So, how do you know what configuration facilities are provided and what the recommended approach to local configuration is? The best place to begin is the README. debian file that comes with the package. Itis a requirement of the Debian Policy manual that this file explains any special configuration issues, how configuration under Debian differs from the configuration provisions of the original software developers, and recommended ways to handle local configuration. It also explains any utilities Debian has added to aid in the software configuration. 1bis file exists in Iusr I shareI docI <package name>, which also contains any original software documentation, plus any added by the Debian developers. lbis directory is standard with nearly all Debian packages, and is mandatory for any that have extensive documentation or special configuration issues.
Some packages have such extensive documentation that it is provided in a separate package so that it can be installed on a separate system providing faster, local access to the information without requiring space or processing on the server on which the software is installed.
Let's take a look at some examples that involve fairly complex configuration file sets.
