Editing Help:Getting Started

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! style="font-size:200%; padding:20px; background-color:#4B9CD3; color:white;" | '''Welcome to RetroTechCollection Wiki!'''
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| style="font-size:120%; padding:15px;" | ''Your journey into preserving vintage technology history starts here''
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'''New to wikis?''' Don't worry! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to start contributing to our vintage technology knowledge base. Take it step by step, and you'll be editing like a pro in no time.
</div>

== 🚀 Quick Start Checklist ==

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; background-color:#f9f9f9;"
! style="width:30px;" | ✓
! Task
! Why It's Important
|-
| ☐ || [[#Creating Your Account|Create an account]] || Lets you edit pages and build your reputation
|-
| ☐ || [[#Setting Up Your User Page|Set up your user page]] || Introduce yourself to the community
|-
| ☐ || [[#Understanding Our Mission|Read our mission]] || Understand what content belongs here
|-
| ☐ || [[#Core Policies Overview|Learn core policies]] || Know the basic rules before editing
|-
| ☐ || [[#Making Your First Edit|Make your first edit]] || Start with something small and simple
|-
| ☐ || [[#Getting Help|Join the community]] || Connect with other vintage tech enthusiasts
|}

== 📝 Creating Your Account ==

=== Why Create an Account? ===

While you can browse the wiki without an account, registered users can:
* Edit and create articles
* Upload images and documents
* Participate in discussions
* Create a user page
* Build a contribution history
* Access additional tools
* Receive notifications about topics you follow

=== How to Register ===

# Click '''[[Special:CreateAccount|Create account]]''' in the top right corner
# Choose a username that:
#* Is easy to remember
#* Doesn't impersonate anyone
#* Follows our [[RetroTechCollection:Username policy|username policy]]
#* Will represent you well in the community
# Enter a valid email address (required for:)
#* Password recovery
#* Important notifications
#* Confirming your account
# Create a strong password
# Complete the CAPTCHA to prove you're human
# Read and accept the [[RetroTechCollection:Terms of Use|Terms of Use]] and [[RetroTechCollection:Privacy policy|Privacy Policy]]
# Click "Create your account"
# Check your email and click the confirmation link

<div style="background-color:#fff3cd; border-left:5px solid #ffb700; padding:15px; margin:20px 0;">
'''⚠️ Age Requirement:''' You must be at least 13 years old to create an account on RetroTechCollection Wiki.
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== 👤 Setting Up Your User Page ==

Your user page is your home on the wiki. It's where you can introduce yourself and share your interests in vintage technology.

=== Creating Your User Page ===

# Once logged in, click on your username (top right)
# Click "Create" to start your user page
# Add some basic information:

<pre>
{{User infobox
|image = 
|name = YourUsername
|joined = {{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTYEAR}}
|interests = [[Apple II]], [[Commodore 64]], [[Vintage Gaming]]
|expertise = Hardware repair, ROM dumping
|location = United Kingdom
}}

== About Me ==
Hello! I'm passionate about preserving vintage technology...

== My Collection ==
* [[Apple IIe]] with DuoDisk
* [[ZX Spectrum]] 48K
* [[Atari 2600]] with 50+ cartridges

== Current Projects ==
* Restoring a [[Commodore PET]] 2001
* Documenting [[TRS-80]] software

== Contact ==
* Feel free to leave a message on my [[User talk:YourUsername|talk page]]
</pre>

=== User Page Best Practices ===
* Keep it relevant to vintage technology
* Don't share too much personal information
* Update it as your interests evolve
* Link to articles you've significantly contributed to
* Be welcoming and approachable

== 🎯 Understanding Our Mission ==

=== What We Document ===

RetroTechCollection Wiki focuses on:

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
! Category !! Examples !! Time Period
|-
| '''Computers''' || Personal computers, mainframes, minicomputers || Pre-2000 primarily
|-
| '''Gaming Systems''' || Consoles, handhelds, arcade machines || 1970s-1990s
|-
| '''Software''' || Operating systems, applications, games || Historical versions
|-
| '''Peripherals''' || Monitors, printers, storage devices || Vintage models
|-
| '''Companies''' || Manufacturers, developers, key figures || Historical focus
|-
| '''Culture''' || Magazines, user groups, BBS systems || Computing history
|}

=== What Makes a Good Article ===

* '''Factual''': Based on verifiable information
* '''Neutral''': Presenting all viewpoints fairly
* '''Comprehensive''': Covering all important aspects
* '''Well-sourced''': Citations for claims
* '''Illustrated''': Images where possible
* '''Organized''': Clear structure and sections

== 📚 Core Policies Overview ==

Before editing, understand these five pillars:

