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diff --git a/help/C/evolution-faq.sgml b/help/C/evolution-faq.sgml new file mode 100644 index 0000000000..8e658ff308 --- /dev/null +++ b/help/C/evolution-faq.sgml @@ -0,0 +1,973 @@ +<!-- +<!DOCTYPE appendix PUBLIC "-//GNOME//DTD DocBook PNG Variant V1.1//EN"> +--> +<appendix id="evolution-faq"> + <title>Frequently Asked Questions About Ximian Evolution</title> + <para> + Here are some frequently asked questions about the + <application>Evolution</application> groupware suite from + Ximian. If you have a question that's not listed, you can + contact us at evolve@ximian.com. + </para> + + <sect1 id="faq-features"> + <title>Features</title> + + <qandaset> + + <qandaentry> + <question> + <para> + How can I use Evolution with Microsoft Exchange or Lotus Notes? + </para> + </question> + <answer> + <para> + If your server uses standard open protocols like IMAP, + LDAP, POP, and SMTP, you can use Evolution with it. You + can share addresses with vCards and calendar items with + iCal appointments. + </para> + </answer> + </qandaentry> + + <qandaentry> + <question> + <para> + Can I use Evolution with KDE? + </para> + </question> + <answer> + <para> + Evolution will work fine in KDE. You will need to + install all of the GNOME libraries that it depends on. + Also, certain configuration options, such as default + fonts and the message editor keybinding behavior, must be + changed using the GNOME Control Center application (this + will also run from within KDE). + </para> + </answer> + </qandaentry> + + <qandaentry> + <question> + <para> + How can I remove or rename a folder? + </para> + </question> + <answer> + <para> + Right-click on the folder and select the + <guimenuitem>Delete</guimenuitem> or + <guimenuitem>Rename</guimenuitem> items. + </para> + </answer> + </qandaentry> + + <qandaentry> + <question> + <para> + Why doesn't drag and drop between folders seem to work? + </para> + </question> + <answer> + <para> + The implementation isn't finished, although it's nearly done. + </para> + + <para> + In the meantime, right-click on the folders or messages + you want to move, and select the + <guimenuitem>Move</guimenuitem> or + <guimenuitem>Copy</guimenuitem> options. + </para> + </answer> + </qandaentry> + + <qandaentry> + <question> + <para> + Can I read mail from a mailbox file created by some other + application (e.g. Mutt) without importing mail from it? + </para> + </question> + <answer> + <para> + No, but it's a planned feature. + </para> + </answer> + </qandaentry> + + <qandaentry> + <question> + <para> + Can Evolution sync with my Palm OS (tm) device? + </para> + </question> + <answer> + <para> + Yes. However, it is not yet stable enough for general + release and we do not yet ship Evolution with Palm + synchronization enabled default. Until we do, you will + need to compile this in yourself. Check the + <filename>README</filename> file for additional + information on the requirements. Full compatibility and + synchronization for calendar and addressbook applications + on Palm devices will be implemented and shipped soon. + </para> + </answer> + </qandaentry> + <qandaentry> + <question> + <para> + What is the difference between a virtual folder (vfolder) + and a regular folder? + </para> + </question> + <answer> + <para> + A virtual folder is like a saved search: it is a view of + your mail. Regular folders actually contain the mail + messages. You can have one message be in multiple virtual + folders, but only in one regular folder. See the section + in the Evolution manual about virtual folders for more + information. + </para> + </answer> + </qandaentry> + <qandaentry> + <question> + <para> + Can Evolution spell-check messages while I compose them? + </para> + </question> + <answer> + <para> + Yes. The Evolution composer is able to highlight + mis-spelled word on the fly as you type them, and also + give you suggestions for possible corrections. In order + for this to work you need the + <filename>gnome-spell</filename> component, which is not + shipped with Ximian GNOME yet. + </para> + + <para> + If you are brave enough, you can check out module + <filename>gnome-spell</filename> from the GNOME CVS and + compile it yourself. Check out its README file for a list + of <filename>gnome-spell</filename>'s requirements for + compilation. + </para> + + <para> + Note