PCLinuxOS New User Guide : GettingHelp

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Most recent edit on 2007-06-10 19:47:57 by SySy [moved]

Additions:
moved to http://docs.mypclinuxos.com/Community

Deletions:
image

Getting More Help

Back to Contents
THIS PAGE BEING MOVED TO http://docs.mypclinuxos.com/Community
Check out the Frequently Asked Questions page of this Wiki.
There are several ways to get more help with PCLinuxOS:

The Forums

There is a wealth of information on the PCLinuxOS forums. Chances are that if you have a question about PCLinuxOS someone else has had that question as well and has already asked about it on the forum. Just enter a key word or two in the Search box at the top of the page and you will get a list of threads with info relating to your question.
If you find that your question wasn't asked as yet, continue reading this page first!

The Mailinglist

There is also a mailinglist for discussions relating to using and the development of PCLinuxOS. You can register for it, receiving all the emails in your inbox, or browse the pclinuxos archives

Reporting A Problem

Before you report a problem, make sure your problem isn't reported already. Chances are pretty big that somebody already solved the problem. There is a search field to search the forums on the forum main page.
If your problem isn't reported, start by reading the Usage Rules of the Forum and mailing list.
Gathering Information
The most important rule is actually rule Number 16: "Include as much information as you can when seeking help. This may include logs and command line output. Nobody can help you if you refuse to give sufficient detail."
Starting with preview 92, PCLinuxOS includes a handy utility called pclos-info which gathers most of the information about your system required to troubleshoot your system. If you have an earlier preview, you can search for "pclos-info" in Synaptic and install it. The program can be run from Start-menu -> Configuration -> Hardware -> PCLinusOS Info Tool, but in order to take full advantage of it you should run it as root. Press Alt+F2, type: "kdesu pclos-info" and it will execute the same program but it will gather a lot more hardware related information.
When the PCLinuxOS Info Tool is done gathering information it will bring up the text file in the editor, and you can cut and paste all the relevant information in your mailinglist e-mail or forum post.

The IRC

Another way to get more help is on the #pclinuxos chat-channel. Quite a few knowledgeable PCLinuxOS users join this chat regularly, so if you have any question, chances are it'll be answered there. First off, make sure you are connected to the web. On your desktop you'll find an icon called "IRC Chat #pclinuxos", looking just like:
image
Click it. After a while, it'll ask for a name. Enter your name or think up a nice pseudonym, and press OK. After a few seconds, you'll be logged into the "irc.efnet.net"-server and connected to the other PCLinuxOS chatters in the chat-channel named #pclinuxos. A few rules of the road. Be careful with capitals, don't use all-cap words. Don't use colors (if you are new to IRC, you automatically won't use this) And generally, just don't annoy people. :) Now go ahead, join the chat and ask that question!
Happy Chatting!
List of IRC Chat Rooms
irc.desync.com
irc.colosolutions.net
On the Efnet group of servers
http://www.efnet.org/?module=servers
channel #pclinuxos
type "/join #pclinuxos"
or
channel #PClinuxos_lounge
type "/join #PClinuxos_lounge"

Remote Connections

The best possible help is of course having someone sit next to you and telling you what to do (or she/he can do it for you). Of course this is not always possible, but sometimes might be needed if you can't/don't have enough time to tackle the problem by yourself.
If you have friends that can help you, you can allow them to take a remote connection to your PC and let them see what's the problem is all about. For more information on establishing and allowing these remote connections, see RemoteConnections.

