The Linux Documentation Project

One of the recent rants on my website concerned the lack of decent documentation in many distributions of Linux. I honestly feel it’s one of those small, overlooked items that really puts off people tempted to try an installation on their own. Mandrake, perhaps the most popular distro among those recommended to new users until recently had no manual to help you out until after you have it installed. Does that make any sense to anyone? Even now, you have to get it from the Mandrake club. Not exactly intuitive. Even after installation, it’s not totally obvious that /man is a directory of manual files. I wish I’d known about sites like The Linux Documentation Project before I tried my first installation. Much frustration would have been avoided. This site features HOW-TOs, guides and FAQs, containing information for both the novice and expert. It is a site rich in information. You can even submit your own papers for inclusion in their repository. They also have an IRC channel you can join to chat with other info junkies. The LDP site is hosted by ibiblio, which those of us using Mandrake know better as the main mirror for Drake updates. That alone speaks volumes for the credibility of the LDP. Before you start an installation, or before you start tearing your hair out over an installation in progress, check out The Linux Documentation Project. You, and your hairdresser, will be glad you did.