Tips and FAQs about how to use the forum - for all users

[Maverick™]

OK, guys I will try to answer your questions here. I got many PMs from users who asked me how to put a picture in your signature or how to upload avatars, resize them and many other things. Looks like many users checked my profile. Maybe I should remove that "Moderator" stuff. Anyway, I am here to help. I will also write your questions here. However, I won't mention any names. Here we go.

Before you read this, please make sure you have read the rules here:

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http://www.symbian-freak.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=227

OK, please note that these tips are NOT rules. I am NOT a moderator here, so you don't have to obey this, but it is recommended. Now to your questions.

-How do I upload my own avatar? There is no option to upload it from my PC. Help!
OK, OK. No worries. This is quite easy. All you need to do is resize the image you want to 80x80 pixels and watch out that it is not bigger than 6KB. Now upload your image at:

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www.imageshack.us

Once uploaded, copy the "Direct link to Image" and paste it in your profile to the field called "Link Offsite Avatar". Now hit "Submit" and that's it. Simple as that.

-But how do I resize my avatar? The one I want is too big!
You need a picture editing application for this. Use the "Crop" and "Resize" option for that. of course, Photoshop CS is the best one. However, I recommend ACDSee Photo Editor or the Advanced Image Resizer. Get them here:

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www.download.com

-How do I add a picture to my post? I want a picture to be shown in my post.
That is no big deal. All you need to do is upload it at Imageshack.us and copy the link. Here is HOW Now hit "PREVIEW" and you will see your picture. Click "Submit" to finish.

-How to add a picture to my signature?
Holy shit....I knew you would ask me that. Alright, I will explain it. Check this out. In order to add a picture to your signature, make bold text, colored letters...etc. you need to "give the forum the command for that". What I mean is, start posting a message, upload a picture at imageshack and PREVIEW it like described in the previous question. Now after you preview your picture, copy the whole post and paste it to your signature field at your profile. Now, your picture will be shown.

-What are the best dimensions(pixels) for a signature picture?
Well, it is up to you. But please don't upload big pictures because it will make browsing the thread rather uncomfortable. I recommend 250x70 pixels for signature pictures. Also note not to advertise anything in your signature!

-How exactlly do I code my link? Sorry for the stupid question, Maverick.
NO, no this is a good question because we must code our links, in order not to make live links. When you want to code a link, hit the "Code" option and paste the link DIRECTLY after the code inscription. Now you MUST preview your post. The link will be coded now and you can continue the post or submit it.

-What is a sticky post? How do I make it?
Ha, ha sorry guys, but only Admin Apoc and the Mods can make sticky posts. Sticky is a very specific posting mode where the thread remains at the top of the section. Only threads of high importance are made sticky.

-Why do I have to post at the right section? I can always see my post at my profile.
Hey, this is a rule. It applies for all forums. It is important in order to keep the forum organized. Not much point in discussing UIQ applications at the "Members Pictures" section.

OK I think this is it for the important questions. Now please read the tips below.

-Try to fill in all blanks. What I mean is, input your phone model at your profile. Same for the Firmware and location. Our Admin did not make it just for fun or show. It is not a rule, but it is much better to fill in these gaps.
-Make good use of the "Quote" option.
-Always look at the unanswered posts and try to help other users. Check Apoc's signature for that.
-Also check all new posts
-Stay on topic as good as you can
-If the matter has already been discussed, try to provide the link for that
-Post your picture at the "Members Pictures" thread

You can check your phone's firmware by inputing *#0000#
For UIQ models, hit "Edit" at the main menu and check the "System Information"(phone).

OK, if anyone has more questions, feel free to send me a PM. I will answer your questions here. No worries, I will not mention any names.

To Apoc and Chris: Guys, I really worked hard on this stuff, so please if you think that my post will be useful to the users and newcomers please change its post mode from normal to sticky. I will upload this thread when I get more questions from the users. Thanks.

