5. RTFM
RTFM stands for “Read The Fine Manual” (or some variant thereof) and is one of the primary rules of conduct on the Internet.What it means, basically, is that people should make the effort to learn for themselves before seeking instruction from others.
Almost everything a person could need to know has been recorded somewhere online (by people who are sharing their knowledge freely). Taking the time and effort to look at this work is not merely respectful, it demonstrates a certain degree of competence and self-reliance.
For example, if your software fails to install, instead of calling customer service or posting a note on a bulletin board, copy the error message into the Google search field and look for answers. Almost every software error has been encountered (and documented) by someone before you.
Finally, when you do ask for help, you can state what you’ve read and tried, and why it didn’t work. This saves people from giving you advice you don’t need, and helps them focus on what’s unique about your problem.
There will be something, by someone, somewhere obscure that you never would have thought to look. Remember Google is your friend for any kind of help desk request.
This is my Number 1 help desk for running Linux (which I’ve done consistently for 4 years now, never looked back unless it was with a pained expression). No one need fear Linux any more because there’s now a worldwide support desk the probably already has the answer, and if not they are only a forum posting away from dying to help you FOR FREE!
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