PROPER POSTING TECHNIQUES

[socalgal]

Hi everyone.

We all know SysOpt is a great place to get tech information and help, but we need your cooperation and assistance to facilitate the retrieval of that information and to assure that those of you who need help gets it in the most efficient manner possible.

This Message Board is divided into forums; these forums have a designated subject, or topic, area. Posting a topic outside of those designated areas makes it more difficult to target responses and to retrieve information related to that subject. It also wastes time searching the entire board for a topic which should be in the appropriate forum.

Please, people, take note: If you have a question, need help or want to post information about processors, cpu's, overclocking, post it in the Overclocking and CPU forum. If it's about a motherboard, post in Motherboards. Cable, modems, DSL, networking - Networking, etc.

For general discussion or information on a topic that does NOT have a specified target forum, place them in General Discussion. If tech support is needed on any untargeted topic, or on a multiple-issue hardware subject, post it in Tech Support. Issues for tech support on applications and OSs goes in the Apps and OS forum; etc.

Tech Support questions do not belong in General Discussion and will be moved to Tech Support.

I've c&p'd the FORUM FAQ - Forum Groups (http://www.sysopt.com/forum/faq/faq2.html) forum designations here; please let them guide you to the proper placement of your topic. If everyone does this, this board will be much more efficient and to everyone's benefit.

Do not multiple post! One post per topic in the most appropriate forum. If you have placed a topic incorrectly and need it moved, email Mntsnow (mntsnow@sysopt.com) , daveleau (dave-sysopt@digitalmntsnow.com) , NDC (ndc_sysopt@digitalmntsnow.com) and / or Fingers (fingers-sysopt@digitalmntsnow.com) with the link to the thread and we will move it for you. Our emails are also linked at the top left of every forum page.

To those of Member status and above: Please lead by example. From now on, posts that are not in the appropriate forum I will move/delete to the proper forum, rather than move/lock as they have been in the past.



Why Subdivide the Forums?

SysOpt.com has chosen to divide the forums into a variety of grouped topics. By keeping similar discussions grouped together, the members will have a better chance to participate in the most recent discussions, and will be better able to keep track of the discussions in which they are interested. New forums may be added at a later date, but SysOpt.com feels that the current layout is effective for most posting situations.


General Tech Discussion

General Tech allows members to post questions and comments on technical related topics not covered by the other forums. SysOpt.com realizes the current forum structure doesn't cover all topics within the computer realm. The General Tech group is for those discussions that just don't fit any of the other forum descriptions. Please do not abuse General Tech with unneeded posts, as members should always submit posts to the most relative forum group.


SysOpt.community

The SysOpt.community area allows members to discuss nearly anything. This does not mean a free-for-all environment, as all board Rules and Regulations are still enforced. Please use discretion when posting here, and as always, be respectful of your peers. This forum is a privilege, as many SysOpt.com members requested it. If control can not be maintained, then this forum group will be discontinued.


Technical Support

The Technical Support section is for posting any questions or problems that arise with computer usage. Tech Support is an extremely busy section, as the SysOpt.com forums are consistently regarded as having some of the greatest troubleshooting people available. Most posts are answered in a timely manner, but please be patient when posting. All members are also invited to help other members with problems, but don't post a reply unless the solution would prove to be useful. Computers create enough problems without the help of uninformed replies. But even if you don't know the answer, feel free to point the user in the right direction if you might know where they could find more help (from a particular site, etc.).


Overclocking and CPU

The Overclocking and CPU’s section allows for members to discuss the latest information regarding processors. The hottest and most controversial topic covered is overclocking, which describes the process of pushing a processor faster than its rated speed level (running an Athlon 700MHz CPU at 800MHz, for example). Many members have successfully overclocked their systems, and enjoy the benefits of more power for less money. SysOpt.com will, however, not be held accountable for any damages or losses related to overclocking.


Video Cards and Monitors

The Video Cards and Monitors section is directly related to multimedia subsystems. Members commonly discuss video card performance, monitor selection, and post driver updates. Also expect posts regarding the latest in 3D rendering, as a large volume of software is moving towards 3D accelerated interfaces.


