too many first-timer threads with 0 replys [Archive]

Sonuby

07-30-2002, 08:19 PM

Id just like to say ive seen all of your names all over the place and i applaude all of the voluntiers on this board . Maybe there could be a page of just repeatedly asked questions. Iknow alot of the times when ive come to the board its from the frustration of doing google searches and not understanding what there saying or even if it pertains to my situatioin. I have yet to go to a LUG meeting i hope that will shed some light , until then if my question gets passed up i just hope that its not because your tiered of answering stupid questins<--and dealing with bad spelling.
Hang in there , alot of lost soles count on you

drop

08-24-2002, 01:03 AM

Maybe direct some attn on the search button..

I mean can you add a simple note to draw the attn of the new user this would control the repeat ??'s a little... and if not it will give them an opportunity to learn how this forum works...

mdwatts

08-24-2002, 09:51 AM

Anytime I've added the suggestion in my signature to try Google for Linux or search the forums first, I receive complaints from some members that say "what is the reason to have a bbs such as LNO if you only suggest that we search for their answer ourselves".

Just can't win...

jason walding

08-27-2002, 12:44 AM

maybe sometimes peoples help requests fall by the wayside, but on the whole quite a few good tips come from people cruisin the forum.

Some of the questions are difficult. some posts get 20 or 30 looks but because of diff distros or strange hardware people are hard pressed to suggest a tip.

cage47

08-28-2002, 09:02 AM

Here's a suggestion, and I'm being completely serious. We've got that first page that everyone sees when they come to Linuxnewbie. How bouts making an intro box that explains that Yes, indeed this sight is intended to help out the linux neophyte, but do some footwork and a few searches before posting. Since many basic questions have been answered numerous times in the past. and a note that lurking is recommended. The only problem I can see with this is if old post paring becomes comonplace, many common questions that have been answered in the past might be deleted, possibly removing a helpful tidbit for someone doing a search.

Wallex

09-20-2002, 01:37 PM

Originally posted by mdwatts
Anytime I've added the suggestion in my signature to try Google for Linux or search the forums first, I receive complaints from some members that say "what is the reason to have a bbs such as LNO if you only suggest that we search for their answer ourselves".

Just can't win...

Helping others is to teach them to help themselves. Might not be entirely true, but that's the whole point of getting help.. to learn how to fix problems for yourself (of course, with the help of all the documentation that is available). Too bad some people are too stubborn to learn and prefer to be guided through everything.

mdwatts

09-20-2002, 02:17 PM

Originally posted by Wallex

Helping others is to teach them to help themselves. Might not be entirely true, but that's the whole point of getting help.. to learn how to fix problems for yourself (of course, with the help of all the documentation that is available). Too bad some people are too stubborn to learn and prefer to be guided through everything.

And due to some that refuse to read the documentation or try a simple search to find the solution, some questions go unanswered.

There are just too many questions, not enough members replying to those questions and not enough time in the day to get through all the new threads.

Before leaving for work in the morning while spending around 1.5 hours here at LNO, I used to be able to reply to nearly all the new threads in General, Software, Hardware and Technical forums since I was last logged on 10 hours earlier. I cannot do that anymore since as soon as you answer one question, another one is posted.

Wallex

09-20-2002, 03:12 PM

Well looking at the good side of things.. if there are more and more questions it probably means there are more and more people interested in Linux. When people first register perhaps they should be told about the nhf's, and how good of an idea it is to do a search on the topic first before posting, afterall, there's always that 'bunch of popular' questions that are common everyday. It would be a good idea to send newly registered members to the LNO-nhf or something like that.. to tell them to not give up if they do not get help, do a search, experiment, 'bump' the thread.. and so on, afterall, when a thread has zero replies and 2 views, it isn't because people didn't want to help... (specially if I consider that one of those two views was the poster himself).

ViMan

09-20-2002, 04:03 PM

I agree that it's much easier for newbies to post without even searching. Everyone is lazy by nature. And I also agree that it gets annoying real quick when you reply to the same question over and over. I think that the best solution would be to have a Sticky note with the most frequently asked questions and their answers (or links to their answer - either links to threads on the forum or external web sites). Newbies that then post a question that's already been asked should get a quick reply telling them to look for the answer to their question in the Sticky note and only if they have problems with the answer to post again. This is advantagous for two reasons. The first of these is that newbies will get an answer to their question (which doesn't usually happen if a newbie asks a question that's already been asked 100 times). Secondly, the newbie will learn to first search and then ask (this should also be emphasized in the Sticky note). So we then solve the problem in the best manner + encourage people to try out Linux. What do you think?