=== 1. 📊 Neutral Point of View (NPOV) ===
* Present facts, not opinions
* Include all significant viewpoints
* Don't advocate or advertise
* Let readers form their own opinions

'''Example:'''
* ❌ "The Amiga was the best computer of the 1980s"
* ✅ "The Amiga was noted for its advanced graphics and sound capabilities"

=== 2. ✅ Verifiability ===
* Information must be verifiable from reliable sources
* Add citations for factual claims
* Use reputable sources (books, magazines, manuals)
* No original research or personal theories

'''How to cite:'''
<nowiki>The Apple II sold over 6 million units.<ref>{{cite book |title=Apple Confidential 2.0 |author=Linzmayer, Owen |year=2004 |page=45}}</ref></nowiki>

=== 3. 🚫 Moderated Original Research ===
* When you publish your own discoveries, these edits will be verified.
* Don't synthesize information to reach new conclusions
* Stick to what sources explicitly state
* Personal experiences belong on talk pages, not articles

=== 4. 📝 Free Content ===
* All contributions are released under Creative Commons
* Only upload images you own or that are freely licensed
* Respect copyright at all times
* Fair use is limited and must be justified

=== 5. 🤝 Civility ===
* Treat everyone with respect
* Assume good faith in others' actions
* Discuss content, not contributors
* Resolve disputes calmly

== ✏️ Making Your First Edit ==

=== Finding Something to Edit ===

Start small with these beginner-friendly tasks:

# '''Fix typos and grammar'''
#* Browse articles about systems you know
#* Look for obvious spelling errors
#* Improve awkward phrasing

# '''Add missing information'''
#* Technical specifications
#* Release dates
#* Model variations
#* Compatible peripherals

# '''Improve formatting'''
#* Add section headers
#* Create lists where appropriate
#* Fix broken links

# '''Add citations'''
#* Find sources for uncited claims
#* Use books, manuals, or magazines you own

=== How to Edit ===

# Navigate to any article
# Click the "Edit" tab at the top
# Make your changes in the text editor
# Preview your changes (always do this!)
# Write an edit summary explaining what you did
# Click "Save changes"

=== Basic Wiki Markup ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
! What you want !! What you type !! What you get
|-
| Bold text || <nowiki>'''bold text'''</nowiki> || '''bold text'''
|-
| Italic text || <nowiki>''italic text''</nowiki> || ''italic text''
|-
| Internal link || <nowiki>[[Commodore 64]]</nowiki> || [[Commodore 64]]
|-
| External link || <nowiki>[https://example.com Example]</nowiki> || [https://example.com Example]
|-
| Section header || <nowiki>== Header ==</nowiki> || (Creates a section)
|-
| Bullet list || <nowiki>* Item one</nowiki><br /><nowiki>* Item two</nowiki> || • Item one<br />• Item two
|-
| Numbered list || <nowiki># First</nowiki><br /><nowiki># Second</nowiki> || 1. First<br />2. Second
|}

=== Your First Edit Checklist ===

Before saving:
* ✓ Is my information accurate?
* ✓ Is it written neutrally?
* ✓ Did I preview my changes?
* ✓ Did I write a clear edit summary?
* ✓ Am I improving the article?

== 🖼️ Working with Images ==

=== Uploading Images ===

# Use '''[[Special:Upload|Special:Upload]]'''
# Ensure you have rights to the image:
#* Photos you took yourself
#* Images with free licenses
#* Public domain material
#* Fair use (with justification)
# Choose a descriptive filename
# Fill out the information template:

<pre>
{{Information
|description = Front view of Apple IIe computer
|source = Own work
|date = 2024-01-15
|author = [[User:YourUsername]]
|permission = 
|other_versions = 
}}
</pre>

=== Image Best Practices ===

* '''Quality''': High resolution but reasonable file size
* '''Relevance''': Directly related to article content
* '''Captions''': Always add descriptive captions
* '''Galleries''': Use for multiple related images
* '''Fair use''': Only when necessary, with full rationale

== 📖 Creating New Articles ==

=== Before You Start ===

Ask yourself:
# Is this topic notable enough?
# Can I find reliable sources?
# Does an article already exist?
# Is it within our scope?

=== Notability Guidelines ===

A topic is notable if it has:
* Significant coverage in reliable sources
* Historical importance to computing
* Lasting impact on technology
* Multiple independent sources discussing it

=== Creating Your Article ===

# Search first to ensure it doesn't exist
# Click the red link or use the search box
# Start with this basic structure:

<pre>
{{Infobox computer
|name = Computer Name
|image = 
|manufacturer = [[Company Name]]
|type = Personal computer
|release date = 1985
|discontinued = 1990
|processor = CPU details
|memory = RAM amount
|storage = Storage type
}}

The '''Computer Name''' was a personal computer manufactured by [[Company Name]] from 1985 to 1990.

