HOWTO article
Encyclopedia
A HOWTO Article, often called just a HOWTO, is an article that usually explains 'how to' use a certain piece of software but can be applied to almost anything including the preparation of fruit salads. While HOWTOs are in many ways tutorials for a specific task, they are not just tutorials as they tend to be much more in-depth, explaining some level of theory along the way, and in that a reader of a well-written HOWTO is more likely to glean some sort of general knowledge about the software in question. Furthermore, a HOWTO often assumes a higher level of basic knowledge on the topic in question.
There are many sources for HOWTO articles, one of the most famous being the Linux Documentation Project
, a project to document features of Linux
and GNU
software.
, like Olaf Kirch's Linux network admin HOWTO, and NET-HOWTO. The fact that the information is freely availvable online has not stopped the sale of the book-form.
Red Hat
published a book entitled Doctor Linux that consisted entirely of HOWTOs available under free licenses, most of which was available under the GFDL. The book was popular enough that Red Hat made a profit from the sale of the book.
sense, and document either non-existent procedures, or document procedures in a nonsensical and amusing fashion. Such articles are related in spirit to such projects as
There are many sources for HOWTO articles, one of the most famous being the Linux Documentation Project
Linux Documentation Project
The Linux Documentation Project is an all-volunteer project that maintains a large collection of GNU and Linux-related documentation and publishes the collection online. It began as a way for hackers to share their documentation with each other and with their users, and for users to share...
, a project to document features of Linux
Linux
Linux is a Unix-like computer operating system assembled under the model of free and open source software development and distribution. The defining component of any Linux system is the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released October 5, 1991 by Linus Torvalds...
and GNU
GNU
GNU is a Unix-like computer operating system developed by the GNU project, ultimately aiming to be a "complete Unix-compatible software system"...
software.
Physical Publishing of HOWTO Articles
Some HOWTOs have also been published in book-form by O'ReillyO'Reilly
O'Reilly is the Anglicised form of the Gaelic Ó Raghallaigh. It is also the patronymic form of the Irish name Reilly . It is commonly found throughout Ireland, with the greatest concentration of the surname found in County Cavan followed by Longford, Meath, Westmeath, Fermanagh and Monaghan, and...
, like Olaf Kirch's Linux network admin HOWTO, and NET-HOWTO. The fact that the information is freely availvable online has not stopped the sale of the book-form.
Red Hat
Red Hat
Red Hat, Inc. is an S&P 500 company in the free and open source software sector, and a major Linux distribution vendor. Founded in 1993, Red Hat has its corporate headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina with satellite offices worldwide....
published a book entitled Doctor Linux that consisted entirely of HOWTOs available under free licenses, most of which was available under the GFDL. The book was popular enough that Red Hat made a profit from the sale of the book.
HOWTO Articles on the web
- The Linux Documentation Project HOWTOs - documentation for the LinuxLinuxLinux is a Unix-like computer operating system assembled under the model of free and open source software development and distribution. The defining component of any Linux system is the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released October 5, 1991 by Linus Torvalds...
operating system. - Debian NewbieDOC Articles - DebianDebianDebian is a computer operating system composed of software packages released as free and open source software primarily under the GNU General Public License along with other free software licenses. Debian GNU/Linux, which includes the GNU OS tools and Linux kernel, is a popular and influential...
GNU/Linux documentation for newbieNewbieNewbie or noob is a slang term for a novice or newcomer, or somebody inexperienced in any profession or activity. Contemporary use can particularly refer to a beginner or new user of computers, often concerning Internet activity, such as online gaming or Linux use...
s by newbies (and not-so-newbies). - Gentoo Wiki: many HOWTOs
- Linux.org HOWTOs - HOWTOs for LinuxLinuxLinux is a Unix-like computer operating system assembled under the model of free and open source software development and distribution. The defining component of any Linux system is the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released October 5, 1991 by Linus Torvalds...
. - Python HOWTOs - Documentation for PythonPython (programming language)Python is a general-purpose, high-level programming language whose design philosophy emphasizes code readability. Python claims to "[combine] remarkable power with very clear syntax", and its standard library is large and comprehensive...
coding. - HowtoForge
- Wikihowto - A HOWTO site with a large quantity of LinuxLinuxLinux is a Unix-like computer operating system assembled under the model of free and open source software development and distribution. The defining component of any Linux system is the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released October 5, 1991 by Linus Torvalds...
and computer related HOWTOs, and also includes all types of HOWTOs
Funny HOWTO Articles
Some HOWTO articles are written in an ironicIrony
Irony is a rhetorical device, literary technique, or situation in which there is a sharp incongruity or discordance that goes beyond the simple and evident intention of words or actions...
sense, and document either non-existent procedures, or document procedures in a nonsensical and amusing fashion. Such articles are related in spirit to such projects as
External links
- The Linux Documentation Project, a popular repository for HOWTO documents.