Answering and Asking Questions Guidelines

345138

Member
[FONT=&quot]So here's the new official guidelines to asking questions/answering questions. I thank Brink for making this a sticky!

Index:
For Question Asking People - T1
For Question Answering People - T2
Ranking Up - T3
Two Great Sites From Sasso - Just Go To The Bottom
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[FONT=&quot]T1 - For Question Asking People:[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Post Your System Specs:[/FONT][FONT=&quot]

When making a post, post your System's Specs, this can be found in Start Menu>All Programs>Accessories>System Tools>System Information highlight all your information, once done that copy it by clicking Ctrl-C than paste it to your post with Ctrl-V. Also, if you want to make it easier for yourself, go to User CP>Edit System Specs and fill that out with your information, remember to save it (save changes).
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[FONT=&quot]State Your Problem Clearly:[/FONT][FONT=&quot]
Please, for the sake of everyone on this forum rather than typing "My computer is not working, how do I fix it?" state the problem correctly, I have read a couple of topics like this and I think if they had stated it more clearly, it would have had more answers.
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[FONT=&quot]State What You Have Tried:[/FONT][FONT=&quot]
It will help you massively since when you make a topic without stating what you tried, people ask what you tried which takes up time.

Example of a well stated problem:
"My computer is not working correctly, it has been freezing often and also crashing often, what can I do?" see how it states the problem which is freezing often and crashing often. Also make an attempt to tell if you had done anything new to the computer before the problem started occurring.

Make Topic Titles Clear:
Lets say your problem was crashing, well if your topic was "Help!" not many people will help since it is not very clear what the problem is, it does not have to be in depth like the topic itself, but it has to state what it is, so rather than "Help!" it would be like "Crashing Problem, Need Help Immediately".

Do Not Bad Mouth To People Trying To Help You:
If someone is trying to help you, don't tell them to screw off, their trying to help! Think about it, they want to help you fix the problem, and your just making them angry at you, so what do you think is going to happen? Their not going to help.

Google Comes First And So Does The Search Button:
Please, use Google before asking a question, it will get you many places. Remember Google is your friend. Also, search the forums for the question your about to ask before asking it. If you really are lazy and don't want to search, don't ask a question. If you forget to search though, its alright.

If Your Problem Is Fixed Add The Prefix Solved To Your Title:
This can help people searching for the answer to their question find it if Solved is there since they will know, that the problem has been solved and can use this topic to fix their problem. It will also help people about to answer your question not since they know it's solved, but they could always read the final post.

Need Help But Not Getting Any?:
At the bottom of the page it will display topics similar to the topic your reading, which will probably be the topic you asked the question on. Read the topics on that list, they might help.

Lastly, Don't Ask About Warez, Etc:
Please don't as this is not a Warez forum it is a computer help forum.
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[FONT=&quot]An addition from lordbob75,[/FONT][FONT=&quot]

Make Your Post Readable:
Make your post both readable, and grammatically correct (to the best of your abilities). This is important, as it is very difficult to read a post that is all one paragraph with little punctuation and no capitalization. We can understand if you do not know or have a hard time with English (try Google translator, it may not be 100% correct, but we can get the gist of it). I have seen a few posts like that, and I usually just want to walk away and leave the problem until it is readable. Once again, do try with this, and use full works, not IM speak or 1337 speak. This makes it easier for us to help you out.

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[FONT=&quot]T2 - For Question Answering People:[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Don’t Complicate Things:[/FONT][FONT=&quot]
Things aren’t meant to be complicated, so try not to complicate things, people are asking questions so their computer can be fixed, they don’t want to read some complicated piece of text, because it will make them ask a ton of questions about what you said, which will get annoying.

No Links To Download Sites With Potential Dangers:
If telling someone to download something from a site such as MemTest, lead them to the real MemTest website rather than a different website which had the download of MemTest, we wouldn’t want the members getting viruses and we wouldn’t want to accidently give a link to Warez, because many sites hosting downloads such as MemTest that aren’t the official site contain Warez and unfortunately also contain hazardous viruses.

If You Find The Answer To Their Question On Google...:
Don’t just say “Go search Google!” answer their question using the information you got from Google, it’s really annoying for the person to have to search Google for it, because you might have found it on a very high page such as 64 or they might not like searching Google. Most people who ask questions forget to search Google or the forums, yes they should but they just don’t it’s somewhat a habit. I even sometimes don’t search Google or the forums. And if you are one of these people who do search, kudos to you!

