1. Mandrakelinux-Specific Documentation

1.1. Mandrakesoft's Own Documentation

Some of those manuals may be available in your Mandrakelinux pack, in the mandrake-doc-en package. Once this is installed, a new menu entry will be available: More Applications+Documentation->Mandrakelinux documentation in English.

This section lists all the documentation which Mandrakesoft produced for the current release:

Starter Guide

This manual is intended to get you going with Mandrakelinux. It includes basic topics which should be of interest to new GNU/Linux users, as well as configuration procedures for the most important elements of Mandrakelinux.

Reference Manual

Available on-line and in the Mandrakelinux –– PowerPack Edition™, this document covers advanced GNU/Linux operations and system administration.

1.2. Internet Resources

Internet information sources are widespread and many web sites are devoted to GNU/Linux and its use or configuration. However, some sources of information are better than others.

Your preferred source of information should be the Mandrakelinux official web site. In particular, check out the support section.

On the other hand, many unofficial sources will also be of value. For one there is the Mandrake Community Twiki. It offers a lot of resources and gives information and documentation which can certainly interest Mandrakelinux users.

1.2.1. Mandrakeclub

If you're familiar with Mandrakelinux's web sites, you probably know about Mandrakeclub. It's the meeting point for all Mandrakelinux users. On it you will find questions along with their answers, suggestions and news related to Mandrakelinux and GNU/Linux. You will be able to express your opinions and influence future development of Mandrakelinux. If you're not a member yet, we encourage you to join in.

One specific area of the Club is of particular interest: the Mandrakeclub Knowledge Base is the Mandrakelinux user's database. It is probably the largest collection of Mandrakelinux-related documentation on the web.

It collects submissions by Mandrakelinux users. It also features a discussion forum and a community newsletter. These articles are meant to be practical and target beginner and intermediate users.

Topics range from administrative issues, such as the handling of the shell, to the tweaking of X, GNU/Linux's graphical subsystem.

1.2.2. Mandrakesecure

The Mandrakesoft Security Advisories web site (formerly known as Mandrakesecure) is Mandrakesoft's very own security site which covers package vulnerabilities.

1.2.3. Mandrakesoft E-training

The Mandrakesoft E-Training web site allows you to buy quality GNU/Linux training in order to improve your Open Source knowledge. You can access this web site by using your Mandrakeclub account. A free demo on Samba is available.