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 Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2006 6:16 am
Welcome to the Computers & Technology Forum!
Thank you for reading the rules. We hope that you will find this thread useful in solving your problems whilst being easy to read and navigate. These rules are in place to help protect your account and keep order in the forum. Failure to adhere to these rules could result in a warning or a ban.ContentsWelcome to C&T!C&T Rules
Done To Death Topics
Useful LinksPurpose of this ForumThe Computers & Technology forum is a general helpdesk for all your technology issues. This includes (but is not limited to) computers, cars, robotics and airplanes. Examples of valid topics include: "My PC doesn't turn on!" and "Will a V8 engine fit in my Reliant Robin?"
The C&T Tech Talk subforum is for discussions and other topics that are not questions. Examples of this might include a discussion about a recent technology-related news article, or pictures of a PC case modification. Before you post your issue, try using the Google search engine instead. If you are not very good at searching, don't worry, as there is a Google Sticky that will help you find what you're looking for. Quite often you will find the answer to your problem on the first page.
If your question is related to Gaia Online, then you should ask your question in the Questions & Assistance forum instead.
If your topic is about a computer game, then please read the section on computer games in the rules below. You might find your topic belongs in the Gaming Discussion forum instead.
If you have a guide you'd like to contribute, please set up the thread in the Gaia Guides and Resources Forum, and post a link in the C&T Guides Sticky.
Last Updated: 11th October 2006
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Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2006 6:17 am
Computers & Technology Rules ContentsWelcome to C&T!C&T RulesDone To Death Topics
Useful LinksC&T Rules -Do Not Ask For Help on Illegal SubjectsWe will not help you with any activity that might be considered illegal. Gaia's servers are located within the United States of America, and therefore must abide by US law. The laws of your country do not apply. Even if your intentions are good, we cannot help you. Examples of scenarios that fall under this category include helping you obtain and/or install pirated software, gain unauthorised access to a website or computer, or bypassing security programs at school or home. Posting links to illegal downloads or BitTorrent sites that index illegal content is not permitted.-Do Not Post Malicious InstructionsPosts that will badly affect the functionality of a person's computer are not allowed, even if it is intended as a joke. Examples of this include deleting system files, or formatting the system volume when it has nothing to do with the problem.-Do Not Bump in C&TBumping your thread is not permitted in this forum. A bump is not necessarily the word "bump", but any meaningless post (spam) that is posted while your thread is on the first page. This includes the message "Anyone?", which many people seem to be posting two minutes after their intial post. Please understand that this isn't the Chatterbox; C&T moves slowly even at the busiest times. The only exception to this rule is if your thread has fallen off of the first page and you still need assistance. If this is the case, it would be helpful to us if you mention that it was no longer on the first page. Please do not claim your post has fallen off of the first page when it hasn't; we will check post times.-Do Not Spam in C&TDo not post meaningless topics and replies in C&T. This only wastes other peoples' time and buries genuine replies under useless posts. A useless post doesn't necessarily have to be random or out of place. For example, posting "I don't know... good luck!" in any topic is spam. If you don't have an answer to the problem, don't post. This includes posting links to Google as an answer to a thread. If you decide to help the user, post a link to a useful website you found and politely mention that they could have used Google.-Do Not Flame Other UsersFlaming other users is not permitted under any circumstances. The term "flaming" means to attack another user using insulting or racial words. Encouraging flamewars (by posting topics that will cause people to flame each other) and trolling for responses is also prohibited. Any users caught flaming or trolling will recieve a harsh warning or a ban. We also request that you choose your words carefully. For example, just because your machine doesn't work, that doesn't mean it's "gay".-Do Not Post Identical Topics in C&T and Tech TalkThere is no need to post your topic in both forums. Doing this will waste forum space and could cause confusion. If you are not sure where to place your thread after reading the definitions in the first post of this thread, you can either PM a C&T moderator or helper and ask, or post it in the main forum. If it turns out to be in the wrong place, it will be moved. Any duplicate topics will be deleted.-Do Not Use Vague Thread SubjectsPlease avoid using thread subjects with little or no relevance to your post. This helps nobody, and will only cause your thread to get less views. Examples of bad subjects are "Help!" and "Come Quick!". A good subject would be "ATI Radeon Driver Failed To Update".-Do Not Post "General Help Topics"As the whole of the C&T forum is a helpdesk, so there is no need to make a thread for general or specialised support. If you would like to help, please read the topics in C&T and post.-Do Not Offer a Different Product or Service as a SolutionUnless the thread owner has requested it, do not post another product as a solution to a problem. Examples of this include suggesting Mozilla Firefox to bypass a problem with Internet Explorer, offering an Apple Mac as a substitute to a PC, or telling the user to get another operating system. The only time this is permitted is when it is absolutely necessary to use the other product to diagnose a problem, e.g. using a Linux LiveCD with a corrupted Windows installation.