The web is a treasure trove of useful information created by people just like you. And contrary to popular opinion, not all of that information is on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, and the other big social networking sites. In fact, those large, general-purpose sites are fairly useless when it comes to finding answers to questions you might have on specialized topics, such as computers, digital photography, audio visual equipment, notebooks, and web-based bargains, to name just a few. That’s where the thriving world of web forums comes in.
While not as easy to find as the Twitters of the web world, user-to-user forums provide an invaluable medium through which like-minded individuals the world over can share their enthusiasm and expertise about topics that interest them. Virtually all forums today are free, easy to use, and chock full of people who can expand your knowledge and your horizons. All you need to do is show up and start participating.
Computers
What’s wrong with your computer? What’s the best processor to buy? Are glossy screens better than matte? Who makes a better notebook — Dell or Toshiba?
Search Google for answers to such questions, and you’ll likely come up with a very long list of links that may or may not help. Visit one of the major tech forums to ask the question yourself, and you’ll probably get dozens of targeted answers quickly.
But which tech forums stand out? Tech Support Guy (http://forums.techguy.org) has over half a million members and over 7 million posts — or topics — that have been covered. The regular volunteers here offer advice on everything from common software applications to do-it-yourself computer system builds.
Other tech forums worthy of consideration include Computer Hope (http://www.computerhope.com/forum), Tech Support Forum (http://www.techsupportforum.com), and, for more technical advice on individual components, Computer Forum (http://www.computerforum.com).
Notebook owners will definitely want to…