Brainstorming Session

Brainstorming allows members to talk about a variety of topics. Many members use this forum as feedback for future product ideas, to discuss theoretical concepts, and even get help with a possible invention. Topics can be related to a variety of subjects, not just computer technologies. This forum also provides a great place to use those higher level critical thinking skills. If you need to pick the brains of thousands of computer gurus, this is the place.


Motherboards

The Motherboards forum group is for anything regarding the use, installation, and maintenance of the computer's main system board. Topics commonly covered include motherboard selection, comparison, and troubleshooting. This area is also of great interest as it provides an excellent environment for legacy support issues. One of the more common posts is how to obtain manuals for older boards. The odds are rather favorable that another member has a manual or direct experience, and he/she could prove extremely beneficial in configuring these older systems.


Networking

Networking provides a section for all your network-related questions. The frequently posting members provide concise, easy-to-understand information regarding network related topics. This grouping also deals with topics related to DSL and cable Internet connections, which are becoming extremely popular.


Distributed Computing

Distributed Computing is for members that participate in distributed computing efforts. The most common discussions are centered on RC5 Encryption and NASA's Seti@Home program. Distributed computing allows users to download segments of data, process them, and send the analyzed information back to a host. This, in effect, creates an extremely large computer from a base of several smaller systems. We have teams for both efforts, so join the SysOpt RC5 team, or the SysOpt SETI@Home team!


Gaming

Gaming is currently a very popular section of SysOpt.com. The power offered by today's computers make them excellent platforms for playing games. Members commonly post tweaks, cheats, installation and configuration tips, and reviews of many popular games. Game comparisons are also frequently discussed, as gamers always want to have the latest in visuals or game play.


Apps and Operating Systems

The Apps and Operating Systems forum is for discussing any information related to non-gaming software. The majority of topics deal with nontraditional operating systems, such as Linux and BeOS. Members also post frequent updates to the more common OS's, such as Win9x and WinNT.


PC Steals and Deals

The Steals and Deals forum is for members to post current sales and bargains on PC-related hardware/software. This forum is not intended for solicitation of any kind, whether personal or commercial. It is to simply let fellow members know where the best buys are, whether at online or traditional brick-and-mortar vendors.


User to User, Biz to Biz, Product Exchange

The Exchange section is SysOpt.com's resident area of commerce. All members can post hardware/software for sale or trade. Many great deals on new and used items can be found here. All sales conducted in this area are not tied to SysOpt.com, and SysOpt.com will not be held responsible for any losses or problems encountered while buying or selling. It is up to the seller and buyer to determine the conditions of transaction.

Also, this forum is not to be used for auction purposes nor for commercial reselling. All items listed should have a clearly defined price that includes the cost of the item and any required shipping and/or handling. Members involved in a transaction should completely verify all transaction details and should request all available shipping information to aid in the tracking of the item(s) being purchased or traded. Also, most of the active members retain a rating database for viewing at Heatware, so be sure to view their status before negotiating a transaction.

Finally, be sure to check out the Trader Evaluations and Tips (http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=77458) , Troll Alerts (http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=77538) and very helpful trading tips for buyers and sellers from user "Underclocked." (http://www.sysopt.com/forum/faq/faq6.html) before you make a deal.

ResellerRatings.com

This is directly tied to SysOpt.com's own reseller database (http://www.resellerratings.com/) , where more than 17,000 users have evaluated over 1,200 online hardware/software merchants. If a member wishes to lodge a comment about any business (good or bad), then this is the proper area to do so. This is the only forum where vendor/sales related comments are allowed. If one wishes to post about his/her experience with a particular company, then be as concise as possible. Provide clear reasons for your comments, and not just opinionated statements. Members are also invited to post any errors or possible improvements related to the rating database.

Update! Scott has added 3 new forums. Here are the descriptions of what topics goes to each:

Benchmarking

Discuss benchmarking, post your results, 3DMark 200/2001, Sandra, all others.