PS. Does vBulletin Version 2.2.6 support Sticky notes? I've seen other forums with support for Sticky notes but haven't seen any here.

furrycat

09-20-2002, 11:20 PM

The problem is that people DON'T read sticky notes any more than they use the search function. People in general are lazy.

I come on to this site from time to time in order to help out and answer questions. I don't answer that many and sometimes (usually) I answer in a grump fashion. I have every respect for those people who come on and answer the same old questions time and time again. And I have every sympathy if they choose not to bend over backwards for lazy people. I won't.

mdwatts

09-21-2002, 05:28 AM

I am already planning to discuss with the other mods and admins about using sticky posts in all the forums.

sharth

10-03-2002, 09:31 PM

You could add a list of posts for 0-1 posts. seperate page but it sifts through the newbie help section for any questions that have been unanswered

Blueshark006

10-04-2002, 02:41 PM

Coming from a newbies POV I would say it would be a huge help to add search capability to the NHF. Or make it more obvious since I haven't been able to see it. yet =)

But definatly, newbs should always ALWAYS search the forums before asking... start making that point more often.

-Blue

Great site, btw. lovin it alot

hlrguy

10-04-2002, 03:10 PM

I only found this forum about a month ago and I try to help as much as I can. The funny thing is, I was helping 3 people all with similar modem connection problems in three different threads. I am sure I lost track of who was where in what thread a few times and they were wondering what the heck I was on. :-)

What about a banner that says, 'Read before first post'. It would
pop up a small windows saying something like this. Pop up so that
the origional page is not lost.

'The answer to your problem has PROBABLY been answered many
times on this forum. Try to search for the answer (then give a brief,
very easy to follow example, like how to configure X, or a modem, or
a cdrom.'

End it with something like 'Everyone here wants to help you and if the answer is not found, PLEASE post.'

You get the idea.

hlrguy

DarkJedi9

10-04-2002, 03:17 PM

I'm adding my vote for the sticky notes, and I also think we should add an NHF about nvidia drivers. I didn't see one in the Hardware section. If no more experienced members want to do it, I could try it myself - I did get my GeForce 4 TI-4600 working...

sharth

10-05-2002, 12:17 AM

http://linuxnewbie.org/nhf/ = nhf

DarkJedi9

10-05-2002, 05:28 AM

Originally posted by sharth
http://linuxnewbie.org/nhf/ = nhf

Sorry, but I'm not really seeing your point...

mdwatts

10-05-2002, 09:12 AM

Perhaps sharth thought you were asking what NHF's were.

I'll try to get the sticky notes ready for next week.

I was hoping to have them ready last week, but I was assigned another project at work and that kept me busy all week.

I'll still need to post the sticky note suggestions in the moderator forum for approval by the other mods and admins.

sharth

10-05-2002, 02:44 PM

sharth just thought you couldn't find the link :)

BaVinic

10-05-2002, 02:57 PM

To continue this thread,

I think another part of the problem is that the topic of some of the questions is so far off beat that most of the regulars tend to ignore them, I mean lets face it "Linux Question" or "I need Help" or I have a problem are not going to grab anyones attention and I for 1 am guilty of skipping over those questions.

For the most part, if I see a question ( no matter the topic) with no replies, I will at least go in and see what the problem is. 9 out of 10 times I can find the answer in the NHF and will post a link there.

but if I were topic surfing I would skip the HELP ME, and LINUX
Question ones.

As far as sticky notes go, I know for a fact that 99% of the people looking for help would not read them.

I think it is great that mdwats is willing to take his time to set them up, but I would really hate to see you waste your time on that when you could be helping me with my problems ( hahahahah )(only joking)

Am I off base here?

:-)

BaVinic

DarkJedi9

10-05-2002, 04:17 PM

Originally posted by sharth
sharth just thought you couldn't find the link :)

Understandable. I was just saying that I didn't see a NHF about nvidia drivers specifically. Believe me, I know where the NHFs are; I've used them enough...;)

Hanna B

10-05-2002, 09:55 PM

As the most extreme newbie on this board - hey, I didn't even install my Linux myself, and I'm trying to understand what console and X-windows are! - maybe this actually is a chance for me to give and not only recieve.

