 | Using Internet Help Forums
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What’s the next step to take when a strange computer problem defies all possible remedies that you (or any local gurus) can think of? You could call for professional (and expensive) advice, or, alternatively, you could scour the Internet for a solution. This is free, but can be time consuming unless you narrow down your search. One of the best ways to do this is to find an appropriate help forum.
What are help forums?
Forums are Internet sites set up for people to exchange information on a specific topic. They are generally initiated by people who are extremely knowledgeable in a particular area and, fortunately for the rest of us, they are willing to share that knowledge free of charge. Topics cover the entire spectrum of human interest, but computer-related topics are particularly well represented and, hence, can be a great source of advice for people suffering from sick-computer syndrome.
Locating an appropriate forum can be easily achieved by doing a Google search using the words “help” and “forum” plus some key words pertinent to your problem. The results that appear higher in the list are likely to be the most popular in their category and, therefore, the most useful, so try one of them first.
How do forums work?
Most forums have a similar layout, and are very easy to navigate and use. Usually, anyone can view forum postings but, if you want to start a new thread on your problem, or reply to an existing thread, you will first need to sign on as a member. This is normally a simple process just requiring you to have a valid email address.
The quickest way to locate a solution to your problem is to use the site’s search facility. With a bit of luck, your problem won’t be unique, and someone may have already posted it and received helpful advice. If that’s not the case, you may have to start a new thread, but, before you do, here are a few tips:
- Most forums have guidelines or rules that they expect members to follow. These are designed to allow the forum to operate efficiently and in a respectful way. Make sure you read them, otherwise your posting may be ignored.
- If there is a FAQs link, check it out before posting. It may contain information pertinent to your problem, and reading it may save you having to post at all. It may also explain what you should include in a post to make it more likely to receive useful replies.
- There are likely to be “pinned” or “stickied” topics at the top of each forum. These are also designed to be read by new members before posting. They address common problems, give useful general advice, and explain other administrative guidelines that may be helpful.
- The more comprehensive forum sites, such as SpywareInfo for example, have multiple forums that address specific aspects of the overall topic. Make sure you read the forum descriptions carefully before selecting the appropriate one for your post.
All of the above are designed to make life easier for the regular forum contributors, and, as they give their time voluntarily to help complete strangers, make sure you follow the guidelines.
Stating a new thread
First, click the “New Thread” or “New Topic” button.
- Type an informative title into the appropriate box (don’t make it vague like “I need help”).
- Describe your problem succinctly but in enough detail to enable readers to analyze the situation without having to ask for more information. Mention program and operating system version numbers, hardware makes and models, what changes (if any) were recently made to your system, and any steps you have already taken to rectify the problem.
- You can optionally preview your post; then click the “Submit” button.
- When replies are posted, respond appropriately and follow up on any advice given. Whether or not your problem is resolved, make sure you keep posting on your progress as this may be helpful to others. Don’t stray from the original topic; if you need to ask advice on something else (even if it is related), start a new thread, otherwise the discussion can become too hard to follow.
Resolution?
If you are unsuccessful in getting an answer to your problem, you could try posting to one of the many other forums. With enough effort, you should eventually discover the solution. If not, it is unlikely that your local professional repair person will have much luck either.
But, by posting on Internet forums, regardless of the outcome, you will definitely increase your basic computer knowledge, and this will be invaluable for future troubleshooting.