Posting Guidelines At Steve's Tech Resource

Last Updated: 12Aug08 | Status: To Be Continued

1. First Help Yourself
2. Help Us Help You
3. Common Courtesies

1. First Help Yourself

Before asking a question it is strongly recommended that one performs the following basic troubleshooting procedures:

Turn computer off, wait 30 seconds, then turn computer back on.
Make sure all external and internal cables are firmly seated.
Make sure memory and all expansion cards are firmly seated.
Run Windows ScanDisk.
Run Antivirus Software with updated virus definitions, instructing it to check all files on all drives.
For a hardware problem, go to the hardware manufacturer's Web site and install the latest driver for the device.
For a software problem, go to the software manufacturer's Web site and install any updates/patches for the program.

Before asking a question it is strongly recommended that one checks the following, which serve as ready made resources for frequently asked questions:

2. Help Us Help You

Trying to solve computer problems without access to the desktop can be extremely difficult. Therefore, before asking a question, it is strongly recommended that one provides the following background information:

Which of the basic troubleshooting procedures (above) you have performed.
Operating system.
For a hardware question, provide the make and model of the device.
For a software question, provide the make and version of the program.
For a Browser question, provide the make and version of the Browser.
For a Web site question, provide the URL of the Web site, even if the Web site is of a questionable nature. Once the problem has been addressed, the thread will be deleted.
Include any error messages received.
Describe in detail any system changes made prior to the occurrence of the problem, including anything that, in retrospect, may seem silly. No one will say a word (see below) and complete disclosure will only help towards a solution, which is the important thing.
Describe in detail what one has done to try to fix the problem, including anything that, in retrospect, may seem silly. No one will say a word (see below) and complete disclosure will only help towards a solution, which is the important thing.
Include any additional information that might be of help.
And formulate a well thought out question, or statement of what one would like to accomplish, that someone without access to the computer may be able to help with.

3. Common Courtesies

For Those Answering Questions:

Those wanting to "create a name for themselves" by answering questions directly rather than pointing people to the ready made resources (above) will not be tolerated at Steve's Tech Resource. First, it neglects the valuable time and effort put forth by the many wonderful contributors at Steve's Tech Resource, as witnessed by the ready made resources, themselves. Second, it breeds laziness on the part of those asking questions. And either way, such behavior is well known as being detrimental to the directive of any such site, and Steve's Tech Resource is meant to be Resource, with the Forum to support the Resource, not the other way around.

At the same time, though, it is understood that I, Steve, am likely the only one familiar with all the information at this site. So, for those frequently answering questions....

For Those Also Asking Questions Elsewhere:

Of course one is free to post a question wherever one likes. But please understand that there is nothing more disheartening than to take the time to respond to a question only to find out later that the problem had already been solved, or that the information one was working with was incomplete. Therefore, if one posts a question here and elsewhere, if a thread develops elsewhere, the information exchanged there should be shared here. Or at least let those at Steve's Tech Resource know of the location of the most active thread so that those engaged can contribute most effectively.

Thank You.