BleepingComputer.com: Need to revamp the home page.....

I really enjoy this forum and have used your help to cure several friends computers. I have been active now on this website for around 2 months and I remember how confusing it was for me the first time I tried to get some help here. As someone who gets up every morning and checks the new post to gleam some knowledge from the "pro's" here, I am constantly reminded by the "newbee's" that this website could be a lot more user friendly. I apologize if this affends anybody, but most people I know "stumble" on this website after searching for information regarding problems with their computer. It would be nice to see the homepage updated to better direct people to the proper forums to post their topics. Also, visitors should have a source to better understand some of the software that is used on this website and that they shouldn't just download and run Combofix because it was prescribed for someone else's problem. Don't get me wrong. I love this website and think it is the best place to go to solve problems with computers. I just think it needs a little better organization to help direct people to the proper forums and help. Just my thoughts.

(Moderator edit and note: thread moved to more appropriate forum. jgw)

Golfdude.

I don't think anyone should be offended by your very pertinent points. I have been coming to this site daily for years and it is only my experience that enables me to go straight to what I am looking for.

I agree that a comprehensive index page would be a big help for everyone. What does the team think?

Cheers, Rob

I think it should be left as it is.
Every website I've seen "updated" or "improved" got worse & harder to use.

I joined BleepingComputer after quiting another forum that was "improved" to a total mess.

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I understand what you are staying fairjoeblue, but if done correctly it would be beneficial to the people who stumble across BC when trying to resolve computer problems. HJT and AII are the two busiest forums and in a lot of situations a little more instruction on what people should do before posting could make the solutions a little more efficient.

Just an example- your are having problems with your computer and you do a search and stumble upon Bleeping Computer. After going to the BC website "for the first time" you are redirected to create an username and password. After doing this you are given a drop down list regarding what your problem is (ie: virus-malware, OS, ect). If you have a virus problem you are directed to say, AII, with instructions to download MBAM, update it, run a quick scan, then post the log. In many cases this would save the staff the time of constantly posting this information for new members. Not to mention, the HJT team is backlogged around two weeks and people get impatient and start double posting. If the situation is such, then the topic can be moved from AII to HJT. The response time would be better and you would see less double posting and better service to the new members.

Also, if the new members were better directed in what to do and what not to do (Combofix), the staff would not have to constantly backtrack and explain this to the new members. I agree, Keep It Simple and no one likes things to change when they are familiar with the current setup. However, as someone who recently stumbled upon BC and made several missteps trying to post in the correct forum and do the right things- this could help.

Just try to keep an open mind. It could actually get better

In addition to helping Members and performing the mundane tasks necessary to keep BC's forums running, the Staff continually looks for ways to improve BC. Comments and suggestions from Members often result in staff discussions, in rethinking, and eventual changes though perhaps in a slightly different manner than the original.
Thank you for your thoughtful suggestions.
Regards,
John
Global Moderator

I honestly think that the Family attitude of BC is enough, when people get lost, someone is usually there to lend a gentle hand to get them to the right place.

Maybe, If I could be so Bold? More Staff to assist those from non American Time Zones could make it work smoother? Often people have to wait Hours because a Staff Member is not available.

Just my two Cents worth.

golfdude, on Apr 29 2009, 08:06 PM, said:

golfdude, on Apr 30 2009, 11:20 AM, said:

All first responders give explicit directions, as to how to download, install, run, and post a log, for any programs they recommend.
Most use "canned" speeches, so a reply is just a case of, copy/paste.
The AII forum was set up as a triage forum, to try and alleviate some of the backlog in the HJT forum.
As the name suggests, Am I Infected?, it's the forum to post to, if you think you are infected.
If you are found to be infected, and the problem can't be handled there, you are referred to the HJT forum, with a link to the proper procedure to follow, before posting.
If you're found to not have any type of infections, but instead, a software/hardware problem, you are redirected to post to the proper forum, or the topic is just moved there.

golfdude, on Apr 29 2009, 08:06 PM, said:

golfdude, on Apr 30 2009, 11:20 AM, said:

All of this information can be found in the various "pinned topics", posted at the top of their appropriate forums.
Unfortunately, most people are in such a hurry to get help, that they don't take the time to review these posts.
It's human nature, "I need help, and I need it now! I don't have time to read all of theses topics, that don't pertain to me.", even though they do pertain to you.
I don't think re-posting them, at multiple locations will help alleviate this problem, and will only serve to clutter up the board, with more topics that people won't take the time to read.

A few examples:
How do I get help? Who is helping me?
Before You Post About A Problem
Am I Infected? What Do I Do?
Preparation Guide For Use Before Using Hijackthis and other Malware Removal Tools
Slow Computer/browser? Check Here First; It May Not Be Malware

Also, posted at the top of every page in the AII forum:

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We also have an entire forum, with instructions on how to use the board, and it's various functions:
New User Orientation

golfdude, on Apr 29 2009, 08:06 PM, said:

golfdude, on Apr 30 2009, 11:20 AM, said:

Each forum has a description, describing what is discussed in the forum.
I think this is another case of being in a hurry, and not taking the time to read all descriptions, before picking a forum, and posting.
If someone posts to the wrong forum by mistake, a Moderator, or higher, will move it to the correct forum.

Abacus 7, on May 1 2009, 10:56 AM, said:

There are many members here who can assist anyone at anytime. Some are staff members, but the majority are not.
Many of the non-staff members are very knowledgable, they give solid advice and solutions.