Interesting Links

As final words, we'd like to close with a few interesting links that may be of help getting to know your Linux and experiencing fun again in using your computer. This is intentionally not a complete listing of Linux sites, these links are Linux sites that are of help specifically to new Linux users.
Tux Magazine - http://www.tuxmagazine.com
Previously free magazine in PDF-format you can subscribe to, specifically created for the new linux user! Now cost is .95 USD per issue. You can subscribe to this magazine and receive it monthly in your email inbox or go for a downloadable form. After 2006 however, this magazine will no longer be free.
get Gnu/Linux http://www.getgnulinux.org/
A basic and short, but very good and correct, introduction to Linux.
The Ultimate Linux Newbie Guide http://www.linuxnewbieguide.org/
A introduction to Linux, operating systems, distributions, installation, etc, for the new linux user. Not focussed on PCLinuxOS.
Linux Help, Beginner Help Page - http://www.reallylinux.com/docs/consult.shtml
An interesting set or generic Linux articles: Starting out, Essential Commands, Why Linux, etc.
Distrowatch - http://www.distrowatch.com
Although you have found one of the most user friendly and easy to use Linuxes already, all Linux distribution news can be found on Distrowatch.
TuxFiles - http://www.tuxfiles.org
Generic Linux newbie helpfiles, including: working with files and filesystems, system administration, etc.
LinuxCommand - http://www.linuxcommand.org
If you want to learn about the command line: "Your one-stop command line shop."
Tips for Linux Explorers - Forum Thread on ScotsNewsletter.com
All kinds of hints and tips not specifically for PCLinuxOS but general Linux use.
Linux Reality http://www.linuxreality.com/
A great introduction to Linux and PCLinuxOS, as podcast! You don't even have to read to learn about Linux.

Back | Contents | Next




Edited on 2007-05-26 17:53:47 by IanDawson [Porting to new wiki]

Additions:
THIS PAGE BEING MOVED TO http://docs.mypclinuxos.com/Community



Edited on 2007-01-22 09:29:46 by LiveWickedly [Added list of chat channels from exterms post in the forum: http://www.pclinuxos.com/forum/index.ph]

Additions:
List of IRC Chat Rooms
irc.desync.com
irc.colosolutions.net
On the Efnet group of servers
http://www.efnet.org/?module=servers
channel #pclinuxos
type "/join #pclinuxos"
or
channel #PClinuxos_lounge
type "/join #PClinuxos_lounge"




Edited on 2006-07-27 11:50:28 by DevNet [updated fact that tux magazine is no longer free]

Additions:
Previously free magazine in PDF-format you can subscribe to, specifically created for the new linux user! Now cost is .95 USD per issue. You can subscribe to this magazine and receive it monthly in your email inbox or go for a downloadable form. After 2006 however, this magazine will no longer be free.

Deletions:
A free (as in cost) magazine in PDF-format you can subscribe to, specifically created for the new linux user!



Edited on 2006-07-18 15:27:17 by DevNet [added button navigation]

Additions:
Back | Contents | Next

Deletions:
Back | Contents | Next



Edited on 2006-07-13 13:59:10 by LexNL [added get gnu/linux]

Additions:
get Gnu/Linux http://www.getgnulinux.org/
A basic and short, but very good and correct, introduction to Linux.




Edited on 2006-07-11 16:42:01 by SaultPastor

Additions:
Tips for Linux Explorers - Forum Thread on ScotsNewsletter.com

Deletions:
Tips for Linux Explorers - Forum Thread on ScrotsNewsletter.com



Edited on 2006-04-22 08:28:19 by LexNL [added linuxreality]

Additions:
All kinds of hints and tips not specifically for PCLinuxOS but general Linux use.
A great introduction to Linux and PCLinuxOS, as podcast! You don't even have to read to learn about Linux.


Deletions:
All kinds of hints and tips not specifically for PCLinuxOS but general Linux use.
A Podcast for the new Linux user. Great introduction to Linux and PCLinuxOS, as podcast!




Edited on 2006-04-22 08:24:17 by LexNL [added linuxreality]

Additions:
Linux Reality http://www.linuxreality.com/
A Podcast for the new Linux user. Great introduction to Linux and PCLinuxOS, as podcast!




Edited on 2006-04-02 03:12:32 by LexNL

Additions:
A free (as in cost) magazine in PDF-format you can subscribe to, specifically created for the new linux user!
The Ultimate Linux Newbie Guide http://www.linuxnewbieguide.org/
A introduction to Linux, operating systems, distributions, installation, etc, for the new linux user. Not focussed on PCLinuxOS.


