View source for Help:Two Minute Tutorial

''This page gives you the fastest introduction for using {{SITENAME}} to search, edit, and create new articles. See the [[Help:Contents|main help page]] for more complete information.''

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=Step 1: Log in=
The first thing to do is '''log in'''.

#go to the [[Special:Userlogin|log in page]]
#enter your {{SITENAME}} user name
#enter your password
#click "Log in" and you're done!

=Step 2: Navigate to articles=
There are several ways to navigate and find what you want:
* Use the '''left menu''' for common links, such as the main page, current events, recent changes, and external links 
* Use the '''contents''' list on the main page
* Go to the [[Special:Categories|categories page]], which groups articles by subject.
* Try the [[Special:Recentchanges|recent changes]] page to see the latest additions to {{SITENAME}}.

=Step 3: Search for specific information=
Use the search box on the left of the screen:
:[[Image:{{SITENAME}}_searchbox.gif|none|frame|the search box]]

* '''Go''' will find matches for your term in article '''titles'''.
* '''Search''' will find matches for your term in the '''full text''' of all articles. 

=Step 4: Edit an existing article=
A unique part of {{SITENAME}} is that all readers are encouraged to contribute.

* all changes are reversible
* formatting is not necessary in most cases
* {{Contact an administrator}} if you have any questions 

'''Begin editing:'''
# click the '''edit''' tab at the top of any article
#: [[Image:{{SITENAME}}_edit_tab.gif|none|frame|the edit tab]]
# or, you can click the '''edit''' link at the right of each section heading
#: [[Image:{{SITENAME}}_edit_link.gif|none|frame|the edit section link]]
# make necessary changes to the text in the edit window
# click '''Save page''' at the bottom
#: [[Image:{{SITENAME}}_save.gif|none|frame|don't forget to click Save page!]]

=Step 5: Create a new article=
There are two main ways to create a new article:
#Follow a red, or "dead", link, which will take you directly to an edit page you can start adding information to.
#Write a term or word in the search box and click '''Go'''. If it doesn't already exist, you will be given the option to "Create this page."  Well, go for it! 

=Step 6: Organize articles=
[[Help:Category|Categories]] are one way to organize articles ([[Special:Categories|see the full list]]). These are special pages that list all the articles assigned to that category.

For example, if you write an article about your group's new event called "Big Sticks'R'Us Tourney", you will want to add the article to the [[:Category:Events|Events]] category. Every existing category will give an example for how to do this.  For this example, you would copy this text to anywhere in your article (usually at the bottom):

 <nowiki>[[Category:Events]]</nowiki>

=Step 7: Advanced features=
This tutorial has provided a basic introduction to working with {{SITENAME}}. Many other resources are available to learn about more advanced features:

#{{Contact an administrator}}, who would be more than happy to answer any questions you have, or provide training to you.
#Visit the [[Help:Contents|help index]] for a list of all help resources available
#Visit the MediaWiki site for information about the software that powers the {{SITENAME}}.

[[Category:Help|Two Minute Tutorial]]