-Do Not Ask For Help With ROMsMost ROMs on the Internet are illegal. Downloading copyrighted ROMs is illegal even if you own an original copy of the game. Keeping the downloaded ROM for any period of time is illegal (i.e. the 24 hour rule is not true). We will not help you get your ROMs to work, even though most emulator programs are legal, as the ROM file is probably illegal. Uncopyrighted ROMs are extremely rare, so we won't help with those unless you specifically mention the ROM in question. Posting links to copyrighted ROM distribution sites is not permitted and will result in a warning or a ban.-Do Not Necro Old ThreadsPosting in old threads is frowned upon. Please refrain from posting in an old topic unless it was your topic and you have new information. Before necroing a thread, decide whether it would be more efficient to create a new thread instead.-Do Not Post Pyramid Scheme TopicsTopics that promise a product after a certain amount of people signing up are not permitted. Examples of these include the free iPod pyramid schemes. Pyramid schemes are forbidden from all forums of Gaia Online, so you may be warned or banned for posting one.-Do Not Ask For Help in Other Peoples' TopicsPlease don't do this, as it is not necessary. Make your own topic for your problem, and wait patiently. If you advertise your problem in other peoples' threads, it will be counted as spam, and you will be warned appropriately.-Do Not Request or Offer Gold For AssistanceThe Gaia Terms of Service forbids the exchange of real world services for gold (except in the case of creative arts). The assistance provided here is not considered art. Giving donations for helping is allowed, but advertising a payment of gold for help is not.-Do Not Create Versus Threads or Hate TopicsAvoid making these topics. Questions such as "Which is better?" are not valid, as products are down to a user's personal preference. They tend to create flamewars comparable to hate topics. If you wanted to know which was better in regards to a future purchase, try using a search engine to find reviews on both products. If you want to rant about a product you dislike, please do it elsewhere. These topics aren't permitted here.-Opinion is Not FactPlease do not present your opinions as facts. When posting information, please try to include sources to back up your claims. If you do not do this, the integrity of your information may be challenged. If it turns out to be incorrect, you will show yourself up and will have wasted other peoples' time. Please know what you are talking about before you post.-Do Not Assume ThingsAssumptions are very bad. They can cause damage to the machine, or insult the user. For example, just because a user managed to get malware on their machine, it doesn't mean they was looking at questionable content. Only use the facts that the user has provided when giving help.-Do Not Use "Chatspeak"Please avoid using "chatspeak" in your posts. This includes the use of 1337 and the overuse of abbreviations such as "ur" and "y r u". Many users will refuse to help you for not making the effort to type out your words properly. Also, do not make a post using only capital letters, as that makes your post much harder to read. We don't mind spelling errors; we recognise not everybody's first language is English. Do not flame a user for their spelling mistakes.-Do Not Request Users to PM/IM for AssistanceDo not make topics and abandon them, requesting people to PM you. Please stick to your thread for replies. You might find it useful to subscribe to the thread so that you don't lose it. Likewise, please don't tell the thread owner to PM you for help. This can lead to inaccurate information and could cause further problems. There are exceptions to this, such as when personal information needs to be given. Posting in the thread will allow other users to check to see if their suggestion has already been posted, and see if it is accurate. It might also help other users who have the same problem.-Do Not Ask For Answers for Your HomeworkWhile we will help you with your homework, we will not do it for you. If a question looks suspiciously like a workbook question, it will be treated as one. This can apply to anything, from network statistic mathematics to programming.-Do Not Set Pointless ChallengesThese challenges are well, pointless, and serve only to waste peoples' time and forum space. This includes asking for help with cracking challenges, legal or otherwise. We will not help you with them. Do not post them here.-Computer GamesAlthough your computer games are played on a computer, that doesn't mean a fan thread belongs here. If you want to create a thread about a game, please consider posting it in the Gaming Discussion forum. Remember that the Gaming Discussion forum has its own rules that you need to read. If you have a problem playing a game (such as a graphics card problem), then your thread does belong here.
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Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2006 6:18 am
Done to Death Topics ContentsWelcome to C&T!
C&T RulesDone To Death TopicsUseful LinksForbidden SubjectsCertain topics are the cause of flamewars, so we have decided to forbid them from C&T. You will notice that most of them are versus topics, which are against the rules. They are against the rules because everyone has a different opinion about a product, and when they get together in a thread it can cause serious problems. The best way is to find out for yourself and make your own decision. If you want to know about the reputation of a certain product, then post it alone, or research for user opinions using Google.
