|
Tank + Guitar = WIN!!!
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Idaho
Posts: 6,046
|
Overclock.net: Site Features and Explanations - A Must Read for ALL Members
Overclock.net: Site Features and Explanations
(made for all members but especially new ones)
Welcome to overclock.net!!! This is a compilation of some of the site features that aren't always realized right away, common questions, and general knowledge. There are also some small tweaks that can be applied to make your browsing experience possibly better. Most are settings in your User Control Panel. Some of these are default options of a vBulletin format board and can be used on other sites as well.
You will see that I have linked some sections to more comprehensive threads and other locations. This is not intended to be an end-all thread but simply a collection of the general knowledge and little things I have learned and want to share with other members to save them the time (and sometimes embarrassment) of finding it themselves.
Contents
- Must-Read Threads for ALL Members
- System Specifications
- Ads
- Posts per Page
- Wide vs. Fixed View
- Chat No longer exists
- Reputation
- Finding the Right Moderator
- Overclocked overclock.net Accounts
- Name Colors on Front Page
- Tracking Your Posts
- Contacting Other Members
- Overview of Left Side of Posts
- Multi-Quotes
- Making and Editing a Post
- How to Browse for Threads
1. Must-Read Threads for ALL Members
There are some general knowledge information that should be at the least familiar to all members here at overclock.net. Please, new and seasoned members alike, take a little time to read and re-read these threads as they do change periodically. If you have any questions, contact one of the Forum Moderators or post in the thread if it is open.
Terms of Service - Perhaps the least read but most important thread on the forum. This is a great forum with a very neutral set of rules. This helps all types of people be able to come together in civility (usually) and common interest.
Overclock.net Professionalism Initiative - This site has a wonderful reputation of being mature and clean. Please read this 'Mission Goal' sort of thread. Very similar to Terms of Service with more practical rules and guidelines as well as member expectations. This thread is also very important, especially to non-native English speakers and is along the same lines.
How the Infraction System Works - Since there are rules, obviously there are consequences to misbehavior. This thread sums it all up for you. Play nice and you won't get infracted. 
Thread Tags - A way to improve your searches and encounters with your own threads.
Site Acronyms - Some are common to our texting world, but others are very computer specific. At least know that this thread exists for future reference.
Folding - A Stanford University project to simulate cancer causing proteins that you can help with. Enough people on this forum 'fold' so you should at least be familiar with the term. If you have any questions, any folder would gladly explain everything they know about the project. This thread is just a head start.
Ultimate Overclock.net Guide Compilation - Great collection of lots of guides on overclocking, forum standards, etc. If you see one that should be added, feel free to let mega_option101 know.
General FAQ's about the Forum - Some commonly asked questions answered by our very own admin. Some questions are out of date but most involving the site in general are still valid.
2. System Specifications
As this is a computer performance forum, it is rather silly to try and help another user without seeing what components are in their computer. We have a great feature that allows our system specifications to appear below our signatures in every post. This way, you will not need to post your system specifications in every thread you make.
To do this, navigate to User CP at the black bar near the top of the page. In your User Control Panel, there will be an option on the left of the page under System Information called Add System. This will bring up a page for you to enter any and every part of the computer you can. The more you add, the better. You are also able to name your system (you know you already have  ).
To add another system at a later time, just click Add System again.
Once your system information has been entered, you can change it at any time by clicking on Edit System above Add System. Here, you can set your Main computer (the one that appears in your signature). When you adjust this, it updates in every post you have made.
For more information and a guide with pictures, see here.
3. Ads
The ads are one of the main ways this forum continues to run. Using an ad blocker such as Ad-Block Plus is a wonderful thing, but if the ads do not load on the page, overclock.net does not get paid. You do not need to click the ads, only allow them to be displayed. So, to keep this forum around, please disable ad blockers when you come around. Marin made a great guide here (link pending).
We do not want ads, however, that ruin the site. If an ad appears that is detracting from the browsing experience, i.e. pop-ups, non-family friendly, etc. you may post a thread here. Be sure to search and make sure someone hasn't already reported it, in which case you can just confirm you have it too in their thread. The Moderations team is very prompt about getting rid of distracting ads.
