The path to VMware Tools is null

As most of my readers know, I've written technical documentation throughout my career in high tech. I take some pride in my work, knowing that it's hard to get things right in an aggressive release schedule.
Because of my background, I always check the product documentation quite thoroughly before moving on to Google and then to support channels. I estimate that in 75-80% of the cases the documentation doesn't have what I need. The result is that a) after a few minutes with Google shows that the answer is elsewhere or b) after a few hours, that what I need to do hasn't been solved yet.
Fine. I can live with all that.
In the case of VMware, however, the prerequisites for a key component aren't mentioned in the product documentation. I learn this on my way to installing a broken component.
Here's what happens:
I install a new Linux guest system. In today's case, I'm installing a vanilla version of Debian. The guest installation is uneventful.
When it comes time to install VMware Tools, I follow the on-screen prompts, load the image, and run the script. I answer a bunch of prompts by pressing Enter. The script chugs for a while and then says:

Before you can compile modules, you need to have the following installed...

make
gcc
kernel headers of the running kernel

Searching for GCC...
The path "" is not valid path to the gcc binary.
Would you like to change it? [yes]

Urp.
I don't have GCC installed because I didn't know that I needed it.
I check the user manual.

The Guest Operating System Manual mentions that gcc and other tools should be installed prior to installing VMware Tools on SUSE, but nothing in the other Linux distributions.
It might have been nice for the script to check for the presence of GCC prior making me answer all of those prompts. 
My only option at this point is to ^C out of the installation script, install the build environment, rerun the installation script, and watch the script try to figure out what's happening.

File /usr/lib/vmware-tools/lib32/libconf/etc/pango/pangox.aliases is backed up
to /usr/lib/vmware-tools/lib32/libconf/etc/pango/pangox.aliases.old.0.

[snipped four messages]

This program previously created the file
/usr/lib/vmware-tools/libconf/etc/pango/pangox.aliases, and was about to remove
it. Somebody else apparently did it already.

One document is more than 500 pages; the other is 94. That's a lot of pages that don't include an essential prerequisite.
I've learned two lessons, although I'm not sure which one will prevail:

1. Install the build environment on any Linux VMware installation prior to installing VMware Tools.
2. Don't use VMware.

---

Added bonus:
Here's what the Firefox spell-checker suggests as replacement for the unfamiliar word VMware:

We needed a compass to find our way through Amazon's packaging

We decided that it's time to know which way we're heading.
Also, Sandra is a volunteer with the local Community Emergency Response Team. Occasionally, they're called upon to assist in search and rescue situations. A good compass is in order. After a bit of research, I ordered the Suunto M-3DL Compass from Amazon.
The package arrived a few minutes ago.

It was a box large enough to fit a small goat.

We needed a compass to find our way through Amazon's packaging

We decided that it's time to know which way we're heading.
Also, Sandra is a volunteer with the local Community Emergency Response Team. Occasionally, they're called upon to assist in search and rescue situations. A good compass is in order. After a bit of research, I ordered the Suunto M-3DL Compass from Amazon.
The package arrived a few minutes ago.

It was a box large enough to fit a small goat.

More on the job market for technical writers

Let's see. If I work some overtime, I might be able to make the payments on that air guitar that I've always wanted.

More on the job market for technical writers

Let's see. If I work some overtime, I might be able to make the payments on that air guitar that I've always wanted.

Crime in suburbia

From  The Landmark (subscription required):
[Editor's note: There were 12 suspicious items this week.]
 