Deletions:
A free (as in cost) magazine in PDF-format you can subscribe to, specifically created for the New Linux User!



Edited on 2006-02-05 03:12:29 by LexNL [added link]

Additions:
Tips for Linux Explorers - Forum Thread on ScrotsNewsletter.com
All kinds of hints and tips not specifically for PCLinuxOS but general Linux use.




Edited on 2006-01-22 05:07:39 by LexNL [Updated forum links]

Additions:
There is a wealth of information on the PCLinuxOS forums. Chances are that if you have a question about PCLinuxOS someone else has had that question as well and has already asked about it on the forum. Just enter a key word or two in the Search box at the top of the page and you will get a list of threads with info relating to your question.
Before you report a problem, make sure your problem isn't reported already. Chances are pretty big that somebody already solved the problem. There is a search field to search the forums on the forum main page.
image


Deletions:
There is a wealth of information on the PCLinuxOS forums. Chances are that if you have a question about PCLinuxOS someone else has had that question as well and has already asked about it on the forum. Just enter a key word or two in the "Search in the Forums" box on the home page and you will get a list of threads with info relating to your question.
The forum is divided into several parts, for example: "PCLinuxOS Announcements & General Discussion", "PCLinuxOS LiveCD Discussion", "PCLinuxOS Stable Tree - Hardware, Drivers & Configuration", etc. Go to the forums now and search (or browse) for your question!
Before you report a problem, make sure your problem isn't reported already. Chances are pretty big that somebody already solved the problem. There is a search field to search the forums on the forum main page and on the pclinuxonline website home page as well.
image




Edited on 2005-12-23 10:12:08 by LexNL [Removed some unwanted links]

Additions:
TuxFiles - http://www.tuxfiles.org
LinuxCommand - http://www.linuxcommand.org


Deletions:
TuxFiles - http://www.tuxfiles.org
LinuxCommand - http://www.linuxcommand.org




Edited on 2005-12-23 10:05:02 by LexNL [Added two links]

Additions:
TuxFiles - http://www.tuxfiles.org
Generic Linux newbie helpfiles, including: working with files and filesystems, system administration, etc.
LinuxCommand - http://www.linuxcommand.org
If you want to learn about the command line: "Your one-stop command line shop."




Edited on 2005-12-21 04:17:43 by LexNL

Additions:

Back | Contents | Next




Edited on 2005-12-15 12:52:55 by LexNL

Additions:
Tux Magazine - http://www.tuxmagazine.com
Linux Help, Beginner Help Page - http://www.reallylinux.com/docs/consult.shtml
Distrowatch - http://www.distrowatch.com


Deletions:
Tux Magazine - http://www.tuxmagazine.com
Linux Help, Beginner Help Page - http://www.reallylinux.com/docs/consult.shtml
Distrowatch - http://www.distrowatch.com




Edited on 2005-12-15 12:51:54 by LexNL [Added new linux user links]

Additions:

As final words, we'd like to close with a few interesting links that may be of help getting to know your Linux and experiencing fun again in using your computer. This is intentionally not a complete listing of Linux sites, these links are Linux sites that are of help specifically to new Linux users.
Linux Help, Beginner Help Page - http://www.reallylinux.com/docs/consult.shtml


Deletions:
As final words, we'd like to close with a few interesting links that may (or may not) be of help getting to know your Linux and experiencing more fun again in using your computer. This is intentionally not a complete listing of Linux sites, these links are Linux sites that are of help to new Linux users.
Linux Help - Beginner Help Page: http://www.reallylinux.com/docs/consult.shtml




Edited on 2005-12-15 12:50:05 by LexNL

Additions:
~6.Interesting Links

Interesting Links

As final words, we'd like to close with a few interesting links that may (or may not) be of help getting to know your Linux and experiencing more fun again in using your computer. This is intentionally not a complete listing of Linux sites, these links are Linux sites that are of help to new Linux users.
Tux Magazine - http://www.tuxmagazine.com
A free (as in cost) magazine in PDF-format you can subscribe to, specifically created for the New Linux User!
Distrowatch - http://www.distrowatch.com
Although you have found one of the most user friendly and easy to use Linuxes already, all Linux distribution news can be found on Distrowatch.
Linux Help - Beginner Help Page: http://www.reallylinux.com/docs/consult.shtml
An interesting set or generic Linux articles: Starting out, Essential Commands, Why Linux, etc.




