fixes
← Older revision
Revision as of 02:08, 8 February 2015
(2 intermediate revisions by one user not shown)
Line 16:
Line 16:
<font color="maroon">'''TWO.'''</font> Once on the search page itself there are several options to improve your search.
<font color="maroon">'''TWO.'''</font> Once on the search page itself there are several options to improve your search.
*You can change or clarify your search words for a new search by using [[Help:Navigation_Basics#Search filters|filters]].
*You can change or clarify your search words for a new search by using [[Help:Navigation_Basics#Search filters|filters]].
−
*You can add [[Help:Navigation_Basics#
Searchin
using Prefix keywords|prefix words]] to search specific areas (such as, Template: to only include results that are actually templates). Other prefix words to try are Help:, Category:, Talk:, User:, or File:.
+
*You can add [[Help:Navigation_Basics#
Searching
using Prefix keywords|prefix words]] to search specific areas (such as, Template: to only include results that are actually templates). Other prefix words to try are Help:, Category:, Talk:, User:, or File:.
*You can add modifiers such as the [[Help:Navigation_Basics#Boolean operators|Boolean operators]] which are AND, OR, the “-“ minus sign or hyphen, parentheses, and quotations (do not use a question mark “?”).
*You can add modifiers such as the [[Help:Navigation_Basics#Boolean operators|Boolean operators]] which are AND, OR, the “-“ minus sign or hyphen, parentheses, and quotations (do not use a question mark “?”).
*You can narrow your search to selected namespaces using the options in the blue horizontal box on the search page which shows commonly searched areas.
*You can narrow your search to selected namespaces using the options in the blue horizontal box on the search page which shows commonly searched areas.
*Or you can select the last option “Namespace” which will take you to a different search page which provides checkbox options to narrow your search to specific namespaces.
*Or you can select the last option “Namespace” which will take you to a different search page which provides checkbox options to narrow your search to specific namespaces.
Specialty search options in the right sidebar
Specialty search options in the right sidebar
−
*A wide variety of [[Help:Navigation_Basics#Searching the
“Special Pages”
|special pages]] may also help locate items of interest but these pages are used primarily for wiki maintenance.
+
*A wide variety of [[Help:Navigation_Basics#Searching the
"Special Pages"
|special pages]] may also help locate items of interest but these pages are used primarily for wiki maintenance.
*The “[[Help:Navigation_Basics #What links here|what links here]]” option in the right sidebar can be used to find other pages that direct the users to the page you are currently on.
*The “[[Help:Navigation_Basics #What links here|what links here]]” option in the right sidebar can be used to find other pages that direct the users to the page you are currently on.
<font color="maroon">'''THREE.'''</font> Navigation using parts of the article itself
<font color="maroon">'''THREE.'''</font> Navigation using parts of the article itself
Line 126:
Line 126:
=== '''Search & navigation within an article''' ===
=== '''Search & navigation within an article''' ===
−
====
Table of Contents ====
+
==== Table of Contents ====
::The table of contents (TOC) is usually located near the top of a page if there are enough subheadings to warrant the table (or if it is forced there via coding). The markup language coding can also direct the TOC to be placed anywhere desired so the user will have to verify its location. The TOC is merely an aid that links to the article's subheading so the user can access particular sections rapidly. It is also useful as a review aid to determine if the subject matter contained therein is of interest to the user.
::The table of contents (TOC) is usually located near the top of a page if there are enough subheadings to warrant the table (or if it is forced there via coding). The markup language coding can also direct the TOC to be placed anywhere desired so the user will have to verify its location. The TOC is merely an aid that links to the article's subheading so the user can access particular sections rapidly. It is also useful as a review aid to determine if the subject matter contained therein is of interest to the user.
Line 132:
Line 132:
[[#Wiki navigating is as Easy as 1-2-3!|Return]]
[[#Wiki navigating is as Easy as 1-2-3!|Return]]
−
====
Nav-boxes ====
+
==== Nav-boxes ====
::The Nav-box as described above can take the form of a vertical menu bar provided as a standardized list of related links or possibly as a horizontal box with similar links such as useful "help" articles provided for the user.
::The Nav-box as described above can take the form of a vertical menu bar provided as a standardized list of related links or possibly as a horizontal box with similar links such as useful "help" articles provided for the user.
Line 138:
Line 138:
[[#Wiki navigating is as Easy as 1-2-3!|Return]]
[[#Wiki navigating is as Easy as 1-2-3!|Return]]
−
====
Follow the links ====
+
==== Follow the links ====
::(internal vs. external)
::(internal vs. external)
Line 145:
Line 145:
[[#Wiki navigating is as Easy as 1-2-3!|Return]]
[[#Wiki navigating is as Easy as 1-2-3!|Return]]
−
====
Image links ====
+
==== Image links ====
::Image links (like text links) can take the user away from the original article but there may be no indication if it is an internal or external link. The tool tip information (displayed when the mouse pointer is held over the link) may provide clues if the link is internal or external. Also note that the tool tip for an image that is not specifically linked to another source will show a file name ending with .jpg or .png (or similar file endings) and by clicking on the image you will be taken to the image page itself. This could be useful if the user desires to study the image in greater detail but again, the browser back button will return you to the original article.
