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Forum HelpThe Start Page
In the non-frames version of the forums, the Start Page is integrated with the groups listing. In the frames version, the Start Page is a stand-alone page. In either case, the Start Page is the default page when entering the forums. To get back to this page, just click "Start Page" from the sub menu of any page.
The groups listing
Groups can be opened by clicking on either the group name or the arrow next to the group. You can only have one group open at a time, so opening one group closes any other group that might be open. The group header displays the number of new messages posted within it. When the group is open, the number of threads is also displayed.
When a group is open, its threads are listed within it. Next to each thread is the number of new messages posted within that thread, along with the date the thread was originally posted. If the number of replies is displayed in red, there are new messages posted within that thread since your last visit. If the date itself is read, the entire thread is new. Click on the thread or its icon to view that thread.
If your browser supports cookies, you'll have access to the subscriptions group. This group is where you can store threads that you want to keep tabs on. You can view up to 25 subscriptions at one time. To remove a thread from the list, click on the icon to the right of the thread. Note that the subscriptions group can be quickly opened by clicking "Subscriptions" from the top menu bar.
The timespan console controls the time period in which to display threads. The forum automatically backs up to the latest timespan containing messages. However, you can manually change the timespan by using the left and right arrows. Clicking the outermost left or right arrows take you as far back or forward as you can go, and the innermost arrows move you back or forward incrementally.
At the top of the groups listing is the refresh and cycle new messages icons. Clicking on the refresh icon simply refreshes the groups listing and shows any new messages posted since you last requested a group listing. The cycle new messages icon, however, lets you manually update your last login date, which instructs the forum to show only the messages posted since your previous login. Note that you do not need to use this feature when starting a new forum session. Use this feature if you leave the forum open for an extended period of time and want to update the new message listings.