System Spec's Compulsory

[Dia01]

Would it be possible to make all new members to compulsory fill out there system spec's prior to validation? It would be less time consuming for help diagnosis. Just my thoughts.:)

[dark2099]

Actually I think that isn't a bad idea, having a guide on good and bad examples with links to find out exactly what parts are being used so.

[amd64skater]

Would it be possible to make all new members to compulsory fill out there system spec's prior to validation? It would be less time consuming for help diagnosis. Just my thoughts.:)

that is a good idea

[Kursah]

While it is a good idea in theory, I think it'd be a bad deal in practice and execution. Some users may need help and come here to seek such help, and may not have the knowlege to fill out the specs to what we'd consider "helpful". While this may lead some of you to think that, if that's the case...they don't need to be here or something along those lines...in the end this place is about helping...and while in help seeking threads by new users I have explained and asked a million times about filling out the System Specs, I don't know if requiring it before the user's account can be activated is the correct way to go about it.

Considering System Specs is more of a feature than a necessity, I just don't forsee making it a requirement for having a membership here.

Maybe a few links in the e-mail for verifacation to explain what System Specs is and recommending it get filled out or system specs be added to the Signiature would be a good idea, along with links to some of TPU's guides for assisting users in diagnosing, overclocking, software and such. That way they already have their hands on material to help them become more knowleged before they ask a question that may have been asked 1000 times over, I think that would be a better method, though the impact of it may not be huge, I would not necessarily want to see TPU's future members be discouraged from joining if they don't understand how to fill it out (diversity...some people may just not understand, we're here to help them...but can't if they can't post correct?).

I say verifacation E-mail, or maybe an Introduction to TPU page when they click the account activation link that has instructions on how to fill out system specs with demos (images) and same for Signiature, along with some important links to articles, rules, guides, etc. There's a million different ways this could be done, in the end, it's up to the staff, but I still think it's a good topic to be covered, I just dont' agree with the OP's solution for it, I mean no offense by it, and hope you take none by it. There could be a lot of great ideas that stem from this thread that could eventually lead to a more dynamic introduction method for newly activated users to gain a little bit more knowlege about what they have before they ask us how to fix it.

:toast:

[Dia01]

While it is a good idea in theory, I think it'd be a bad deal in practice and execution. Some users may need help and come here to seek such help, and may not have the knowlege to fill out the specs to what we'd consider "helpful". While this may lead some of you to think that, if that's the case...they don't need to be here or something along those lines...in the end this place is about helping...and while in help seeking threads by new users I have explained and asked a million times about filling out the System Specs, I don't know if requiring it before the user's account can be activated is the correct way to go about it.

Considering System Specs is more of a feature than a necessity, I just don't forsee making it a requirement for having a membership here.

Maybe a few links in the e-mail for verifacation to explain what System Specs is and recommending it get filled out or system specs be added to the Signiature would be a good idea, along with links to some of TPU's guides for assisting users in diagnosing, overclocking, software and such. That way they already have their hands on material to help them become more knowleged before they ask a question that may have been asked 1000 times over, I think that would be a better method, though the impact of it may not be huge, I would not necessarily want to see TPU's future members be discouraged from joining if they don't understand how to fill it out (diversity...some people may just not understand, we're here to help them...but can't if they can't post correct?).

I say verifacation E-mail, or maybe an Introduction to TPU page when they click the account activation link that has instructions on how to fill out system specs with demos (images) and same for Signiature, along with some important links to articles, rules, guides, etc. There's a million different ways this could be done, in the end, it's up to the staff, but I still think it's a good topic to be covered, I just dont' agree with the OP's solution for it, I mean no offense by it, and hope you take none by it. There could be a lot of great ideas that stem from this thread that could eventually lead to a more dynamic introduction method for newly activated users to gain a little bit more knowlege about what they have before they ask us how to fix it.

:toast:

Yep, understand what you're saying, though TPU could put a help guide in to fill out the system specs. I just think it would be quicker than in every 4th post asking someone to fill out their spec's, inadvertably providing help sooner to the people who need it.

BTW very well written post, no offence taken from you suggestions.

[Kursah]

Yep, understand what you're saying, though TPU could put a help guide in to fill out the system specs. I just think it would be quicker than in every 4th post asking someone to fill out their spec's, inadvertably providing help sooner to the people who need it.

