Most forums require you to register, and to log-in. Choose a nick-name if you don't want to use your real name, choose a password (something you'll remember!), fill in as much of information as is required, add as many extra details as you feel comfortable with, and get ready to be enlightened.

You may prefer to "lurk" (a techie term meaning to read messages rather than to post them) until you've become familiar with board. When you do post, you need to choose right section of board, and to include only one topic in each post. If you have three questions, you make three posts.

What is a mailing list? It's a discussion group that converses by e-mail. Mailing lists cover a wide variety of topics, at all levels. Many lists have a moderator, who will check posts for suitability before go out to list members.

How do I find and join a list? Many lists are operated through Topica, Yahoo and SmartGroups list services. They all have searchable directories. You can join a list at list web page, or by e-mail. To join at web site, you'll need to take out free membership of service provider. If you join by sending an email, you don't have to worry about this step. You can find them here: http://www.topica.com http://www.groups.yahoo.com http://www.smartgroups.com

How do I know if list will interest me? If list you're interested in has public archives, you can take a look before joining. If not, you'll have to join first. If it doesn't interest you, you can unsubscribe, either at site or by e-mail.

How does discussion work? Lists have three options - individual, digest, or web-only. If you choose individual, you'll get an e-mail for every post that is made. Digest will send you one email a day with all posts for that day. Web-only doesn't send any mail - you'll have to log onto web site to read. This option is handy if you're going to be away from your PC, and don't want email piling up. You can switch between options whenever you want to.

How do I post? Send an email to posting address - this isn't same address that you use to subscribe and unsubscribe. Check rules for what you can have in your posts. Some lists don't allow HTML code, ads in your signature, or off-topic posts. I hope I don't need to say that they don't allow bad language, abuse of other members, or sp*m!