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 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,
https://www.debian.org/, is your main source
for information on Debian GNU/Linux. It provides documents, links, and
resources galore.
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
https://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 them.
Several Internet mailing lists address Debian GNU/Linux. You can
find a list of these at
https://www.debian.org/MailingLists/subscribe/. Among
the most useful mailing lists are these:
-
debian-user
-
The main mailing list for Debian
GNU/Linux users and developers.
-
debian-laptop
-
Issues related to installing, updating
and using Debian GNU/Linux on laptop computers.
-
debian-boot
-
Issues related to booting Debian
GNU/Linux.
-
debian-announce
-
Important announcements directed to the
Debian GNU/Linux community.
-
debian-security-announce
-
Issues related to security, including
fixes to security problems.
-
debian-commercial
-
Information on commercial products
related to Debian GNU/Linux.
-
debian-news
-
General news about Debian GNU/Linux
and the Debian project.
-
debian-changes
-
Changes to Debian GNU/Linux releases are
published here.
Several Internet newsgroups address Linux. You can find a list
of these at
https://metalab.unc.edu/linux/intro.html. If
your Internet Service Provider (ISP) provides access to these
newsgroups - as most do - you can read and post messages read
by other Linux users around the world. If necessary, consult your ISP
for information on accessing these newsgroups.
Don't post blindly to these newsgroups, or you may draw angry
responses; instead, you should first attempt to find answers to your
questions in the Linux FAQs and HOWTOs. Generally, the Linux community
is quite willing to help even those who ask what some consider dumb
questions; but, as a courtesy to all, it's best if you do some work on
your own before seeking the help of others.
IRC (Internet Relay Chat) lets you exchange typed messages in
real time with people from all over the world. The server
irc.debian.org provides an IRC channel
dedicated to Debian GNU/Linux. To connect to the server, you must have
an installed IRC client such as
BitchX,
ircII,
tkirc, or
Zircon. If you're having trouble getting Debian
GNU/Linux installed or configured, you can use a Windows-based IRC
client to chat with Debian users, who can likely help you resolve your
problem.
Connect to the server by typing:
/server irc.debian.org
Then join channel
#debian by typing:
/join #debian
