How do I find help for an unfamiliar server command?
Use the help system belonging to the command you are running. PowerShell cmdlets, Windows console programs and Linux commands do not share one universal help switch. Inspect syntax before using options copied from another platform.
Instructions
1. Read PowerShell cmdlet help
Get-Help describes a cmdlet, while Get-Command can show parameters exposed by the installed version.
Get-Help Test-NetConnection -Examples
Get-Command Test-NetConnection -SyntaxExamples explain usage; syntax shows which parameter combinations your installed module accepts.
2. Read Windows command help
Many built-in console commands use /?. This command only displays help.
ipconfig /?Use this for Windows ipconfig. It is not a replacement for Linux network documentation.
3. Consult the matching OpenSSH manual
For OpenSSH, read the official manual for the exact executable and compare it with ssh -V. For Linux commands, use the installed manual when available.
man sshPress q to leave the manual viewer. The installed page may describe a different release from the newest online documentation.
Check the result
- The documented parameters exist in the installed command version.
- The example’s operating system and shell match your environment.
Troubleshooting
- Get-Help shows only syntax
- Detailed help may not be installed locally. Use the official online documentation for that command.
- The man command is unavailable
- Minimal images may omit manual tools. Consult the official project or distribution manual online.
Official references
Use the documentation for your installed version when a flag, service name or platform feature differs.