4. Posts per Page
Ever get tired of having to load a new page every 10 posts? For those of us with internet connections that don't mind loading large pages, this can be adjusted to show more posts on each page.
Enter your User CP and click on Edit Options on the left. Scroll down to the section entitled Thread Display Options. Here, among other things, you can set the number of Posts per Page, all the way up to 100 posts per page.
Remember, when most people reference what page a post or picture is on, they are most likely using the Forum Default of 10 posts per page. Most times you are better off referencing the post number to the top right of the post to cater to any number of posts per page.
5. Wide vs. Fixed View
 
At the bottom of the page on the left-hand side, you will see a pull down box that probably says --Fixed View. The other option is --Wide View. Fixed View limits how wide the Forum appears. No matter your monitor size, it will be limited in width. When it is set to Wide View, the forum will stretch to the full extent of your window. People with smaller monitors (17" and below) probably won't notice much of a difference between the two.
On a large monitor, however, especially a widescreen format, you will notice a big difference, Paragraphs that were once half a page long can shrink down to 5-6 lines. This is because the forum now uses more of your monitor real estate. One complaint about this view is that you have to do more looking side to side. I find it to be much easier than fixed view and helps me not have to scroll as much. It also helps a great deal in Chat.
You can also access this option in the Edit Options page in your User CP (see above). It is located at the very bottom in the Miscellaneous Options section.
6. Chat
At overclock.net, we have a Chat room. The Chat room is not, I repeat, is NOT for asking computer questions. There is no REP in chat and it is not meant to be a place to come and get answers. That said, will questions occasionally get answered in chat? Of course. But do not go in to the chat room just to ask a question for which a thread would be perfectly sufficient.
The overclock.net chat room can be thought of pretty accurately as a break room at work. The forum is for the computer questions and answers and the chat room is a place where you can go just to hang out with people you see around the forum in an informal way. There are many 'established' members who enjoy the chat room so please, if you use it, be courteous and mature.
Chat can be accessed at the top of the page next to the User CP link.
For chat rules, see here.
In Chat, there are a couple features that are worth mentioning. Wide View and Fixed View does affect chat as well. Refer to the picture below for the following items.
1. Freeze Window - Sometimes chat is moving so fast you can't keep up with what is going on. There is a little anchor button above the Send button that will scroll you up with the posts. That way you can hopefully keep up. When you reach the cut-off point, however, the oldest posts will begin to disappear.
2. Save Conversation - Everyone has an epic chat experience so click the white page with the disk icon to save the chat. This brings up a new window with everything that has happened in chat since you joined the room.
3. Private Chat vs. Whisper - A whisper is a message in the main room that only you and they can see. A Private Chat opens a completely new chat window within chat. Mods can see both.
4. View Profile - Viewing a profile of a member in chat will open a new window, no worries.
5. Available vs. Away - The button in the lower right tells you your current status. In this picture, I am Away. Others will see me at the bottom of the Chat list and greyed out. You can still type messages.
7. Reputation
When a post is helpful, you can both thank the person and acknowledge them by giving them REP. There is a button on the bottom of a post at the left where you can add REP to a helpful member and leave a quick comment. Leaving your name in the comment is a nice courtesy (unless you wish to remain anonymous) as it is not automatically displayed when the person receives it.
You can give REP to the same person multiple times in a thread if you feel the information warrants it. Hopefully you are helping people for the fun and NOT for the REP but it does feel nice to be acknowledged so remember that when you are given some good advice or your questions get answered. Also, don't forget that you can give REP in threads that you didn't start. Say, for instance, that you were reading a thread and read a post linking to a great website for downloading wallpapers that you fall in love with. Even if you don't decide to post in the thread, you can give that person REP. If it helps you, let them know.
One common question on this forum is "How can I gain more REP?". You shouldn't be here if you only want REP but it is a valid question. Many people do not use the REP button and hours of your help may go unrewarded by a REP point. Here are some good ways to gain REP that won't be REP begging. Remember, if you don't get REP, don't worry. Hopefully you learned something in the process and are here to help people. It isn't a contest.- Use the Unanswered Threads - See Section 16. Being the first to answer a question is the best way to get REP.
