Linux Basic Administration Concepts

How to ask questions

Linux pros are usually happy to help beginners. However, the pros will not be able to answer your question and might be mad at you, unless you follow the following guidelines:

• Try looking for help yourself first. Ask a pro only as a last resort. Use the methods above to search for help before asking a pro.
• Ask the appropriate forum: Beginners' questions go to GNUbies-IL. More advanced Israel-related or general questions go to Linux-IL. Questions about things discussed in the Haifa Linux Club go to the club's mailing list. Questions about a specific application can be directed to the application's author or the application's mailing list, as listed in the application's website.
  
• Supply as much information as you can - What distribution are you using, what kernel, what version of the specific application, etc.
• Write what you already tried, where you searched and what manuals you read.
• Supply the text of all relevant error-messages and log files that might help that you are aware of, but DO NOT attach huge log files, unless specifically requested.
• Read Eric S. Raymond's Question-asking HOWTO for more information about asking smart questions.

Originally written by Alon Altman