1. Debugging Hardware/Software on Linux
This Piece of Hardware Doesn't Work in Linux? Why doesn't this program work?
MHVLUG Meeting
December 11th 2006
Joe Apuzzo
bluebottle.com, gmail.com

2. Overview Will start with a 45 minute run down of the following points:
Creating a strategy to make Linux your main desktop
Which Distro do I pick?
I want to get xyz program to work what can I do?
I have xyz hardware it does not work what do I do?
How to maintain Linux over a LONG period of time
Then we will use the remainder of the time for a "hands-on" “how-to” debug issues, by taking questions for the audance.

3. Creating a strategy to make Linux your main desktop
Create a list of what you need and what you want with:
Software
Hardware
What tasks are critical?
what hardware supports those tasks?
How much time do you have to spend?
Take time to plan your install! The better the plan the more stable the system.

4. Which Distro do I pick? Focus on package management
How is the system updated?
How are security updates done?
How hard is it to migrate to the next release?
Where can I get help? Is it enough for me?
What not to ask:
Does it have a cool graphical installer?
Does it install application XYZ by default?
Does it support hardware XYZ out of the box?

5. I want to get xyz program to work what can I do?
Always start with a known as a basis:
Install the version that is packaged with your distro, then move to the newer release.
Gather your information about the problem:
What are the error messages?
What does the logs say?
When searching the net remove common words like “is, the, and, or” ect. focus on the main components of the issue.
Compile it yourself
Are there alternatives that are acceptable?

6. I have xyz hardware it does not work what do I do?
Did it ever work?
Search the net as to how others have gotten the same piece of hardware working ( use the lspci tag to identify the hardware )
Is it cheaper to replace the piece then to devote the time to get it to work?
Always have an alternative way to access your system:
Boot CD
SSH demon
VNC server

7. How to maintain Linux over a LONG period of time
Always partition your hard-drive to have more then one Linux root directory.
I recommend that you have separate partitions for: boot and also home
Depends on the Distro and how it can transition from one release to another.
Always keep off system backups of critical data.
Know when to retire a system. Sometimes it's better to put that old system in storage.
Be flexible, invest in open standards not apps and drivers. Things change at an incredible rate.

8. MHVLUG Get on the Mailing List if you aren't already
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Next Meeting January
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