Holden
Monday, February 28
9:34 a.m. Police respond to complaint about animal, Kendall Rd.
1:04 p.m. Police try to catch loose dog, Cook St./Stoneleigh Rd.
1:38 p.m. Caller wants to speak with officer about ongoing situation, Winfield Rd.
2:20 p.m. Caller hit pothole on Malden St.,blew out tire, bent rim
6:50 p.m. Suspicious red truck in front of home, Mountview Dr.
7:05 p.m. Three calls about driver hitting snowbank, Shrewsbury St.
9:49 p.m. North Hampton PD received suspicious phone call, General Hobbs Rd.; Holden PD check home
Tuesday, March 1
12:21 a.m. Suspicious vehicle in lot, Main St. OK person closing up for night
12:28 a.m. Check on welfare of prisoner, Main St.
1:11 a.m. Assist prisoner, Main St.
6:27 a.m. Caller reports half his house is without power, Hickory Cir.
6:45 a.m. Report of large pothole, Wachusett St.
9:00 a.m. Narcotics violation, high school, Main St.
9:46 a.m. Vehicle parked in roadway, Bullard St.
1:11 p.m. Report of runaway student, Main/Salisbury Sts.
3:33 p.m. Report of 53-gallon drum with hazardous/flammable insignia, on side of Doyle Rd./Glenwood St.
6:16 p.m. Police check location of individual supposed to pick someone up at hospital, Park Ave.
7:58 p.m. Vehicle stuck on guard rail behind business, Main St.
Wednesday, March 2
1:23 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, Lovell Rd.
2:21 a.m. Male outside residence throwing things at window, Brattle St. Arrest: --- disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct, assault with dangerous weapon (bodily fluid, saliva/spit)
3:37 a.m. Officer investigation follow-up, Brattle St.
10:15 a.m. Investigating animal complaint, Sycamore Dr.
10:27 a.m. Investigating animal complaint, Sycamore Dr.
11:02 a.m. Suspicious truck pulling into driveways, Sycamore Dr.
1:30 p.m. Request for check on abandoned house, Salisbury St.
6:07 p.m. Report of occupants of vehicle trying to sell prescription drugs, Main St.
7:41 p.m. Person reporting firewood stolen, Salisbury St.
Thursday, March 3
3:52 a.m. Police investigate report of man inhome, Sawyer Ln.; all OK
8:58 a.m. Police check on vehicle behind business, Industrial Dr.
1:34 p.m. Larceny of catalytic converter, Sunnyside Ave.
3:04 p.m. Vehicle hit deer, Main St.
3:31 p.m. Suspicious person behind business, Main St.
Friday, March 4
12:45 a.m. Police check on suspicious vehicle beside building, Main St.
1:02 a.m. Police check on female dressed all in black walking, Holden St./Paugus Rd.
7:48 a.m. Suspicious vehicle with driver in lot, Shrewsbury St.
9:59 a.m. Minor vehicle accident, one person irate, Main St./Bancroft Rd.
11:19 a.m. Golden retriever next to car, no one around, Harris St.
3:37 p.m. Assist person installing car seat, Main St.
8:58 p.m. Group of kids asking adults to buy cigarettes for them, Main St.
9:48 p.m. Caller says sister was involved in domestic in Hudson and husband pulled a gun on her. Police speak with person, Vicksburg Cir.
11:19 p.m. Elderly male pushing bicycle, Main St.
11:36 p.m. Possible house party, Forest Dr. Three juvenile arrests, persons under 21 in possession of liquor, one resisting arrest and disorderly conduct, another keeping a disorderly house
Saturday, March 5
5:10 a.m. Hudson PD asks person in Holden to contact their station, Vicksburg Cir.
10:50 a.m. Caller says employer refuses to give her a paycheck, North St. Check is in mail
1:37 p.m. Deer struck car, Holden St.
11:44 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, disabled, Main St.
Sunday, March 6
12:35 a.m. Several phone calls regarding loud house party, Wildwood Rd.
3:24 a.m. Vehicle hit deer, damage to vehicle, Salisbury St.
7:22 a.m. Possibly sick raccoon, Wyoming Dr.
12:39 p.m. Verbal altercation in laundromat, Reservoir St.
4:58 p.m. Person at station for information on car seat installation, Main St.
7:14 p.m. Driver left without paying for gas, Main/Highland Sts.
Paxton
Monday, February 28
7:09 a.m. Vehicle being egged by girlfriend’s ex-husband, Briarcliff Ln.
9:00 a.m. Special investigator from Oxford at station, Pleasant St.
Wednesday, March 2
8:13 a.m. Person at station regarding firearm he wants released to another person, Pleasant St.
6:24 p.m. Trash can in roadway creating hazard, Pleasant St.
Thursday, March 3
1:29 a.m. Report of truck doing “donuts” on Rte. 31
5:06 p.m. Road rage, Pleasant St.
9:15 p.m. Complaint about barking dogs, Pleasant St.
Friday, March 4
