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{{TOCright}}<small><translate><!--T:1-->
{{TOCright}}<translate><!--T:1-->
If you're looking for the search settings, see [[Search (admin)]]</translate></small>
When a user sets up an SMF forum, or wishes to join another SMF forum, they should Register an account. This will enable them to maintain a consistent identity while posting and keep track of what they have read, no matter where they are working from or what computer they are using. They will be able to fill out a personal Profile and use the built-in Personal Message system. They will also be able to subscribe to e-mail notifications, monitor their forum activity and more. </translate>
<translate><!--T:2-->
Assuming the forum is running the SMF default theme (or a derivative of it), there should be both a simple Search field (partnered by an Advanced search text link) in the collapsable top section and a Search option in the main menu. If not, the main menu Search option should still lead straight to the advanced search screen.


<!--T:3-->
==<translate><!--T:2-->
While you can just type (and search for) any combination of characters, you should consider using [[#Modifiers|modifiers]] to make your search really work for you.
When and How to Register</translate>==
 
<translate><!--T:3-->
Certain forums may choose to restrict access to the full forum or selected areas, allowing only registered members to view the content. A guest should register when they wish to participate in forum discussions, visit a forum frequently, and access members-only areas and benefits.


<!--T:4-->
<!--T:4-->
The simple search field located at the top of the default SMF theme will, when viewing topics filter search results to just that topic. The same thing goes for boards as well, when viewing a board the simple search field will filter what you searched to just results in that particular board.
A guest is any person or spider that is not logged into the forum. Once a person registers they become a member, however, they will still show up as a guest until they log in.
</translate>
 
<!--T:5-->
Members have access to profile and notification options that are unavailable to guests. Members can also be placed in membergroups, made moderators or administrators, given special permissions, and access members-only areas. Being able to send personal messages, receive forum emails, and post new polls and topics are some additional benefits that may be available to members of the forum.
 
<!--T:6-->
A guest may register at any time by simply selecting the Register option from the main menu.</translate>


===<translate><!--T:5-->
==<translate><!--T:7-->
Simple search</translate>===
The Registration Screen</translate>==
<translate><!--T:6-->
To use the simple search (if enabled), the basic syntax outlined above is all you really need to know. But you might also like to know that this tool searches the entire [[forum]] for any or all of what you specify that's been posted during the last 9999 days (which is more than 27 years)! So, to take more control of your search, you should use the advanced search feature.</translate>


===<translate><!--T:7-->
Advanced search</translate>===
<translate><!--T:8-->
<translate><!--T:8-->
Although the advanced search screen might initially seem a little intimidating if a forum has many boards and child boards, it's surprisingly straightforward when reduced to its basic components.</translate>
Most forums require a guest to accept their registration agreement before the registration process can begin. By checking the I Agree option, a guest consents to comply with the agreement throughout the duration of their membership. Some forums may also incorporate a minimum age into the agreement process.
*<translate><!--T:9-->
 
Some forums show the navigation tree at the top in a space-saving horizontal mode.</translate>
<!--T:9-->
*<translate><!--T:10-->
[[File:registration_form.jpg|thumb|500px]]
Despite initial appearances, there are really three options for how to search, with Match all words and Match any words being available from the drop-down, and "Match as phrase" still being available.</translate>
Upon arrival at the registration screen, a guest is requested to enter a username and a valid email address. Failure to use a valid email address may hinder registration, depending on how a forum is configured. Guests are also given the opportunity to allow forum members to email them.
*<translate><!--T:11-->
 
The default * in the by user field is essentially a wildcard matching any poster. Please note that, while you can replace this with any single username for a more specific search, it's not currently possible to search for posts by multiple users except as that single wildcard.</translate>
<!--T:10-->
*<translate><!--T:12-->
An authentication method must be chosen, as well. The most common method is simply choosing a password. Although, some forums may provide members with the opportunity to use an OpenID.
Show results as messages returns the full message containing the search string (with a reply option) instead of the usual linked excerpt, but will naturally result in much larger results pages which might be significant if you are searching for a popular word or phrase.</translate>
 
*<translate><!--T:13-->
<!--T:11-->
Message age sets the minimum and maximum ages of posts to search.</translate>
A form of visual verification may be present in order to confirm that a guest is actually a person and not a bot. This verification may be requested in two ways - CAPTCHA and custom questions. The CAPTCHA method displays an image containing a random collection of letters, which a guest must enter into a text field. The custom questions method displays one or more relatively simple questions, which a guest must answer correctly. A forum may be configured to use both methods at the same time.
*<translate><!--T:14-->
 
Choose a [[board]] to search in provides you with another tool to narrow the scope of the search, with the default being 'all' (the whole forum or, more properly, all the boards to which you have read access).</translate>
<!--T:12-->
*<translate><!--T:15-->
Once a guest completes the registration form, there are three possibilities for what is displayed next based on how the forum is configured.</translate>
The Search button not surprisingly sets the whole thing in motion, but hitting 'Enter' direct from any of the search fields is sometimes more convenient. </translate>
 
