Can we get a "NEWBIE" section

[Eadwine Rose]

Just toss up a blue screen with text on it.

[Kulmbacher]

.... However, if we had a "NEWBIE" section it would help newbies from getting answers that required and follow up "what does that mean" post....

A Newbie section is one place more to search and find solutions.
Think it is more work for all, maybe next question comes: Can we get a "german" Newbie ... ;-)

Think the better way is you show your status "Newbie on board, please easy answers for me" in ... maybe signature?

So the existing structure will stay beside the other "places" manual, wiki, private blogs etc. - lot`s of places!

Greets from german newbie ;-)

[JayM]

Thank you, richb.

[richb]

Thank you and all others for the suggestions.

[manyroads]

From my perspective the biggest problem with these Forums (as well as many others) is that the native "search function" struggles to produce truly meaningful results. Too often a search for something like 'openbox' produces a long list of current posts, not a list of related topics/ threads. Older topics often are buried 6 feet under an endless list of individual posts in recently active threads. Since 'newbies' are frequently seeking information that might be months or years old, they simply bore of searching lengthy lists of posts... and re-ask something that has been asked before (sometimes frequently).

I deal with the problem by doing a Google-style search, outside of forums' and then re-accessing the Forums.

But then, I'm just a cranky old guy. What do I know.

[richb]

I agree the phpBB search function is far from ideal. I am sure you have tried refining your search once the first results are listed. Or search in particular forums, or with more specificity than just one word.

[rasat]

I deal with the problem by doing a Google-style search, outside of forums' and then re-accessing the Forums.

I do same, don't like when complicating the matter. Luckily I am "old timer" able to do most thing on my own. But what about users who need forum search or easy browsing through the forums.

Current forums are well thought, but requires a "technical" mind where to go, such as ACTIVELY DEVELOPED... or CONDITIONALLY SUPPORTED or General (ACTIVELY) or General (Development). This is why I am supporting a Newbie corner.

[manyroads]

I deal with the problem by doing a Google-style search, outside of forums' and then re-accessing the Forums.

I do same, don't like when complicating the matter. Luckily I am "old timer" able to do most thing on my own. But what about users who need forum search or easy browsing through the forums.

Current forums are well thought, but requires a "technical" mind where to go, such as ACTIVELY DEVELOPED... or CONDITIONALLY SUPPORTED or General (ACTIVELY) or General (Development). This is why I am supporting a Newbie corner.

I remember being young once & new to Linux (a bit later) ... I agree that a newbie section is a worthy endeavor.

[KBD]

I do pretty good searching the forums if I can get the keywords right. Sometimes I have to look up old posts of mine where I had a problem, or figured something out, but have forgotten it--old age probably--and I include my user name in the search which usually gets me there.
Probably putting a huge sign at the top of the forum:
THE ALT-F1 KEYS WILL GET YOU THE USERS MANUAL
:)
That would help the newbies with many basic issues.

[tascoast]

Although this is a bit out-of-date and some things have been consolidated into MX Tweak, the following sort of blog is aimed at getting newer users up and running so far as desktop changes and similar basic tasks.
http://mxlinuxguide.blogspot.com/
This sort of thing, alongside the video guides, could be simply offered as a set of useful links to page for newbies, without needing to add any other particular content?

*I included links to other language sites on one tab.