5:14 a.m. Officer requested regarding suspicious item found on property, Sunset Ln.
10:12 p.m. Dog lost in area of Holbrook Ln.  
Saturday, March 5
10:10 a.m. Report of gun shots behind Paxton Center School, West St.3:03 p.m. Report of gunshots near pond, Crystal St.
5:13 p.m. Caller reports shots in his back yard, Richards Ave.
Sunday, March 6
9:33 p.m. Rutland PD received call from parent about accident on Rte. 31; accident is in Holden
Princeton
Monday, February 28
8:44 a.m. Request for police while people retrieve horses, Gates Rd.
Tuesday, March 1
10:10 a.m. Police speak with individual about incident with family member, Town Hall Dr.
2:41 p.m. Person driving slowly up and down and stopping in middle of Ball Hill Rd. When asked if he was OK, became irate
8:25 p.m. Complaint about two snowmobiles riding through field, Rte. 62/Esty Rd.
10:48 p.m. Caller reports snowmobile circled very close to her home, Esty Rd. Police speak to snowmobile operators
Wednesday, March 2
9:40 a.m. Suspicious person set off motion light at home, Wheeler Rd.
4:20 p.m. Trash bin in Rte. 140 S
4:58 p.m. Missing black and white Papillon, Wheeler Rd.
8:25 p.m. Three males came to home on Rte. 140 S asking for directions; Sterling PD advised
Friday, March 4
5:25 p.m. Truck missing front tire abandoned on Rte. 140
Saturday, March 5
12:14 a.m. Assist Holden PD looking for male juvenile detained after house party, Worcester Rd.
3:30 p.m. Westminster PD requests assistance at ski lodge. Five people involved in credit card fraud, one in custody, Mile Hill Rd.
4:24 p.m. Police remove mailbox from roadway, Hubbardston Rd.
Rutland
Monday, February 28
10:54 a.m. Assist Gardner PD looking for vehicle in lot near building, Maple Ave.
10:59 a.m. Vehicle with flashers in middle of Turkey Hill Rd. Found to be in Paxton
1:47 p.m. Person reports he totaled his car but is not injured, Campbell St.
2:46 p.m. Caller reports having two dogs in her pen, small beagle and a pit bull mix, Rebecca Ann Dr.
Tuesday, March 1
5:11 a.m. Three large rocks in Pleasantdale Rd. Police remove ice boulders, possibly remains of snowman
3:05 p.m. Detective working on case, Main St.
3:39 p.m. Detective working on case, Main St.
11:50 p.m. Assist Oakham PD transporting person from Oakham twn line to Paxton town line, Barre Paxton Rd.
Wednesday, March 2
10:06 a.m. Caller reporting solicitors in area, Village Way
8:13 p.m. Dog coming into yard and barking, Valley View Cir.
Thursday, March 3
9:45 a.m. Complaint about person walking dogs and letting them into her yard, William Cir.
11:04 a.m. Complaint about stray cats going under house, Hope Way
3:10 p.m. Detective enroute to scrap metal business to retrieve stolen radiator, Worcester
Saturday, March 5
12:53 p.m. Motor vehicle lockout, police gain access, Main St.
Sunday, March 6
2:31 p.m. Hubbardston PD following vehicle with headlight hanging out, E. County Rd.
5:04 p.m. Arrest: --- ; breaking & entering for a felony, larceny over $250 (radiator)
Monday, February 28
7:33 a.m. Motor vehicle accident, I-190
7:46 a.m. Motor vehicle accident, I-190
8:13 a.m. Motor vehicle accident, I-190
4:21 p.m. Complaint about road crew working in dangerous location without police detail, Greenland Rd.
6:40 p.m. Missing German short-haired pointer, Patriots Way
Tuesday, March 1
4:26 p.m. Young raccoon in recycling container, Still River Rd.
Wednesday, March 2
8:09 a.m. Escort services, Jill Ln.
10:49 a.m. Someone dumped off long-haired tan Chow mix, Princeton Rd. Taken to Animal Rescue League
9:00 p.m. Princeton PD reports three males knocking on door of home, asking for directions, Redemption Rock Trl.
11:14 p.m. Caller reports valve stem from his tire was intentionally cut, Tanglewood Rd.
Thursday, March 3
4:23 a.m. Suspicious vehicle in lot of business,found to have dead battery, Redemption Rock Trl.
12:25 p.m. Stray cat found, Redemption Rock Trl.
Friday, March 4
10:17 a.m. Two loose dogs, yellow Labrador and small bull mastiff
4:59 p.m. Holden PD reports vehicle pulled into lot of business not open, Rte. 140
11:35 p.m. Unattended vehicle parked beside road, Roper Rd. Has flat tire
Saturday, March 5
12:41 a.m. Holden PD requests response for female that needs ride, Riverview Rd.
10:05 a.m. Missing mailbox, Newell Hill Rd.
Sunday, March 6
10:00 a.m. Three dogs running down driveway, Clinton Rd.
11:04 a.m. Chace Hill Rd. closed for road race