On other web discussion boards I've participated in on other subjects, I think the first post I've written has always been ignored. This regardless if my post was a question, a statement or a general observation... Somehow, I think this is natural. On mailing lists, there is a general advice not to post the first thing you do but to read and try to understand what is accepted on the list and not, before posting. It takes a while to understand the codes.

I have three suggestions.

1. Use Eric Raymond & Rick Moen's How to Ask Questions The Smart Way

Some time ago, Strike posted a link to it under the title All newbies should read this. (http://www.tuxedo.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html) I think it's a very good piece of writing. It's elegant, clever, informative and everything but patronizing. Instead of whining "don't ask stupid questions that we have heard a thousand times" it says: "Psst! I'll tell you a secret. You can improve your chances of getting help if you do like this." This increases the chance that people will take more than a glance at it, and understand it.

However, it contains some parts that are irrelevant to this board, like not using HTML in e-mail. Maybe it would be possible to get the permission to use a modified version of this document? Of course you can write something new instead, I just think this one is very good.

2. Promote the "search" function

This has already been said. I used it right ahead, but I am used to discussion boards using the same software as LNO does! Not finding it right away does not necessarily mean that you are lazy. It could equally well be that you are not familiar to this kind of boards, and how they function.

3. Add a search function for the NFH's

Frankly, I don't find the NHF's very appealing. I know to little to be able to use them.

I'll explain. My monitor is behaving strangly. After doing some searches, it seems maybe something called XF86Config, whatever that is, is relevant. It seems it has to do with X-windows. Only after this, I'm ready to browse the NHF's! because there is no way I would understand that I should go for "X-windows" in the NHF's when my computer won't use the whole screen. I'm sure it's obvious to you, but it is not to me! That's what it means to be an extreme newbie...

NHF is a very nice concept, but the user interface it not very friendly for a complete newbie. The forum, I can search it for simple words like "screen" and "resolution", even the model of computer in case that is relevant (and in may case it seems it is). Adding a search function for the the NHF's would increase their usefulness.

I'm sorry my language is a bit formal for this board. English is a language I learned in school, and I will write my PhD thesis - not in computer science :rolleyes: - in this language. So this is the style I naturally plunge into when writing more than a few sentences.

ViMan

10-21-2002, 04:57 PM

What happened to the stick notes idea? I think we really need it asap. Too many similar questions being posted (it's obvious almost nobody uses the "search" option. For example, look at how many times the same questions about Redhat 8.0 have been asked and answered...

klosie

10-21-2002, 05:26 PM

A couple of things I think might help.

1. Put a quick search box near the top of the first page. (Also, I often have trouble searching because of the minimum search word length requirement)

2. The ability to list threads by the number of replys. Even threads with more than 0-1 replys. (Because, I often reply to my own thread to add more info since I created it, and it wouldn't show up in threads w/ 0-1 replys.)

3. The ability for the thread creator to set a flag that the their question or reason has been answered. Then the ability to list threads that are still unanswered. (unfortunatly this would depend on the thread creator to set this flag, and many would probably forget.)

Hayl

10-21-2002, 05:43 PM

make the NHFs searchable and add a search box for them on the main page.

DarkJedi9

10-23-2002, 12:33 AM

Originally posted by klosie
...(Also, I often have trouble searching because of the minimum search word length requirement)...

I agree. Try searching for information on signal 11 errors...it's very annoying.

Wallex

10-23-2002, 04:04 PM

Originally posted by DarkJedi9
I agree. Try searching for information on signal 11 errors...it's very annoying.
On the very least we should be able to use quotes, so searching for "signal 11" would be searching for a 9 character long 'string' instead of two differet words to look for. Altough I guess that can't be done or it would have been implemented by now.

nouse66

10-23-2002, 04:21 PM

i think people might get the hint if the search button was bright red and about 3 square inches in size :)

hlrguy

10-23-2002, 04:46 PM

Here's a thought. Since cookies are enabled to allow to show who is logged in, any time a user connects to this site for the first time, they get redirected to a page that has the 3 inch BIRGHT PINK flashind README first BEFORE YOU POST as the only option. :-)

hlrguy

Ludootje

10-25-2002, 12:44 PM

Originally posted by X_console
I think part of the problem is that everyone is posting in General Linux Questions without realizing that it may be better to post their question in another forum. Some of those questions could go to the other forums. If the posts were more distributed then the chances of a post going way down is slimmer.
Only if *everyone* did it, because now I think most people look at General Linux Questions, and not in the other forums. Therefore, to get the most chance to have your problem solved, General Linux Questions is still the best forum IMHO.

