1. Introduction

For various reasons this brand new release is codenamed the release release.

New code names will appear as per industry standard guidelines to emphasize the state-of-the-art-ness of this document.

This document was written when I read a feedback asking for a template to fill in to make new HOWTOs. This template was initially made by extracting the skeletal structure of the Multi Disk HOWTO which is a rather large HOWTO. It then went through extensive editing.

Stating the background is a simple way to getting started writing the intro.

First of all we need a bit of legalese. Recent development shows it is quite important.

1.1. Copyright Information

This document is copyrighted (c) 2000 Stein Gjoen and is distributed under the terms of the Linux Documentation Project (LDP) license, stated below. Replace with your name, or supply a new license, when you use this skeleton for a new HOWTO.

Unless otherwise stated, Linux HOWTO documents are copyrighted by their respective authors. Linux HOWTO documents may be reproduced and distributed in whole or in part, in any medium physical or electronic, as long as this copyright notice is retained on all copies. Commercial redistribution is allowed and encouraged; however, the author would like to be notified of any such distributions.

All translations, derivative works, or aggregate works incorporating any Linux HOWTO documents must be covered under this copyright notice. That is, you may not produce a derivative work from a HOWTO and impose additional restrictions on its distribution. Exceptions to these rules may be granted under certain conditions; please contact the Linux HOWTO coordinator at the address given below.

In short, we wish to promote dissemination of this information through as many channels as possible. However, we do wish to retain copyright on the HOWTO documents, and would like to be notified of any plans to redistribute the HOWTOs.

If you have any questions, please contact

1.2. Disclaimer

No liability for the contents of this documents can be accepted. Use the concepts, examples and other content at your own risk. As this is a new edition of this document, there may be errors and inaccuracies, that may of course be damaging to your system. Proceed with caution, and although this is highly unlikely, the author(s) do not take any responsibility for that.

All copyrights are held by their by their respective owners, unless specifically noted otherwise. Use of a term in this document should not be regarded as affecting the validity of any trademark or service mark.

Naming of particular products or brands should not be seen as endorsements.

You are strongly recommended to take a backup of your system before major installation and backups at regular intervals.

1.3. New Versions

This is where you make a summary of what is new. When a HOWTO exceeds 20 pages it takes more than a casual read to find the updates. This is where you help your readers with that, alerting them to specific and important updates to the document.

This is the initial release.

Tell people where the document home page is so the very newest release could be found in case of problems with the main Linux Documentation Project homepage.

The following is a sample from the Multi Disk HOWTO:

The latest version number of this document can be gleaned from my plan entry if you finger my Nyx account.

If you have the capability, it would be nice to make the HOWTO available in a number of formats.

The newest version of this HOWTO will always be made available on my website, in a variety of formats:

Note that paper sizes vary in the world, A4 and US letter differ significantly. You might also wish to consider using the universal format (8.27x11in; 210x279mm).

1.4. Credits

It is always nice to acknowledge people who help you with input; it is also regarded by many as important in the Linux world new economy.

In this version I have the pleasure of acknowledging:

Please scramble the addresses so email harvesters cannot get addresses from your HOWTO and then spam people. That has happened in the past.

Somecompany is acknowledged for sending me documentation on their gizmos as well as permission to quote from the material. These quotes have been approved before appearing here and will be clearly labeled.

1.5. Feedback

Feedback is most certainly welcome for this document. Without your submissions and input, this document wouldn't exist. Please send your additions, comments and criticisms to the following email address : .

1.6. Translations

Not everyone speaks English, pointers to translations are nice. Also your translators tend to give very important inputs.