Try Answering Without Being A Snob:
I hate people who answer a question in a way that makes the question asker feel stupid like think, how would you feel if you asked a question and someone came out of the blue saying “Wow, your so stupid, it’s so obvious just bring your computer into the shop.”, like really think about it. If you follow this, they will appreciate you more for helping them with their question.

Don’t Overuse Sentences:
It’s annoying when you pretty much say the same thing twice but word it differently, so try not to do this for the sake of the question asker.

If You Don’t Know The Answer, Don’t Answer:
It will help you a lot on these forums, because it can be considered as spam, since you aren’t doing anything to help the person, your making a worthless post, it’s pretty annoying for the question asker to see this since he needs help not a random post.

Don’t Take Advantage Of Them Because They Know Less:
This involves trickery, such as re-directing them to unsafe sites, telling them info that will mess up their system, making fun of them. If you do the worst types of trickery, you have a great chance of being banned.

Lastly, Make Your Answer Clear:
If you just say what to do rather than telling them what it will fix etc, it will annoy them since they won’t know what will happen, example of this: “You just make the value of “Cow” 1 and that is all.” , like what help does that do them? They have no idea what will happen which might tempt them not to do it.
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T3 - Ranking Up[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]

Tips On Posting Well
#1. Use correct grammar.
#2. If it's off-topic, make it a worth while post.
#3. Keep on topic, if your bad at keeping on topic, don't post.
#4. Keep the randomness low, it's annoying when people are having a conversation on a topic and you randomly blurt out "Cheese nuggets are good.".
#5. Don't spam! (Leads to #4)
#6. Try being helpful with the posts you make.
#7. Always remember to use these when posting.

Tips On Being Helpful
#1.
Make your post a worth reading post.
#2. If something is open for sign ups such as beta-tests, volunteer if you like it.
#3. Even if someone does not ask for help they just announce they are working on but don't say they need beta-testers, volunteer if you like it.
#4. If your active on a topic, try to stick to it so the people know your still trying to help with whatever it is.
#5. Always remember to use these when posting.

Follow these and you might rank up, ranking up requires reputation and is easily achieved by following the tips I set down for you.

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[FONT=&quot]Two great sites from sasso! (well not sites one is on the forum xD)[/FONT][FONT=&quot]

[/FONT][FONT=&quot]http://www.vistax64.com/software/115872-free-software-list-vista.html[/FONT][FONT=&quot]
[/FONT][FONT=&quot]Belarc Advisor - Free Personal PC Audit[/FONT]
 
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My Computer

Hey 345138,

Great post. I will never be able to remember your name though. Anyways, have some Rep, and good job.

I agree with a lot of those, especially when you give someone a fix, tell them how to do it... Your example above was great.

Also I would like to add something to both of the above sections:
Make your post both readable, and grammatically correct (to the best of your abilities). This is important, as it is very difficult to read a post that is all one paragraph with little punctuation and no capitalization. We can understand if you do not know or have a hard time with english (try google translater, it may not be 100% correct, but we can get the gist of it). I have seen a few posts like that, and I usually just want to walk away and leave the problem until it is readable. Once again, do try with this, and use full works, not IM speak or 1337 speak. This makes it easier for us to help you out.

Also, try to describe your problem as accurately as possible. If you just come in and say "my computer is crashing, help". "Ok... Go get a new comp." We need specifics. Tell us what you have tried, as well as when the problem occurs, how often, and so on.

Thats just my two cents in there as well. Thanks again for a great and very informational post (rep for you!).

I would urge Brink/z3r010 to add this to the forum rules and have lots of people read this, especially if they are new and posting for the first time.

~Lordbob
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 2.33GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P5QC
    Memory
    2x2GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVidia GeForce 9500GT 1Gb
    Sound Card
    Mobo
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster 206bw
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SP2514N ATA 250Gb 7200RPM
    Samsung [Model] 1Tb 7200RPM SATA2
    PSU
    Cooler Master Real Power Pro 750W
    Keyboard
    Razer Tarantula
    Mouse
    Razer Lachesis
    Internet Speed
    not fast enough
If wanted to remember my name, call me by my real name which is Alec. Or just call me ratchet132 or ratchet (another name I use).
And I will add the Make Your Post Both Readable thing but not the other as for the other I explain that already.
 

