One of the difficult problems for new Linux users is finding out how to do things that aren't covered in whatever documentation they are first given. A new Linux user might start with a manual that came with their distribution or just a link to The Linux Documentation Project. It's easy to become frustrated if you don't realized the extent of helpful resources on the web, or even if you do, you don't know where to find them. I was recently in this same situation so I've decided to document some of the better places where I found help and some of the techniques I've discovered for getting the information that I need. As I've worked on this document, I've been able to expand the information based on feedback I've recieved from numerous reviewers, especially the contributors to the Linux Documentation Project discussion group.

I'm going to discuss a number of different methods for finding helpful information on the Internet. The methods range from using Internet Relay Chat (IRC), Google, The Linux Documentation Project, phone calls to friends, project websites, project forums, and project mailing lists. I've used such sources to solve just about every problem I've encountered in a reasonable amount of time. One of the universal truths I've discovered is that somewhere there is someone who is willing to take the time to help you.