****Updated TEEN MISC RULES, GUIDELINES, SUPPORT, and FYI****

[PLANETGETLOW]

Welcome to the bodybuilding.com forums! We have some simple rules for our members, so everyone can have a more useful and enjoyable time here. Please read through these rules carefully before posting. If you have any questions about them, please PM(private message) a moderator.

By being a registered user on the bodybuilding.com forums, you agree to these rules. These rules can change any time, without notice. These rules apply in this section of the forum, as well as all other forum categories.

Repeated warnings of any of violations of any of these rules can result in a ban. Please use the "Report this Post to a Moderator" function if you see anyone violating these rules, or find an offensive post.

Above all, we want you to have a pleasant experience on bodybuilding.com so you can learn how to achieve your fitness goals. If you have a question about any of these rules, please PM or email a moderator.

1)Be respectful of the other members. Racism, bigotry & sexism will not be tolerated. We do allow frank discussion with the other members, and like to have a laugh, but some things are not appropriate. Repeatedly flaming, insulting and attempting to cause fights with other members will not be allowed. Please be respectful to the board, the members and moderators. Trolling (posting disgusting, nonsense, or attention getting threads) with false accounts, with the intention of disrupting this forum, causing harm, or aggravation of the members or the mods is not allowed. This includes long cat, logout links, browser hijacking links, and any other post intended to cause problems for another member. If a troll posts sick/disgusting/porn/etc pictures or threads, please report them. DO NOT reply to these threads or posts, and do NOT quote the post. Also, do not make new threads calling out or discussing the trolls. You are only giving them the attention they want, and making our job to clean up their mess more difficult. If you have a problem with another board member, please PM a moderator about it. This also includes sending rude or harassing PM's.



2) Posting SICK or DISGUSTING pictures/movies/websites will result in AUTOMATIC BAN! Pictures of tubgirl, goatse.cz, etc will result in an IMMEDIATE ban. This includes images of death, gore, sexual pictures, or anything just obscene or gross.



3) Do not register multiple usernames. This is self explanatory. If you are caught using multiple usernames, all of your accounts will be banned. Registering using an IP proxy is frowned upon, as are disposable email accounts. These are viewed as potential activities of a troll and if we see these, you could be banned outright. We can tell the difference between ISP proxies and other proxies, as well as suspicious email address. If you are a legitimate poster, you should have no problem. When temporarily banned, you may not create a second username to post with. A ban is for YOU, not for a username.



4) No adult/explicit nor any illegal material is allowed to be posted. This means no posting, quoting, attaching, linking to, or embedding images and/or videos of any form of nudity, pornography, & sexually explicit/graphic content. Posting passwords to pornographic sites or making threads to PM porn is also not allowed. This includes drill threads and posts. Also, no posting of illegal items such as pirated software or torrents, where to buy fake ID's, where to find heroin locally, etc. This is due to varying legal standards. Basically, no threads on porn or illegal things. Also, no posting other users private information or anyone's phone numbers for the sake of harassing them or pranking them. Do not ask others to PM you porn/nudes.



5) There is no advertising allowed on the forum, and posting links to outside vendors is not allowed. You are welcome to post links to our cyberstore, but we do not allow discussion of other supplement store sites for obvious reasons. Although you are welcome to discuss any manufacturer's products, you may not publicly post links to other places to purchase these products. You also may not make reference to these places by nickname or initials. Basically, if it's not a brick and mortar supplement store, don't link it, make mention of it, or tell others to PM you for it. Advertising commercial sites, referral/affiliate sites are not allowed.

We also do not allow links to online auctions or advertisements (for anything).
If you want to post your referral/affiliate links there are two designated threads for this: The free stuff thread or the make money thread (please be cautious and research any claims made). Other types of links are not allowed. If you're trying to sell something, please use a free service such as craigslist, not the forum. If in doubt, please ask a moderator before posting it.




6) Signatures Just keep your signature around 10-12 lines. See rule 5 for advertising restrictions. You are allowed to post links to your personal home page, blog, fitness log, myspace/bodyspace page, and things of that nature are fine.



7) No posts about RACE. We do not allow posts asking about preferences or functions of various races, ethnicities or creeds. This always end up turning bad and will be closed or deleted



8) Do not post "SPOILERS" unless CLEARLY MARKED! Posts that do not adhere to this policy will be deleted or closed, and the offender(s) will be warned and or banned depending on the circumstances. If you are unsure if something is ok to post, mark it with spoilers or PM a mod first.



9)There is now zero tolerance for abuse of other members pictures. We request that no threads will be started that ask you to edit/modify individuals pictures from Bodyspace, avatars, Myspace, or any other sites, with an intention to harass or make fun of that person. All threads like this will be deleted or closed and the offender(s) will be warned or banned.



