I'd like an entry in thread tools augmenting "show printable version" with "show printable version of the entire thread" or "show printable version from post xx to post yy" where the user could enter post numbers differing from 1(st) and last. <edit> Could possibly be handled like wordprocessors do when you tell them to print pages or page ranges: "1,5,7,9-14,17,22-25" </edit>

Reason: I take sometimes printouts from the computer on the net to other machines where I try to solve an issue but I'd like to select the pages with the solution.

There is the "Show 40 post(s) from this thread on one page" on the printable page. We have no plans to allow full customization of this, as some threads are simply too long. You could currently get the "wordprocessor-like" behavior by simply printing page 1, 5 and 7 (as an example).

--jeremy

I am aware of the 40 posts option, Jeremy. But why 40? I mean, there is no real reason to print pages by hand, after all we are on computers here ;).

Take the "dd" thread of AwesomeMachine for example (http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...ommand-362506/) or something like it. I like to take along things like these when I travel and then it would be nice to be able to print it in one session (and only those pages I need ).

Sometimes it takes a couple responses to gauge the level of expertise of the user. Other times, it is obvious that the user has done nothing to find answer for on their own. Yesterday someone asked a question about using "swapon" with files. No one was dismissive, but I posted the description given in the man page.

I assumed that the user may have just missed this detail, and didn't give an RTFM response.

Sometimes when answering a question for a true newbie, I need to remember when I just started in Linux. There is a high learning curve, regardless of the operating system. Sometimes patience is needed.

It would help if new users would put their distro in the User Profile as you have. Without that info, a user is more likely to get a generic response, when using a GUI admin wizard (E.G. YaST for a SuSE user) would be easier.

You can't expect people responding to be familiar with the gui admin tools of every distro however. There are differences even between versions of the same distro.

Your post seemed to be more of a change for members than for the site itself. You made some good points, and I for one have taken it to heart.

Hi,

Even when you provide the 'RTFM' to a new user they don't always follow through with the action. Sometimes it's laziness but most times it is just lack of familiarity with the system. I try to respond too a new user as I would too a student, just a habit but one that has produced results. Sometimes information can overwhelm a person be a newbie or a seasoned veteran. I've even linked definitions for some of the wording since non-native speaking people do read the posts here on LQ.

I think you hit the nail on the head!


I feel the same way when it comes to response with other distributions. The differences do vary but if the user becomes versed at the command level over the GUI then moving between distros would be simpler. Sure the GUI can be idiot proof at times but has too many underlining problems. Intuitive?