- Be helpful and coherent - Writing an intelligent post is extremely beneficial to the person and the forum. By stating your answer/opinion in a sophisticated way people can understand, you will be able to help more.
- Find a hole and make a guide - Being sure to search thoroughly first, find something that needs explaining and explain it. Things that come to mind recently are Linux Equivalents of Windows programs and How to Enter Your System Specs.
- Post a relevant News Thread - The News section is a viscous battle of who can post first but a poignant article that hasn't been posted before can be a great help to many people and can net you some REP points. See here for Repost info.
- Posting pictures - OCN members love seeing pictures of stuff. Worklogs, new hardware, etc. are great and we all like to look at them. People will appreciate pictures.
- Mod Worklogs - Modding cases, keyboards, desks, and just about anything else draws people in. Even a simple mod such as adding a case fan can interest many people. Doing something unique really gets people's attention.
*Thanks MisterAutomatic for #'s 5 and 6
Please see this thread for general reputation information and this thread for more great info.
8. Finding the Right Moderator
When you need a Moderator to delete a post or perform other mod-ly duties, you want to make sure you contact the right one so the issue gets taken care of in a timely manner.
To do this, first navigate to the correct forum in which the issue exists. Scroll down to the very bottom right and it will list the section mods. These are the best people to contact with a problem in that section.
Example:
Also, at the bottom of the Home Page there is a link called "View Forum Leaders". Here you can see all the moderators/admins/etc. along with a button to PM or Email them. Very useful as you can see who is online and who is not.
9. Overclocked overclock.net Accounts
There is an opportunity to have an 'overclocked' account. This perk brings with it an overclock.net email address, increased Private Message storage, and a custom member title (i.e. under your username where it says PC Gamer, Overclocker, etc.). You can obtain these in one of two ways. You can pay for it or you can be an 'established' member (250 rep, member for 1 year).
For more information about obtaining an account, see here.
10. Name Colors on Front Page
Under the Latest Discussions and Overclocking News sections, you've probably noticed the large list of members. This is a great tool at times. You've probably also noticed that names are difference colors and such. This is not random and is great for finding certain members in a hurry. Also notice that your name will always appear first.
Maroon Bold - Forum Managers
Dark Green Bold - Senior Moderators
Green Bold - Forum Moderators
Green Italic - Vendor Reps, those who pay to advertise their products on the forum. (more info here)
Teal Bold - Chat and Gameserver Moderators
Blue Bold - Editors in specific sections. (can't find the right color  , but you get the idea)
Black Italic - Retired Directors
Black - Have an overclocked account
Blue - Regular Member
+ next to name - They are in your friends list.
Also, note the arrow in the top right of the member window. You can collapse it if you don't want it there.
11. Tracking Your Posts
Keeping track of your posts can be tough when you begin to get involved in the forum. If, for example, you make 10 posts a day in different threads, by the end of the week there are 70 threads that you could be interested in that have changed. People could be responding to your post, solutions may have been found, or someone may have another question. Whatever the reason, it is important to be able to keep track of your threads. There are two ways, using thread subscriptions and using your User CP page. There is a wonderful guide/tutorial here for more information.
12. Contacting Other Members
At some point, the time will arise where you will need to contact another member. This is a simple task and there are multiple routes to take. Usually it is in regards to a post by that user. If this is the case, you can simply click on their username next to the post. From the menu that appears, just chose 'Send a private message to _________'.
Another way is to access the member's profile. From their public profile page, click the Contact Info tab. You can see the different ways to contact that member there.
If the member has added an AIM or MSN IM account to their profile, you will see the icons beneath their REP count, Unique REP, etc. (see Part 13 for picture)
Also, at the bottom of the Home Page there is a link called "View Forum Leaders". Here you can see all the moderators/admins/etc. along with a button to PM or Email them. Very useful as you can see who is online and who is not.
13. Overview of Left Side of Posts
The username and post count are the most self-explanatory parts of the left bar of posts. Here is a quick overview of what else you can find there (Notice that some parts are clickable, feel free to experiment on your own as to where they take you):
Some Notes:- Custom User Titles are available to Overclocked accounts
- Hovering over the time stamp in the top left of any post will show the exact post time and date
- Flames are earned at certain REP levels.