My Computer

Re: Ranking Up Tutorial

#2. If it's off-topic, make it a worth while post.
#3. Keep on topic, if your bad at keeping on topic, don't post.
#4. Keep the randomness low, it's annoying when people are having a conversation on a topic and you randomly blurt out "Cheese nuggets are good.".
#5. Don't spam! (Leads to #4)
#6. Try being helpful with the posts you make.
#7. Always remember to use these when posting.

I totally just realized that these are contradictory. 2 says make a off topic post worthwhile, then 3 say stay on topic, then 4 says make off topic minimal.

AGH!!!!:sarc:

~Lordbob
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 2.33GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P5QC
    Memory
    2x2GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVidia GeForce 9500GT 1Gb
    Sound Card
    Mobo
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster 206bw
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SP2514N ATA 250Gb 7200RPM
    Samsung [Model] 1Tb 7200RPM SATA2
    PSU
    Cooler Master Real Power Pro 750W
    Keyboard
    Razer Tarantula
    Mouse
    Razer Lachesis
    Internet Speed
    not fast enough
Nice Thred mate, one small addition. Post in a Font and Size that is readable.
otherwise it may not get any replies;).
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    I5 3570K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z77-DS3H
    Memory
    4 x 4GB corsair ballistix sport DDR3 1600 Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte Geforce GTX 660 TI
    Sound Card
    creative x-fi
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Primary CiBox 22" Widescreen LCD ,Secondary Dell 22" Widescreen
    Screen Resolution
    Both 1680 x 1050
    Hard Drives
    2 x 500G HD (SATA) 1 x 2TB USB
    PSU
    Corsair HX 620W ATX2.2 Modular SLI Complient PSU
    Case
    Antec 900 Ultimate Gaming Case
    Cooling
    3 x 80mm tri led front, 120mm side 120mm back, 200mm top
    Keyboard
    Logik
    Mouse
    Technika TKOPTM2
    Internet Speed
    288 / 4000
    Other Info
    Creative Inspire 7.1 T7900 Speakers
    Trust Graphics Tablet

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 2.33GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P5QC
    Memory
    2x2GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVidia GeForce 9500GT 1Gb
    Sound Card
    Mobo
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster 206bw
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SP2514N ATA 250Gb 7200RPM
    Samsung [Model] 1Tb 7200RPM SATA2
    PSU
    Cooler Master Real Power Pro 750W
    Keyboard
    Razer Tarantula
    Mouse
    Razer Lachesis
    Internet Speed
    not fast enough
It is in a good size though..:(

I am not talking about your post, just an addition about the guide for other people.;)
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    I5 3570K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z77-DS3H
    Memory
    4 x 4GB corsair ballistix sport DDR3 1600 Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte Geforce GTX 660 TI
    Sound Card
    creative x-fi
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Primary CiBox 22" Widescreen LCD ,Secondary Dell 22" Widescreen
    Screen Resolution
    Both 1680 x 1050
    Hard Drives
    2 x 500G HD (SATA) 1 x 2TB USB
    PSU
    Corsair HX 620W ATX2.2 Modular SLI Complient PSU
    Case
    Antec 900 Ultimate Gaming Case
    Cooling
    3 x 80mm tri led front, 120mm side 120mm back, 200mm top
    Keyboard
    Logik
    Mouse
    Technika TKOPTM2
    Internet Speed
    288 / 4000
    Other Info
    Creative Inspire 7.1 T7900 Speakers
    Trust Graphics Tablet
And you still haven't followed your own advice and posted your system specs, it has been pointed out to you ;)
 

My Computer

System One

  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Home
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy x360 Convertible 15-bq0xx
    CPU
    AMD A9 Stoney Ridge Technology
    Motherboard
    HP 8312 (Socket FP4)
    Memory
    8.00GB Dual-Channel Unknown (?-0-0-0)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Generic PnP Monitor (1920x1080@60Hz) 512MB ATI AMD Radeon R5
    Sound Card
    AMD High Definition Audio Device Realtek High Definition Aud
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic PnP Monitor on AMD Radeon R5 Graphics
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    119GB SanDisk SD8SN8U-128G-1006 (SSD)
    931GB Hitachi HGST HTS721010A9E630 (SATA
    Keyboard
    Standard PS/2 Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Optical Wheel Mouse
    Internet Speed
    62.86Mbps down 18.19Mbps up
    Other Info
    EPSON78D0CF (XP-332 335 Series) (Default Printer)
And you still haven't followed your own advice and posted your system specs, it has been pointed out to you ;)