And I do agree with ya, and if we had a guide that showed users how to find it, fill it out with information that is helpful, and just teaching them how to find and display that info early on. There are a lot of users that come on here and don't understand what they have or how to find out how...so totally a TPU guide should be seriously considered. I do agree it'd be more efficient (read the first page of my guide, link in sig), users that at least know what they're running and how to find out more about that hardware is a plus, that's kind of the speedbump that is repeated though..I agree that there could be a system integrated to help more users out of the chute, there will still be some that get through and still don't know what's going on or how to do more than post. I like where this thread is going though, I do hope to see something good come from it! Thanks for starting it Dia01, I know it's been something that many users will agree on, and hopefully share their ideas on!

:toast:

[Dia01]

I would hate to see new members be discouraged though from joining. Maybe not make it compulsory but the guide is definately a way forward.

[Dia01]

Hey, maybe a small program that will extract all the relevant information required for the system spec's can be introduced?

[Kursah]

Well we could start one, like I said, I pretty much dedicated my Overclocking Is Easy! guide at the beginning to new users, on how to understand what they have, how to ask for help, where to go for more information. But it has grown beyond that from all the extra content and donations. So a guide tuned to this topic should be in order...you should totally start one, I wouldn't mind helping out some, I'm very busy lately, but I could donate bits and pieces I'm sure!

Start out with a few screenshots of varying System Spec images, image-by-image clicking to get to System Specs and such may be helpful for the more visual users out there, and of course just cut out what's not needed, and blur what they don't need to see.

Then deciding on what other links to put in there, maybe a link to one of the guides out there that has popular software/stress/temp info attaining help, basic diagnosis and such. The only issue I see is keeping it short, to the point and easy/quick to read through....otherwise new users will skip it and ignore the premise of it's being in the first place. This should be something that users won't mind taking a couple of extra minutes to read before they start posting, I'm not good at short and to the point (look at my posts in this thread alone lol!), yet informative enough to ensure they understand the usfulness of some of the features on this forum, like System Specs, Search, PM, etc.

:toast:

EDIT: The only issue I see what a program to extract info, is the wide variety of systems from OEM to Custom builds of all shapes, sizes, ages, they require a lot of maintenance and trial-and-error...just look at W1Z's GPU-Z, he's gone through almost two dozen revisions just for proper GPU ID-ing, and there are still quite a few graphics cards it can't identify or indentify correctly. But tools like GPU-Z, CPU-Z, Everest Home, SiSandra, Window's System Device Manager, etc can all help in the end, showing users what's out there, give them an idea of how to use it (and not copying full DX9 Diag Logs as a post) can teach them how to find out what they're running.

[amd64skater]

well i have an oem system to replace the one i lost i wish their was a program do let us know what we have like me

[Dia01]

Well I'm afraid I'm definately not intelligent enough to design a program, but who know's quite a few people here might be. thinking about it, a guide would be difficult due to so many different operating systems out there. Any suggestions then?

[Kursah]

I'm sure Everest or SiSandra can ID at least some of the stuff you have, but an OEM system can also easily be ID'd by Googling the brand + part/model number most of the time. These methods have never let me down when Id-ing a Compaq, IBM, E-Machines, etc. I know a lot of OE Best Buy style rigs have a sticker telling most users the basics of what's inside.

Windows Device Manager won't lie either (well completely, and if correct drivers are installed). That's what we need users to understand, there isn't an end-all ID program that works for everything, a couple do a decent job, but that's just too big of a task for a simple, free program. So a little research and common sense can generally help knowlege the user of their components, if not, sometimes an actual look at the hardware may help...but I've even seen instances where none of the above works, and the mystery is only solved when another user pipes up remembering having such a PC and trying to remember what it had. But generally if it's built within the last few years, the odds of successfully ID-ing an OE built rig is pretty good. (me in guide/help mode lol!)

:toast:

[Dia01]

I'm sure Everest or SiSandra can ID at least some of the stuff you have, but an OEM system can also easily be ID'd by Googling the brand + part/model number most of the time. These methods have never let me down when Id-ing a Compaq, IBM, E-Machines, etc. I know a lot of OE Best Buy style rigs have a sticker telling most users the basics of what's inside.

Windows Device Manager won't lie either (well completely, and if correct drivers are installed). That's what we need users to understand, there isn't an end-all ID program that works for everything, a couple do a decent job, but that's just too big of a task for a simple, free program. So a little research and common sense can generally help knowlege the user of their components, if not, sometimes an actual look at the hardware may help...but I've even seen instances where none of the above works, and the mystery is only solved when another user pipes up remembering having such a PC and trying to remember what it had. But generally if it's built within the last few years, the odds of successfully ID-ing an OE built rig is pretty good. (me in guide/help mode lol!)

