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| Thread ID: 46672 | 2004-07-01 11:22:00 | Can we organise a text file with hardware and O/S | Elephant (599) | Press F1 |
| Post ID | Timestamp | Content | User | ||
| 249032 | 2004-07-02 03:31:00 | R2 what manual would that be again????:p not sure if i have one of those.... :D beetle |
beetle (243) | ||
| 249033 | 2004-07-02 03:41:00 | Why, the "Fine" manual of course, though some items have "Friendly" manuals. ( I assume that's what it means :) ) R2 |
R2x1 (4628) | ||
| 249034 | 2004-07-02 09:58:00 | Yeah, it's not likely to be resolved completely but it could be a bit better hence we're picking over the bones again. Don't see any reason to stop trying because nothing has been done by the mod's/admin (a trial maybe). If you can't post without having certain basic info in the heading that might make a difference even if it just empties the forum :D Cheers Murray P |
Murray P (44) | ||
| 249035 | 2004-07-02 21:14:00 | > trial maybe). If you can't post without having > certain basic info in the heading that might make a > difference even if it just empties the forum :D We have been down this road before, and while it may be easy for some of us, this is supposed to be a newbie friendly site, which is why it is so basic to create an account to ask a question. There are plenty of people out there using their computers that have absolutely no idea even what Windows version they're running, let alone what CPU/motherboard/video card might be sitting inside their "CPU" (as most of them seem to call it). Perhaps to have it as optional entry in the profile after their account is set up, for those who might know a little about their system setup, but to have it as part of the registration might just make it a little too daunting for some people (the people we're here to help!). Mike. |
Mike (15) | ||
| 249036 | 2004-07-02 21:55:00 | > but to > have it as part of the registration might just make > it a little too daunting for some people (the people > we're here to help!). Well said Mike. :) Yes, it can make life more difficult when answering posts if certain vital information is missing, but you only need to prompt them (in a friendly fashion) for the extra information, including giving instructions on how to find this out if necessary. If the person has posted a few times previously, I often go back through their old posts looking for the information myself (eg what OS), and then just give a friendly reminder about providing that information in future. Also, don't forget most problems are software based, so you sometimes will need to get further information about what combination of programs/versions are installed to help with the solution. It would be very impractical to maintain a list of installed software. One solution would be to have a FAQ on how to find out about your system. Keep it simply and just have instructions on how to use Windows Help to display the details. If more detailed hardware information (modem chipsets etc) are required, then include a couple of links to popular, easy to use 3rd party System Information programs. Only problem with this, is that some people never look at the FAQ's anyway :p Don't forget we are here to help people with widely varying levels of experience, and no one should be made to feel too intimidated to post because they can't answer what graphic card they have (or even what that is), or if they have XP with SP1 :) |
Jen C (20) | ||
| 249037 | 2004-07-03 01:37:00 | Good points Mike & Jen. I still think some prominently displayed pointers on what to include with a post and where to find answers to these would be helpful, even it if it picks up just a few of the new(er) posters. It may also give some a feeling of empowerment and control of their computer or current situation. And, as I've been going on about this, perhaps I should write the draft FAQ for scrutiny. Cheers Murray P |
Murray P (44) | ||
| 249038 | 2004-07-03 03:27:00 | The problem with FAQs is that they are (very much like the Fine Manuals) frequently not Read. ;-) | Graham L (2) | ||
| 249039 | 2004-07-03 06:04:00 | > The problem with FAQs is that they are (very much > like the Fine Manuals) frequently not Read. > ;-) Your right, of course, Graham. We need new things to grizzle about though and RTFM is getting a bit old hat, a freshen up if you like, we could have a new or alternative acronym. RTFF has a certain ring to it and if you think about it is quiet versatile ;) Cheers Murray P |
Murray P (44) | ||
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