Related
"we should create a newbie forum!"
i ve seen this post in a discussion in reply to someone who was asking for some help and explications.
i do now understand the sarcastic and ironic nature of the reply,but i also would like to point out that is very difficult for beginners(same as me) to understand all of the terminology and issues that are going on in the forum.i believe is also problematic to find the answer some people are looking for (even trying with the search button) and almost inevitably, some questions end up in being asked twice or more by different users.
i know this is an informative as well as technical website but i personally find almost no differences between the "General discussion" or the "Programmers corner", and the forum end up in being instructive only for few and rather confusing for many.
So why not?why not create a newbie forum, like cynical suggested, or (this is my proposal) an explainatory page where listed all the vocabulary that you guys are using here?and maybe why not.... a catalog of all the stupid questions beginners like ma are afraid to ask..
this is only a suggestion and is not intended to be provocative at all...:wink:
ciao.
emiliano
I second that. I have asked a years worth of idiot's questions in the last 12 hours... Thanks for the idea.
We ought to have some sticky posts in that forum of the most common questions and step-by-step guides on troubleshooting. We should maybe start a list of possible topics on this thread.
I vote for:
1. How do I use the XDAtools program to change my ROM?
2. How do I use the XDAtools program for the "SD method" of flashing?
3. How do I upgrade my radio stack (be sure to mention how dangerous this can be )
4. How do I use a ROM kitchen?
5. I've screwed during flashing. How can I recover?
I know of few of these answers now, I can help if the mods are kind of busy. I'll stay away from #3 though
"Stickies" are a good idea first I think.
No-one like to go to 'newbie' forums (i would guess)....unless it was called 'start here first!' forum....but something would be good.
..lance
hi guys
-i am a new user for the EXEC. everything strange to me.so i wanna use this topic to collect all the thing for EXEC, such as, Softwere, Hardwere, Update, and so on.....just give the deatils for the everything you have been given. include.
-- Name
-- What is for?
-- How to use it?
-- Show the PIC
this topic only for people that it is easy to find, to communications, and to discussion.
brightming said:
hi guys
-i am a new user for the EXEC. everything strange to me.so i wanna use this topic to collect all the thing for EXEC, such as, Softwere, Hardwere, Update, and so on.....just give the deatils for the everything you have been given. include.
-- Name
-- What is for?
-- How to use it?
-- Show the PIC
this topic only for people that it is easy to find, to communications, and to discussion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ur asking an awful lot from people. i can see however that you havent got the latest o2 update. go to http://www.my-xda.com/xdaexec_soft.html to update!
there is so much of this information on this forum that it isnt funny asking for it again.
I can see that you have only ever made 2 posts, so it would seem that your first forum is out of naivety rather than stupidity.
As such, here are some hints and a starting point for you. Please be aware, that there is quite a good search function if you take the time to look and can use the multiple fields to narrow down your search function.
You can also try the wiki ftp site if you just want some software and utilities to use. In the end though, you will find the best outcome and most stable device if you go and buy it.
Try www.spbsoftwarehouse.com www.resco.net www.handango.com www.ppcfreewares.com
Months and months ago I started this, and others have very comprhensive forum topics already.
Please dont restart what has already been done, lots.
Try this from September
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=28343&highlight=apps
This in November
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=32698&highlight=apps
This done by craigiecragie
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=31697
Try this for an antagonist view
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=30206&highlight=compatible+wm5
This should be detailed enough for you
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=30443&highlight=compatible+wm5
Agreed, this has been posted a great many times, each trying to be the definitive post on all aspects of the Universal - something which I think is frankly impossible as no single post can cater for everything.
In the defence of somewhat overwhelmed newcomers, however, I do think it's time for x-d to be reorganised (how many times have we said this??) and broken down more specifically than just General, Upgrading and Accessories. There should also be beginners guides, for just this kind of thing.
@ brightming: the links provided above are a good starting point, read them all thoroughly!
Cheers
Ant
I've been (mostly) lurking here for a few months and I'd agree - it'd be fantastic to have 1) more specific/detailed forums under the Universal heading and 2) some well-written, clear guides for newcomers - particularly given the repetition and duplication of many subjects in different posts. An alternative place to have some good how-to type guides might be the wiki, especially considering that it appears to be underused at the moment. Any mods fancy tackling this?...
