frustration and success when troubleshooting problems. This section provides
some Internet search tips and lists Ubuntu- and Linux-related sites sorted by
various topics. The lists are not comprehensive, but they have been checked
and were available at the time this book was published.
Web Search Tips
Troubleshooting problems with Linux by searching the web can be an
efficient and productive way to get answers to vexing problems. One of the
most basic rules for conducting productive searches is to use specific search
terms to find specific answers. For example, if you simply search for
“Ubuntu,” you end up with too many links and too much information. If you
search for “Ubuntu sound,” however, you are more likely to find the
information you need. If you’ve received an error message, use it; otherwise,
use the Linux kernel diagnostic message as your search criterion. Other
effective techniques include the following:
Using symbols in the search string, such as the plus sign (+), to force
matches of web pages containing both strings (if such features are
supported by the search engine used by web search site)
Searching within returned results
Sorting results (usually by date to get the latest information)
Searching for related information
Stemming searches; for example, specifying returns for not only “link”
but also “linking” and “linked”Invest some time and experiment with your favorite search engine’s features;
the result will be more productive searches. In addition to sharpening your
search skills, also take the time to choose the best search engine for your
needs.
Google Is Your Friend
Some of the fastest and most comprehensive search engines on the web are
powered by Linux, and it makes sense to use the best available resources. Out
of the myriad websites with search engines, http://google.com stands out from
the crowd, with millions of users per month. The site uses advanced hardware
and software to bring speed and efficiency to your searches.
Why is Google (named after a number) so powerful? Part of the reason it is so
successful is that it has great algorithms, good programming, and simple