Every network will have problems. This chapter discusses the tools and techniques that can help you recover from these problems, and the planning and monitoring that can help avoid them. A solution is sometimes obvious if you can just gain enough information about the problem. Unix provides several built-in software tools that can help you gather information about system configuration, addressing, routing, name service, and other vital network components. Gather your tools and learn how to use them before a breakdown occurs.
Troubleshooting is an ongoing process. This book is just the beginning of another ongoing processlearning. As you explore your system and network, you'll see that there is much more to networking than can ever be covered in one book. This book has been your launching padhelping you connect your system to the network. Now that your system is up and running, use it as a tool to expand your information horizons.