Help:Wiki Basics


 * Welcome to the Wiki community. Whether you are researching or contributing, the items below will help you get started.

Navigation Menu

 * On the left side of the page, you may see a purple navigation box with a Table of Contents in it. You can click on any heading in that table and be taken to that heading on the  page.


 * On the right side of every page, you will see a purple navigation menu. The Toolbox, Community and Personal Tools boxes expand by clicking on the small arros on the right side of the name.

Registering on the Wiki

 * You do not need to be registered to look at any Wiki article. However, if you want to add information, or ask a question, you must register.  If you are signed in the Wiki, it will timeout after 2 hours idle.


 * Help:How to Register with the Wiki

Setting Your Preferences

 * You can customize your Wiki experience using your Personal Tools.


 * Help:Preferences

User Page

 * The User Page is where you have the opportunity to share information about yourself, or your research interests. This is a great way to get to know a little about a contributor to an article, or even find someone with the same interests.  It also gives other users a way to communicate with you.


 * Help:User page

Watching a Page

 * If you are researching in a specific area, or have a page that interests you, you may want to "Watch" that page. If you are watching a page, you will be notified any time that page is edited.  This is a great way to keep up with the latest information available.


 * Help:Watchlist

Notifications

 * This feature allows you to determine how you are notified when there are changes to pages you are watching.


 * Notifications

Discussion Pages

 * All Wiki articles will have an associated Discussion Page that you can access via a tab at the top left of your page. This page is where you leave a comment or question about the content of that page.


 * Help:Discussion Pages (Talk Pages)

Forums

 * If you have a research question, or a question about editing the Wiki, ask it at the FamilySearch Forums. There are genealogists to help you with a research item, and very experienced Wiki users to help with an editing question.


 * Forums

Detailed Help

 * If you are ready to begin, you can choose one of the links below if you would like detailed instructions on the Wiki.


 * Contributing to the Wiki
 * Tour The Wiki
 * Tour The Wiki


 * If you need a Help article that doesn't currently exist, you may request one here.

Mentoring

 * Once you get started editing in the Wiki, if you find you need additional help, or if you have a specific task you wish to accomplish, you may request a Mentor to work with you.