10) Do not place "Banned" under your username. This is annoying and we have enough to worry about having to deal without this nonsense. If you place the word "Banned" under your username, expect to become banned.



11) Don't abuse the rep system. No gang-negging is allowed. Please only rep based on post quality. Reps are meant to portray a user's helpfullness or knowledge level, not to be a popularity contest. Please do not be obscene with rep comments either. "Rep trading" threads are not allowed. No "stretch negging"



12) All Moderators decisions are final. Our moderators are all unpaid volunteers who are looking out for the best interests of our members. We want to help each and every member get the best experience possible on our board, but there will always be individuals who choose to break the rules and be banned. THERE IS NO PUBLIC DISCUSSION ON THIS. If you have a problem with a decision a moderator makes, please PM a mod and discuss the issue with them. We can address it there, if possible, but starting threads about it is not allowed. These threads will be closed or deleted, as will O/T posts in other threads about the issue. DO NOT FLAME MODS.



13)Be respectful of women. Please do not refer to women as bitches, whores, hoes, sluts, skanks, etc. These are offensive terms and threads containing these terms (in reference to women) will be edited, closed or deleted. Repeated warnings will result in a ban.



Do not participate in threads that are against the rules.
If you have any questions about these rules, please PM a mod to discuss them



What happens if I break a rule?
In the past, we had no recourse other than banning. However now new features have been introduced. Note that some exceptions will exist for flagrant offenses, as listed in the above rules. However generally these will apply.

Most rule violations will first be enforced by an "infraction." Infractions are basically a warning system. There are "warnings" and "infractions". As of the moment, there are auto-bans set to the points. Basically, these are an automated PM system to mark a rule violation. Please read the entire infraction, as in the middle between the dash lines is the only part mods can customize, which will contain the reason for the infraction. These simply serve as a warning reminder of the rules.

3 infractions = 3 day auto ban

A second method of enforcing violations(or worse violations) is a neg rep. If you are negged by a mod, a reason will be given in the reason box.

A third method is a temporary ban. These range from 1 day to 2 years. Again, a reason will be given. The bans are lifted automatically by the system, and tend to have a delay. Please be patient with unbanning if you experience this.

Finally, you may be perma-banned. This typically is reserved for massive repeat offenders, trolls, or major offenses. This will permanently ban your username.


Generally for most users, first offenses or minor offenses will be dealt with by editing/deletion of post, closing of thread, and/or an infraction.


Thread title tags
There are a few suggested tags to add to your thread titles to help make the forums run smoother. These are words you can add in parenthesis to help others with your thread.

1) (Serious):
If you want to have a serious discussion in a thread that you make, and the topic is of a serious nature, please add (serious) to the end of the topic. Some topics are not meant to be joked about (common sense and decency tell us what these are). If you put (serious) in the thread title, it better be something important. If you post in a (serious) thread, it better be an on-topic, civilized remark.

Example:
My grandmother died (Serious)
My grandmother has hiccups (not worthy of serious tag).

2) (Spoiler):
This is for threads which are talking about or giving results of sports/movies/etc. Basically, to respect those who have not seen the event yet, please do not put anything showing results in the title. Simply mark it with a (spoiler) and a neutral description of the event. Please see rule #8 for further discussion.

example:
Good: The Smith-Jones fight!!! (spoiler)
Bad: Smith KO'ed Jones! (spoiler)

[PLANETGETLOW]

Report Any Rule Breakers
If you notice somebody breaking the rules, it's suggested that you report them. Reports come directly to the moderators that mod that particular section. You can report, PM's, replies, topic, users...etc.

To report a post, look at the icons under the username and click the red flag icon:





Insert a reason why you're reporting the user/issue and click "Send Report"




Please do not create "rep trading" threads. Such threads are easy to spot and are often titled:
"get the green skittles"
"rep the person above you if..."
"I have x to give"
"my goal is 100 reps"
"Get the greens while they last"
"Rep trade for 1000k"
"Repping first 5"
"Repping numbers 5, 7, 11"
"I have green skittles"
Such threads will be closed and/or deleted and the OP may be mod-negged or banned.



Personal Information
Posting ANY personal information (real name, phone number, email addresses, IM accounts, home/work addresses or the like) without permission from that individual will result in an immediate ban. No exceptions. This includes private pictures!

Let this serve as a reminder to everyone. Always keep personal and important information private.



Infraction points are now in effect:
upon your 3rd infraction, the system WILL automatically ban you.
3 TOTAL (active + expired) infractions = 2 day auto ban
6 TOTAL (active + expired) infractions = 5 day auto ban
10 TOTAL (active + expired) infractions = 10 day auto ban


Posting about illegal drugs is another topic that is off limits.
Please refrain from making threads and/or posting about illegal drug illegal usage. This includes talking about smoking pot, using *******, heroin, etc etc. THIS ALSO INCLUDES STEROIDS.