that you don't need to recompile Evolution after + installing <filename>gnome-spell</filename>; it will be + picked up automatically. + </para> + </answer> + </qandaentry> + + <qandaentry> + <question> + <para> + Why can't I see the images that are contained in some HTML + mail messages. + </para> + </question> + <answer> + <para> + Evolution currently doesn't support this, but it's a + planned feature. It will be an option: many people like + to turn off the images because they use up bandwidth and can + be used to spy on your email reading habits. + </para> + </answer> + </qandaentry> + + <qandaentry> + <question> + <para> + Can I change the font that Evolution uses to compose and + display mail messages? + </para> + </question> + <answer> + <para> + You have to change the GtkHTML settings for that: in the + GNOME Control Center, go to the "HTML Viewer" + configuration page, which is under the "Document Handlers" + category. + </para> + </answer> + </qandaentry> + <qandaentry> + <question> + <para> + How do I import my Outlook <filename>.pst</filename> files into Evolution? + </para> + </question> + <answer> + <para> + You cannot import these files directly into Evolution + because the <filename>.pst</filename> format is a + proprietary format. However, Mozilla Mail on Windows can + convert them into the <type>mbox</type> format, which can + then be imported by Evolution. + </para> + + <para> + To start importing your Outlook mail to Evolution, run + Mozilla Mail on Windows and select the + <menuchoice><guimenu>File</guimenu><guimenuitem>Import...</guimenuitem></menuchoice> + to begin. Then select that you wish to import Mail from + Outlook. Once Mozilla has imported all your mail, reboot + your computer into Linux. + </para> + + <para> + Mount your Windows partition in Linux and run Evolution to + begin importing your mail. Select + <menuchoice><guimenu>File</guimenu><guimenuitem>Import + File...</guimenuitem></menuchoice> to start importing. Set + the file type to MBox (mbox) and click on + <guibutton>Browse</guibutton> to select the mail you want + to import. + </para> + + <para> + If you are the only user on Windows, the mail files will + be stored in <filename>/mnt/c/windows/Application + Data/Mozilla/Profiles/default/XXXX/Mail/imported.mail/</filename> + where <filename>/mnt/c/</filename> is your windows + partition mount point and XXXX is some collection of + numbers and digits ending in <filename>.slt</filename>. + </para> + + <para> + If there is more than one user, the file will be in + <filename>/mnt/c/windows/Profiles/USERNAME/XXXX/Mail/imported.mail/</filename> + where USERNAME is your Windows username. + </para> + + <para> + For each mail folder in Outlook, Mozilla will convert the + folder into one mbox file. To import all your mail, import + all the files without a <filename>.msf</filename> + extension. + </para> + </answer> + </qandaentry> + + <qandaentry> + <question> + <para> + If Mozilla can import <filename>.pst</filename> files, why can't Evolution? + </para> + </question> + <answer> + <para> + Mozilla on Windows accesses the <filename>.pst</filename> + files through the <filename>MAPI.DLL</filename>, which is + only available on Windows. <filename>MAPI.DLL</filename> + is the only way to access <filename>.pst</filename> files + and Evolution cannot use this DLL in Linux. + </para> + </answer> + </qandaentry> + <qandaentry> + <question> + <para> + Will there be an Evolution server? How about a text-based or web-based front end? + </para> + </question> + <answer> + <para> + Of course, we can't comment on unannounced future product + plans, but Evolution's architecture would permit the + existence of that kind of software. If there is enough + demand for such software we will consider moving in that + direction. + </para> + </answer> + </qandaentry> + + <qandaentry> + <question> + <para> + Will Evolution make a good mocha? + </para> + </question> + <answer> + <para> + Only espresso is planned, but you can easily plug in a chocolate component. + </para> + </answer> + </qandaentry> + + </qandaset> + </sect1> + + + <!