14.1 Chapter Objectives

• Present strategies for organizing site documentation

• List OpenVMS online and offline documentation sources

• Discuss HP s support offerings

• Identify other support resources

14.2 Introduction

Sometimes, when you are working on a difficult problem, you reach a point where your progress halts and you become frustrated. This usually happens because you do not completely understand some aspect of the problem. More specifically, there is something you do not know or something you once knew, but have forgotten. This something prevents you from being able to develop a solution. At this point, you have two options:

1. Continue to work on the problem and become even more frustrated.

2. Try to find help.

The ability to recognize when you do not know something is important. Even more important is knowing where to find the information you need. This chapter helps you identify the resources at your disposal and better use your own knowledge by organizing information into site documentation.

14.3 Developing a Site Guide

There is no such thing as a generic data center. Each data center is unique because network equipment, customized startup files, applications, user accounts, system-management tools, batch queues, printers, and terminals are added. This nongeneric site cannot be managed by just anyone. It requires a system manager who knows all the aspects of the site that differentiate it from a generic site.

Ideally, site documentation should describe all nongeneric site attributes. If available, this information allows you and your successors to better understand the environment and to resolve...