Computers and Software Forum?

[iceman]

Hey..

Do you think there's enough interest (and interesting thread starters ;)) to create a "Computers and Software" forum? Which could specialise in computers, computer gear, computer software, that sort of thing?

There's a few members who have backgrounds in building computers, or writing software, or using software, and it might be a place to get advice or information..

Just a thought..

Opinions?

[Starkler]

Perhaps an astronomy geared forum for astro software and astro gadgets , dsc's, scope controllers, star chart software and the like.

Isnt there already a gazillion general computer forums out there?

[[1ponders]]

A software forum sound like a great idea. I'll certainly lead the astrophotography newbie charge as a posting pest :). The problem like many noobs I'm not sure what questions to ask first.

Just a thought, maybe those who are already in the know, so to speak, could do a review or two on some of the more popular programs

Maybe we can get Gary's (gbeal) son (you listening Gary:) ) to do a bit of a write up on using wavelet filters to produce the stunning results he achieves.

Well thats my two bobs worth for the moment :)

[iceman]

That's what the "Tips & Techniques" forum was supposed to be for.. but it's not really being used much..

so I just don't know if it's too specific, or too general, or just not enough astrophotographers posting yet.. I dunno.

Geoff there are a million other computer forums, but not all amateur astronomers are computer experts, and if they can get the advice they need here then they won't need to go and visit any other forum! :)

[gaa_ian]

I'm all for that one !
I find the software side of things invaluable.
Especilly for planning a viewing night, printing charts etc etc :atom:
I would be happy to post a few thoughs on such a forum :confuse3:

[Striker]

Sounds good to me.......I know I will use it..... thats 4 so far.

[ving]

I think you could go overboard creating new forums ice IMHO. the less specialised a forum is the more traffic it'll get.

if tips and techniques doesnt get traffic try renaming it. :)

[wavelandscott]

I am with ving on the idea of staying more general with the topics...I think it encourages "wider" dessimination of information on more topics...In this instance I find myself reading about phtography when I wouldn't otherwise...

My 2 cents worth

[Starkler]

Tips & Techniques is tucked away under astrophotography, so I don't often visit there.
Star chart and observing list software etc is relevant to all stargazers and not just those with the photography interest.



Im a little confused as to your intention . Is it for astronomy related software or any software discussion whatsoever ?
My thoughts are that keeping the forum focused on astronomy related topics (including software) is better than trying to be too many things to too many people.

[Starkler]

On a different topic, I would like to suggest a page of resource links and perhaps a small file archive.

link eg. Tom Hole's dob modding page
file eg. excel spreadsheet eyepiece calculator.

[iceman]

Great suggestions Geoff, I'll digest them tomorrow (give them some thought) and see what I can do about it.

I know what you mean about the forums too, and you're right.. best off sticking with astronomy software, but I would hate to think that people wouldn't ask "general" software/computer related questions just because it's not to do with astronomy.

As for the links page, I've got the "Links" page on the main IceInSpace site, it basically just needs to be expanded to cover more topics and website, such as the one you suggested.

As for the files, great idea, and i've already got in mind a "Resources" section on the main site, with How-To articles, and now, a file library etc.

Keep up the suggestions guys!

[iceman]

The Resources (http://www.iceinspace.com/?resources) section is there now with sub-menus, it just needs content.. and I need your help!

Contribute files, links, how-to articles, etc, and i'll add them to the site.

Thanks

[gaa_ian]

Hi Mike
I guess you could start with a glossary of terms (Jargon Buster)
With a link from the forum pages
EG: OTA - Optical Tube Assembly
etc ....
Perhaps in the same way you have set up the members section
with alphabetical links to the list of names:)