Penrich

10-25-2002, 01:46 PM

I have a couple of suggestions (please take them as constructive criticism, not just criticism! I do love the site :D )

1. Reorganise the forums. If I have a problem with X, do I post in software (as in setting up XF86Config); hardware (because it may be my graphics card); technical help (because I need help); or in General forum? Likewise with an ethernet card set-up. Networking Linux would seem like the best bet, but the others would work too. And the "Installation help" seems to cover all these too, if I'm trying to get it working the first time, but this is so far down the page, it seems to get little use. I would recommend (i) fewer forums, but each with a more specific tag-line and (ii) rearrange their order in the list.

Possible new Newbie Help Forum list
General Linux Questions:
For questions that don't fit into the other categories. Check the NHF's,

Technical Support
Can't get your linux box up and running? KDE doesn’t work! Modem/graphics card/NIC doesn't work! Can't f$%^$%g boot up!!?!! Post here!!! <note> I included Instalation help into this section

Linux Games
This is the joint where you can talk about games for linux and other *nix based OS's

How I did it!
Have you done something interesting with your linux box? Want to see how someone else figured it out?

Hardware related
A forum for the discussion of hardware-related issues not specifically related to intial installations

Software related
What software can I use to accomplish my task? How do I use it?

Window/Desktop Managers
This is where users can discuss anything conerning the linux related window managers. ie (Windowmaker, KDE, blackbox, GNOME, Afterstep, FVWM). maybe even roll this into software???

Networking Linux
Using Linux in a network envrionment? Samba, ip masquerading, etc.

Web Serving/Security
Apache, security, mysql, php, etc.

Programming, Script Depot
perl, Tcl/Tk, C, cgi, python, shell scripting etc. Share your code. Whos got the biggest snippet? :)

LinuxPPC--Macs Dedicated forum
Linuxppc, Yellowdog, etc. Which are you using?

Other Unix based OS's
OS's other than linux.BeOS, Solaris, Irix, FreeBSD, AIX, etc.

Hardware Trading Selling and trading area.
Wanna announce some hot deals you've found? (Notice: LinuxNewbie is in no way responsible for any exchanges that take place on this bulletin board, nor for problems that may be related to them... So Buyer Beware).

2. Instead of (or above) the "Forum Discussions" on the main front page, have a hyperlinked breakdown of the NHFs.

bwkaz

10-25-2002, 05:59 PM

There's no nVidia NHF?

Whoooa. Maybe I should get writing...

Where would it get noticed by whoever maintains the NHF's? How I Did It?

mdwatts

10-26-2002, 07:33 AM

Originally posted by bwkaz

Where would it get noticed by whoever maintains the NHF's? How I Did It?

Submit to newfiles@linuxnewbie.org and also posting in 'How I Did It' would be fine.

Thanks bwkaz.

thread_killer

10-26-2002, 08:17 AM

Just change the way questions are submitted. Put a great big button at the bottom that says "I'm posting this now because I was too lazy to try to find the answer myself" and another one that says "I swear that I've looked, but I'm still stuck." :rolleyes: Maybe that will shame a few people into using the search function. Maybe bigger, better, flashier search buttons on the home page would help too. One that says "Search our forums" and one that is a "Google Search" Finally, what about if the only place to post a new thread from was after a search had been made.
I for one, am a little leary about writing a new post because I'm sure someone is just going to tell me to go look it up. In fact the very last post I did put up got essentially the same response, and I've spent days looking it up on the 'net, and even went and bought a new book.

My two cents

gkedrovs

10-26-2002, 08:55 AM

This has to be my most-visited site in my month and a half in Linux. It's awesome. And, it sounds like you're tying to make it better.

