com/cgi-bin/support#install Also consult the ILUG FAQ. If you have no net access, or if you still have problems, consider coming to one of the installation parties, or look through the member list for someone who lives close by and is willing to help. 2) If installation is not a problem, have you learned how to use the online documentation? Man, info, /usr/doc/HOWTO (location is probably distribution dependent) - learn how to use them, develop a habit of looking there yourself first. You probably have some idea of what basic tools you are using, such as bash. Read the corresponding man or info pages. Next step - the Net - find out about the relevant newsgroups and mailing lists - there are quite a few that are more appropriate and friendlier to newbies than ours. Learn how dejanews (http://www.deja.com IIRC) works, etc. Remember, your queries must be specific and as precise as possible. 3) You really really need local help, the Net did not provide the information you need. Look at the ILUG member list, the keywords list the interests / areas of expertise. Inquire politely, in a private email, if a particular individual can and is willing to help with a specific question. The worst that can happen will be a no. Or no reply. Neither is a reason to commit suicide or to rm -rf /. 4) Browse the list archives to figure out what questions are likely to draw a flame and what will likely be answered. 5) Post to the list only if all else fails or if the question pertains to ILUG interests as spelled out on the web page. Be specific. Be prepared for flames. Learn to procmail them ;-) Most importantly, do your best to make as much progress as you can towards the solution before asking for help. The help/flame ratio grows with the perceived amount of effort that you have invested. -- Oleg Goldshmidt [EMAIL PROTECTED] BLOOMBERG L.P. (BFM) [EMAIL PROTECTED] ================================================================= To unsubscribe, send mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word "unsubscribe" in the message body, e.g., run the command echo unsubscribe | mail [EMAIL PROTECTED]
