You can often find solutions to problems by searching IBM knowledge bases.
You can optimize your results by using available resources, support
tools, and search methods.
IBM® provides extensive
documentation within the information center. You can find useful information
by searching the information center, but sometimes you need to look
beyond the information center to answer your questions or resolve
problems.
To search knowledge bases for information that you need,
use one or more of the following approaches:
- Search for content from the IBM Software Support Toolbar. IBM Software Support
Toolbar is a browser plug-in that provides you with a mechanism
to easily search IBM Support
sites. You can download the toolbar at: http://www.ibm.com/software/support/toolbar/ (www.ibm.com/software/support/toolbar/).
- Search for content by using the IBM Support Assistant (ISA). ISA
is a no-charge software serviceability workbench that helps you answer
questions and resolve problems with IBM software products. You can find instructions
for downloading and installing ISA on the ISA
website (www.ibm.com/software/support/isa/).
- Find the content that you need by using the IBM Support Portal.
The IBM Support Portal is a unified,
centralized view of all technical support tools and information for
all IBM systems,
software, and services. The IBM Support
Portal lets you access the IBM electronic support portfolio from one place.
You can tailor the pages to focus on the information and resources
that you need for problem prevention and faster problem resolution.
Familiarize yourself with the IBM Support
Portal by viewing the demo videos (https://www.ibm.com/blogs/SPNA/entry/the_ibm_support_portal_videos)
about this tool. These videos introduce you to the IBM Support Portal, explore troubleshooting and
other resources, and demonstrate how you can tailor the page by moving,
adding, and deleting portlets.
- To search multiple Internet resources for your product,
expand Searching knowledge bases in the navigation frame to the left
and select Web search. From this
topic, you can conduct a Google search or you can directly search
a variety of resources including:
- IBM technotes
- IBM downloads
- IBM Redbooks®
- IBM developerWorks®
- Search for content by using the IBM masthead search. You
can use the IBM masthead
search by typing your search string into the Search field at the top
of any ibm.com® page.
- Search for content by using any external search engine,
such as Google, Yahoo, or Bing. If you use an external
search engine, your results are more likely to include information
that is outside the ibm.com domain.
However, sometimes you can find useful problem-solving information
about IBM products in newsgroups, forums, and blogs that are not on ibm.com.
Tip: Include "IBM" and the
name of the product in your search if you are looking for information
about an IBM product.