3) (NSFW):
NSFW = "not safe for work." This is used for anything which is allowed under our rules, but isn't appropriate for a work computer. For example, threads with bikini pictures, etc. This is pretty self-explanatory. If you shouldn't open it at work/school for others to see, add this tag.



No forum invasions/raids
Do not start threads or create posts encouraging others to visit other sites.
Examples of posts/threads that are not allowed:
"check out the ******** [link to justintv]"
"check out the [link to stickcam]"

[PLANETGETLOW]

computer help thread

this has some basic programs to help you solve computer problems. If you have anything to add, please email me.

huge list of free software - check this if you're looking for non-security programs


reading material

• basic home computer security from cert
• secure your web browser
  most spyware is installed through backdoors in your web browser
• how to secure your wireless home network and basic wireless security from cnn (slightly outdated)
• home network security
• recover from a trojan or virus attack (pdf)
• overview of spyware and viruses for novices
• onguardonline.gov
  tips about viruses, spyware, spam, worms, phishing and more
• understand & using firewalls
• more helpful tutorials
• windows optimization guide includes many helpful tips, tricks, tweaks, and free software. Also debunks many myths about certain aspects of windows.
• tasklist.org - list of items that you might have running in your startup list or task manager. Find out if they are legitimate or malicious.

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emergency tools

use these tools in an emergency situation where you have a virus or spyware installed and cannot remove it by normal means.

• merjin's tools download hijackthis and other tools you may need to diagnose any problematic programs you have running in the background. See this tutorial on analyzing a hijackthis log.
• ultimate boot cd for windows or ultimate boot cd
  provides a functional boot up cd with many tools and features to correct problems if you can't get on your system. There are slight differences between the two and i'm not sure if they are one in the same or include different tools. I have only used the 2nd one.
• bootdisk.com provides emergency boot disks for almost any occasion

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free anti-virus solutions

all have a paid versions which offer more functionality. Only run one anti-virus software on your computer, more than one can cause a conflict, and do more harm than good. In other words: If you already have av software installed, don't install one of these unless you intend on uninstalling your current av first.

• avg free by grisoft
• avast home edition by alwil
• antivir personal edition classic
• bitdefender 8
• comodo free anti-virus
• aol safety and security center - free software suite from aol that includes mcafee anti-virus, a firewall, spam blocker, pop-up blocker, anti-phishing technology and more.

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software firewalls

all have a paid versions which offer more functionality
only run one software firewall on your computer if needed
this includes the one built into windowsxp, windows server 2003 sp1

• sunbelt kerio personal firewall
• zone alarm by zonelabs
• outpost by agnitum
• comodo free firewall
• sygate personal firewall - free version discontinued and no longer being updated

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free cleaning utilities

automatically cleanup your temp folders, and other added features---please read the instructions before using

• windows cleanup! By steven gould
• ccleaner (crap cleaner)
• system security suite by borland delphi
• internet sweeper by allume systems
• evidence eliminator
• mru blaster mru (most recently used) blaster will remove most tracks and traces of recently visited web pages, and other similar things.

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free online malware scanners (virus, trojans, worms)

ensure you set to autoclean when possible. Safe to run, even if you have anti-virus software installed. Most of these require ie to run.

• castlecops list of online malware scanners
• trend micro's housecall
• panda's active scan
• kaspersky's online scanner
• bitdefender free online virus scan
• symantec's security check
• etrust antivirus web scanner
• trojanscan
• windows live onecare full security scan

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downloadable malware scanner

these do not replace anti-virus software

• avg anti-spyware 7.5 (previously ewido anti-malware)
  fully functional for 30 days. At the end of the test phase, the extensions of the plus version are deactivated and the freeware version can be used unlimited times.
• a-squared free by emsisoft malware scanner, compliments your av
• prevx malware removal free trial - removes most malware

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root-kit removal tools

rootkits are a newer type of software threat that can be installed into windows without your knowledge. They are hard to detect and remove, and it is hard to determine whether or not you may possibly have a rootkit installed. Some rootkits are used legitimately by software vendors, and some are malicious. Learn more about rootkit's on steve gibson's security now, cnet, and wikipedia.

• sophos anti-rootkit
• f-secure blacklight rootkit removal technology
• rootkit.com raide (beta)
• unhackme rootkit killer 30 day trial
• rootkit revealer by microsoft (formally sysinternals)
• avg anti-rootkit free new rootkit removal tool from avg

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software update tools

these software programs and sites check out the software and drivers running on your computer and let you know if there is an updated version you can download.