Sincerly yours
The Maverick

[mirkocrocop]

Hi Maverick this is good guide, and i made it sticky Not a Apoc or Chris
EDIT:
Hey just to let you know that i edited it a little bit.

[Maverick™]

Hi Maverick this is good guide, and i made it sticky Not a Apoc or Chris

Thank you, Moderator Mirko. You are the man. I am glad my work got appreciated. I will update this thread once I get more PMs.

Thanks again, Mirko.

[vineetpaul]

Hi Maverick must say this a very useful guide.good job mate

cheers
vineet

[Maverick™]

Hi Maverick must say this a very useful guide.good job mate

cheers
vineet

As said, I am here to help. Thanks for appreciating my work. Feel free to send me a PM, if you have any similar questions.

The Maverick

[vineetpaul]

Thanks for appreciating my work.

you r welcome my friend.finally with the help of ur guide i was able to upload avtar from my pc.thanx

[rulirahm]

-Try to fill in all blanks. What I mean is, input your phone model at your profile. Same for the Firmware and location. Our Admin did not make it just for fun or show. It is not a rule, but it is much better to fill in these gaps.

I really agree with this one. Sometimes, users just posted their problems without having to see are they phone's model support for that or we must ask again for phone's model & firmware. I can see this in NetMonitor topic.

[Maverick™]

Sometimes, users just posted their problems without having to see are they phone's model support for that or we must ask again for phone's model & firmware.

Yeah, Ruli you're right. I hope my guide will motivate users to fill in these blanks..!

Alright, I got more interesting PMs. As promised, I will answer your questions without mentioning any names. Here are the questions I received:

-What is the best way to use the "Search" option?
OK, here we go. It is important to use the search option in order to avoid double-posts. The search option scans the whole forum in a few seconds, where it checks for given words or word phrases. The trick is to use less common words. So, for example if you are searching for N-gage QD stuff and input "Nokia N-Gage QD" in the search bar, you will get too many results. As said, the trick is to use less common words. If you input just "QD" you will get better results because the word "Nokia" is excluded and the search is focused on QD. Also, try searching several times, and try inputing different words because many users don't spell the words correctly.

-Where is the "Attachment" option? I cannot send applications without it!
The "Attachment" option was removed by our Admin because many users posted warez and that is strictly forbidden at Symbian-Freak. It is the first rule! No warez! However, if you want to share some freeware stuff or videos, etc. you can upload it at a file-hosting site and give the link here.

-Can you recommend a few file-hosting sites?
Yes of course. The most popular one is Megaupload. I recommend you that one. It is fast and safe. You may also consider Ultrashare and Zupload. Please try to avoid Rapidshare because their links expire rather quickly. Here are the URLs:

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www.megaupload.com

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www.zupload.com

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www.ultrashare.com

-Hey, Maverick can you explain the ranking system? What's the deal?
Yea, no problem. Check it out. The ranking system is present at many forums. It is used to remember certain users. Usually, your rank increases as the number of total posts grows. There are 6 bars at your rank. The last two stand for very special ranks. Here is how it works:

Please check the post by Admin Apoc below!

Sometimes, there are users who want to increase their ranks just by posting useless messages. Note that this is forbidden..! If I see someone doing this, then I will kick his ass real good..! Ranks are not as important as the person itself. If someone obeys the rules, visits regulary and helps others, that is the best rank in my opinion.

Alright, guys that is it for today. I will answer the rest later. If you have more questions related to the forum, feel free to send me a PM.

The Maverick

[Apocalypso]

Useful update Mawerick

BTW:
Just a small correction for rank part..

1-25 => Rookie
25-100 => Junior
100-500 => Veteran
500-1000 => Mobile guru
More than 1000 => More than guru
Out of ranking limits => Moderator
Out of ranking limits => Site Admin

Apoc

[Maverick™]

Oh..NOOOOO..! I am extremelly sorry, Admin Apoc. Sorry to the user who sent me this question. Holy shit I messed things up with the ranking system. Sorry guys. I have edited my post. Thanks for understanding.