[Newbie Guide] For the benefit of new members

================================================== =======
This message is for the benefit of new subscribers and those new to PHP.
Those who do not want to be bothered just filter out the [Newbie Guide]
mails. Please feel free to add more points and send to the list.
================================================== ========
1. If you have any queries/problems about PHP try http://www.php.net/manual/en
first. You can download a copy and use it offline also.

You can also try http://www.php.net/manual/faq.php to get answers to
frequently answered questions about PHP (added by Christophe Chisogne).

2. Try http://www.google.com next. Try searching for "php YOUR QUERY" and you
may be lucky to get an answer within the first 10 results.

3. Glancing through the list archive at
http://marc.theaimsgroup.com/?l=php-general , you can find many of the
common topics discussed repeatedly and can get your answer from those
discussions.

4. If you are stuck with a script and do not understand what is wrong, instead
of posting the whole script, try doing some research yourself. One useful
trick is to print the variable/sql query using print or echo command and
check whether you get what you expected.

After diagnosing the problem, send the details of your efforts (following
steps 1, 2 & 3) and ask for help.

5. Provide a clear descriptive subject line. Avoid general subjects like
"Help!!", "A Question" etc. Especially avoid blank subjects.

6. When you want to start a new topic, open a new mail and enter the mailing
list address php-general@lists.php.net instead of replying to an existing
thread and replacing the subject and body with your message.

7. PHP is a server side scripting language. Whatever processing PHP does takes
place BEFORE the output reaches the client. Therefore, it is not possible to
access the users' computer related information (OS, screen size etc) using
PHP. You need to go for JavaScript and ask the question in a JavaScript
list.

8. It's always a good idea to post back to the list once you've solved
your problem. People usually add [SOLVED] to the subject line of their
email when posting solutions. By posting your solution you're helping
the next person with the same question. [contribued by Chris W Parker]

9. Ask smart questions http://catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
[contributed by Jay Blanchard)

10. One of the repeatedly discussed question in the list is "Best PHP editor".
Everyone has his/her favourite editor. You can get all the opinions by going
through the list archives. If you want a list try this link :
http://phpeditors.linuxbackup.co.uk/ (contributed by Christophe Chisogne).

Hope you have a good time programming with PHP.

Best regards,



--
Integrated Management Tools for leather industry
----------------------------------
http://www.leatherlink.net

Ma Siva Kumar,
BSG LeatherLink (P) Ltd,
No 21, First Main Road,
Jai Nagar, Arumbakkam,
Chennai - 600106
Tel : +91 44 55191757