• filehippo update checker - checks for the latest versions of many popular software programs and some drivers
• radarsync - checks for the latest versions of patches, drivers and updates for your pc (partially freeware)
• pc pitstop - an online service that will scan your pc for viruses, spyware, software updates, security flaws, performance issues, and loads of other stuff.
• driver toolkit - similar to pc pitstop and radarsync, this site will run various tests on your pc and see if you need to updated drivers. It also has premium features that you need to pay for.

fyi

[PLANETGETLOW]

Downloadable Trojan Scanner has a Trial version which is good for 30 days
Mischel Internet Securtiy's TrojanHunter
Make sure to Manually update the Latest Ruleset after installation
A link to "Information on manually updating your rule files" is supplied on the same page

You can also try MooSoft's The Cleaner which is similar and has a 30 day trial. Update it manually after installation.

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Unsure about a single file on your computer, check it with one of these Online File Scanners

• Kapersky's Online File scanner
  Multiple scan one file
• Jotti's Malware Scan
• VirusTotal.com will scan a file with all major virus scanners and return with the results and submit the file to all the anti-virus vendors. You can also send an email to scan@virustotal.com with the subject line "SCAN" to distribute the file to AV vendors or "-SCAN" (no quotes) if you don't want to distribute it. Attach the file to the email in whatever format you received it in, the scanner can parse compressed files of any type.

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Recommended Free Spyware Removal Tools

• Ad-Aware 2007 Free It does have a paid version that offers other functions...
• Spybot Search & Destroy 1.4 Includes many useful tools and functions
• Microsoft Windows Defender (Beta) - Requires WGA authentication Includes Realtime protection
• CWS Shredder Removes the infamous CoolWebSearch bugs
• Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool Removes a limited number of software and requires WGA authentication
• Malware Killer 0.90 Includes Spywareblaster, Adaware, Spybot S&D, NOD32 Anti-Virus Standalone, and removal tools for cleaning IE temp files - good for emergencies
  
  Prevent Spyware from ever being Installed with these tools
  
• SpywareBlaster by JavaCool - HIGHLY Recommended
  *Will block bad ActiveX
  *Block malicious cookies in IE and Firefox
  *Restrict actions of potentially dangerous sites in IE & Firefox
  *Does not have to be left running as a background process. Just update it every couple weeks and close.
  
• SpywareGuard 2.2 by JavaCool (Slightly Outdated) provides a real-time protection solution against spyware that is a great addition to SpywareBlaster
• Script Sentry Prevents potentially malicious files from being executed by prompting you before they run (these include, .VBS, .JS, .SHS, and more)
• IE-Spyad Puts over 5000 sites in your restricted zone so you'll be protected when you visit innocent-looking sites that aren't actually innocent at all. You don't need this if you use Spywareblaster & the Hosts file included with Spybot.
• BlueTack Hosts Manager & Lists highly maintained hosts file to load into Windows to prevent certain sites to be accessed

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Registry Cleaners

Registry Cleaners are useful for removing old and obsolete entries from your system's registry. However, you should be careful with these tools and always make a restore point and backup your registry before cleaning it, as sometimes these tools can remove more than you want them too. CCleaner has a very good built in registry cleaner in it also.

• RegSeeker One of the best and most popular tools. Has an autoclean or manual cleaning function. See this article for a short overview of how to use the program.
• RegCleaner 4.3 This is the last free version of RegCleaner made by the author of jv16 powertools. RegCleaner still works fine on it's own on XP, although I'm not sure about Vista.
• WinASO RegDefrag I have no experience with this program, but it has a good rating by Cnet. It claims to run a defragmentation procedure on your registry.
• PageDefrag This isn't a registry tool per say, it defrags your page file, which can become overloaded and needs to be run every so often.
• Axcel216 Registry Guide An overview of Windows registry tips, tweaks, and cleaning methods. See more documentation below in the Microsoft Support Articles.

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Other/User Recommended

This is software that doesn't fit in the above category, but is helpful or recommended by users on the board. Note: I (pogue) have not personally tested all the software myself, but it has scanned it for viruses, integrity (CRC) and partially checked to determine that it is known to be safe. Follow all instructions before running these files and make sure they are compatible with your system. (End scary disclaimer)

• SpeedFan: If you need a tool that can change your computer's fan speeds, read the temperatures of your motherboard and your hard disk, read voltages and fan speeds and check the status of your hard disk using S.M.A.R.T. or SCSI attributes, then you came to the right place. SpeedFan is the software to go. It is fully configurable and you can create custom events to handle every situation in an automated way. SpeedFan works under Windows 9x, ME, NT, 2000, 2003 and Windows XP. It works with Windows 64 bit too. Freeware (Verified by MajorGeeks, Softpedia - 5/5, Download.com, & Virustotal.com)
• XP Anti-Spy removes most of the unwanted Microsoft spying/tracking/verification tools embedded in Windows XP, so no information will be sent back to Microsoft while you are using your PC.