Crime in suburbia

From  The Landmark (subscription required):
[Editor\'s note: There were 12 suspicious items this week.]
 
Holden
Monday, February 28
9:34 a.m. Police respond to complaint about animal, Kendall Rd.
1:04 p.m. Police try to catch loose dog, Cook St./Stoneleigh Rd.
1:38 p.m. Caller wants to speak with officer about ongoing situation, Winfield Rd.
2:20 p.m. Caller hit pothole on Malden St.,blew out tire, bent rim
6:50 p.m. Suspicious red truck in front of home, Mountview Dr.
7:05 p.m. Three calls about driver hitting snowbank, Shrewsbury St.
9:49 p.m. North Hampton PD received suspicious phone call, General Hobbs Rd.; Holden PD check home
Tuesday, March 1
12:21 a.m. Suspicious vehicle in lot, Main St. OK person closing up for night
12:28 a.m. Check on welfare of prisoner, Main St.
1:11 a.m. Assist prisoner, Main St.
6:27 a.m. Caller reports half his house is without power, Hickory Cir.
6:45 a.m. Report of large pothole, Wachusett St.
9:00 a.m. Narcotics violation, high school, Main St.
9:46 a.m. Vehicle parked in roadway, Bullard St.
1:11 p.m. Report of runaway student, Main/Salisbury Sts.
3:33 p.m. Report of 53-gallon drum with hazardous/flammable insignia, on side of Doyle Rd./Glenwood St.
6:16 p.m. Police check location of individual supposed to pick someone up at hospital, Park Ave.
7:58 p.m. Vehicle stuck on guard rail behind business, Main St.
Wednesday, March 2
1:23 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, Lovell Rd.
2:21 a.m. Male outside residence throwing things at window, Brattle St. Arrest: --- disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct, assault with dangerous weapon (bodily fluid, saliva/spit)
3:37 a.m. Officer investigation follow-up, Brattle St.
10:15 a.m. Investigating animal complaint, Sycamore Dr.
10:27 a.m. Investigating animal complaint, Sycamore Dr.
11:02 a.m. Suspicious truck pulling into driveways, Sycamore Dr.
1:30 p.m. Request for check on abandoned house, Salisbury St.
6:07 p.m. Report of occupants of vehicle trying to sell prescription drugs, Main St.
7:41 p.m. Person reporting firewood stolen, Salisbury St.
Thursday, March 3
3:52 a.m. Police investigate report of man inhome, Sawyer Ln.; all OK
8:58 a.m. Police check on vehicle behind business, Industrial Dr.
1:34 p.m. Larceny of catalytic converter, Sunnyside Ave.
3:04 p.m. Vehicle hit deer, Main St.
3:31 p.m. Suspicious person behind business, Main St.
Friday, March 4
12:45 a.m. Police check on suspicious vehicle beside building, Main St.
1:02 a.m. Police check on female dressed all in black walking, Holden St./Paugus Rd.
7:48 a.m. Suspicious vehicle with driver in lot, Shrewsbury St.
9:59 a.m. Minor vehicle accident, one person irate, Main St./Bancroft Rd.
11:19 a.m. Golden retriever next to car, no one around, Harris St.
3:37 p.m. Assist person installing car seat, Main St.
8:58 p.m. Group of kids asking adults to buy cigarettes for them, Main St.
9:48 p.m. Caller says sister was involved in domestic in Hudson and husband pulled a gun on her. Police speak with person, Vicksburg Cir.
11:19 p.m. Elderly male pushing bicycle, Main St.