Here's my experience:

The newbie needs an IN YOUR FACE obvious clue as to what to do first (i.e. on your home page). From my experiences, that would something to help him realize he needs to RTFM (if I main coin a phrase). That means:
1. NHF
2. FAQ
3. Search (newbie.org & Google)
4. Forum (and chose which one with thought!).

I can't tell you how many times, I've logged on, hit a forum, started a post and thought... better search first. And, I found the answer 90% of the time. The other 10%, I posted.

I read a book on web design once. It was titled "Don't make me think." Sadly, that's the average web surfer, and those bad habits carry over even when we WANT to think (i.e. install and use Linux). So, when someone hits Newbie.org's home page, THEY NEED HELP THINKING through the process. What first? Then?

That's my BSN two pennies. I wish I could help folks. But, I'm a BSN...

-Greg

bwkaz

10-26-2002, 02:26 PM

There's a link to my nVidia NHF in How I Did It, if anyone wants to comment on it (hint, hint). ;)

ViMan

10-26-2002, 03:45 PM

Originally posted by DarkJedi9
I agree. Try searching for information on signal 11 errors...it's very annoying.
I agree. I've faced this problem several times...

Thanatos

11-02-2002, 12:05 PM

guys n' gals, check out the thread (do a search for user thanatos) in which I posted everything I searched for and found--there's quite a bit. Now,the one thing I thing I think the NHF's have always lacked is the ability to present a 'from the ground up to completion' perspective, with possible pitfalls at each step. Not grudging the authors however--I need to write better ones if I think those are lacking. btw, are the NHF's copyrighted or GPL'd?

Thanatos

11-02-2002, 12:07 PM

just tried the signal 11 thing. <b>HEY MODERATOR!!! FIX THAT!!! PLEASE!</b>

it give an error that the number eleven is beneath teh minimum search character length for a word (3).

dunbar

11-04-2002, 09:57 AM

Originally posted by drop
Maybe direct some attn on the search button..
Well, I, for one, have learned that certain forum software has search functions which fail miserably. For someone who is new here but experienced with forums in general, that failure trains them to avoid searching, to not use the search function. Just a though for a few of the repeats; by no means would that error cover all repeat posts.

Ok, so on to new business, not relevant to the quote...
Next, comes the angle where WE see it as a repeat post, but other newbies do not know that a different post addresses the same issue via different words: only someone with experience can see it is a repeat.... for them, each and every problem is unique to them alone, so they need to describe it in their own terms, to include their own observations which, in their eyes, 'must certainly be unique' and 'never before seen'. That should cover a good percentage of repeat posts.

And OK, being lazy covers the rest.

FWIW, as a poster, I've been all of the above. As a supporter, as much as I'd like to say 'FAQ' each time that it would be appropriate, I would be disrespectful of the human which is suffering the anguish. I try to answer, at least with a link and a hello (and possibly a witty "I am the stupid he is with..." comment), so the emotional human can get a resolution to their problem, even if it is a somewhat perfunctory post to 'redirect' them to another link or NHF, etc.

Also, remember timezones: I can post now, and sometimes the only response possible comes from Australia..... lotsa good mates down under are using the GNU for their OS. IMO, that guarantees at least 12 hours of wait for responses, because it might be 12 hours before the Aussies get to their usual time of day for surfing. Then 12 more hours back to my usual surf time and in the meantime, my 0 reply post drops off the board. That covers two aspects of forum support: allow time for response from around the planet, and possibly only one person on the planet understands my issue!

I guess all in all, IMO, there are no major issues (yes, minor issues) with 0 replies falling off the board, but I'm analytical about it.

dunbar

11-04-2002, 01:36 PM

Originally posted by ViMan
I agree. I've faced this problem several times... If you are referring to the error where 11 is less than 3 characters, try this search: X crashed

X is a single character, certainly fewer than 3 characters!

mdwatts

11-04-2002, 05:08 PM

Originally posted by Thanatos
just tried the signal 11 thing. <b>HEY MODERATOR!!! FIX THAT!!! PLEASE!</b>

it give an error that the number eleven is beneath teh minimum search character length for a word (3).

signal 11*

will work in the search criteria field...