-- Section: Getting and compiling --> + + <sect1 id="faq-get-and-compile"> + <title> + Getting and Compiling Evolution + </title> + <qandaset> + <qandaentry> + <question> + <para> + Where can I get the latest Evolution release? + </para> + </question> + <answer> + <para> + There are two ways to install the latest Evolution + release: + <itemizedlist> + <listitem> + <para> + If you have Ximian GNOME installed, you can start + Red Carpet, Ximian's software updating system, and + subscribe to the Evolution channel. This will let + you install a binary for the latest release, and + will also warn you when a new version has been made + available. + </para> + </listitem> + + <listitem> + <para> + If you want to compile from source, you can + download the latest official Evolution tarball + from: + </para> + + <para> + <ulink url="ftp://ftp.gnome.org/pub/GNOME/unstable/sources/evolution"> + ftp://ftp.gnome.org/pub/GNOME/unstable/sources/evolution</ulink> + </para> + </listitem> + </itemizedlist> + </para> + </answer> + </qandaentry> + <qandaentry> + <question> + <para> + Are binary snapshots available? + </para> + </question> + <answer> + <para> + Yes, if you have Ximian GNOME installed. Just run Red + Carpet and subscribe to the Evolution Snapshot channel. + </para> + + <para> + You can check the status of snapshots at + <ulink url="http://primates.ximian.com/~snapshot">http://primates.ximian.com/~snapshot</ulink>. + </para> + </answer> + </qandaentry> + <qandaentry> + <question> + <para> + Why isn't a new snapshot available today? + </para> + </question> + <answer> + <para> + Sometimes the build might fail because of problems with + the source on CVS. In this case, just wait for next day's + snapshot. + </para> + </answer> + </qandaentry> + <qandaentry> + <question> + <para> + How do I get Evolution from CVS? + </para> + </question> + <answer> + <para> + If you already have + <ulink url="http://cvs.gnome.org">GNOME CVS</ulink> access, + simply check out the following modules: evolution, + gtkhtml, gal. + </para> + <para> + If you don't have a CVS account, you can use anoncvs + instead. Bear in mind that anoncvs is only synchronized once + a day, and code received from anoncvs may not be latest + version available. + </para> + + <para> + Before using the anoncvs server, you have to log into it. + This only needs to be done once. Use this command: + </para> + + <programlisting> + cvs -z3 -d :pserver:anonymous@anoncvs.gnome.org:/cvs/gnome login + </programlisting> + + <para> + Then you can retrieve the modules needed to compile Evolution + using the following command: + </para> + + <programlisting> + cvs -z3 -d :pserver:anonymous@anoncvs.gnome.org:/cvs/gnome co evolution gtkhtml gal + </programlisting> + </answer> + </qandaentry> + + <qandaentry> + <question> + <para> + How should I compile Evolution avoiding conflicts with my + existing GNOME installation? + </para> + </question> + <answer> + <para> + The best way is to install Evolution into a separate prefix. + In order to specify a non-default installation prefix, you + can pass the <parameter>--prefix</parameter> option to + <filename>configure</filename> or + <filename>autogen.sh</filename>. For example: + </para> + + <programlisting> + cd /cvs/evolution + ./autogen.sh --prefix=/opt/gnome + </programlisting> + + <para> + If you install Evolution and the Evolution libraries in a + non-standard prefix, make sure you set the appropriate + environment variables in the startup script for Evolution: + </para> + + <programlisting> + export PATH=/opt/gnome:$PATH + export GNOME_PATH=/opt/gnome:/usr + </programlisting> + + <para> + You may also need to add <filename>$prefix/lib</filename> + (e.g. <filename>/opt/gnome/lib</filename>) to your + <filename>/etc/ld.so.conf</filename>. Of course, this will + not work for systems which do not use ld.so.conf, such as + HP-UX. + </para> + </answer> + </qandaentry> + <qandaentry> + <question> + <para> + I get the error message: <computeroutput>make: *** No rule + to make target + `all-no-@BUILD_INCLUDED_LIBINTL@'</computeroutput> + </para> + </question> + <answer> + <para> + You probably have <filename>gettext</filename> 0.10.36 or + later installed. Try downgrading to 0.10.35; + unfortunately, 0.10.36 introduced some incompatibilities + with the current <filename>xml-i18n-tools</filename>. + </para> + </answer> + </qandaentry> + </qandaset> + </sect1> + + <sect1 id="faq-trouble"> + <title>Troubleshooting</title> + <qandaset> + <qandaentry> + <question> + <para> + I get <computeroutput>Cannot initialize the Evolution + shell</computeroutput>. + </para> + </question> + <answer> + <para> + There are a number of