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Multimedia Software

Many times you will find that you need a certain codec to play a video or audio file. Below are some players and codec packs that make this process very simple.

• VideoLAN VLC Player Will play most all types of media, DVDs, CDs, and any media file types. All codecs are integrated.
• ffdshow codec - Includes codecs required to encode and decode most all popular audio and video formats
• DivX - The DivX Codec has a free and paid version. It will play most media types (including Xvid and DivX encoded movies, which are the most popular encoding forms). It includes a player, the codec, a web player, a file converter and more.
• Final Builds - Includes the K-Lite Codec Pack, which has codecs or almost all known media types, and includes many players for all types of formats. Also has Quicktime and Real Player alternatives which are less bulky than the official players, and many other good software.
• Winamp - Formally just an MP3 player, Winamp will play most audio and video types, and has built in streaming radio stations, including a free broadcast of XM Satellite Radio

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Peer to Peer Software

Peer to Peer (P2P) software allows you to download files such as movies, songs, software and more. (Please use this software legally. Always scan downloaded files for viruses and run a software firewall when using P2P software.)

• Shareaza is a multiple network protocol client. It allows you connect to Gnutella1, Gnutella2, Bittorrent, and edonkey - all the most popular networks. It has a simple interface and is easy to use. Many people are familiar with the Limewire client, as it seems to be the most popular client of the moment. Shareza connects to the same network as Limewire (G1) and many more, giving you more access to files.
• Azureus is a Bittorrent client that is feature rich and works on any system that runs Java. It is a very fast and popular client.
• eMule is a client that connects to the edonkey network, as well as KAD (Kademlia). It is also a very popular client and works very well, although many people claim about the slower speed of the ed2k network than BT, it is still a very valid and efficient program for downloading a wide range off files.
• PeerGuardian is a program that blocks bad and malicious IP ranges to help prevent detection while you are connected to P2P networks. You will want to run either PeerGuardian or Protowall while running any P2P client.

FYI Part 2 of Computer Help

[PLANETGETLOW]

Microsoft Support Articles

How to start the System Restore tool at a command prompt in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/304449/en-us

How to restore the operating system to a previous state in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306084/en-us

A description of the Safe Mode Boot options in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315222/en-us

Windows XP Solutions Center Backup, Restore, Recovery
http://support.microsoft.com/winxp?sid=182

Description of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 System File Checker (Sfc.exe)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310747/en-us

Error Messages
http://support.microsoft.com/winxp?sid=216

Protect your PC
http://support.microsoft.com/winxp?sid=1512

Service Packs and Updates
http://support.microsoft.com/winxp?sid=92

Description of the Disk Cleanup Tool in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310312/en-us

How to perform disk error checking in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315265/en-us

How To Analyze and Defragment a Disk in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/305781/en-us

Damaged Registry Repair and Recovery in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/318159

How to recover from a corrupted registry that prevents Windows XP from starting
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545/EN-US/

How to start your computer by using the Last Known Good Configuration feature in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307852/en-us/

IE Download
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/...s/default.mspx

DirectX Download
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/directx/default.aspx

Malicious Software Removal Tool
http://www.microsoft.com/security/ma...e/default.mspx

WindowsUpdate
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/

AutoPatcher - Download a single file that contains all patches/security updates for your Windows PC without having to connect to Microsoft
http://www.autopatcher.com/

OfficeUpdate
http://office.microsoft.com/

Security Essentials for Windows
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/secu...p/Default.mspx

Linux Support

http://tldp.org/

http://linuxplanet.com/linuxplanet/tutorials

http://www.linux-tutorial.info/

http://www.linuxhelp.net/

http://www.linuxquestions.org/

Special thanks to Goofxta for providing the links to the linux help sites

Mac Support

http://www.apple.com/support/manuals/

http://www.atomiclearning.com/macosxpanther

http://www.ftbraden.leon.k12.fl.us/m...resources.html

http://guides.macrumors.com/Mac_Beginner's_Guide

We are lacking in Linux and Mac support guides. If you know of any, please email them to my email address in my signature or at the top of the first post. Thanks! -pogue

Part 3 - Continued PC Help

[PLANETGETLOW]

Seeing as though this site has countless members that register everyday looking for advice, I thought it would be a good idea to make a thread about the best ways to benefit from using this forum. There is an abundance of good and unfortunately bad information on here. This thread was created to make your stay more pleasant.

