1.6 Getting Help
Given that Squid is free software, you may need to rely on the kindness of strangers for occasional assistance. The best place to do this is the squid-users mailing list. Before posting a message to the mailing list, however, you should check Squid's FAQ document to see if your question has already been asked and answered. If neither resource provides the help you need, you can contact one of the many services offering professional support for Squid.
1.6.1 Frequently Asked Questions
Squid's FAQ document, located at http://www.squid-cache.org/Doc/FAQ/FAQ.html, is a good source of information for new users. The FAQ evolves over time, so it will contain entries written after this book. The FAQ also contains some historical information that may be irrelevant today.
Even so, the FAQ is one of the first places you should look for answers to your questions. This is especially true if you are a new user. While it is certainly less effort for you to simply write to the mailing list for help, veteran mailing list members grow tired of reading and answering the same questions. If your question is frequently asked, it may simply be ignored.
The FAQ is quite large. The HTML version exists as approximately 25 different chapters, each in a separate file. These can be difficult to search for keywords and awkward to print. You can also download PostScript, PDF, and text versions by following links at the top of the HTML version.
1.6.2 Mailing Lists
Squid has three mailing lists you might find useful. I explain how to become a subscriber below, but you may want to check Squid's mailing list page, http://www.squid-cache.org/mailing-lists.html, for possibly more up-to-date information.
1.6.2.1 squid-users
The squid-users mailing list is an excellent place to find answers for such questions as:
How do I ... ?
Is this a bug ... ?
Does this feature/program work on my platform?
What does this error message mean?
Note that you must subscribe before you can post a message. To subscribe to the squid-users list, send a message to squid-users-subscribe@squid-cache.org.
If you prefer, you can receive the digest version of the list. In this case, you'll receive multiple postings in a single email message. To sign up this way, send a message to squid-users-digest-subscribe@squid-cache.org.
Once you subscribe, you can post a message to the list by writing to squid-users@squid-cache.org. If you have a question, consider checking the FAQ and/or mailing list archives first. You can browse the list archive by visiting http://www.squid-cache.org/mail-archive/squid-users/. However, if you are looking for something specific, you'll probably have more luck with the search interface at http://www.squid-cache.org/search/.
1.6.2.2 squid-announce
The moderated squid-announce list is used to announce new Squid versions and important security updates. The volume is quite low, usually less than one message per month. Write to squid-announce-subscribe@squid-cache.org if you'd like to subscribe.
1.6.2.3 squid-dev
The squid-dev list is a place where Squid hackers and developers can exchange ideas and information. Anyone can post a message to squid-dev, but subscriptions are moderated. If you'd like to join the discussion, please send a message about yourself and your interests in Squid. One of the list members should subscribe you within a few days.
The squid-dev messages are archived at http://www.squid-cache.org/mail-archive/squid-dev/, where anyone may browse them.
1.6.3 Professional Support
A number of companies now offer professional assistance for Squid. They may be able to help you get started with Squid for the first time, recommend a configuration for your network environment, and even fix some bugs.
Some of the consulting companies are associated with core Squid developers. By giving them your business, you ensure that fixes and features will be committed to future Squid software releases. If necessary, you can also arrange for development of private features.
Visit http://www.squid-cache.org/Support/services.html for the list of professional support services.