:toast:

Device manager can give you some of the details but detailed items such as motherboard brands etc are not stated. That is important as some brands such as let's say a Asus 780i board do have generic problems, so on and so forth. Before becoming a new member suggest a few programs such as SiSoft Sandra etc. I will do some research to see what I can come up with though, maybe easier than I think.

[Haytch]

Im not sure i follow . . . Is this all regarding GTA4 ?
Did they state they are to release it on PC soon ? Do they require average user computer specifications ?

[Dia01]

Im not sure i follow . . . Is this all regarding GTA4 ?
Did they state they are to release it on PC soon ? Do they require average user computer specifications ?


No, sorry mate, this is for this site TPU and whether making it compulsory for new members to fill out their system spec's is viable.

[Triprift]

I cant see how ya could man yeah i agree its helpful but theres veteran members who dont have it either.

[Polaris573]

Many people that would like to register may or may not know most of the detailed specifications of their hardware. It could be extraordinarily difficult for them to fill it out. There is a good chance that if they're not familiar enough their hardware to fill out the list then they probably don't know about everest, CPU-Z, etc. Let's not forget that Techpowerup is a place where people of all skill levels come to learn. I think this would be an unnecessary hurtle for beginners.

[Dia01]

Many people that would like to register may or may not know most of the detailed specifications of their hardware. It could be extraordinarily difficult for them to fill it out. There is a good chance that if they're not familiar enough their hardware to fill out the list then they probably don't know about everest, CPU-Z, etc. Let's not forget that Techpowerup is a place where people of all skill levels come to learn. I think this would be an unnecessary hurtle for beginners.

Fair enough, that's quite the opposite of what I would being aiming for.

[strick94u]

I can't tell you how many times I tried to help someone after reading their problem then their specs only to re read the problem and find out its there brothers mothers sisters computer their working on. so no real advantage madatory form fill.

[HP_dudeman]

use the dxdiag txt thing to get the specs :)

kinda like bf2tracker does... :)

[DanTheBanjoman]

No, if you have a 30 feet long list of questions to answer before signing up somewhere you're most likely skipping. If we demand everything we'll lose users.

[HP_dudeman]

never gave that any thoughts...

[PVTCaboose1337]

I like this idea and I give a +1. Or you check a box that says, "I am unsure." for each component.

[lemonadesoda]

Many people that would like to register may or may not know most of the detailed specifications of their hardware. It could be extraordinarily difficult for them to fill it out. There is a good chance that if they're not familiar enough their hardware to fill out the list then they probably don't know about everest, CPU-Z, etc. Let's not forget that Techpowerup is a place where people of all skill levels come to learn. I think this would be an unnecessary hurtle for beginners.
Agreed. But is there anyway to use such a device to reduce the number of spam bots and their " do you know a DVD converter software... " etc.

Perhaps a requirement to complete AT LEAST ONE of the profile list...

[PVTCaboose1337]

We rarely (ok sometimes) have spam bots, maybe 1 a week at most, and I gotta say that would not cut them down. Most of the bots sadly have no life and are actually PEOPLE (or at least the ones I have seen here who spam)

[Kursah]

Many people that would like to register may or may not know most of the detailed specifications of their hardware. It could be extraordinarily difficult for them to fill it out. There is a good chance that if they're not familiar enough their hardware to fill out the list then they probably don't know about everest, CPU-Z, etc. Let's not forget that Techpowerup is a place where people of all skill levels come to learn. I think this would be an unnecessary hurtle for beginners.

Yep I mentioned along the same lines in my previous posts also, but if there was either links in the e-mail giving them the option to gain more knowlege and help quicker before needing to post, it might intrigue them to check out a small guide on how to fill out the System Specs area, how to find out more about their hardware inside their PC...a list of the free programs popularly used can be pretty easily run by many.

I do agree that this is a place where people of all skill levels visit and join, again leading to an even larger challenge, and that's why I don't believe something like this should be mandatory but a help article or small series that covers some things they can do to improve their quest for attaining the proper help and diagnosis tips will be read by many imo. Again, some will skip all that, and we're still here to help them...that's what TPU is about, that's what I'm about on TPU.

Making an article or small series that are just intro-help topics would be interesting though and could be created with teamwork from users on this forum, something with easy to see/read screenshots and easy to understand, short and simple instructions is still very possible...just not by this guy, I'm incapable of cutting off all of the fat in my comments/articles/writings...just how my style works (see my guide for even more long winded reading! lol!). I would like to see something constructive that we could link to new users seeking help to read through and learn from, and possibly improve their knowlege of not only this forum's workings/features, but even links to other articles/guides on TPU, the web and such that those willing to read can. Those that want a quick answer generally need to research more anyways (when inexperienced that is) since they wouldn't be able to comprehend the answers they recieve, so a small structured area that is giving them an easy access area of opportunity.