::Image links (like text links) can take the user away from the original article but there may be no indication if it is an internal or external link. The tool tip information (displayed when the mouse pointer is held over the link) may provide clues if the link is internal or external. Also note that the tool tip for an image that is not specifically linked to another source will show a file name ending with .jpg or .png (or similar file endings) and by clicking on the image you will be taken to the image page itself. This could be useful if the user desires to study the image in greater detail but again, the browser back button will return you to the original article.
Line 151:
Line 151:
[[#Wiki navigating is as Easy as 1-2-3!|Return]]
[[#Wiki navigating is as Easy as 1-2-3!|Return]]
−
====
Image map links ====
+
==== Image map links ====
::Image maps utilize a standard image but a part of the image (or multiple parts) have been assigned different links. For example, you can also use the world map on the main page to select specific regions in the world. This technique has also be used on some of the hub pages and the only indication of the use of an image map is if the tool tip changes as you move the cursor over different parts of a single image.
::Image maps utilize a standard image but a part of the image (or multiple parts) have been assigned different links. For example, you can also use the world map on the main page to select specific regions in the world. This technique has also be used on some of the hub pages and the only indication of the use of an image map is if the tool tip changes as you move the cursor over different parts of a single image.
Line 157:
Line 157:
[[#Wiki navigating is as Easy as 1-2-3!|Return]]
[[#Wiki navigating is as Easy as 1-2-3!|Return]]
−
====
Utilizing the page category lists ====
+
==== Utilizing the page category lists ====
::At the bottom of each page should be a vaguely boxed area with the word "Categories:" which is followed by one or several words (separated with a "bar"). When searching for other articles closely related to the article of interest these categories can be used. For example, if you are currently on one of the '''Illinois''counties pages you could select the category'''''<i>Illinois counties'</i> to access a list of all the other counties in Illinois. This will work similarly for topic related articles which could lead to additional refinement of your search.
::At the bottom of each page should be a vaguely boxed area with the word "Categories:" which is followed by one or several words (separated with a "bar"). When searching for other articles closely related to the article of interest these categories can be used. For example, if you are currently on one of the '''Illinois''counties pages you could select the category'''''<i>Illinois counties'</i> to access a list of all the other counties in Illinois. This will work similarly for topic related articles which could lead to additional refinement of your search.
Line 163:
Line 163:
[[#Wiki navigating is as Easy as 1-2-3!|Return]]
[[#Wiki navigating is as Easy as 1-2-3!|Return]]
−
====
The Page Tabs ====
+
==== The Page Tabs ====
::At the top of each page there are usually four tabs (Page, Edit, Talk, History) except for on "special pages" . The "Page" name can vary in this tab, such as "User Page" or "Project page". The first two (Page and Edit) are self explanatory in that they are the currently displayed page and the edit option to modify the current page.
::At the top of each page there are usually four tabs (Page, Edit, Talk, History) except for on "special pages" . The "Page" name can vary in this tab, such as "User Page" or "Project page". The first two (Page and Edit) are self explanatory in that they are the currently displayed page and the edit option to modify the current page.
<br>
<br>
−
=====
Talk page=====
+
=====Talk page=====
:::The talk page for each article can be used to leave notes, questions, or suggestions related to the current page. It can be utilized to request additional information if you are having trouble finding the information you are looking for. The pages are routinely monitored for recent changes so that your request or question will be seen and an attempt to answer it or redirect your comments will be made. You should activate the page "watch" so you will know when a response has been made. This can be done when you save the comment (look for a check box near the save button) or you can activate a Watch or Unwatch near the top of the page on the right side.
:::The talk page for each article can be used to leave notes, questions, or suggestions related to the current page. It can be utilized to request additional information if you are having trouble finding the information you are looking for. The pages are routinely monitored for recent changes so that your request or question will be seen and an attempt to answer it or redirect your comments will be made. You should activate the page "watch" so you will know when a response has been made. This can be done when you save the comment (look for a check box near the save button) or you can activate a Watch or Unwatch near the top of the page on the right side.
<br>
<br>
−
=====
History page=====
+
=====History page=====
:::The history page can be useful as a searching mechanism in that it will identify those users that have been involved with the creation or editing of a page and its subject matter. The user page for those listed can then be reviewed to determine if they have expert knowledge on the subject or if they are willing to provide mentoring (look over the "userboxes" on their page). Next to the username link is a link to their talk page if you have questions or comments that you would like to post and there is also a link to determine what other "contributions" that person has made.
:::The history page can be useful as a searching mechanism in that it will identify those users that have been involved with the creation or editing of a page and its subject matter. The user page for those listed can then be reviewed to determine if they have expert knowledge on the subject or if they are willing to provide mentoring (look over the "userboxes" on their page). Next to the username link is a link to their talk page if you have questions or comments that you would like to post and there is also a link to determine what other "contributions" that person has made.
Line 179:
Line 179:
[[#Wiki navigating is as Easy as 1-2-3!|Return]]
[[#Wiki navigating is as Easy as 1-2-3!|Return]]
−
====
Watchlist ====
+
==== Watchlist ====
::The watchlist for a page can be activated by clicking on the "Watch/Unwatch" button at the top right hand side of any page. You can use it to watch for a response to a posted question on the page's talk page or you can use it to monitor new activity related to an article that you find of interest. Note: the page watch option can also be activated during the saving process when a page has been edited.
::The watchlist for a page can be activated by clicking on the "Watch/Unwatch" button at the top right hand side of any page. You can use it to watch for a response to a posted question on the page's talk page or you can use it to monitor new activity related to an article that you find of interest. Note: the page watch option can also be activated during the saving process when a page has been edited.