== History ==
Development began in...

== Technical specifications ==
* '''Processor:''' 
* '''Memory:''' 
* '''Storage:''' 
* '''Display:''' 

== Software ==
The system ran...

== Reception ==
Contemporary reviews...

== Legacy ==
The Computer Name influenced...

== See also ==
* [[Related Computer]]
* [[Competing System]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* [http://example.com Official documentation]

[[Category:Personal computers]]
[[Category:1985 in computing]]
</pre>

== 🤝 Getting Help ==

=== Where to Ask Questions ===

* '''[[Help:Contents|Help pages]]''' - Comprehensive documentation
* '''[[RetroTechCollection:Village Pump|Village Pump]]''' - General discussion
* '''[[RetroTechCollection:Help desk|Help desk]]''' - New user questions
* '''User talk pages''' - Message experienced editors
* '''[[Special:RecentChanges|Recent changes]]''' - See what others are doing

=== Finding Mentors ===

Look for:
* Editors with "Mentor" userboxes
* Active administrators
* Editors working on similar topics
* Members of relevant WikiProjects

=== Common New User Mistakes ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
! Mistake !! Why It's Wrong !! Better Approach
|-
| Adding opinions || Violates NPOV || Stick to facts with sources
|-
| Copying from websites || Copyright violation || Write in your own words
|-
| Creating autobiographies || Conflict of interest || Focus on notable topics
|-
| Edit warring || Disrupts the wiki || Discuss on talk pages
|-
| Promotional content || Not encyclopedic || Write neutrally
|}

== 🛠️ Useful Tools and Features ==

=== Editor Tools ===

* '''Watchlist''' - Monitor articles you care about
* '''Contributions''' - Track your edit history
* '''Preferences''' - Customize your experience
* '''Sandbox''' - [[Special:MyPage/sandbox|Practice editing safely]]

=== Advanced Features ===

As you gain experience:
* Learn templates for consistency
* Use categories to organize articles
* Create redirects for alternate names
* Participate in deletion discussions
* Join WikiProjects in your interest areas

== 🎓 Next Steps ==

=== Beginner Goals ===

# '''Week 1''': Make 5 small edits
# '''Week 2''': Add your first citation
# '''Week 3''': Significantly expand a section
# '''Month 1''': Create your first article

=== Intermediate Goals ===

* Adopt an article to improve
* Join a WikiProject
* Participate in community discussions
* Help other new users
* Work toward autoconfirmed status

=== Advanced Goals ===

* Become a subject matter expert
* Create featured content
* Mentor new users
* Consider administrator nomination
* Develop wiki tools or templates

== 📋 Quick Reference ==

=== Essential Pages ===

* [[Special:RecentChanges|Recent changes]] - What's happening now
* [[Special:Random|Random article]] - Discover new topics
* [[Special:WantedPages|Wanted pages]] - Articles that need creating
* [[Special:ShortPages|Short pages]] - Articles needing expansion
* [https://forum.retrotechcollection.com RetroTechCollection Community] - Get involved

=== Keyboard Shortcuts ===

* '''Alt+Shift+E''' - Edit page
* '''Alt+Shift+V''' - View history
* '''Alt+Shift+T''' - Talk page
* '''Alt+Shift+M''' - Move page
* '''Alt+Shift+W''' - Watch page

== 🎉 Welcome to the Community! ==

Remember:
* '''Be bold''' in editing, but not reckless
* '''Everyone was new once''' - don't be afraid to ask
* '''Mistakes are okay''' - they can be fixed
* '''Have fun''' - this is a hobby for most of us
* '''Quality over quantity''' - better to do one thing well

<div style="background-color:#e8f4ff; border:2px solid #4B9CD3; border-radius:10px; padding:20px; margin:20px 0; text-align:center;">
<span style="font-size:150%;">'''Ready to make your first edit?'''</span><br />
<span style="font-size:120%;">Start with [[Special:Random|a random article]] or [[Special:WantedPages|wanted pages]] and look for something to improve or create! You can use the [[RTC:Article_wizard|RTC Article Wizard]] to help you create your first page!</span>
</div>

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'''Still have questions?''' Visit the [http://Forum.retrotechcollection.com RTC Forum], the RTC Discord Server, or leave a message on the [[Help talk:Getting Started|talk page]].

[[Category:RetroTechCollection]]
[[Category:Help]]
[[Category:Getting started]]