things that can cause this error. + Check that: + </para> + + <itemizedlist> + <listitem> + <para> + <filename>oafd</filename> is listed in your <envar>PATH</envar> + environment variable. + </para> + </listitem> + + <listitem> + <para> + <filename>GNOME_Evolution_Shell.oaf</filename> and + the other + <filename>GNOME_Evolution_*.oaf</filename> files are + readable and installed in + <filename>$prefix/share/oaf</filename>, where + <filename>$prefix</filename> is one of the prefixes + listed in <envar>GNOME_PATH</envar> or + <envar>OAF_INFO_PATH</envar>. (These variables are + supposed to contain $PATH-like colon-separated lists of + paths. If the installation prefix for Evolution is + different from that). Run `oaf-slay' once before running + `evolution' again if you change $GNOME_PATH or + $OAF_INFO_PATH. + </para> + </listitem> + + <listitem> + <para> + <filename>evolution</filename>, + <filename>evolution-mail</filename> and the other + <filename>evolution-*</filename> executables are in your + $PATH. + </para> + </listitem> + </itemizedlist> + </answer> + </qandaentry> + + <qandaentry> + <question> + <para> + I get <computeroutput>Cannot open composer window</computeroutput>. + </para> + </question> + <answer> + <para> + This actually means that Evolution cannot activate the HTML + editor component from GtkHTML. The comments in the previous + answer still apply; also make sure that + <command>gnome-gtkhtml-editor</command> is in your + <envar>PATH</envar>. + </para> + </answer> + </qandaentry> + + <qandaentry> + <question> + <para> + The address suggestion list steals focus from the "To:" + entry box when I'm typing. How can I make it keep focus? + </para> + </question> + <answer> + <para> + This is a bug in GTK version 1.2.10. To avoid it, downgrade + to GTK version 1.2.9, or install the Ximian version of GTK + 1.2.10. + </para> + </answer> + </qandaentry> + + <qandaentry> + <question> + <para> + I updated Evolution and now my addressbook information is gone! + What should I do? + </para> + </question> + <answer> + <para> + Evolution uses the <filename>libdb</filename> library to + handle the addressbook database. Two versions of + <filename>libdb</filename> can be used with Evolution: version + 1.88 and version 2. + </para> + + <para> + Unfortunately, an Evolution executable that is linked against + a certain version of <filename>libdb</filename> will only be + able to read addressbook files written by another Evolution + executable that is linked with the same version of the + library. If your addressbook is not readable by Evolution + anymore, it probably means that you used to have Evolution + linked with a certain version of <filename>libdb</filename>, + but now it gets linked to a different version. + </para> + + <para> + Because of the way <filename>libdb</filename> is designed, it + is not easy for Evolution to automatically do the conversion + between the two formats. But, if your Evolution used to be + linked against version 1.85 and now is linked to version 2, + there is a very simple way to convert the database and recover + your data. + </para> + + <itemizedlist> + + <listitem> + <para> + First of all, check the format of the database using the + <command>file</command> command: + </para> + + <programlisting> + file ~/evolution/local/Contacts/addressbook.db + </programlisting> + + <para> + You want version 1.85 there. If your version is 2, then + your current Evolution is probably linked against + version 1.85 and you cannot convert the database to the + old format. To do that, follow these instructions: + </para> + </listitem> + + <listitem> + <para> + Quit Evolution. + </para> + </listitem> + + <listitem> + <para> + Make a copy of the addressbook database for backup + purposes, then move the original out of the way. + </para> + + <programlisting> + cd ~/evolution/local/Contacts + cp addressbook.db addressbook.db.backup + mv addressbook.db addressbook.db.tmp + </programlisting> + </listitem> + + <listitem> + <para> + Convert the contacts to the new format using + <command>db_dump185</command> and + <command>db_load</command>: + </para> + + <programlisting> + db_dump185 addressbook.db.tmp | db_load ~/evolution/local/Contacts/addressbook.db + </programlisting> + </listitem> + + <listitem> + <para> + Restart Evolution. + </para> + </listitem> + + </itemizedlist> + </answer> + </qandaentry> + + <qandaentry> + <question> + <para> + Evolution