We all may have different visions of how this could be done, or if it should even be done. I think it should be an option for new users, maybe merely suggested in the Activation E-mail and maybe at the Activation Screen with links, instead of being a "You Must Read this, You must Do this before you can join"...that will deter users from joining and we don't want that. Hopefully more users can voice their opinions on this topic, it is nice to see the staff involved with their opinions, hopefully more will voice their opinoins.

:toast:

[imperialreign]

I can't say I'm 100% for that idea of making specs mandatory - like Kursah pointed out, there are a lot of users who just aren't sure.

Those users who do join, genuinely looking for help, though, are more than willing to fill out their specs or post them after we've prodded them for it.


If we're loking for ideas to detere SPAM bots and the like - I've seen other sites require a VIP password or similar during registration, and a link to where the VIP password can be found within an article or FAQ. Then there's always the lovely, irritating pics with the letters and numbers . . . TBH, I haven't really seen much of an issue at all on TPU with spambots - I can only recall one spam post, and that lasted on the board for about 5min.

Overall, I'd say the system works pretty well as it is now - obviously, people still feel welcome enough to join, and many stick around for quite some time.

[Namslas90]

I have seven running computers in this house....what specs do you want??

:toast:

[imperialreign]

I have seven running computers in this house....what specs do you want??

:toast:

7?! :twitch:

damn, dude! If you sold off 6 of them, you'd have one lean, mean, beast of a machine! :toast:

[Triprift]

Menchin all of em in ur sigs nams lol

[Mussels]

i havent read all of this thread, but i have a few points here.

Forced filling out of system specs upon signing up will prevent spam bots.

people who 'dont know' their specs wouldnt be very useful anyway - its no more info than we'd ask for in the second post! If it asks what the system name/model number is and they fill that out, at least they'll think about it. If they know (and tell us) its a pentium and its a laptop - hey, thats a start. ALL the fields need not be compulsory.

Just make some fields compulsory:
System name/Model number
CPU
Memory
Video Card

Those are the most common info we will need, EVERYONE can GUESS what those are or at least make something up - bots wont.

[Mussels]

I have seven running computers in this house....what specs do you want??

:toast:

double post, but this ones offtopic so its a rulebreaker anyway - i too have seven rigs. i sold a few off recently to make room for a bigger screen and speakers :P they got in the way.

I have talked to w1zzles about this in the past, but the forum system here is not capable of handling multiple PC' entries - and w1zz doesnt have the time to code it himself to fix it, or enough reason to pay someone else to do it for him.

[Dia01]

Just a brief help guide of how to obtain some of the necassary sytem info when new members are in the process of creating a profile would surely help. They can take it or leave it but I'm sure if explained to them the majority would decide to fill out the spec's to obtain maximum help faster and easier. Making it compulsory may have the reverse effect thinking about it now.

[Mussels]

Just a brief help guide of how to obtain some of the necassary sytem info when new members are in the process of creating a profile would surely help. They can take it or leave it but I'm sure if explained to them the majority would decide to fill out the spec's to obtain maximum help faster and easier. Making it compulsory may have the reverse effect thinking about it now.

a link to CPU-Z and GPU-Z would easily allow the fields i mentioned above to get filled out - even motherboard.

[PVTCaboose1337]

a link to CPU-Z and GPU-Z would easily allow the fields i mentioned above to get filled out - even motherboard.

Thats a really good idea. That would make it very easy. And a tad tough for W1z I imagine.

[Triprift]

How bout we just leave things the way they are if it aint broken then dont fix it i say.

[spud107]

linking or suggesting programs to use to get system information is a good idea,
maybe a help button/link in the system specs cp.

[Dia01]

How bout we just leave things the way they are if it aint broken then dont fix it i say.

Only suggesting improvements, it may help or may not. If only a few gain help what's the problem?

[Triprift]

No problem man i just dont see the need but thats me.

[Mussels]

the main thing is that

A: lots of bots DO get on here. people report them and they go away before others see them.
B: lots of people ask for help WITHOUT READING THE RULES - its a waste of time and makes it impossible to fix their problem, if we dont know what hardware they have.

A page saying we need 'THESE' specs before you can sign up: with links and a guide to CPU and GPU-Z would make it very, VERY easy.