System ToolBox FAQ

1.        Q.    What is System Toolbox?

           A.    System Toolbox is a site dedicated to System Administrators.   We do not discriminate against any server operating systems here.  The idea behind the site is that most System Administrators are required to work with many different Server Operating Systems but there are not many resources available with this in mind.  This site aims to help out with informative discussions and tips towards a variety of platforms.

2.        Q.    The information on the site seems sort of general?  Why is it not more detailed?

            A.    The goal of System Toolbox is to provide a general reference for various Server Operating Systems.  We'll gladly answer any questions you have or provide more specific content on a subject, if asked, but there are plenty of manuals on more specific topics and plenty of excellent sites on System Administration on specific platforms.  Sun, for instance, has excellent administration resources on their Big Admin site. There's no reason for us to duplicate efforts when such a place exists - to this end, Solaris is a section, but doesn't get the same amount of attention as other sections do.  Microsoft's website, for instance, can be unbearably biased - so Microsoft will get more attention on the site.  Another example would be Linux - there's plenty of "how-to's" that come with Linux and it'd be pointless to duplicate that effort - however with all the distributions, it's hard to get a clear starting point if you're new to linux.  That's where System Toolbox comes in 

3.        Q.    I don't see my favorite Server Operating System here!  Are you ignoring it?

            A.    If you don't see your favorite Server OS here, it's not because we're ignoring you / it.  We just haven't had anything to say about it yet.  If you have something to say, feel free to volunteer!  Submit content to System Toolbox   and we'll have a look at it!

4.        Q.   I have noticed references to Binary Freedom.  Are you related?

           A.    System Toolbox is associated with the Binary Freedom Project Network.  The BFPN is a group of writers and technocrats from the Open Source Community (many of the writers are former OSDN / Linux.com / Slashdot.org writers) and from varied other places.  Even though there is an association with the Open Source Community, System Toolbox endeavors to report things in a straight forward and honest answer.  We believe that there is a correct tool for each job, and Open Source isn't always it!

5.        Q.   I have technical questions on a server topic that I cannot find covered here.  Can I submit them?

            A.     Sure.  You can do anything you'd like.  If any of the System Toolbox staff readily know the answer, we'll help you out.  We may ask that you write a short article on it to share the knowledge.  :)

6.        Q.   I wanna write for System Toolbox. Can I?

            A.     SystemToolbox likes to hear for anyone with pertinent information to system administration.  If you've got something interesting to share, feel free to email Soup@Systemtoolbox.com and we'll discuss it.

7.        Q.     What Happened to Binary Freedom?

            A.     Binary Freedom is still around, but combined with System Toolbox, our System Administration web site. 

8.        Q.   I noticed a tool listed in the toolbox section.  It's mine and I don't want you linking to it.  How do I get you to stop?

            A.    Email editor@systemtoolbox.com and we'll see about taking care of it for you.

9.        Q.     The question I have is not on the FAQ.  What do I do?

            A.    Well, check out the FAQ for Binary Freedom and if you're still not satisfied,  shoot off an email to  editor@systemtoolbox.com and we'll see if we can help you.

10.       Q.    Why don't you just use slashcode / phpnuke or some other standard codebase?

            A.    Due to the specific function of system toolbox, the out of the box news sites would just not suffice.  The site interface looks different from most conventional sites, but we like that change of pace.  Why look like everyone else?

11.       Q.    I submitted a comment on an article, but my comment was not posted.  Why?

            A.    Well, it could be a couple of things.  It could be that the comment has not been posted yet as the moderator may be busy or the comment may have been moderated.  Comments may be moderated for several reasons, including, but not limited to;  Unjust profanity - This is a website, not a bordello.  "133t sp34k"  - Anything containing this sophomoric permutation of English will not be posted.  Aside from these somewhat obvious  guidelines, a comment will not be posted if it does not actually contain anything constructive.  Flamebait comments such as "This article is the worst piece of sh*t I have ever seen" will not be posted.  HOWEVER, the same line could be in a comment that will get posted if the line is followed by a dissertation of why the commenter feels this way, and most importantly what they specifically would change or do differently.  Any fool can be critical of a system, but criticism is only just when it is offered with a solution for improvement.  Along the same lines, anyone who feels that an article is in Err or is just utterly wretched is encouraged to step up to the challenge and write one themselves.    

12.       Q.    I've noticed a spelling/factual/ grammatical error.  How do I report this?

            A.    Please, feel free to post any corrections to the comment section.  We will not post the comment (obviously), but we will fix the issue, if it is indeed valid.  Please include a correct email address in the comment so we may verify any questions / issues that may arise.  We're extremely busy folks at System Toolbox and sometimes minor errors are overlooked, so we really do appreciate this feedback.

13.       Q.    Who are the writers on System Toolbox?  The Staff page descriptions seem very vague. . .

            A.    The vagueness is intentional.  Our writers are primarily System Administrators and they may occasionally refer to their places of employment as an example in an article;  It's generally a poor idea to share the details of your network with thousands of readers each day.  For reference though, our writers include System Administrators from several major Universities, consulting firms and collocation facilities, as well as Administrators from major technical giants such as such as Allaire / Macromedia, IBM, and EMC. Amoung our ranks are Administrators from several premium cable networks and even from large commercial entities, such as the GAP.

14.       Q.    I've noticed a random image on the page - it seems to change occasionally, but doesn't seem to have any relelvance to system administration.  What is the deal with the image? 

            A.    All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.  We generally have random images on our development site and at one point when a revision went live, we decided to keep the image.  The images have nothing to do with anything really.  We just throw something up when we feel like it. 

15.       Q.    I've noticed a random quote occurring whenever I reload the page.  Are these fortune cookies?

            A.    Well, some may be fortunes as well, but we've decided to throw together a list of quotes that we like and have it randomly select them whenever you come to the page.  Have a quote you love and want to submit?  Email it to us at editor@systemtoolbox.com !