Getting started: Difference between revisions From Online Manual

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(changed to "Forum header"...)
(Added Info Center, also reduced the details about the Forum Header so that the link makes more sense! (no point having a link if it's all here!))
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So, you have arrived at a forum powered by SMF! Perhaps you have been looking at the {{llink|Board index|text=board index}} or a screen telling you that you need to {{llink|Registering|text=register}} before you can access the forum.
So, you have arrived at a forum powered by SMF! Perhaps you have been looking at the {{llink|Board index|text=Board Index}} or a screen telling you that you need to {{llink|Registering|text=register}} before you can access the forum.


Some forums permit guests to read posts or even post messages, while other forums only allow registered members to see the posts. At some forums, many of the most useful features will only become available to you when you become a registered member. Because SMF is such a flexible system, permissions will vary considerably between forums. Here are four key areas that are normally available for you:
Some forums permit guests to read posts or even post messages, while other forums only allow registered members to see the posts. At some forums, many of the most useful features will only become available to you when you become a registered member. Because SMF is such a flexible system, permissions will vary considerably between forums. Here are four key areas that are normally available to you on the opening page of the forum:
 
*'''{{llink|Forum header|text=Forum Header}}''' - At the top of the forum's opening page you will find the forum header, which contains items such as the forum title, banner and logo. In the default theme the lower part of the forum header can be collapsed (hidden) or expanded (shown) using the upshrink icon <span style="background-color: rgb(215, 218, 236);">[[File:Upshrink2.png|x20px]]</span>. In this collapsible area of the header there is a section with information about you, links to unread messages as well as the date. There is usually a quick search box in this collapsible area, too.


*'''{{llink|Forum header|text=Forum Header}}''' - At the top of the forum's opening page you will find the Forum Header, which contains items such as the forum title, banner and logo. It also has a section with information about you, links to unread messages as well as the date. There is usually a quick search box located here, too.
*'''{{llink|Main menu|text=Main Menu}}''' - This menu is situated just below the forum header and it contains links to the main sections of the forum.
*'''{{llink|Main menu|text=Main Menu}}''' - This menu is situated just below the forum header and it contains links to the main sections of the forum.
*'''{{llink|Board index|text=Board Index}}''' - This appears on the main page of the forum. {{llink|Category|text=Categories}} are used to make it easier to find the {{llink|Board|text=boards}} that interest you. For information on how to keep up to date with new threads and posts, please see {{llink|How to view unread posts and replies|text=How to view unread posts and replies}}.
*'''{{llink|Board index|text=Board Index}}''' - This appears on the main page of the forum. {{llink|Category|text=Categories}} are used to make it easier to find the {{llink|Board|text=boards}} that interest you. For information on how to keep up to date with new threads and posts, please see {{llink|How to view unread posts and replies|text=How to view unread posts and replies}}.
 
*'''{{llink|Info center|text=Info Center}}''' - In the default layout the Info Center is located below the Board Index. Depending on how it has been configured by an administrator it contains interesting information and statistics about activity in the forum.
*'''{{llink|Message index|text=Message Index}}''' - When you click on one of the boards in the board index, you will be taken to the message index of that particular board. This shows a list of the topics in the board. Please see {{llink|How to navigate the message index|text=How to navigate the message index}} for further information.


{{ {{Localized|As a regular user}}}}
{{ {{Localized|As a regular user}}}}

Revision as of 20:41, 25 October 2013

So, you have arrived at a forum powered by SMF! Perhaps you have been looking at the Board Index or a screen telling you that you need to register before you can access the forum.

Some forums permit guests to read posts or even post messages, while other forums only allow registered members to see the posts. At some forums, many of the most useful features will only become available to you when you become a registered member. Because SMF is such a flexible system, permissions will vary considerably between forums. Here are four key areas that are normally available to you on the opening page of the forum:

  • Forum Header - At the top of the forum's opening page you will find the Forum Header, which contains items such as the forum title, banner and logo. It also has a section with information about you, links to unread messages as well as the date. There is usually a quick search box located here, too.
  • Main Menu - This menu is situated just below the forum header and it contains links to the main sections of the forum.
  • Board Index - This appears on the main page of the forum. Categories are used to make it easier to find the boards that interest you. For information on how to keep up to date with new threads and posts, please see How to view unread posts and replies.
  • Info Center - In the default layout the Info Center is located below the Board Index. Depending on how it has been configured by an administrator it contains interesting information and statistics about activity in the forum.


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