Ten Tips to Better Forum Usage

1) Search Function - This is probably your most important tool when doing research. Since this site has so many members just like yourself. It only makes sense that they have asked the same question that you?re going to ask. Learn to use it properly and you?ll become a bodybuilding guru.

The Search Function

How to use the Search Function

2) Sticky's - At the top of each forum are sticky's. These are threads that have been approved by a moderator or administrator as extremely important. Sticky?s generally contain valuable information regarding the forum?s rules or info on the subject of the forum.

3) Watch Out for Misinformation - While there is a multitude of good members on the boards, there is also a bunch of newbies posting misinformation. If you don?t agree with something, simply ask the member who posted to explain what they?re posting and/or back it up with scientific evidence. As a rule of thumb, you can generally trust that what the moderators and veterans are posting is correct information.

4) Report the Post Function - In the bottom left of each post there is a button entitled "Report this post to a moderator". In the event you see a thread with racial remarks, spam advertising messages, harassment, etc. you should report the thread. That way, a moderator can take the correct course of action with the thread.

5) Private Messaging - If you have a question or comment for one particular member, use the Private Messaging system the board has. It works sort of like E-Mail except it?s only with members of the board. If you have problems with a member or moderator, it is always best to use this function.

6) Oh so many posts! -Since there are so many posts every day in this forum it?s quite common for you not to be able to find a thread you posted in. All you have to do when you first come back to the forum to find your posts is simple. Go to the search function and type in your username where it says search by username. It will run the search for you, and all the threads with yellow arrows pointing down next to them are the threads that have been posted in since your last visit.

7) But I want to become a moderator! -There's tons of members on this board that would love to become moderators. The moderators and administrator choose who will become a moderator. Your best bet is not to spam the board about becoming one. Instead, post lots of good information, follow the rules, contribute to the board in a positive manner, and they'll notice.

8) Informative Thread Titles - As common courtesy to members. Include some information about the subject of the thread when posting one. If you do not, the thread will probably get closed. Examples of inappropriate titled include "Help" or "Question".

9) Posting Multiple Threads on the Same Topic - If you ask a question in one section, please do not post it in another, or at least wait a couple days to. In the event your question doesn't get answered at first, simply reply to your own thread with "bump" and it will go back to the top. If it still doesn't get answered after a couple of days, then try a new section.

10) Common Forum Abbreviations and Sayings

Bump - This has two purposes. Primarily, it is used to bump a thread back up to the top of the page so more people can view it. Secondly, it is used as a form of agreement if you agree with what was said.

Troll - Someone who comes to the site to cause trouble and is banned by moderators. They are known to come back and back.

Flame - Harassment of another member. This is not tolerated by the moderators.

TTT - "To the top". This is basically the same thing as "bump".

LOL - Laughing out loud.

ROTF - Rolling on the floor

LMAO - Laughing my ass off

PM - Private Messaging

***You may also post smilies and enhance your font with things such as bold, italics, underline, colors, etc. Here are the links for this...

vB Code

Smilies

General Forum Usage

[PLANETGETLOW]

FULL CREDIT FOR THIS GOES TO METALLICAL2. To see the full thread with responses and other suggestions, please visit the following link...

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=826304
__________________________________________________ ________

Ok, I am going to teach you all how to post an image. I've seen several threads with people asking ,"How do i post an image that you don't have to click?" I'm here to answer that question.

Note: If you need to edit an image before you upload it, IrfanView is a freeware graphics viewer and editor. You can perform simple tasks such as changing the image format, cropping the image, resizing, and etc. If you need to do more advanced editing, GimpShop is another freeware tool that is very similar to Photoshop. (added by pogue)

=============================================
Method #1
=============================================

**Can be used to post an image already hosted on the internet.

First, locate the image you wish to put in your post. Right click and choose 'copy image location'



Next you will need to put your copied link in between two IMG tags.
Skip to the bottom of my post to see how to do the IMG tags

==============================================
Method #2
==============================================

**Can be used to post your own work, or to re-host a file you either cannot obtain a link to or fear the host will go down.

First, locate the image you wish to post. Right click the image and choose 'Save image as'. Save the image to your desktop.



Next, Open your browser and navigate to www.imageshack.us. Click the 'Browse' button to search for your image. Select your file and click 'open'



Next, hit the 'host it' button. Be sure your file is not too large, the maximum file size is 1.5 MB.



Your file will upload and you will be taken to a page with several links. Copy the one at the very bottom, next to 'Direct link to image'



==============================================
Method #3 (added by pogue)
==============================================

ImageShack provides several tools to automate these processes. There is a Firefox Extension called ImageShack right-click that allows you to simply right click on an image you want to upload it. It will then open a new tab with the links to the uploaded picture.