Data Storage

Discuss hard drives, CD-ROM/CD-RW/CD-R, other removable, and miscellaneous storage topics.

Programming and Web Development

Discuss CGI, Perl, C, VB, web design, ASP, PHP, databases, and more.

-----

Everyone's cooperation and assistance is appreciated in this endeavor. Every member can make this an even more efficient place to get help and find information by following the posting guidelines. They are here for YOUR benefit. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

Thanks!

[thekingofpain]

:-)

[Barney]

Do not multiple post. One post per topic in the most appropriate forum.

*sound of Barney clearing his throat* http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

Perhaps it would be a good idea to make this topic 'sticky'? http://www.sysopt.com/forum/biggrin.gif

[Cygnus-X1]

We should have a forum for web related stuff,
including flash (of course http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif) html, java, xtml, Frontpage and other web related tools.
I think that a lot of us sysopt members dabble in internet publishing and such so why not? We are on the internet.
Please consider this.

Robert http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[spidey_joe80@hotmail.com]

d*deleted*n i bet that took a long time to write http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif
i agree that people should definately look to make sure there topic is in the right forum there's like 6 misplaces topics in general tech right now. FOCUS people FOCUS
http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif


Please refrain from using profanity in just about every single post. In the future I just might start deleting the whole thing instead! -Mntsnow

[This message has been edited by Mntsnow (edited 06-10-2001).]

[Warthog]

SOCALGAL - YOU'RE MY HERO!

YOU ARE MY XENA (minus the warrior princess part).

The Gal from Socal.

The smartest Gal on the Virtual Planet.

Da gurl fom da hood.

*someone speaks up...*
"Wart, do you have a little brown on your nose?"

Of course!
http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif http://www.sysopt.com/forum/biggrin.gif
Warthog

[Fingers]

While we're on the subject of "Proper Posting Techniques", I'd like to mention that SysOpt maintains a high standard regarding "objectionable content" and profanity.

The English language is rich with adjectives, nouns and verbs. Consider using one of the other 1 (http://www.dictionary.com/doctor/faq/h/howmanywords.html) to 3 (http://www.wordorigins.org/number.htm) million that are available, instead of just tossing in unnecessary "four letter" words as "filler". http://www.sysopt.com/forum/frown.gif

[This message has been edited by Fingers (edited 06-11-2001).]

[socalgal]

Thanks for your support, folks http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

Barney ~ sticking is a problem in the User thread for the Trader Tips, so it may be a problem here, too :/

Robert ~ good idea ... stay tuned? http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

spidey_joe ~ Robert Richmond wrote the entire Forum FAQ, and did a great job of it. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif I merely c&p'd the Forum Groups section here.

Wart ~ haha http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

Fingers ~ absolutely and thanks for your input!

[bhess]

Oh and don't forget when refering to your better half to call her "my wife" and not "the wife" as per socalgal......

:p

[socalgal]

^^uppage^^

Oohhh bhess, now that's not right - all I did was ask the question WHY alot of guys say that. BTW, did you ever reply to that thread? http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

[Roy]

Maybe I missed it, but did you mention

PUT INFORMATION IN THE TOPIC HEADING! ??

I usually don't open threads like ~

- Would you ... ?
- Opininon Wanted
- have you ever?
- What do You Think?
- Motherboard?

... You get the idea! http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

[This message has been edited by Roy (edited 06-11-2001).]

[spidey_joe80@hotmail.com]

dont start turning omish on me sysopt i didn't know "****" was a bad word comon!

[Undeadlord]

Spidey,

Don't be like that man. D*mn is one of the great four letter words. Like Fingers said 1 to 3 million other words .. Try them instead.


Undeadlord

[Target]

Spidey_joe...... d*mn might not be a "bad" word, but it depends on the circles you travel in doesn't it?

Bottom line is that the admins have asked you to refrain from using it and other words that are commonly considered profanity, and you should abide by their wishes. Keep in mind that the audience here is extremely varied, with some of them likely to be more easily offended than you.