Currently forbidden subjects are as follows:
Apple Mac vs PC
AMD vs Intel
ATI vs nVidia
OpenGL vs Direct3D
Desktop vs Laptop
Firefox vs Internet Explorer Frequently Asked QuestionsWhich GNU/Linux Distribution is Right For Me?There are thousands of GNU/Linux distributions available. Most of them are freely available, but some cost money. Your preference will depend on how much experience you have with computers and how much you are willing to learn about the system. A couple sites offer a quiz that will help you choose. Here are some:You might also find this list of common distributions useful:What Programming Language Should I Learn?There are many languages around, and they all have their uses. You should be able to find a free compiler and guide on the Internet to help get you started. Your local library might also be able to help you find some programming books. Here is a guide that can help you:Here is a list of a few popular languages for you to look into:
C and C++
Python
Borland Delphi or Pascal
BASIC
Assembly Language Which Browser is Best for Me?We cannot tell you which one is best; you will have to find out for yourself. To help you with this, here is a list of popular browsers:Microsoft Internet Explorer (Windows, MacOS [Discontinued])
Mozilla Firefox (Windows, GNU/Linux, MacOS, Many Other Platforms)
Mozilla Suite (Windows, GNU/Linux, MacOS, Many Other Platforms)
SeaMonkey (Windows, GNU/Linux, MacOS, Many Other Platforms)
Opera (Windows, GNU/Linux, MacOS, Many Other Platforms) Note: Opera is now Freeware.
Camino (MacOS)
Flock (Windows, GNU/Linux, MacOS)
Konqueror (GNU/Linux)
Safari (MacOS)
Swift (Windows) Note: Swift is an Alpha product. Which Peer-to-Peer Program Should I Use?There are a few programs around for sharing files. Most of them have been shut down, or will install spyware. Here is a list of popular and safe network clients:There are other ways, such as FTP sites. Remember: Stay safe, only download legal files.Which Instant Messenger is Best?Again, this is a matter of preference. Some clients only support one protocol, and some only one platform. Here is a list for you:How do I Open This Compressed File?There are many compressed formats available. The most common formats are ZIP and RAR, but there are others. Here is a list of common programs to open these archives:Common ProblemsInternet Explorer only saves BitmapsThis is a bug in most versions of Internet Explorer. It occurs when the cache is full. To fix this, you can go to the "Tools" menu and choose "Internet Options". Press the "Delete Files" button in the middle of the dialog that appears. The issue is known by Microsoft and is discussed at this knowledge-base article:How do I take a Screenshot from a DVD?There are various methods for each media player. Here are some methods for popular players:
Windows Media Player (9 and 10)
You can press CTRL-I (hold CTRL and press I) to obtain a screenshot. It will either ask you where to save the file to or immediately place it in the "My Pictures" folder, depending on your configuration.
For versions below 9, you can follow this guide instead: [ Click Here] VideoLAN Client (VLC)
You can press CTRL-ALT-S to get a screenshot. The picture will end up in your "My Pictures" folder by default.VirtualDub
This will give you the most accuracy. Open the file with VirtualDub (or VirtualDubMod for MPEG-2 files), move to the frame you want to take a picture of using the slider and press Print Screen on your keyboard.
If none of those methods work for you, try using this other guide: [ Click Here] My Video or Audio File Won't Play!This is usually down to a codec issue. Usually Windows Media Player will download the codec for you, but that isn't always possible. Here are some codec packs that might help you:
Warning: Only install one of these codec packs. If you install more than one, then you might run into codec conflict problems.
You might also find one of these players will do a better job at playing the file:My iPod Won't Work!Please try following the five Rs as defined by Apple:Apple also has a comprehensive support section that should help you fix your iPod, or help you send it back for repairs.Miscallaneous TopicsPost an Image of Your DesktopWe have a thread for that: [ Click Here] What is Your Dream Machine?Please don't post these topics. It usually depends on how large the budget is, among other factors.Here are the Specifications of my Machine!We have a sticky for that: [ Click Here]
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Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2006 6:22 am
Useful Links ContentsWelcome to C&T!
C&T Rules
Done To Death TopicsUseful LinksUseful LinksHere are some useful links that you might find handy.Nintendo and ROM EmulationWe use what Nintendo has written here as our guidelines to how ROMs are used. It is worth a read.Mac Awareness ThreadThis thread contains useful information about the Apple Macintosh.iPod Awareness ThreadThis thread contains useful information about the Apple iPod.Microsoft Windows Vista Awareness ThreadThis thread keeps details of the upcoming Windows Vista release.Official MacOS Tips and Tricks ThreadThis thread should help you get the most out of your Mac.
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Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2006 6:24 am
-------- End of Thread --------
Updates and Stuff
Links completed, but not verified.
eMule has been removed as it was shut down.
Possible Inclusions
Possible inclusion of CD/DVD Ripping in FAQ or D2D - a popular subject at the moment. CSS might pose a problem in the DVD aspect though.
Include survey sites that promise money for surveys or whatever to the pyramid scheme rule.
A note about using huge fonts like the GD.
Could chop up the illegal things part again so that it is more specific when quoting rules.
-especially when it comes to bypassing security
-and piracy
Advertising in general.
---
We could do with more links and stuff, if anyone has any.
I've also stripped out the useful software section of the D2D sticky as that can be put in the Information Resources Sticky instead.
Post thoughts!
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Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2006 6:28 am
Reserved in case we decide to reinstate the 'How to post a reply' post.
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