Secondly, there is also a Windows tool called ImageShack Quickload that installs using Windows Installer & requires .NET Framework. It allows you to upload an image by right clicking on it anywhere on your Windows screen, such as on your desktop or through Explorer.

There is also a similar tool for Macintosh users called the ImageShack Dashboard Widget

Finally, there is an ImageShack Toolbar for both IE and Firefox that has the same functions as the above utilities.

===============================================
Insert the image in your post. (IMG tags)
===============================================

Now we are ready to insert the image into your post. Paste the link to the image in between two IMG tags. See image below.



Now when you post the image will appear directly on the page.

-Metallical2

You can find other sites to hosts images on the Open Directory.

General Forum Usage - Posting Images

[PLANETGETLOW]

FULL CREDIT FOR THIS GOES TO RustyNail31. To see the full thread with responses and other suggestions, please visit the following link...

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=3721461
__________________________________________________ ________

Cliffs at the bottom**********

Okay so this is going to show all the people how to embed a video from youtube onto the forum so you dont have to click a link.

Step one go onto youtube, any video (first be known that not all video's can be embed but most can)



Now highlight where it sais (in the above picture) by right clicking the address and clicking copy.

Now once you have that link come to the bodybuilding forum, in any section that the video is appropriate.

Now take that link that you copied and pasted.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=mrTUhkN7RFA

Now get rid of everything that it had in the name except for the last part.

So all the numbers and letters in the name AFTER the = sign. For those of you that will have problems with this everything on the right side of the Eguals sign must stay and the rest will go making it look something like this.

mrTUhkN7RFA this address if only for this specific video

Now this is only half of the battle to get the video embed onto the Forum.

In Order to get that link to go from the link circled in green(below) to the embed picture in black (below). You have two use two crucial symbols.



Those two symbols that you have to use are

[youtube]mrTUhkN7RFA[/youtube]

Now when you combine

mrTUhkN7RFA

With

[youtube] [ /youtube]

You should get



Which looks like [youtube]mrTUhkN7RFA[ /youtube]- but without that space.

If it is done wrong it will most likely look like this (see below)

It most likely means that you left the equals sign in with it and if that's the case just remove it and post it again and it should work. (But once again remember that not all video's work to embed but most of them do.)

Warning-numbers are only highlighted for your benefit and should not be highlighted in order to embed

Cliff notes for those who want them

*First go onto youtube
*Find a video that you want-highlight the address by right clicking and copying it
*Then erase all of the address on the right side of the = including the equals
* then take what you have mrTUhkN7RFA
* take [youtube] [ /youtube]
Combine both mrTUhkN7RFA and [youtube] [ /youtube] combine them both together and you got yourself a embed video.

Should be ready to go on the forum
_________________________________________________









How to tell if your video is a repost
credit to Mady4Real

click on Statistics & Data

General Forum Usage - Posting Videos

[PLANETGETLOW]

What about Free Speech?
When trolls find that their efforts are being successfully resisted, they often complain that their right to free speech is being infringed. Let us examine that claim.

While most people on the Internet are ardent defenders of free speech, it is not an absolute right; there are practical limitations. For example, you may not scream out "Fire!" in a crowded theatre, and you may not make jokes about bombs while waiting to board an airplane. We accept these limitations because we recognize that they serve a greater good.

Another useful example is the control of the radio frequency spectrum. You might wish to set up a powerful radio station to broadcast your ideas, but you cannot do so without applying for a license. Again, this is a practical limitation: if everybody broadcasted without restriction, the repercussions would be annoying at best and life-threatening at worst.

The radio example is helpful for another reason: with countless people having a legitimate need to use radio communications, it is important to ensure that nobody is 'monopolizing the channel'. There are only so many clear channels available in each frequency band and these must be shared.

When a troll attacks a message board, he generally posts a lot of messages. Even if his messages are not particularly inflammatory, they can be so numerous that they drown out the regular conversations (this is known as 'flooding'). Needless to say, no one person's opinions can be allowed to monopolize a channel.

The ultimate response to the 'free speech' argument is this: while we may have the right to say more or less whatever we want, we do not have the right to say it wherever we want. You may feel strongly about the fact that your neighbour has not mowed his lawn for two months, but you do not have the right to berate him in his own living room. Similarly, if a webmaster tells a troll that he is not welcome, the troll has no "right" to remain. This is particularly true on the numerous free communications services offered on the net. (On pay systems, the troll might be justified in asking for a refund.)

Why Do They Do It?
Affirmation.

Regular net users know how delightful it is when somebody responds to something they have written. It is a meeting of the minds, which is an intellectual thrill, but it is also an acknowledgement of one's value ??? and that can be a very satisfying emotional reward.

