Frequently-Asked Questions

This section lists some common questions about the AnswerBook2 product along with answers to those questions.

What is AnswerBook2?

The AnswerBook2 product uses a standards-based document server to deliver Sun's online documentation through your favorite web browser. The AnswerBook2 interface lets you browse, search, and print a variety of Solaris information, including AnswerBook1 collections and man pages.

How is AnswerBook2 different from AnswerBook?

The previous AnswerBook product (now called AnswerBook1) used Display PostScript to display electronic versions of documents primarily developed for paper delivery. The AnswerBook2 product uses a web browser to display documentation developed for online delivery using SGML and to display existing AnswerBook1 documents. Also, the AnswerBook2 product supports a client-server model, where the documents can be kept on a central server and users only need a web browser to view them.

Can I still view my old AnswerBook collections with AnswerBook2?

Yes, unless your old AnswerBook documents were created before the release of the Solaris 2.2 operating system. To add AnswerBook1 collections to the AnswerBook2 server's database, use the AnswerBook2 "add collection" function and point to the directory containing the AnswerBook1 ab_cardcatalog file.

Does AnswerBook2 provide the same functionality for AnswerBook1 and AnswerBook2 documents?

No. For consistency, the AnswerBook2 interface for AnswerBook1 documents is similar to the AnswerBook1 product interface. Thus, the AnswerBook2 product provides the following differences in functionality for AnswerBook1 and AnswerBook2 collections:

• You cannot expand or collapse an entire AnswerBook1 table of contents listing; you can only expand or collapse a specific section within the table of contents.

• AnswerBook1 content pages do not include Other Topics sections. To navigate from one page to another, you can use the Next Topic link or return to the Table of Contents and select another section in the book.

• AnswerBook1 content pages display the entire chapter at one time, not smaller sections.

• Search results are not presented in a hierarchical structure for AnswerBook1 books.

• Search results icons poorly represent the probability of a match for AnswerBook1 information; the icons tend to be either completely filled or completely empty.

• Search terms are not highlighted in AnswerBook1 text.

• Some AnswerBook1 graphics cannot be displayed inline; they are identified by an icon that, when clicked on, brings up a PostScript display of the graphic.