- 25 REP
- 100 REP
- 250 REP
- 500 REP
- 750 REP
- A Moderator / Editor will not have flames, REP count, or Add REP button. We just assume they are beneficial members.
14. Multi-Quotes
Quoting a certain post is easy enough. There is a nice little button labeled "Quote" at the bottom of each post. Using it, you can quote that person's post in your following post to specify to whom you are replying.
BUT, at some point during your stay here, you will have forgotten to check a thread in which you have posted and have received many replies or you will want to respond to multiple posts at one time. DO NOT make multiple posts. You will be shunned.
The easiest way to respond to multiple people at one time is using our forum's nifty Multi-Quote buttons. They are located at the bottom right of each post directly next to the Quote button, as shown here:
To use this wonderful feature, simply click this button after each post to which you wish to reply. This is very easy to test, try clicking the Multi-Quote button at the bottom of this post and see what happens. When you reach the last post to which you will respond, click the regular Quote button. You will now notice that each previously selected post will appear in your Reply box already quoted and waiting for a response.
15. Making and Editing a Post
So you are ready to make a post. Post come in multiple flavors. The most common threads are asking for help with a specific problem. There are also threads with news stories and for sale threads to name a few. Let's assume you have a question you would like answered.
1. First, USE THE SEARCH FUNCTION!!! - In the top right corner of the page there is a google search box. This is not our default search and is only being used until our search function is redone. You may not find what you are looking for but chances are you will find something similar. Doing some research before you make your thread will make your post that much better. When I mention research, I am also including google, hardware sites, and even local hardware stores. The more you know before you post, the easier it will be for others to instruct you in solving your problem. But at the bare minimum, use the search button.
2. Finding the Right Sub-Forum - Nothing is more frustrating than finding a thread asking for help with an Intel processor in the Video Game News section. There are a couple thing wrong with this. First, someone coming to look for news sees your post and it isn't news. This removes some credibility from our news section. Second, the Intel users that would be helping you are probably browsing the Intel forum and won't even see your thread. That is why it is important to post in the correct section. Scrolling down on the home page will list all the Forums. There are a couple of specialty sub-forums worth mentioning.
- News Threads - Many OCN members take the news section to be serious business. It is nice having a single location to get all of our tech news. Before posting a thread in the News section, be sure to read the following threads:
Is your post really news?
News Forum Essentials
- For Sale Threads - When you receive 35 REP, you will have the opportunity to sell hardware and other computer related items here on the forum in our For Sale section.. This is a perk where you can buy hardware from other users you are familiar with and know have taken good care of their equipment.
We also have a Wanted forum, Appraisals, and Freebie forum. The Freebie forum has slightly different rules than the rest of the For Sale section so be sure to read them as well (link below). Freebies are given out by our members at their own discretion. Once again, read the following threads before posting a For Sale thread or Freebie:
For Sale Rules (long version)
Freebie section rules
3. What to include in your post - When you make a thread with a question, there is some very important information that if you do not include, you will asked for almost immediately. Here are some general things to include, please provide all that apply:
- Your Budget - if you are purchasing or replacing something
- System Specs - should be entered as shown in Section 2
- Exact Problem/Question - Be specific
- What you have already tried
- Other problems with the same piece of hardware/software
- Links to threads with similar problems
By including everything you know about your problem, it will save the other members lots of time having to ask more questions that you should have answered up front.
4. Editing a previous post - It happens to all of us. We write a great post only to see a blatant typo when we post it. Luckily, we can edit our posts. In the bottom right next to the Quote button there will be an Edit button on all your posts.
Click that button and you will be able to edit your post. You have a grace period after you have posted to fix errors and no one will know you have changed anything. But, after a minute or so it will state that you have edited your post and when you did it. If you are adding more information, it is usually a good idea to add a section to the bottom of your post beginning with "edit:" so those who have already seen your post can recognize the new content.
The worst type of error (and often seen as unrepairable) is an error in the title of your thread. But be of good cheer, there is hope. When you click the Edit button of your post, you can go further. Click the Go Advanced button at the bottom of the new edit window seen here:
From this screen you will have more options in your edit and will be able to change the title of the thread. Worry no more.
