User Forums / 21
You can also get more detailed help on menu commands, toolbars, built-in functions and operators, and error messages. To do so:
1.Click an error message, a built-in function or variable, or an operator.
2.Press [F1] to bring up the relevant Help screen.
To get help on menu commands, dialogs, or on any of the toolbar buttons:
1.Press [Shift] [F1]. Mathcad changes the pointer into a question mark.
2.Click a command from a menu. Mathcad opens the relevant Help screen.
3.Click any toolbar button. Mathcad displays the operator’s name and a keyboard shortcut in the status bar.
To resume editing, press [Esc]. The pointer turns back into an arrow.
User Forums
The Mathcad User Forums allow you to contribute Mathcad or other files and post messages, and to download files and read messages contributed by other Mathcad users. You can search the User Forums for messages containing a key word or phrase, be notified of new messages in specific forums, and view messages posted since your last visit. The User Forums combine some of the best features of an online news group with the convenience of sharing Mathcad worksheets.
Logging in
To open the User Forums, choose User Forums from the Help menu, or you can open an Internet browser and go directly to the User Forums:
http://www.ptc.com/go/mathsoft/collab/.
The User Forums login screen appears in a browser window.
The first time you come to the login screen of the User Forums, click “New User.” This brings you to a form for entering required and optional information.
Note PTC does not use this information for any purposes other than for your participation in the User Forums.
Click “Create” when you are finished filling out the form. Check your email for a message with your login name and password. Go back to the User Forums, enter your login name and password given in the email message and click “Log In” to open the main page of the User Forums. (See Figure 3-2.)
A list of forums and messages appears on the left side of the screen.
Tip After logging in, you may want to change your password. To do so, click “More” on the toolbar at the top of the window, then go to “Edit User Profile.”
Note PTC maintains the User Forums as a free service to all in the Mathcad community. Read the Agreement posted in the top level of the User Forums for important information and disclaimers.
22 / Chapter 3 Online Resources
Figure 3-2: Opening the User Forums from the Resources window.
Communicating with Other Mathcad Users
Reading Messages
When you enter the User Forums, you will see how many messages are new and how many are addressed to your attention. Messages that you have not yet read are shown in italics. You may also see a “new” icon next to these messages.
Posting Messages
After you enter the User Forums, you can post a new message or reply to existing messages. To do so:
1.Choose “Post” from the toolbar to post a new message. To reply to a message, click Reply at the top of the message.
2.Click on the boxes below the title to preview your message, spell check a message, or attach a file.
3.Type your text in the message field.
4.Click “Post” after you finish typing. Depending on the options you selected, the User Forums either posts your message immediately or allows you to preview it.
5.If you chose Attach File, a new page appears. Specify the file type and browse to the file then click “Upload Now.”
To delete a message that you posted, click on it to open it and click “Delete” in the small toolbar just above the message.