Thanatos

11-04-2002, 05:16 PM

...apparently I didn't have html enabled... ah well.

eats only heads

11-05-2002, 12:57 AM

my experience has been that It isn't worth using a board accept for someone to explain something further. People cant answer the hard questions and the easy ones you can find the answer for. My experience has been that I can find find the questions but not the answer.

buttercrunch

11-05-2002, 03:05 AM

Originally posted by gkedrovs
This has to be my most-visited site in my month and a half in Linux. It's awesome. And, it sounds like you're tying to make it better.
<snip>

That's my BSN two pennies. I wish I could help folks. But, I'm a BSN...

-Greg

hello there, i'm just wondering, its not the place to wonder but i'll just do. :p what's that wallpaper that ur using as background in ur screenshot? i find that interesting. please tell me. thx.

Maigret

11-06-2002, 06:17 AM

I have found that a lot of the help files assume that the process goes smoothly. If a snag is struck then the newbie is lost.
For example I have just got kppp working thanks to a face to face meeting with a Linux expert who suggested I edit a particular file. I had everything entered correctly per the Howto but still wouldn't work properly.

A suggestion.. A list of common files, what the entries mean and what should be expected under different circumstances.(probably a big ask) but some people could be referred to those rather than having to explain in detail the siolution. I have just installed M9 and a simple edit of /etc/sysconfig/network got it fixed. Once it was explained what I should be looking for the solution wasn't difficult.

dunbar

11-08-2002, 10:12 AM

Hey, Maigret: good post!!

EDIT Actually, I've seen that many help files get very bogged down with configuring the bells and whistles of a 'not-so-popular-after-all' card, that the real core of the configuration details are obliterated by the amount of detail. /EDIT

MxCl

11-08-2002, 01:17 PM

Hope this hasn't been said, I'm at work so I haven't the time to re-read the thread, but the idea just came to me.

The site needs an faq that links to relevant NHFs or/and threads. Currently the NHF is good, but if I have a specific question and the topic is vague, or possibly it's mentioned inside of a NHF that I wouldn't think to look in, or the NHF isn't sufficiently comprehensive (in which case a thread link would be better) then the guy just posts another "how do I mount my windows partition" thread. Like blimey, we have so many of those!

Is it that nobody has time to make these modifications? I'd understand that. I reckon it'd be a good idea to make some of them at some point though. Specially the site instructions one that said "1. Search, 2. NHF, 3. Post".

MxCl

11-08-2002, 01:18 PM

Originally posted by Maigret
A suggestion.. A list of common files, what the entries mean and what should be expected under different circumstancesOr just a few links to other tutorials on the web, or good threads here at LNO.

mdwatts

11-08-2002, 04:32 PM

Originally posted by MxCl
Or just a few links to other tutorials on the web, or good threads here at LNO.

I did a search on Google for Linux for 'telnet tutorial' to post in a thread this morning and found loads of them.

Just use a search engine. I prefer Google for Linux

www.google.com/linux

Uberclocker

11-11-2002, 10:06 AM

I am guilty of not searching first. I also one time like spammed 4 questions right after the other on different threads. Now i've learned. I just cant wait to get to the point where i can help others

mlee

11-11-2002, 02:16 PM

If I have a question that has drifted to the bottom w/o being answered, and I don't think that it is a repeat question, than is it rude to repost in another forum group?

Thanks,
Mark Lee

Ludootje

11-11-2002, 04:04 PM

Originally posted by Uberclocker
I am guilty of not searching first. I also one time like spammed 4 questions right after the other on different threads. Now i've learned. I just cant wait to get to the point where i can help others
hehe this is becoming like AA :)

Ludootje

11-11-2002, 04:05 PM

Originally posted by mlee
If I have a question that has drifted to the bottom w/o being answered, and I don't think that it is a repeat question, than is it rude to repost in another forum group?

Thanks,
Mark Lee
Well, I think it's better to just 'bump' the topic, but than in a useful way. Maybe your question didn't got answered because you wheren't detailed enough, then you could give more details. That way, your topic would be on top of page again, and you will probably have more answers because it contains more details.

Thanatos

11-30-2002, 05:51 PM

For all you folks who say they don't know how to help others because you're brand new at linux, you're wrong wrong wrong... ;) Most of the piddly things you figure out are the same things that plague other users. So here's what I do, noticing said phenomenon: Before I post a question, I look around and see if there are any questions I can answer first. It makes me feel good that I'm helping other folks who have the same problems I have, and it proves that NO KIDDING, I actually know something about linux! :) Now, if someone can explain that

"Could not connect to remote machine: Connection refused" problem I keep getting when I try launching perl, I'll be all set...