Mach
(edit: stupid spelling mistakes)
da1 said:
brightming said:
hi guys
-i am a new user for the EXEC. everything strange to me.so i wanna use this topic to collect all the thing for EXEC, such as, Softwere, Hardwere, Update, and so on.....just give the deatils for the everything you have been given. include.
-- Name
-- What is for?
-- How to use it?
-- Show the PIC
this topic only for people that it is easy to find, to communications, and to discussion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ur asking an awful lot from people. i can see however that you havent got the latest o2 update. go to http://www.my-xda.com/xdaexec_soft.html to update!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thx for told. i have areadly done.
simon_darley said:
there is so much of this information on this forum that it isnt funny asking for it again.
I can see that you have only ever made 2 posts, so it would seem that your first forum is out of naivety rather than stupidity.
As such, here are some hints and a starting point for you. Please be aware, that there is quite a good search function if you take the time to look and can use the multiple fields to narrow down your search function.
You can also try the wiki ftp site if you just want some software and utilities to use. In the end though, you will find the best outcome and most stable device if you go and buy it.
Try www.spbsoftwarehouse.com www.resco.net www.handango.com www.ppcfreewares.com
Months and months ago I started this, and others have very comprhensive forum topics already.
Please dont restart what has already been done, lots.
Try this from September
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=28343&highlight=apps
This in November
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=32698&highlight=apps
This done by craigiecragie
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=31697
Try this for an antagonist view
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=30206&highlight=compatible+wm5
This should be detailed enough for you
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=30443&highlight=compatible+wm5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thx very much. it is so much help for me.
**DO NOT POST ANYTHING IN THIS THREAD AT ALL, PLEASE READ THREAD, THEN INSTRUCTIONS** PLEASE READ AT LEAST ONCE, THEN DECIDE IF YOU WILL HELP OR NOT.
Do to the success of the "General PPC Question" thread at the top of this page, and the amount of members, from noob to seniors, that are willing to support any cause that will stop unnessicary posts, I have created this.
This is a work in progress, but here is the concept. This thread will list every imaginable question you can think of , that may be asked by a nooby, or any member, and give the best possible answer. There is no other thread like this, and it will need help from all of you genius members.
In here will be the answers to question such as,
*What is a ROM
*What is G.U.I. or Graphical User Interface?
*What is MortScript?
This may seem unnessicary, but it's not. This is the most popular section in this forum, and will not stop being the bombing ground for every question and thread that hits this site. So why not cut the problem off before it even lands as a new thread. So heres what I need from you.
If there is a TOPIC you would like posted, or if you have the exact answe to a question posted here , please PM me. Put the question you would like to see listed, and the exact answer, and label it , "Question".
Afte a couple of days, this thread should be jam packed with questions and answers.
At least give it a try.
INSTRUCTIONS:
*MAKE NO POST WHAT SO EVER ON THIS THREAD, ALL QUESTIONS WILL HAVE THERE OWN SPECIFIC THREAD AND THREAD NUMBER, AND WILL BE LISTED IN AN OVERALL GLOSSARY FOR EASY FINDING.
*PM ME THE QUESTION (ex: What is a ROM? , What is MortScript?) FOLLOWED BY THE EXACT ANSWER. NO GUESS OR YOUR EXPLANATION. TRY TO WORD IT WHERE IT CAN BE UNDESTOOD FROM A NOOBY POINT OF VIEW, AND MAKE SURE IT IS RIGHT. THE SIMPLEST QUESTION YOU CAN THINK OF MAY BE THE HARDEST FOR NEW USER, SO USE YOUR IMAGINATION.
*LABEL THE PM, QUESTION FOR NEW THREAD
*I WILL DO THE REST, AND THIS WILL BE UP AND RUNNING WITHING 48 HOURS AND JAM PACKED WITH HELP FOR EVERYONE.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, Give this a try. No one thought the General PPC Question Thread would help or make a difference either, but look at how it is growing. So at least give it a try. The worst that could happen is you help some noob with an answer, and stop a thread from starting to find out what a rom is!