Edited on 2005-12-07 06:39:08 by LexNL

Additions:
Check out the Frequently Asked Questions page of this Wiki.

Deletions:
Check out the Frequently Asked Live CD Questions page of this Wiki.



Oldest known version of this page was edited on 2005-12-04 10:49:51 by LexNL [Initial text]
Page view:
image

Getting More Help

Back to Contents

Check out the Frequently Asked Live CD Questions page of this Wiki.

There are several ways to get more help with PCLinuxOS:
1.The Forums
2.The Mailinglist
3.Reporting a problem
4.The IRC Help-channel
5.Remote Connections

The Forums


There is a wealth of information on the PCLinuxOS forums. Chances are that if you have a question about PCLinuxOS someone else has had that question as well and has already asked about it on the forum. Just enter a key word or two in the "Search in the Forums" box on the home page and you will get a list of threads with info relating to your question.

The forum is divided into several parts, for example: "PCLinuxOS Announcements & General Discussion", "PCLinuxOS LiveCD Discussion", "PCLinuxOS Stable Tree - Hardware, Drivers & Configuration", etc. Go to the forums now and search (or browse) for your question!

If you find that your question wasn't asked as yet, continue reading this page first!

The Mailinglist


There is also a mailinglist for discussions relating to using and the development of PCLinuxOS. You can register for it, receiving all the emails in your inbox, or browse the pclinuxos archives

Reporting A Problem


Before you report a problem, make sure your problem isn't reported already. Chances are pretty big that somebody already solved the problem. There is a search field to search the forums on the forum main page and on the pclinuxonline website home page as well.

If your problem isn't reported, start by reading the Usage Rules of the Forum and mailing list.

Gathering Information

The most important rule is actually rule Number 16: "Include as much information as you can when seeking help. This may include logs and command line output. Nobody can help you if you refuse to give sufficient detail."

Starting with preview 92, PCLinuxOS includes a handy utility called pclos-info which gathers most of the information about your system required to troubleshoot your system. If you have an earlier preview, you can search for "pclos-info" in Synaptic and install it. The program can be run from Start-menu -> Configuration -> Hardware -> PCLinusOS Info Tool, but in order to take full advantage of it you should run it as root. Press Alt+F2, type: "kdesu pclos-info" and it will execute the same program but it will gather a lot more hardware related information.

When the PCLinuxOS Info Tool is done gathering information it will bring up the text file in the editor, and you can cut and paste all the relevant information in your mailinglist e-mail or forum post.

The IRC


Another way to get more help is on the #pclinuxos chat-channel. Quite a few knowledgeable PCLinuxOS users join this chat regularly, so if you have any question, chances are it'll be answered there. First off, make sure you are connected to the web. On your desktop you'll find an icon called "IRC Chat #pclinuxos", looking just like:
image

Click it. After a while, it'll ask for a name. Enter your name or think up a nice pseudonym, and press OK. After a few seconds, you'll be logged into the "irc.efnet.net"-server and connected to the other PCLinuxOS chatters in the chat-channel named #pclinuxos. A few rules of the road. Be careful with capitals, don't use all-cap words. Don't use colors (if you are new to IRC, you automatically won't use this) And generally, just don't annoy people. :) Now go ahead, join the chat and ask that question!

Happy Chatting!

Remote Connections


The best possible help is of course having someone sit next to you and telling you what to do (or she/he can do it for you). Of course this is not always possible, but sometimes might be needed if you can't/don't have enough time to tackle the problem by yourself.

If you have friends that can help you, you can allow them to take a remote connection to your PC and let them see what's the problem is all about. For more information on establishing and allowing these remote connections, see RemoteConnections.
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