This page provides access to the extensive help that is available on most Unix systems via man pages. Using the module is as simple as entering a search term and clicking Search. If you choose not to search for an exact match, the module will return a list of all man pages that it can find that match your query. The module also allows you to search specific sections of the manpages. This can be helpful if there are multiple entries in the man pages for you search term, and you need a specific page.
Man pages are divided into numbered sections, in order to clearly distinguish programming documentation from user command documentation, etc. The sections are roughly divided as described below:
User commands that may be run by all users.
System calls, or functions provided by the kernel.
Library Functions.
Devices, or special files in the /dev directory.
File format descriptions, for such files as /etc/passwd and sendmail's /etc/aliases file.
Games.
Miscellaneous, macro packages, and conventions. Examples include bootparam and unicode.
System administration tools that only root can execute. Examples include ifconfig and halt.
OS Specific kernel routine documentation. Not always available on all systems.
Also available on some systems are a few lettered sections. They are: n -- New documentation, that may be moved in the future to a new location. o -- Old documentation, that will likely be phased out. l -- Local documentation specific to this particular system.