You could have just as easily gotten your exuberance and point across using another word..... for instance saying "wow! I'll bet that took a long time to write", which would have offened no one.

I'll leave it to you and the admins to work out, but I think you should reconsider your offense due to them telling you what is proper for this forum and what is not.

And BTW... its Amish not Omish.....there probably isn't a lot of them here to correct you http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

[MiKe85]

lol Wart http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[Gomer]

Amen to that Brother Roy! Bothers me too!

Can I get a witness?

[hawkeye177]

Good Job Socal.
There is only one thing wrong, I am the only one who responded who has less than 100 replies.
That means more typing right?

[Spartan]

^bump to the top^ for good advice for all.

Gomer -- Go Green!

[Gomer]

Go White! =)

[jray]

So your saying that mine is not "the" only wife that objects to being refered to as the wife? It's a compliment; THE one and only.

(BTW, has anyone noticed how many replies a post by socalgal generates? You rule!)

[This message has been edited by jray (edited 06-13-2001).]

[krusty the klown]

omg looks like
the next thingf is to tidy up my speling and as for my dam
punctuashun and sweering wots all the fuss about evryone nose wot i realy mean dont they

<IMG SRC="http://www.contrabandent.com/pez/otn/tongue/11zlick.gif" border=0>

[socalgal]

^^Uppage^^ http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[Fingers]

&lt;BUMP&gt;

[Bsdboy]

^Bump^

[Fingers]

...almost forgot about it. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

[Bsdboy]

^Another Bump^

[alondra]

just read a post with 5 "words" in it, I find it dificult to understand why it is needed to make a point, in a public place such as this. the need to use profanity to express ones self shows either a lack of skill with the english language or immaturity.

[krusty the klown]

More bumps than a bumper car race down bumpy street in Bumpsville http://www.sysopt.com/forum/biggrin.gif

[tepo]

RIGHT !

Tepo http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

( Less is more... )

[Richard_Cranium72]

So very good to see one of the "Old Wise Ones" brother Target visiting with us again..

Welcome Brother Target, welcome to our humble abode.

Also to Brother Alondra, a honorary member of the elite, I must concur that the mindless seem to infest our presence here with the incoherent sputterings that is so prevalent in the society today.

Often I get mail from VERY senior members expressing disgust at the poor state of affairs and the disrespect that has permeated the inner sanctum of this ,, the Most Holy of Forums.

Sadly, the moderators and management staff here cannot expell all the infidels who creep under the fence at night.
Their goal seems to be an attempt to dilute the wonderous teachings that have been so willingly been shared in the past.

I too find the lack of self honor and self respect that many members exhibit to be a symbol of the undermining of the morals that the founders of the great forum SYSOPT have tried instill into the walls of this most honorable place.

Hopefully the inconsiderate, the irreverent, the hostile ones will find yet someplace else to spew their poisonous ramblings.

most sincerely

DrVette



[This message has been edited by Richard_Cranium72 (edited 06-21-2001).]

[Warthog]

dude, I want to be like you when I grow up (can't say that enough)

rofl

Warthog

[chevelle67]

I'm just... a bit late on this one but I woud like to, second, Cygnus-X1's suggestion about a forum for web related stuff.

[krusty the klown]

I'll have a pint of what this guy's drinking <IMG SRC="http://www.3dpcgames.com/cwm/s/otn/glasses/walksmil.gif" border=0>

[Bsdboy]

^Lets bump this again^

[socalgal]

<IMG SRC="http://digitalmntsnow.com/socalgal/smiley's%20and%20ubb/!cid_Smily10_anim.gif" border=0>

[Bsdboy]

^Bump^

[VERT]

&lt;---Praises Sysopt, Socalgal, Mntsnow http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[Axel]

And please - keep an eye on the number of posts the person has put up BEFORE suggesting they go play in their BIOS or registry - be gentle to newbies. Otherwise - you might not hear from them again......

Kudos to brother Roy!!! - I don't open e-mails like that either....