11:36 p.m. Possible house party, Forest Dr. Three juvenile arrests, persons under 21 in possession of liquor, one resisting arrest and disorderly conduct, another keeping a disorderly house
Saturday, March 5
5:10 a.m. Hudson PD asks person in Holden to contact their station, Vicksburg Cir.
10:50 a.m. Caller says employer refuses to give her a paycheck, North St. Check is in mail
1:37 p.m. Deer struck car, Holden St.
11:44 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, disabled, Main St.
Sunday, March 6
12:35 a.m. Several phone calls regarding loud house party, Wildwood Rd.
3:24 a.m. Vehicle hit deer, damage to vehicle, Salisbury St.
7:22 a.m. Possibly sick raccoon, Wyoming Dr.
12:39 p.m. Verbal altercation in laundromat, Reservoir St.
4:58 p.m. Person at station for information on car seat installation, Main St.
7:14 p.m. Driver left without paying for gas, Main/Highland Sts.
Paxton
Monday, February 28
7:09 a.m. Vehicle being egged by girlfriend’s ex-husband, Briarcliff Ln.
9:00 a.m. Special investigator from Oxford at station, Pleasant St.
Wednesday, March 2
8:13 a.m. Person at station regarding firearm he wants released to another person, Pleasant St.
6:24 p.m. Trash can in roadway creating hazard, Pleasant St.
Thursday, March 3
1:29 a.m. Report of truck doing “donuts” on Rte. 31
5:06 p.m. Road rage, Pleasant St.
9:15 p.m. Complaint about barking dogs, Pleasant St.
Friday, March 4
5:14 a.m. Officer requested regarding suspicious item found on property, Sunset Ln.
10:12 p.m. Dog lost in area of Holbrook Ln.  
Saturday, March 5
10:10 a.m. Report of gun shots behind Paxton Center School, West St.3:03 p.m. Report of gunshots near pond, Crystal St.
5:13 p.m. Caller reports shots in his back yard, Richards Ave.
Sunday, March 6
9:33 p.m. Rutland PD received call from parent about accident on Rte. 31; accident is in Holden
Princeton
Monday, February 28
8:44 a.m. Request for police while people retrieve horses, Gates Rd.
Tuesday, March 1
10:10 a.m. Police speak with individual about incident with family member, Town Hall Dr.
2:41 p.m. Person driving slowly up and down and stopping in middle of Ball Hill Rd. When asked if he was OK, became irate
8:25 p.m. Complaint about two snowmobiles riding through field, Rte. 62/Esty Rd.
10:48 p.m. Caller reports snowmobile circled very close to her home, Esty Rd. Police speak to snowmobile operators
Wednesday, March 2
9:40 a.m. Suspicious person set off motion light at home, Wheeler Rd.
4:20 p.m. Trash bin in Rte. 140 S
4:58 p.m. Missing black and white Papillon, Wheeler Rd.
8:25 p.m. Three males came to home on Rte. 140 S asking for directions; Sterling PD advised
Friday, March 4
5:25 p.m. Truck missing front tire abandoned on Rte. 140
Saturday, March 5
12:14 a.m. Assist Holden PD looking for male juvenile detained after house party, Worcester Rd.
3:30 p.m. Westminster PD requests assistance at ski lodge. Five people involved in credit card fraud, one in custody, Mile Hill Rd.
4:24 p.m. Police remove mailbox from roadway, Hubbardston Rd.
Rutland
Monday, February 28
10:54 a.m. Assist Gardner PD looking for vehicle in lot near building, Maple Ave.
10:59 a.m. Vehicle with flashers in middle of Turkey Hill Rd. Found to be in Paxton
