SDB:FAQ
This article shows the differences between SDB, Howto and FAQ.
SDB
The SupportDataBase is a long time used openSUSE tool to help users. To keep the SDB clean, some rules should be respected:
- It's reactive. If there is no problem, there is no need for a SDB article. This should not stop you to write something outside the SDB.
- It's straight to the point. Be verbose but keep in mind that users want a quick solution. If there is more information: link to it.
- It's easy. There are several ways to solve a problem, use the easiest. It's ok to describe it also in a more advanced way, e.g. console vs. the YaST way.
- It's about openSUSE. Use openSUSE tools to solve a problem, use what everybody has installed. Emacs might be a powerful editor, but it's not in the default installation.
- The SDB is not a place to be creative in page design, read the SDB howto
- Use the SDB: namespace and adequate SDB categories.
Howto
From the wikipedia definition: "A how-to or a howto is an informal, often short, description of how to accomplish some specific task. A how-to is generally meant to help non-experts, may leave out details that are only important to experts, and may also be greatly simplified from an overall discussion of the topic."
A Howto gives you more freedom compared to the SDB. Basicly you can forget every SDB rule, or transform them:
- It's proactive. A HOWTO is something new we want to do with our openSUSE system, not about an existing problem we want to fix. That is for an SDB.
- Be more verbose, explain things if you want.
- No easy rule. Keep in mind that if you describe things easy you will probably help more users.
- Add the Category link to the Category:SDB:HOWTOs page.
FAQ
From the wikipedia definition: "FAQ is an initialism for "Frequently Asked Question(s)". The term refers to listed questions and answers, all supposed to be frequently asked in some context, and pertaining to a particular topic."
- Make it short
- Think about what really are frequently asked questions
- Don't post FAQs from other places, link it and let it live upstream.
- Use FAQ: name space
Misc
If you are not sure in which category your document is/will be:
- Ask on the opensuse-web mailinglist.
- Write it without a namespace/prefix (pages can be moved if necessary).
- Don't be afraid of these rules, just write.
- At openSUSE we are friendly people.
- If article was moved or changed it is done with good intention.
- If you disagree tell other editor your point of view on Discussion page.