Did I mention I love this place? Thanks all -

[surrealchereal]

please - keep an eye on the number of posts the person has put up BEFORE suggesting they go play in their BIOS or registry - be gentle to newbies. Otherwise - you might not hear from them again. Axel, I was just looking for a place to place that comment! How often is one of the "recommended fixes" flash your BIOS, edit the registry, etc., to someone that doesn't have any idea what that could be? When someone asks, How do I (insert basic beginner question here). Lets respond with (insert basic beginners simple answer here) http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif.....

[socalgal]

AND, on the flip side, I've seen some so-called "newbies" come in here and rip up a thread with what they know and the help and knowledge they've shared.

Don't automatically assume a "Junior" is a newbie at tech skills, remember: It's only a post count. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

Best way to gauge is to ask questions. You can usually get a 'feel' of one's tech level by the responses and information one gives.

Thanks for the bumpages to this thread, everyone http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by socalgal (edited 07-13-2001).]

[draboo]

yes must agree with surreal. being a nubbie myself(oops-newbie)i know not what i say half the time and am the first(sometimes)to admit it.,heck i was proud as a peacock when i plugged in a stick of ram and it worked!those of you who see me askingfor help,please keep thisinmind and answer as if you were talking to a very,very young child of 49 yrs http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[Sanman]

^BUMP^

I never pay attention to the post count. Just what I can learn http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

[Fingers]

...been off the first page for WAAAAAY too long. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif ^BUMP^

[dyer_maker]

I too think a forum for Web related issues would be a plus. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[Warthog]

Don't automatically assume a "Junior" is a newbie at tech skills, remember: It's only a post count

Yes! I'm probably the least tech knowledge worthy "Ultimate member" here!
http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif
Warthog

[socalgal]

Some people still need to read this - and comply....

[Stan]

You must comply... Resistance is futile...

[HomeYield]

^bump^ been off page too long

[Imperion1]

Bump.

Yep, people do definitely need to read this. I've seen too many identicle posts from different people. And a previous post had been answered.
I've also noticed a few multiple posts in each forum.

[Imperion1]

Hey Socalgal, I just noticed you changed your status to TrollHunter.
<IMG SRC="http://www.contrabandent.com/pez/games/ultima/MON6.GIF" border=0>

[Fingers]

A Sad Step to Take.... (http://www.sysopt.com/forum/Forum17/HTML/004100.html) http://www.sysopt.com/forum/frown.gif

[NDC]

http://www.sysopt.com/forum/frown.gif

[NDC]

^^

[Warthog]

LOL Imperion...can't pictures socal looking like that http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

Warthog

[Fingers]

^UP^

[Fingers]

^^ UP ^^ ...again http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

[GroundZero3]

LOL Imperion...can't pictures socal looking like that

ROFL!! HAHAHAHA i hardly think so too


JaYsin

[Imperion1]

lol

Ah, I see how I confused you guys.
That would be the trolls she is hunting. Why just two faced? Give em a second head for that face.
This would be SocalGal
<IMG SRC="http://www.contrabandent.com/pez/games/ff/ff6/ff6portrait/terra.gif" border=0>

or this
<IMG SRC="http://www.contrabandent.com/pez/games/ff/ff6/espers/starlet.gif" border=0>

If I could find a pic of Xena w/ chakrim in hand, I'd use that. Just for lil ol Warthog. lol

[Scorpio69]

Scorpio's two cents on the language issue:

Sorry, this comes kind of late in this thread, but I want to give my opinion on this issue.

First of all, I am a firm believer that there is a time and a place for everything. When I am out with a drinking buddy, there will most likely be words exchanged that I would never use around my mother.

Also, different people simply have different ideas of what is profane. Words that are commonly recognized as profanity have become that way because of the context in which they are often used. Many, if not all of these words did not start out that way at all. In addition any word that you can think of that is considered a "bad" word, has a synonym that is completely acceptable.

In my humble opinion there are no “bad” or “foul” words. People’s intentions towards each other can potentially be this way. Cursing someone is obviously an affront to his or her person. Accusing someone of being infantile because they used what I consider “profanity” is also a personal attack.