1:47 p.m. Person reports he totaled his car but is not injured, Campbell St.
2:46 p.m. Caller reports having two dogs in her pen, small beagle and a pit bull mix, Rebecca Ann Dr.
Tuesday, March 1
5:11 a.m. Three large rocks in Pleasantdale Rd. Police remove ice boulders, possibly remains of snowman
3:05 p.m. Detective working on case, Main St.
3:39 p.m. Detective working on case, Main St.
11:50 p.m. Assist Oakham PD transporting person from Oakham twn line to Paxton town line, Barre Paxton Rd.
Wednesday, March 2
10:06 a.m. Caller reporting solicitors in area, Village Way
8:13 p.m. Dog coming into yard and barking, Valley View Cir.
Thursday, March 3
9:45 a.m. Complaint about person walking dogs and letting them into her yard, William Cir.
11:04 a.m. Complaint about stray cats going under house, Hope Way
3:10 p.m. Detective enroute to scrap metal business to retrieve stolen radiator, Worcester
Saturday, March 5
12:53 p.m. Motor vehicle lockout, police gain access, Main St.
Sunday, March 6
2:31 p.m. Hubbardston PD following vehicle with headlight hanging out, E. County Rd.
5:04 p.m. Arrest: --- ; breaking & entering for a felony, larceny over $250 (radiator)
Monday, February 28
7:33 a.m. Motor vehicle accident, I-190
7:46 a.m. Motor vehicle accident, I-190
8:13 a.m. Motor vehicle accident, I-190
4:21 p.m. Complaint about road crew working in dangerous location without police detail, Greenland Rd.
6:40 p.m. Missing German short-haired pointer, Patriots Way
Tuesday, March 1
4:26 p.m. Young raccoon in recycling container, Still River Rd.
Wednesday, March 2
8:09 a.m. Escort services, Jill Ln.
10:49 a.m. Someone dumped off long-haired tan Chow mix, Princeton Rd. Taken to Animal Rescue League
9:00 p.m. Princeton PD reports three males knocking on door of home, asking for directions, Redemption Rock Trl.
11:14 p.m. Caller reports valve stem from his tire was intentionally cut, Tanglewood Rd.
Thursday, March 3
4:23 a.m. Suspicious vehicle in lot of business,found to have dead battery, Redemption Rock Trl.
12:25 p.m. Stray cat found, Redemption Rock Trl.
Friday, March 4
10:17 a.m. Two loose dogs, yellow Labrador and small bull mastiff
4:59 p.m. Holden PD reports vehicle pulled into lot of business not open, Rte. 140
11:35 p.m. Unattended vehicle parked beside road, Roper Rd. Has flat tire
Saturday, March 5
12:41 a.m. Holden PD requests response for female that needs ride, Riverview Rd.
10:05 a.m. Missing mailbox, Newell Hill Rd.
Sunday, March 6
10:00 a.m. Three dogs running down driveway, Clinton Rd.
11:04 a.m. Chace Hill Rd. closed for road race

Fall down seven times, get up eight

I'm wary of citing expressions in languages that I do not know. That said, if I was Japanese, I'd be looking for some sort of comfort and hope.

via DRUDGE REPORT 2011®

According to Wikipedia, 七転び八起き means stumbling seven times, but getting up eight. As in, keep on keepin' on.

Fall down seven times, get up eight

I'm wary of citing expressions in languages that I do not know. That said, if I was Japanese, I'd be looking for some sort of comfort and hope.

via DRUDGE REPORT 2011®

According to Wikipedia, 七転び八起き means stumbling seven times, but getting up eight. As in, keep on keepin' on.