Hi Joan, I believe it is ok for Alec to not post his computer specs since he is not here to ask for help.;)

Cheers,

Bruce
 

My Computer

System One

  • CPU
    E6850
    Motherboard
    EVGA 122-CK-NF67-A1 680i
    Memory
    4 x OCZ Platinum 1GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 5850 1GB
    Sound Card
    SB X-Fi X Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung 23" 5MS
    Screen Resolution
    2048 x 1152
    Hard Drives
    2 x Barracuda 7200.10 320GB RAID 0 / 1 x 500GB Maxtor
    PSU
    Seasonic 600W M12
    Case
    CM Centurion 5
    Cooling
    air
    Internet Speed
    100Mbps
And you still haven't followed your own advice and posted your system specs, it has been pointed out to you ;)

Hi Joan, I believe it is ok for Alec to not post his computer specs since he is not here to ask for help.;)

Cheers,

Bruce
LOL true, but if he is on here helping, or even just hanging, he should still fill them out.

To Tony, yes you can, but you don't need to. And this should not have been posted here. Just FYI.

~Lordbob
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 2.33GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P5QC
    Memory
    2x2GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVidia GeForce 9500GT 1Gb
    Sound Card
    Mobo
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster 206bw
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SP2514N ATA 250Gb 7200RPM
    Samsung [Model] 1Tb 7200RPM SATA2
    PSU
    Cooler Master Real Power Pro 750W
    Keyboard
    Razer Tarantula
    Mouse
    Razer Lachesis
    Internet Speed
    not fast enough
No problem. Just letting you know for the future.

~Lordbob
 
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My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 2.33GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P5QC
    Memory
    2x2GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVidia GeForce 9500GT 1Gb
    Sound Card
    Mobo
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster 206bw
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SP2514N ATA 250Gb 7200RPM
    Samsung [Model] 1Tb 7200RPM SATA2
    PSU
    Cooler Master Real Power Pro 750W
    Keyboard
    Razer Tarantula
    Mouse
    Razer Lachesis
    Internet Speed
    not fast enough

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 2.33GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P5QC
    Memory
    2x2GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVidia GeForce 9500GT 1Gb
    Sound Card
    Mobo
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster 206bw
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SP2514N ATA 250Gb 7200RPM
    Samsung [Model] 1Tb 7200RPM SATA2
    PSU
    Cooler Master Real Power Pro 750W
    Keyboard
    Razer Tarantula
    Mouse
    Razer Lachesis
    Internet Speed
    not fast enough

My Computer

System One

  • CPU
    E6850
    Motherboard
    EVGA 122-CK-NF67-A1 680i
    Memory
    4 x OCZ Platinum 1GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 5850 1GB
    Sound Card
    SB X-Fi X Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung 23" 5MS
    Screen Resolution
    2048 x 1152
    Hard Drives
    2 x Barracuda 7200.10 320GB RAID 0 / 1 x 500GB Maxtor
    PSU
    Seasonic 600W M12
    Case
    CM Centurion 5
    Cooling
    air
    Internet Speed
    100Mbps

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 2.33GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P5QC
    Memory
    2x2GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVidia GeForce 9500GT 1Gb
    Sound Card
    Mobo
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster 206bw
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SP2514N ATA 250Gb 7200RPM
    Samsung [Model] 1Tb 7200RPM SATA2
    PSU
    Cooler Master Real Power Pro 750W
    Keyboard
    Razer Tarantula
    Mouse
    Razer Lachesis
    Internet Speed
    not fast enough
how to increase someone's rep power.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 1440
    CPU
    intel core 2 duo T6500 2.1ghz
    Memory
    4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    intel media accelerator
    Hard Drives
    western digital 320 gb(internal)
    External: 1X320gb wd & 1X80gb seagate
    Keyboard
    laptop keyboard
    Mouse
    Logitech mx518
    Internet Speed
    512 kbps
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