GLOSSARY
**all Subjects Are Listed By Post Number**
*1)general Ppc Terms & Definitions
*2)
*3)
RESERVED
TweakMan said:
**********************RESERVED*********************************
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
RESERVED**********************8
General Ppc Terms & Definitons
*ROM::: ROM (Read Only Memory) stores critical information which is neccisary to boot the system. It aslo contains predefined programs which cannot be removed. The ROM retains its contents even when the system is turned off , or goes thru a reset.
*RAM::: RAM (Random Access Memory) is the available memory used to run an application or program.
*HARD RESET::: Used to return a PPC/PDA to factory settings. This operation deletes any and all information/applications installed by the user.
*SOFT RESET::: Used to stop all running applications. This feature is most often used to stop programs which are not running properly or when a device is locked up. This feature can also be used to put into effect any changes made to the device.
RESERVED
***********************************************************
sorry to break your post..but all of which you are posting is already In the FAQ here plus alot more
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=FAQ
ather90 said:
sorry to break your post..but all of which you are posting is already In the FAQ here plus alot more
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=FAQ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. I mean, congratulations on your stickied post - it's already helped me and a lot of others but isn't this a little extreme? It seems that you want to condense the entire forum into one thread. People would be searching within your thread rather than within the forum...
This thread is a decent idea and commendably well intentioned, but I tend to agree that the Wiki is the place for this.
However, this begs the question as to whether the Wiki is included in the standard search facility. If it's not, it may explain why some users claim to have searched but failed to find the answer. Equally, if it's not, perhaps it should be, if technically feasible.
The issue seems to be around the simplistic and repetitive nature of some queries. I see three main underling causes:
- People come here looking for help because they have exhausted other avenues, however basic those avenues may be. There is an inevitability to some people approaching this in a clumsy fashion and there isn't much we can do about it other then close the site or accept it. A little gentle education can help too - we all started somewhere and we have all probably made the same mistakes at times!
- Failure to search; this is inexcusable but inevitable and there isn't much we can do about it. No matter how accessible the information is made, if you are lazy, scared, in a hurry...or possibly just stupid, they will not find it
- Efficiency of the search tool. Can't comment overly, but it does sometimes seem like feast or famine in that one either gets too many hits to be useful or too few. Is there anything that can be done to make the search tool more intelligent, search more widely, or more specific about what it has found and where, e.g. 'this' from the Wiki, 'this' from the Forums, etc?
iain.fraser said:
This thread is a decent idea and commendably well intentioned, but I tend to agree that the Wiki is the place for this.
However, this begs the question as to whether the Wiki is included in the standard search facility. If it's not, it may explain why some users claim to have searched but failed to find the answer. Equally, if it's not, perhaps it should be, if technically feasible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The wiki is included if you use google
searching... said:
E.G.1. Prophet Recovery site:xda-developers.com
or
E.G.2. Prophet Recovery site:wiki.xda-developers.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
iain.fraser said:
The issue seems to be around the simplistic and repetitive nature of some queries. I see three main underling causes:
- People come here looking for help because they have exhausted other avenues, however basic those avenues may be. There is an inevitability to some people approaching this in a clumsy fashion and there isn't much we can do about it other then close the site or accept it. A little gentle education can help too - we all started somewhere and we have all probably made the same mistakes at times!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The first few times it is acceptable, but when the question has already been asked and answered, it gets boring for everyone, and just clogs up the forum with avoidable clutter.
- Failure to search; this is inexcusable but inevitable and there isn't much we can do about it. No matter how accessible the information is made, if you are lazy, scared, in a hurry...or possibly just stupid, they will not find it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Somewhere with info (such as the wiki) will at least reduce peoples time wasting...
I think this thread is a little too far, but there are alternative systems (the wiki for example) that will be easier to use...
you know there's also an encyclopedia at the bottom of the forum? Its a bit dated but has the fundamentals
fzzyrn said:
you know there's also an encyclopedia at the bottom of the forum? Its a bit dated but has the fundamentals
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No one notices that, and there is not much new information...
