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{{title|title=
Utilize Search Engines and Documentation
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{{#seo:
|description=Avoid basic questions. Effective use of search engines. Utilizing extensive {{project_name_long}} documentation.
|image=Usesearchengine.jpg
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[[File:Usesearchengine.jpg|thumb|200px]]
{{intro|
To save your own time and be easy on the developer team please use '''search engines''' and utilize the extensive [[Documentation|{{project_name_short}} documentation]]. Search for answers to your questions before asking for help, especially for basic questions, as many common issues and solutions are already documented.
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= Introduction =

{{Self Support First Policy Short}}

Unless purchasing [[Premium Support]], please do not ask very basic questions like:

* How do I update {{project_name_short}}?
* How is {{project_name_short}} run on Windows?
* How does VirtualBox work?
* How do I do X on operating system Y?

First consider whether someone else has likely raised the exact same question or issue. Experience has shown that most topics have already been discussed within the {{project_name_short}} community and often been documented.

Before asking a question, please first use search engines, refer to the [[Documentation]] and query existing threads in the [https://forums.{{project_clearnet}} {{project_name_short}} forums].

= Rationale =

Existing resources should be consulted for several reasons:

* {{project_name_short}} is a technological means to security, but staying safe necessitates complete behavioral change; it is a complex problem without an easy solution. The more you know, the safer you can be.
* Available [[Documentation]] can provide answers to some of these questions.
** [[Documentation]] answers are generally of higher quality than information posted in a casual setting (like forums or chat).
* Some questions/topics are generic in nature and out of scope for {{project_name_short}} -- in these cases the questioner must acquire a basic prerequisite knowledge of computing elsewhere before attempting further procedures.
* The [[Self_Support_First_Policy#Self_Support_First_Policy_Rationale|Self Support First Policy Rationale]] and [[Reporting_Bugs#Policy_Rationale|Support Request Policy Rationale]] apply.

Developers have made significant efforts to configure safe defaults, but operational security (opsec) is not realized by merely using a suitable platform. Staying safe requires a change of mindset and necessary skills are normally developed via trial and effort, experimentation, and general education.

Computing security is complex subject, which means it is improbable that volunteers can assist with every step of the journey and learning curve. Or course advanced questions about {{project_name_short}}  are welcomed, particularly for undocumented use cases. <ref>Time permitting and when developers have sufficient interest.</ref>

= See Also =
<div style="column-count:2;-moz-column-count:2;-webkit-column-count:2">
* [[Support#General_Advice|General Advice]]
* [[Self Support First Policy]]
* [[Documentation]]
* [http://catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html How To Ask Questions The Smart Way]
* [https://stackoverflow.com/help/how-to-ask How do I ask a good question?]
* [https://xyproblem.info/ The XY Problem]
* [https://dontasktoask.com/ Don't ask to ask, just ask]
* [https://www.nohello.com/ No Hello]
</div>

= Footnotes =
{{reflist|close=1}}

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