...and I can migrate away from PHP-NUKE. Nuke is great, until you figure out exactly what your needs are for your users! ;)

davecs

12-03-2002, 09:37 AM

I am one of those who posted a "newbie" plea for help and got no reply.

I did not just search the forum before joining and posting, I searched the net as a whole.

I used to program a lot in the days of the ZX81 and Spectrum both in BASIC and Machine Code. I also programmed in Machine Code on the Tatung Einstein, and Victor Vicki, and my early PC (XP with 8086 processor). I am computer literate and not afraid to dive in and make mistakes.

As far as Linux is concerned, though, I am a complete novice. It is like learning a complete new language, and many Help sites may as well be written in Chinese for all I can make of them.

I won't go into my problem in specifics, just to say that I need to get my Video/Monitor system to display my Monitor's native resolution (LCD 17" 1280x1024), otherwise it looks horrible. I also need to get my internet connection running. Once I have done this, I can search the net and start learning, and I am confident that I will.

I am sure that with a start, I can get on the first rung, and I will be writing in Chinese with the best of them! But it is that first rung that is crucial.

And it is no use telling a newbie to edit the xjfwzx87 config file or similar, without saying where you find it, how you edit it, etc. Or saying you have to leave xjfwzx87 while you edit its config file, unless you say (1) how and (2) what to do when the file is edited.

As I said earlier, I am fairly computer literate, and open to new ideas, so how is this going to look to people who are even less knowledgeable?

andycrofts

12-03-2002, 11:51 AM

How about a "first-time posters" section, or "less than a month with Linux" forum.
Most of these poor souls haven't a clue whether it's hardware, software, or their basic understanding.

Usually, it's an alphabetti soup of all three.

Discuss. I'm happy to try to help, even tho' a couple of times I've got it spectacularly wrong.
(Bit like trying to learn Finnish. Except one always gets it wrong!)
:D

(Actually - time for an edit. Benjamin's watching Winnie the pooh. His grandson's next to him..) I digress.

One thing that strikes me here, is that some newbies have tried Linux, and searched enough to actually find this board. Then post a "stupid question"..(well, it might seem so to others)
Now, that's worthy of praise in my book. Look at the Windows forums (I have) and all you get is "does my printer go in the small hole, or the big one"?.
The 'noob's' have the sense and adventurous spirit to try. Thus, the're worthy of an answer.

Folks, we've all been down this road. Why, somewhere I still have my Intel 4040 manual (didn't understand a damn' thing at the time - why are these timing diagrams here, and Daddy, what's an accumulator??)

Anyone who asks a question here deserves a bit of praise just for trying.
So, folks, let's do our bit. When we can. Even (I think a total newcomer would be happy with.."Sorry no-one's asked. I don't know either, but what distro are you using? Might prompt others to reply". That, the fact there is someone out there helps)
BTW, let's not use 'distro' let's say Are you trying with Redhat 8, or Mandrake 9..whatever...

-Sorry to rabbit on...My job is to train Nokia customers (Vodaphone, Orange, Voicestream, etc.) how to get the best out of their networks. People I train are extremely 'savvy' but I am humbled when I come out with an acronym, or a statement that seems obvious to me, how many don't get it. Then, I'm the 'NooB

davecs

12-03-2002, 04:38 PM

I know I am new to this, but I have an idea. Can we have a "difficult hardware" section. For example I cannot get my video system to work as it should under Linux. It is an SiS 630/730 on board video. According to Thomasite, due to SiS not letting out much information, it may not be possible to set it up properly for Linux. But if we had a thread under Difficult Hardware, when someone finally cracks it they could post their solution to that thread. A few others with the same problem could test their solution with various flavours of Linux, and if the problem is solved, the whole thread could be closed, reduced to text/printable HTML and moved to an archive page for others to download in future.

If someone then tried to set up another thread for the same hardware, perhaps a moderator or another member who spots the link can refer them to the archive.

So in my case when I first saw this site after loading Linux, if I went to the Difficult Hardware section, and saw a thread called SiS 630/730 Video Difficulties, for example, I would tune straight into that without starting my own thread.

Just a thought...