*'''<translate><!--T:13-->
Login</translate>''' - <translate><!--T:14-->
If registration is immediate, the new member will be automatically logged in after completing the registration form.</translate>
*'''<translate><!--T:15-->
Activation</translate>''' - <translate><!--T:16-->
If a message about email activation is displayed, the new account must first be activated before login. An email with instructions how to proceed is sent to the new member's email address.</translate>
*'''<translate><!--T:17-->
Approval</translate>''' - <translate><!--T:18-->
If a message about member approval is displayed, the new account must first be approved by an administrator before login. An email acknowledging the new member is sent to their email address. Another email is sent later to inform them whether or not their application has been approved.</translate>


===<translate><!--T:16-->
==<translate><!--T:19-->
Modifiers</translate>===
Activating A New Account</translate>==
<translate><!--T:17-->
Using the simple or advanced search methods, you can still use search modifiers. That is, powerful special characters which modify the way SMF handles your search string.</translate>
*'''<translate><!--T:18-->
Phrase search</translate>''' - <translate><!--T:19-->
use double quotes (") around your term ("search term") to search for the search term as a phrase instead of individual words</translate>.
*'''<translate><!--T:20-->
Excluding terms</translate>''' - <translate><!--T:21-->
use a minus sign in front of terms you'd like to exclude from the search result. For instance, "search -term" will search for "search" but not "term". The minus sign must have a space prior to it.</translate>
<translate><!--T:22-->
More search modifiers may be found at [http://www.google.com/support/websearch/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=136861 Google's help page]. Although, not all of them may be useful in SMF at the present time.</translate>


===<translate><!--T:23-->
<translate><!--T:20-->
Search options</translate>===
If a forum is configured to require email activation before login, an email will be sent to the email address provided at registration. Important account information, such as username and password, can be found in this email, as well as an activation link. Selecting the activation link activates the member's account and prompts them to login. If a problem occurs with the activation link, the email also provides an activation code that can be used to complete the process.
<translate><!--T:24-->
See [[Search (admin)]] for options for the administrator to configure searching.</translate>


<!--T:21-->
If a member attempts to login before completing the activation process, an error will be displayed noting that their email address must be validated. A ''Need another activation email?'' link is also displayed in case the email has somehow been lost.</translate>


{{As a regular user}}
{{As a regular user}}
{{Other languages}}
{{Other languages}}

Revision as of 20:20, 2 May 2011

When a user sets up an SMF forum, or wishes to join another SMF forum, they should Register an account. This will enable them to maintain a consistent identity while posting and keep track of what they have read, no matter where they are working from or what computer they are using. They will be able to fill out a personal Profile and use the built-in Personal Message system. They will also be able to subscribe to e-mail notifications, monitor their forum activity and more.

When and How to Register

Certain forums may choose to restrict access to the full forum or selected areas, allowing only registered members to view the content. A guest should register when they wish to participate in forum discussions, visit a forum frequently, and access members-only areas and benefits.

A guest is any person or spider that is not logged into the forum. Once a person registers they become a member, however, they will still show up as a guest until they log in.

Members have access to profile and notification options that are unavailable to guests. Members can also be placed in membergroups, made moderators or administrators, given special permissions, and access members-only areas. Being able to send personal messages, receive forum emails, and post new polls and topics are some additional benefits that may be available to members of the forum.

A guest may register at any time by simply selecting the Register option from the main menu.

The Registration Screen

Most forums require a guest to accept their registration agreement before the registration process can begin. By checking the I Agree option, a guest consents to comply with the agreement throughout the duration of their membership. Some forums may also incorporate a minimum age into the agreement process.

Registration form.jpg

Upon arrival at the registration screen, a guest is requested to enter a username and a valid email address. Failure to use a valid email address may hinder registration, depending on how a forum is configured. Guests are also given the opportunity to allow forum members to email them.

An authentication method must be chosen, as well. The most common method is simply choosing a password. Although, some forums may provide members with the opportunity to use an OpenID.

A form of visual verification may be present in order to confirm that a guest is actually a person and not a bot. This verification may be requested in two ways - CAPTCHA and custom questions. The CAPTCHA method displays an image containing a random collection of letters, which a guest must enter into a text field. The custom questions method displays one or more relatively simple questions, which a guest must answer correctly. A forum may be configured to use both methods at the same time.

Once a guest completes the registration form, there are three possibilities for what is displayed next based on how the forum is configured.

  • Login - If registration is immediate, the new member will be automatically logged in after completing the registration form.
  • Activation - If a message about email activation is displayed, the new account must first be activated before login. An email with instructions how to proceed is sent to the new member's email address.
  • Approval - If a message about member approval is displayed, the new account must first be approved by an administrator before login. An email acknowledging the new member is sent to their email address. Another email is sent later to inform them whether or not their application has been approved.

Activating A New Account

If a forum is configured to require email activation before login, an email will be sent to the email address provided at registration. Important account information, such as username and password, can be found in this email, as well as an activation link. Selecting the activation link activates the member's account and prompts them to login. If a problem occurs with the activation link, the email also provides an activation code that can be used to complete the process.

If a member attempts to login before completing the activation process, an error will be displayed noting that their email address must be validated. A Need another activation email? link is also displayed in case the email has somehow been lost.

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