5. Bumping a Thread - A bump is a post that serves no purpose but to bring that thread to the top of the page to be seen. It is not a bad thing to do, especially when you thread has not been seen or you are trying to sell something. BUT, overclock.net has a 24 hour bump rule. Please do not bump your threads unless the last post was more than 24 hours old. The only exception are for certain threads such as official forum polls and game times where the thread needs to be seen. Just never bump more than 24 hours at a time and you'll be fine.
That said, there are hundreds of users on this forum at any time and the chances of your thread actually not being seen is slim. More than likely, those that do see your thread don't know the answer. If you are finding that you must bump your thread multiple times and still have not received a response you should seriously consider rewording, rewriting, or adding more info to your post. Chances are you haven't included enough information to allow someone to help you.
16. How to Browse for Threads
The forum provides us with multiple ways to find threads in which we can help or just to learn. Here are the easiest and most prominent ones in no particular order:
1. Search Function - The most obvious way is the search function in the top right. Use "" about terms you want to be found next to each other. For example, searching for fastest computer will bring up any thread that has fastest and computer in it. Searching for "fastest computer" will bring up only threads which have that exact phrase.
2. By Sub-Forum - Scrolling down on the home page will list every sub-forum on the site. It is a great way to learn about new areas. Just browse to the sub-forum you are interested in and start reading threads. Eventually you will find you know some answers to questions and are on your way to helping in that section.
3. Unanswered Threads - This section is not easily found for most newcomers and most old timers don't know it exists. In the top left, there is a Quick Links menu. Pull it down and click on Unanswered Threads. From here, you can navigate through all the threads, most recent first, that have not been given a single answer. Some are threads that don't require an answer such as Rants or Wanted thread. Other times, however, a very easy to answer and valid question slips through the cracks and gets overlooked. A great place to find obscure topics and start interesting discussions.
4. Live - Another great feature and my personal favorite. To the right of the Latest Discussions title on the home page, there is a little text that say 'live'. This takes you to a page that has a live feed of every post occurring on overclock.net along with a short snippet of that post. On a normal day, a thread will pop up around every second so you will always have something to read. Also great when you are following multiple threads and don't want to have to load each thread separately, you can watch for replies here. There is also an option to show only your subscribed threads. (see Section 11 for more on subscribed threads)
5. New Posts - On the top black bar next to the Chat link there is a section called New Posts. Almost identical to the Live feature, it gives you a list of the latest posts in forum format.
6. RSS Feed - All of the sub-forums are equipped with an RSS feed. If you are wanting to follow our Hardware News section, for example, scroll down to the bottom right and you will see and XML button. That is the link to the RSS feed. Use your favorite RSS program and you can check the latest posts without accessing the site.
7. By Member - By going to a member's profile and clicking on the Statistics tab, you can browse all their posts and all their threads.
So there you have it. If you have any questions, feel free to post in this thread. I am not the most knowledgeable person on this site nor do I claim to be so if you see something missing from this post (i.e. more content, typos, etc.), please let me know and I'll try update it as quickly as possible. This includes new threads that should be linked or threads with more information on a certain topic. Thanks!!!
CPU
Phenom II x4 945 @ 3.6 GHz |
Motherboard
GIGABYTE GA-MA790XT-UD4P |
Memory
OCZ Reaper HPC 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3 1600 |
Graphics Card
Asus 5850 |
Hard Drive
WD Caviar Black 640GB, Maxtor 400GB, WD 320GB |
Sound Card
SoundBlaster X-Fi XtremeGamer |
Power Supply
CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W |
Case
LIAN LI PC-7FW (custom tech station on the way) |
CPU cooling
Mugen 2 w/ 2 Scythe Slip Steam 120mm |
GPU cooling
Stock |
OS
Windows 7 Professional x64 |
Monitor
Acer X223Wbd 22" |
Last edited by IEATFISH : 09-25-09 at 06:34 PM
Reason: Removed Chat :(
|
Overclock.net: Site Features and Explanations - A Must Read for ALL Members
06-17-09
CarForum.net!
E8400 C0 @ 4.3GHz on AIR 
Windows 7||Fan Club 
Royal Navy GPU F@H Team