Trolls crave attention, and they care not whether it is positive or negative. They see the Internet as a mirror into which they can gaze in narcissistic rapture.

If you want a deeper analysis than that, perhaps a psychologist can shed some additional light on the matter.

Conclusion
Next time you are on a message board and you see a post by somebody who you think is a troll, and you feel you must reply, simply write a follow-up message entitled "Troll Alert" and type only this:

The only way to deal with trolls is to limit your reaction to reminding others not to respond to trolls.

By posting such a message, you let the troll know that you know what he is, and that you are not going to get dragged into his twisted little hobby.

The Internet is a splendidly haphazard collection of both serious and silly material. Because it is so free, there are bound to be problems. I think that we can best enjoy it if we deal with everything that happens online with a wry grin and a ready shrug.

General Forum Usage - What Is A Troll

[PLANETGETLOW]

From now on send all username / password / delete accont / etc requests to the following emails with a valid reason:

support@bodybuilding.com
or
service@bodybuilding.com

(Replace "at" with @)

Thanks!

User Name Changes

[TheDukeUSMC]

Posting ANYONE'S person's private information without a person's permission is a crime also.

Do not cyberstalk anyone.

Do not make threats of death.

Do not use the PM system to pass around such info either

You will be perma-banned.

Cyberstalking. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyberstalking


The current US Federal Anti-Cyber-Stalking law is found at 47 USC sec. 223
http://www.cybertelecom.org/cda/47usc223.htm

State by State Computer Harassment or "Cyberstalking" Laws
http://www.ncsl.org/programs/lis/cip/stalk99.htm


U.K Stalking laws
http://www.harassment-law.co.uk/stalk.htm

[PLANETGETLOW]

Avi and Photo Rules

http://blog.bodybuilding.com/BodySpa...category/help/

[PLANETGETLOW]

18) There is absolutely no discussion about Anabolic Steroids (AAS), PHs, or any type of Illegal Drugs in this forum These posts will be deleted on the spot, and you will be banned. Drugs are not safe for teens to use. There will also be no discussion of underage drinking. It has no place in this section.

19) Do not start a thread about How much can you bench??, How Big Are Your Biceps??, etc. These posts will be closed as soon as a mod sees them.

20) Do not start threads about Richard Sandrak or Andrew Taylor. Both have been discussed plenty on here. The threads usually go nowhere.

21) Do not ask for evaluation on you if you don't post pictures of yourself.

22) When someone posts pictures of themselves, be constructive with your responses. No saying you're ugly dude, you look like you got beaten with an ugly stick?, or your physique sucks. Instead of your physique sucks?, say it looks like you should start a bulking cycle so you can gain some mass.?

23) Please give good advice. We are dealing with our bodies and our health here. If you don't know the answer or cannot give an educated answer to what someone posted, please let someone who does know respond.

24) Keep thread titles specific. If you post a thread with a title such as Help?, I have a question?, or Confused, your post will be closed. It is courteous to other members to give them an idea of what they are opening when they click on a thread.

25) Before asking questions, please run a search. This is one of the largest bodybuilding forums on the internet. We have thousands of members, who just like you, have questions to ask. There is nothing wrong with asking a question. However, the same question you have, has probably been answered already. So please run a search. If your thread could easily be answered by running a search, it will be closed.

26) Raids. Anyone initiating one will be permabanned. All other participants will at least receive a temp ban. This is at the direction of the board administration.


By being a registered user on the bodybuilding.com forums, you agree to these rules. These rules can change any time, without notice. These rules apply in this section of the forum, as well as all other forum categories.

Repeated warnings of any of violations of any of these rules can result in a ban. Please use the "Report this Post to a Moderator" function if you see anyone violating these rules, or find an offensive post.

Above all, we want you to have a pleasant experience on bodybuilding.com so you can learn how to achieve your fitness goals. If you have a question about any of these rules, please PM a moderator.

Updated to reflect PH non-discussion rules

[PLANETGETLOW]

We have been dealing with this stuff for long enough. Mods will now be banning those that ask for PMs, Prime Minister, or any other "send me nudes" posts. We've tried infracting, negging, and other things and it's not worked. C'mon, guise. Please don't make us be ass-holes.

Updated on 7.22.2010

[LUKEDEICHER]

Regarding instigating raids since it has become an issue with select teens raiding other sections of the site on occasion.......

If a raid occurs in another forum of the site it is a violation of bb.com's ToS policy and we have the right to contact members ISP's abuse department and recommend their account be closed.

Raids never go over well or are effective on the site, actually a waste of time. Would be a shame for someone to possibly loose their home internet usage from a select internet provider someone else may be paying for.