Going Deeper: In-Depth Resources
It is utterly impossible for this website to provide help and support for every program that is available with the same depth and level-of-expertise as the developers of each project. Many programs in the Placidus platform are quite simple. Others, such as LibreOffice or Inkscape, are quite deep and powerful despite being easy to pick up and use at a basic level. Also, despite best efforts to minimize potential problems, they still happen from time to time. This index can point the way to other websites where you can find more specialized help and more advanced training. Different channels for help are listed here to give you options based on how you like to work.
Software publishers often provide different avenues of support: e-mail mailing lists, tutorials and FAQs on their websites, searchable knowledgebases, and community web page-based forums. Website forums are usually a section of a website set aside for discussions and are set up similar to old bulletin boards from the early days of the Internet. The format still exists and is used today. Typically it is necessary to create an account on each site. Each site typically has its own set of etiquette, so be sure to read the code of conduct before posting questions. Projects which have e-mail mailing lists typically have several in place for different audiences. These lists are dedicated to helping people, coordinating developers or translators, and more. Subscribing to a mailing list is a great way for someone who is really interested in a program to learn quite a bit fairly quickly. Some, such as general user help lists, may generate quite a bit of e-mail to your inbox. If this should happen, please use the publisher's process for unsubscribing instead of marking it as Spam, which it definitely is not.
- Mozilla Firefox - the recommended browser for Placidus PCs
- The GIMP - a powerful image editor often used by professionals. It does have somewhat of a learning curve.
- HPLIP - website for HP's Linux printer and scanner drivers and support
- Inkscape - Illustration and vector graphics editing, such as clipart.
- LibreOffice - office suite featuring word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, databases, drawings, and more
- Main Website
- LibreOffice Official Documentation - User's guide straight from the people who make LibreOffice. Very in-depth. Both electronic and printed versions are available.
- LibreOffice Videos @ The Frugal Computer Guy - Very good video tutorials on lots of different skills in all of the LibreOffice programs.
- Ask LibreOffice - part forum, part knowledge base. Very helpful.
- LibreOffice - The Document Foundation, publisher of LibreOffice, has a lot of mailing lists, including different languages. The main Users lists for help appears to generate less than 10 e-mails per day as a rule of thumb.
- Linux Mint - the base software used by Placidus computers
- MyPaint - Painting with tools emulating natural media, such as charcoal and oil pastels.
- Openshot - an easy-to-use video editor
- Pinta - Picture editor which provides more advanced features without being complicated
- Rhythmbox - a digital music playing and management program
- Scribus - Professional-level publishing software. As such, it has a learning curve, but produces excellent results. Beginners may find LibreOffice Writer or Draw better for their skillset.
- Shotwell - a photo manager and editor
- Thunderbird - a mature, easy to use e-mail program
- VLC Media Player
- Wire - a private messaging app which features texting, audio and video calls, and strong encryption and privacy.
- Xiphos - Bible study software
- Main Website
- Xiphos Manual - the manual walks through many different tasks, such as installing different Bible versions, so unless you intend to just run the program and read, you'll want to read this through.
- Xiphos Users Mailing List - also low-traffic