reported an error when trying to retrieve from my + local spool in <filename>/var/spool/mail/username</filename>. Why? + </para> + </question> + <answer> + <para> + Evolution doesn't have an external helper for moving mail, + so <filename>/var/spool/mail/</filename> must be writable + by you. Try this: + </para> + + <programlisting> + chmod 1777 /var/spool/mail + </programlisting> + + <para> + We're working on a solution to this problem now. + </para> + </answer> + </qandaentry> + + <qandaentry> + <question> + <para> + Evolution crashes reporting that it couldn't allocate N + billion bytes; how do I fix this? + </para> + </question> + <answer> + <para> + This usually happens when a component tries talking a + certain version of a CORBA interface to another component + that supports a different version. For example, this can + happen when you recompile and install a single component + without recompiling/installing the rest of Evolution. + </para> + + <para> + If you run into this problem, make sure all the components + are compiled and installed at the same time. This also + applies to GtkHTML upgrades; after upgrading and + installing a newer GtkHTML, always re-compile and + re-install Evolution against it. + </para> + </answer> + </qandaentry> + + <qandaentry> + <question> + <para> + What is <command>killev</command> and why do I need to use it? + </para> + </question> + <answer> + <para> + Evolution is actually made up of several components that run + as separate processes. Evolution's shell is not very good + at cleaning up stale processes, so it is possible that + sometimes already-running components cause unexpected and/or + broken behavior. + </para> + + <para> + It's always a good idea to run <command>killev</command> + after a crash in Evolution, especially if the Evolution + shell itself crashed. (If a component crashes instead, you + should try to exit the shell cleanly first, so you give a + chance to the other components to clean things up properly.) + </para> + </answer> + </qandaentry> + + <qandaentry> + <question> + <para> + What is <command>oaf-slay</command> and why do I need to use it? + </para> + </question> + <answer> + <para> + <command>oaf-slay</command> is an utility which comes with + OAF, the Object Activation Framework that is used in the + GNOME Desktop to activate components. It will kill the + object activation daemon (<command>oafd</command>) as well + as all the active components on the system. + </para> + + <para> + Using <command>oaf-slay</command> + <command>oaf-slay</command> is quite drastic and can cause + problems with other programs that use oaf, especially with + <application>Nautilus</application>. To avoid problems, do + not run <command>oaf-slay</command> while you are in GNOME. + </para> + </answer> + </qandaentry> + </qandaset> + </sect1> + + <sect1 id="faq-debugging"> + <title>Questions about Bugs and Debugging</title> + <para> + Find a bug? Here's how to help us fix it! + </para> + + <qandaset> + <qandaentry> + <question> + <para> + Where should I report bugs for Evolution? + </para> + </question> + <answer> + <para> + You can use the GNOME Bug Report Tool + (<command>bug-buddy</command>), or report bugs to the + Ximian bug reporting system (Bugzilla), located at <ulink + url="http://bugzilla.ximian.com">http://bugzilla.ximian.com</ulink>. + </para> + + <para> + Please use the query function to check if a bug has been + submitted already, so that we avoid duplicate reports. + </para> + </answer> + </qandaentry> + + + <qandaentry> + <question> + <para> + What is a stack trace (backtrace) and how do I get one? + </para> + </question> + <answer> + <para> + A stack trace is a list of the chain of function calls + that lead to some point in the program. Typically, you + want to get a stack trace when Evolution crashes or + hangs and you want to try to figure out where in the + code that happened and why. For this reason, stack + traces are extremely useful for the Evolution + developers, so it's important that you learn how to get + them, and include them in crash reports. The + <application>bug-buddy</application> tool can get and + submit a stack trace for you. If you want to do it by + yourself, here's how: + </para> + <para> + First of all, in order to get a stack trace, your + executable (and possibly the libraries) must be