Troubleshooting without help from others (was: Failed to open control device /dev/em8300-0)

[John Myshrall]

Madison Kelly wrote:
> Jason Spiro wrote:
>> Last summer, a coworker of mine was a software package tester who used
>> to be an auto mechanic.  He noted I turn to Google a lot for help with
>> problems.  He said it was important to know how to troubleshoot
>> without any help from the Web, or mailing lists, or anywhere: to know
>> how to track down problems by logical troubleshooting steps.
>>
>> Is this true?  How important is it, really, to know how to
>> troubleshoot independently?
>>
>> Cheers,
>> Jason
>
> The fact that this is a legitimate question is funny/sad. Back in the 
> day I would have considered myself a pretty good trouble shooter. 
> These days though if you took the Internet away from me I'd be so lost.
>
> Is this a reflection of:
>
> a) The complexity of modern tech being such that no one can be 
> expected to know enough on their own to be able to work on it 
> independently.
>
> -or-
>
> b) The Internet has atrophied our minds because it allows us to get 
> away without thinking/problem solving on our own anymore?
>
> Madi
2 things I know for sure.

1) Nobody remembers or knows everything .  The Internet is a repository 
/ library that helps verses looking it up in a reference book or calling 
someone. Knowing the basic on a system is important.  I'm sure there are 
common commands and processes that system administrators perform daily 
and then there are the gotchas that pop up now and again.

2) Auto Mechanic$ are notorious for installing things that do not 
resolve the problem. Trial and error / shoot from the hip approach.  
Better to be aware as much as possible before trying something. 

We live in a different world today. Our lives / jobs are much more dynamic.

my $ 0.02  CND

John

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