index for LaTeX document (was "xindy for i386 broken?")

["Russell L. Harris" <rlharris@oplink.net>]

Index generation in LaTeX appears to be in limbo, caught in the
transition from makeindex to xindy.  The situation has been
complicated by the transition from teTeX to TeXLive.

I am having difficulty locating the proper LaTeX/TeX/TeXLive/xindy
forums on the Internet for discussing this matter, or even to
determine the exact status.

I desire to add indexes to my document, but I have not been successful
in getting makeindex or xindy to run.  I have an i386 system and am
running Debian Lenny and TeXLive.  

Is anyone able to create document indexes in the TeXLive environment?
If so, I would be thankful for guidance.

RLH