The Online World resources handbook

Free expert assistance http://home.eunet.no/~presno/bok/8.html
>it also happens sometimes when I click on regular web
pages.
>This problem didn't exist before with the same software
Sounds a little like a problem I had a while back. My modem would hang
up the phone at random (usually during a big transfer). It turned out to be
the bios in my modem. The early US Robotics 28.8K Sportster had a bug
that would cause them to hang up instead of down shifting the baud rate
when the phone line got cranky. I forgot the revision number of the bad
bios. I had to get a new bios chip from US Robotics to fix the problem. I
would never had known what the problem was if my service provider
hadn't posted a warning.
Bob D.
Many users prefer open conference messages to private email for their technical
discussions. This gives "the group" a chance to read, comment, provide additional facts,
and return with new questions.
One simple question may give an overwhelming number of responses, but most
contributions are likely to be useful and educational. Since the discussion is public,
consider it a feature of your personal online university. Offer opinions when you have
something to contribute, or keep silent.
Stop by a technical forum where beta testers and programmers hang out, and you'll
probably get a concise, three sentence answer. Stop by a forum dedicated to helping
users fire up a new product, and you may find long, chatty, but informative diatribes.
Different forums. Different responses.
In most conferences, some members are critical to "lurkers." A "lurker" is someone
who read without ever contributing. Don't let them get to you. It is legitimate to remain
silent. Most others are also there to watch and learn only.
If you consider buying a newly released computer program, tune in to the section of
your favorite online service that deals with products from this manufacturer. Count
complaints and error reports before buying.
When your new program has been installed on your system, return for other users'
experiences and practical advice. Pay back your dues by reporting your own
experiences in the process.
Focus on conferences and newsgroup where many competent users hang
out. There, you will usually get faster and better replies to your questions.
Asking other users may be faster and better than searching. Complement
by searching Google Groups (Chapter 10).
If you have never visited a BBS, call one in your neighborhood to get a feel for how
they work. Most of them can be accessed free. Usually, their only requirement is for a
self presentation before being granted full access to their system.
Most bulletin boards have conferencing and archives filled with shareware and
public domain software. Many have files or bulletins listing telephone numbers of other
boards in your country or area.
The trick is to find know how. The larger the online service or conference, the more
skilled people are likely to "meet" there regularly. If the local bulletin boards fail to
satisfy your needs, try the Internet or some large commercial services.
One exception: When you need contact with ONE particular person, who knows
YOUR problem in detail, go where this person usually hangs out.
For expert advice about how to use the Eudora email program, check out the
comp.mail.eudora.ms windows (MS Windows), or comp.mail.eudora.mac (Macintosh)
newsgroups. There are several online support forums for users of Eudora.
The site at http://www.internetvalley.com/top100mag.html provides links to the top
100 computer and software related Web magazines.
Resources on the Internet
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