These threads are a great idea, but I think it would be a better idea to make a forum specifically for questions, and nothing BUT questions.
There's a couple things I'm noticing...
First: People post in the wrong places...
Yes I know that some people are just dumb and don't bother reading. But what's the difference between the Herald forum and the Herald Mobile 6 forum? I'm not sure I understand... Although I'm sure there's a sticky note somewhere explaining it all, but I just took a brief look and didn't find it. I think the forum should be redivided into 4 or 5 sections. Ideally it would have: Herald Tutorials, Herald ROM Development, Herald Question and Answers, and Herald Accessories... So that way it's kind of hard to miss where to post the question and answers, and where to find the exciting tutorials.
Second: A lot of these posts are out-dated.
The ROM reviews seems like it would be one of the coolest, but it's falling behind on some of the best and most recent ROMs. The CAB collection(s) hasn't been updated in a while... There's like 8 or 9 cab collections I think... I'm sure there's a better way of doing that and keeping on top of it. Perhaps we just need some more people who are willing to keep up on all of these updates and post them.
Now I understand this would probably be a ton of work to create these forums and then move the threads that are still fine, but I think it would help a lot. I'd be willing to help in the process... I'm not just here to complain and not do anything.
I've been interested in rehauling the Herald forums, but unfortunately, I'm not a mod and they're not taking mod applications at the moment...
The whole thing needs a whole overhaul.
Herald and Herald 6 are redudant. The stickies are innefficient. No one posts where they should. If I were to be a mod, I'd spend a few weeks cleaning the place up. Of course, the ROM review thread and CAB collections would have to be updated by the original owner or by someone who had the time to undergo testing all those ROMs and collecting all those cabs.
wiki?
another idea is to create a wiki. it should based upon mediawiki (used by wikipedia). there you can create create cab collections, tutorials and so on.
it would be possible to create a seperate page for every custom rom.
discussions could already be done here in the forum. in the forum could be special threads for the pages and there could a be a link from the article to the thread.
EDIT: if some is interested in doing that, i would help, of course.
There already is a wiki, look at the top of the screen. It's just that no one uses it. No one writes to it and no one reads it.
i know. don't ask my why, but i don't like this wiki, too.
it is difficult to read because of the design. it is confusing...
rstweb said:
i know. don't ask my why, but i don't like this wiki, too.
it is difficult to read because of the design. it is confusing...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree it's a little... ugly.
But I think that aside from that, out of the few people who DO write on it, most of them don't really format the articles very well.
ivanmmj said:
But I think that aside from that, out of the few people who DO write on it, most of them don't really format the articles very well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, but if the stylesheet is not .. well .. very good, formating the articles doesn't really help.
Yeah, these guys should really be using MediaWiki.
I can write whatever plugins are needed. I'm fairly handy when it comes to writing plugins. I ported DomPDF to MediaWiki as a means of being able to convert any Wiki article into PDF using only PHP.
i've saved a lot of informations i gained form the forum and the wiki in my personal wiki at home (separate wiki only for herald ). when i'm back at home, i will publish these informations in a new wiki and post it here. propably, we can show how comfortable mediawiki and the design is and then propably the admins will use mediawiki
Hi -
I'm new to all of this ... reading FAR more than posting and trying to learn enough to ask intelligent questions.
I've found the existing guides very helpful, but there's one that I haven't found [yet] ... if it already exists, please accept my apology in advance for missing it ... if it doesn't exist, I think it would be a great addition to this forum: a glossary of 'cooking' & related terms and abbreviations.
Thanks again for all of the info,
-dmm
Here are a couple sites to check out:
Xdasite: this has a lot of basic rom cooking info; it's old, but has definitions if you look around.
PPCKitchen: Look up RStoyguy's tutorials; again, they're a little dated, but are very good and explain all of the basics.
Thank you!
I'll start with these ... additional info always welcome ...
-dmm
You could also have a quick read around the xda wiki, specifically in the Acronyms: http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=Acronyms, Glossary: http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=Glossary, and FAQ section: http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=FAQ.
I'm not sure how useful you'll find it, but there is some good info there.
Thanks!
More good material ...
-dmm