compiled + with debugging symbols. Debugging symbols are created by + default if you compile from CVS, and are included in the + snapshot builds. If you decide to compile by yourself + with some custom CFLAGS value, make sure -g is included + in them. + </para> + <para> + Finally, you must put the component that crashes through + <application>gdb</application>, the GNU debugging tool. + To do so, make sure all the components are dead (exit + Evolution and run <command>killev</command>), then run the + following command: + <programlisting> + <command>gdb name-of-component</command> + </programlisting> + + Where "name-of-component" is the name of the component that + crashed. + </para> + <para> + Then, at the gdb prompt, type r (for "run") and wait a + few seconds to make sure the component has registered + with the name service. Then start + <application>Evolution</application> normally from a + different terminal. + </para> + <para> + When you have started + <application>Evolution</application>, reproduce the + crash, and go back to the terminal where you ran gdb. If + the component crashed, you should have a prompt there; + otherwise, just hit Control+C. At the prompt, type + <command>info threads</command>. This will give you a + screen that looks like this: + </para> + <para> + <programlisting> +(gdb) info threads + 8 Thread 6151 (LWP 14908) 0x409778fe in sigsuspend () from /lib/libc.so.6 + 7 Thread 5126 (LWP 14907) 0x409778fe in sigsuspend () from /lib/libc.so.6 + 6 Thread 4101 (LWP 1007) 0x409778fe in sigsuspend () from /lib/libc.so.6 + 5 Thread 3076 (LWP 1006) 0x409778fe in sigsuspend () from /lib/libc.so.6 + 4 Thread 2051 (LWP 1005) 0x409778fe in sigsuspend () from /lib/libc.so.6 + 3 Thread 1026 (LWP 1004) 0x409778fe in sigsuspend () from /lib/libc.so.6 + 2 Thread 2049 (LWP 1003) 0x40a10d90 in poll () from /lib/libc.so.6 + 1 Thread 1024 (LWP 995) 0x40a10d90 in poll () from /lib/libc.so.6 + </programlisting> + + For the most part, only + <application>evolution-mail</application> will have more + than one thread. + </para> + <para> + Now, for each of the threads listed, type the following commands: +<programlisting> +thread N +bt +</programlisting> + Where 'N' is the number of the thread (in this example, 1 + through 8). + </para> + <para> + Cut and paste all the output gdb gives you into a text + file. You can quit gdb by typing + <userinput>quit</userinput> + </para> + <para> + If you prefer, you can start gdb while a process is + running. You'll want to do this right after a crash dialog + appears, but before hitting "OK" or "Submit bug report". + Start <application>gdb</application> as above, but instead + of using <userinput>r</userinput>, type <userinput>attach + PID</userinput> where PID is the process ID of the + component you want to debug. + </para> + <para> + If that sounds too complicated, you can always use + <command>bug-buddy</command> to get and submit the stack + trace. + </para> + </answer> + </qandaentry> + <qandaentry> + <question> + <para> + A component of evolution crashed, but since the rest of + evolution stayed up, I couldn't use bug-buddy to get a + stack trace. How can I use gdb to get a stack trace of + the component? + </para> + </question> + <answer> + <para> + To trace a failing component (in this example, evolution-mail): + <orderedlist numeration="arabic"> + <listitem> + <para> + Open two terminals. + </para> + </listitem> + <listitem> + <para> + In one, type <command>gdb evolution-mail</command> + . Replace "evolution-mail" with the name of the + component that is crashing: evolution-addressbook, + evolution-calendar, etc.) + </para> + </listitem> + <listitem> + <para> + Once gdb starts, type <userinput>r</userinput> and + hit enter. Give it a few seconds, to make sure it + starts up completely. + </para> + </listitem> + <listitem> + <para> + In the second terminal, type + <command>evolution</command>. Do whatever you did + to cause the crash in the component you used in + step two. + </para> + </listitem> + <listitem> + <para> + When the crash occurs, type 'bt' in the first + terminal. + </para> + </listitem> + + <listitem> + <para> + Cut and paste the output into your bug report. + </para> + </listitem> + </orderedlist> + </para> + </answer> + </qandaentry> + </qandaset> + </sect1> + </appendix> + +<!-- Local Variables: --> <!-- indent-tabs-mode:nil --> <!-- End: --> + + + + |