Why did you join the forums? How did you discover it?

I found this site while looking for info on a virus I (or should I say, the computer) had. It helped in removal (did a clean reinstall). Now I know how to stay safe, what tools are recommended (which ones aren't) and just good info all around. The tutorial section is a nice touch. I also come here when I need help fixing other peoples computers.

Have been working as a desktop support tech for going on a year now, first found this forum looking for answers about a problem a user was having with their outlook. stayed for the information that the forum provided and to give back what i could to others, have found I rather enjoy trouble shooting BSODs so I have sent most of my time lurking in that part of the forum.

Dinesh said:

I typed " Windows Vista tips and tricks" in Google and it got me to Vista Forums
For few days, I only looked at Shawn's great tutorials and later, started helping people out there. When SF started, I didn't join for some time thinking I'd join when I'll run Windows 7. Then I downloaded a leaked Windows 7 ( yeah, in those times we were crazy looking for leaked builds) and joined SF. Today, I can proudly say that I'm one of the oldest member here ( member # 370) and it feels great to be a part of this community. :)

20 after me Dinesh.

Parman said:

I think the real question is what made you stay?

For me its the people here. Without them this forum would be nothing.

True that.

I think I joined right about the time I bought the pre-release upgrade offer from the MS store. And wanted to find out how to do a full x64 install from it.

For me: Back then I was very interested in Windows 7 (as I really didn't like Vista) and I had a leaked copy. Actually I started with Windows 7 from early on as I had a beta version and another early version. There were people selling the betas on ebay which was illegal.

Carl Lawrence said:

For me: Back then I was very interested in Windows 7 (as I really didn't like Vista) and I had a leaked copy. Actually I started with Windows 7 from early on as I had a beta version and another early version. There were people selling the betas on ebay which was illegal.

I thought it was to post thousands of bus pictures.

Just my $0.02 worth. I found the forum while searching for some obscure error code and decided to join due to the policies of the admins. I do not support any form of piracy but do support "shareware" I have found the forum members to be very knowledgable and courteous.
I have some experience with forums as I ran a BBS back in the olden days before the internet. It takes a lot of admin time cleaning up the trolls and those who just want to stirr the pot.
I like the interaction of the members when a hard problem comes up and several people have ideas for solving it.

All in all a great and well run forum.

rich

i joined the forum in 2009 when i need to know how to install Windows 7 virtually and how to learn how to use it, then i got hooked, now i am on both 7 and 8