Hi everyone,

I was just thinking about this last night and then it came to me. When in forums besides the OS ones, (I am talking about when in forums like Internal Hardware etc.) sometimes users who are posting a new topic forget to put which OS they are using. If we had which OS we use underneath our Member number in the left side of the posts (Where it has the Avatars and Post count etc. This problem can be solved.

Regards,
David.

Or if they would put it in their sig, as this tutorial suggests:
How To Add A Useful Signature To Your Posts

Or, if they would fill in the information, in their Profile, ................

I think it should be an essential when users are filling in their sign up form they have to specify what operating system they're using. Because a vast majority of people here do not fill out their profiles

Well if it said which OS we have underneath our member numebr and avatar etc. It will save us asking them or going to their profile for it.

I am fairly sure that it is possible to do this because I hjave seen it on other forums. Atribune for example.

Regards,
David.

I've seen it at Geeks To Go

Yes I think it will be a great idea, but it is up to the Admin.

Regards,
David.

Very true

IMO - Systems information belongs in the profile which is why that section is there;
Not in the signature or in side board information.

What is done at other forums is up to them.

Yes of course.

Regards,
David.

It's in the profile and used to display. We do not display it anymore as it stretches the posts too much and causes way too much blank space.

surely when starting any thread, it is 'common courtesy' to state ON that thread the OS, antivirus and other protection so that helpers know which OS IS under discussion and what protection programs have already been used or maybe involved?
I notice many requests for help on here omit that vital information; however, maybe some members do not consider knowing such basic information to BE that vital and helpful before they start to offer help(in which case I wonder why?)

on another forum I frequent, it is one of the first questions ANY member asks if that detail is not given

as each OS differs in it behaviour, compatibility etc, how CAN you start to give helpful guidance ON a problem until you know which OS IS involved and other basic programs? you could easily suggest a tool that is actually incompatible WITH other tools on board and even the OS itself, thus creating yet more problems

Perhaps they're new, to the use of forums.
We've got to remember, not everyone has years of experience in how to use forums, and what information is necessary, to properly help them.
That's what we're here for, to help guide them.
As they become more familiar with the way a forum works, and what information they should supply, these mistakes will become less frequent, so not only do they get the information on how to solve their problems, they also learn how to properly ask for that information.

Bleeping Computer is geared to the novice user, so mistakes on their part, are to be expected.
If we need more information than what they supplied, we ask for it.

Patience, is the key.

That is completely right. It is mainly new members that don't put which OS etc.

Regards,
David.

I've known some members that didn't know what their OS was or how to find out. One of the things we do here is to help the novice learn how to find that information if they don't know.

There are some forums where OS information is not needed such as Forum Games, Chat, and the Speak Easy.

Some members have more than one computer and each has a different OS, and some members have different OS's installed on the same machine. Imagine the confusion if, for example, the display said the member was using Windows XP but was discussing a computer with Linux.

Orange Blossom

Taken from the about us.

I think this topic has beeen completely covered now, and is closed.