** Forum Charter -- Read Before Posting ** (Updated: 04/01/2012)

Welcome to the Computers and Technology forum. Please take a moment to read and understand the rules.

Please also familiarize yourself with the Boards.ie Terms of Use and Frequently Asked Questions!

What should I post here?
The Computers and Technology forum covers a broad range of categories. Please note that questions regarding non computer topics such as Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android etc. will likely be moved. If your question is solely based on operating system software or phones/tablets etc. please check out:
* Apple Media Devices
* Android
* Anti Virus software/Advice
* Linux/Unix
* Mac
* Mobiles & PDAs
* Windows

Some issues which would be appropriate to discuss in this forum include, but not limited to:
* Computer Freezing Issues
* Converting VHS/Tape to CD/DVD etc.
* Driver locating
* Hard disk Issues
* Hardware problems, e.g: diagnosing video card, memory, printer, webcam etc. problems
* OS Installation difficulties
* Ripping your own personal Music CDs, DVDs, BluRay media etc. Please do not ask how to copy a DVD you just rented from Xtravision!

Piracy Discussion (Warez)
Discussion of where and how to engage in piracy is not permitted on this forum, that includes, but is not limited to asking how to "Torrent", "Crack/Keygen/serial" etc. Users will be warned if they post illegal content and expect their thread will be edited/removed by a moderator. Please report such threads to a moderator (see below).
Users may discuss the impact of piracy, morality etc. It goes without saying user's should not link to sites associated with piracy, i.e: Warez Forums or Torrent sites.
Users should further not discuss WEP/WPA encryption (Wifi) cracking or how to steal WiFi from a premise or home. Do discuss problems related to your own setup.
Further more asking to crack passwords/encryption on devices is not permitted, unless the user owns the device and is not doing so out of maliciousness.

Discussion on VPNs/Proxies, bypassing region locking such as GeoIP blocking
Discussion of VPN products to specifically bypass region restrictions is not permitted in this forum. The reason for this is that such discussion could be considered copyright infringement or piracy.
Likewise discussion of streaming pirated materials, such as movies, tv shows, etc. is not permitted.
Users who post such threads may be warned and the topic will likely be edited/deleted by a Mod.

Bypassing Corporate/School etc. firewalls discussion
If your company or school employ a system to block certain sites, please do not ask for advice in bypassing these measures. It's likely the sites are blocked for a good reason. If you feel a site is blocked that shouldn't be, this is a point to raise with your IT manager, not here.

Asking for Help and Helping Others
Anyone is welcome to help out other users or ask questions on this forum. Please ensure that if you are asking for help that you include details to go alongside the problem. For example if your computer cannot boot into Windows or whatever the issue please include:
- Make and model of the machine if applicable (be it a netbook, computer, printer or laptop etc.)
- A brief overview of the specs, this should include CPU, amount of RAM (Memory) and hard disk space free as well as video card details and sound card details. Any additional addin card (E.g: Wifi etc.) should also be mentioned
- Any recent upgrades/new hardware such as printers, scanners, Hard Drives, webcams etc installed
- Any new software that has been installed you can remember, e.g: Flash Player, Java updates as well as Office suites, drivers, games etc.

Personal Abuse, Spamming or Trolling
Please note that personally abusing another member is not tolerated on this forum. Users who do so would expect a warning or possibly ban. Be courteous, voice your opinion, but in an unoffensive way.
Please do not use this forum to promote your own business/services. Please drop a mail to hello@boards.ie if you are interested in advertising on Boards.
Trolling is also not permitted on this forum, this means winding other posters up or posting idiotic responses.

If you decide to help out others please ensure the advice you are giving is relevant and usful. For example a person having trouble with their computers sound output should not be told they should re install Windows, unless as a last resort. Likewise a person should not be advised they need to purchase new hardware, e.g: replacing memory or Power Supply unless the problem is diagnosed narrowed down via different utilities or actions.

Not answering the question asked
If people are having issues with their current machine please do not post "Get Windows", "Get Google Chrome", "Get a Mac" etc. type responses. These are neither helpful to the user or a solution.

Should I start a new Thread or post in an older one?
If you have an issue please refrain from posting it in a previously made thread, unless it had been posted recently and you are having the same problems. People will likely ignore your post if you do this, and answer the thread starters question.
Please do not bump threads older than ~12 months to ask a question. This will likely have the Thread closed.

Windows vs Mac vs Unix/Linux etc.
Please don't start threads asking for whatever system is better. You may by all means post a query regarding a certain machine looking for advice, but please don't start versus threads. Obviously people will be biased so these type of threads are meaningless.

Finally users should use common sense to avoid receiving warnings/bans. Please note that a Moderator may move, delete or close threads if they breach the rules. Moderators may also edit posts/thread titles if needed.
If you discover a post you believe to be in breach of the rules please use the Report Button on the thread. That way a Mod or Admin is notified and can take action, if necessary.

If people have any queries regarding the charter, please Private Message (PM) a moderator on the forum.