Here's an example: I have uttered just about all of the "bad" words that you can imagine in several languages. There is one thing I will never do, and that is to slander God by misusing his name. Sounds odd to you perhaps, but this is my personal conviction. This to me is crossing the line. Correct me if I’m wrong, but this is the only thing specifically mentioned in the Bible that you should not say.

Having said all of this, here is the bottom line. What may be acceptable to me may not be to you, and vice versa. That's just the way people are. What I say to an individual is no one else's business. If I post my words in a forum, they are there to be read by all. I need to be aware of this and follow any guidelines that the particular forum lays out. The moderators absolutely have a right to edit and/or delete anything they feel is offensive to any or all readers.

[Thud]

I think a lot of folks would benefit from making their topic lines a bit more descriptive. Therefore...

^UP^

[golfcart]

Up she goes http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[NDC]

^^

[Fingers]

.

[Fisheagle]

What's with all th ^^^^ and bumps and stuff.

What does all that mean?

Remember I am an innocent!

[Fingers]

Bumps...Ups ... Uppage...^^ etc are all just ways to "Bump" the message back up to the top of the forum, where hopefully it will get more attention. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[dogg]

hmm... Good
:-) http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif :-0 ;-);-D ;-p

[DanaH69685]

On the note of a much earlier post, if you're like me and asking for help, please write complete sentences with verbs and nouns spelled correctly.

I've read some posts from folks asking help who sound like they need remedial english more than tech skills. (No this is NOT a dig against any foreign members. I mean folks who don't bothr to lok at whatthey typ.)

[Fingers]

^Bump^

[hirschY]

I have used Sysopt for over two years, but never acctually signed up till recently.
I think WE should be able to select our status.

I would like to be Richard Cranium II.

http://www.sysopt.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Love that ID

[Sanman]

^^^

[hirschY]

Maybe if I ^^bump^^ this up a little, I can get out of Junior status http://www.sysopt.com/forum/frown.gif

[hirschY]

(Sorry, first double post ever) http://www.sysopt.com/forum/frown.gif
no, really

[This message has been edited by hirschY (edited 08-23-2001).]

[Fingers]

And yet again ...^up^

[SPEEDO]

&lt;bump&gt;

[LostBok]

After reading through I don't know HOW much info in this one topic, good info and drivel alike, ^^bump^^'s, double-^^bump^^'s and double-posts too, the one thing I really MUST reinforce is Roy's previous point: please put something reasonably descriptive into the topics, but not too long! Otherwise people won't bother reading it, won;t reply and your topic will fade off into nothingness...

[Nick CPU]

Just testing my avatar

[club_med]

^bumping^ but I dont know why :)

[habba]

same thing

[habba]

12
checking avatar

[baron888]

;)

[strangerstill]

this thread being a sticky, is there actually any point ^bump^ing it?

[Mr.Goodbytes]

Well, I've just seen so many violations of Proper Posting Techniques recently that I had to read this. Now I finally remembered something too!!!

We used to have a brainstorming forum, and now we don't.

[strangerstill]

Ooh! That avatar thingy works! May as well log out now...

[Beemer]

Hey Socalgal,
Proof is in the pudding.
Don't automatically assume a "Junior" is a newbie at tech skills, remember: It's only a post count.

Best way to gauge is to ask questions. You can usually get a 'feel' of one's tech level by the responses and information one gives.

Just the other day I told someone that was experiencing keyboad errors to shutdown, remove keyboard plugin from back of the computer and then access the bios and turn off Halt On All Errors. I'm a senior Member twice over with 1350 posts on sysopt!!! (Not enough coffee before I hit the threads is my story and I'm sticking to it...) I was going to sacrifice myself in the thread titled, "What is the WORST Technical Support You've Ever Gotten? (or given in my case) lol

Cheers!

PS: Does anyone have a pic of Socalgal Yet? I've been waiting over a year now.

[finger51]

I have no opinion

[PhilosopherKing]

http://www.democraticunderground.com/duforum/Images/anim_bounce.gif