Help:Getting Started
From Palo Alto Wiki
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Creating an account
To create a user account, click on "Sign in/Create a new account" in the top right hand corner. Then, simply supply a username and a password. The system will reject a username already in use. Any edits made are recorded under your username; if you are not logged in, they are recorded under your IP address. Your IP address is viewable by going to the page history of any page you edited.
Usernames and passwords are case-sensitive! Exception: the first character of the username is capital by default.
Why log in?
A username is not needed to edit or view pages. However, there are a few reasons why you might want to log in:
- You can maintain a consistent identity when making multiple edits, especially if you use multiple computers. Other users will be able to easily recognize you.
- You get your own user page and user talk page, both of which allow you to communicate with other users.
- You can compile a watch list, which keeps track of changes to pages you are interested in.
- You can set your own preferences and change things like the font and style of a page.
Forgotten password
A forgotten password can only be retrieved if you entered an e-mail address when signing up for the account. Then, you can simply enter your username on the login screen and click 'E-mail new password'. Check your e-mail for your temporary password.
If you didn't enter an e-mail address, you'll have to create a new account.
Logging out
You can log out any time by clicking on the "Log out" link at the top right of the page.
Setting preferences
Clicking on the "my preferences" link at the top right of the page will allow you to view various options. There, you can change your password, the wiki layout, etc.
User pages and User talk pages
User pages are primarily used to post a bit about oneself. You can get to this page after logging in my clicking on your username displayed at the top right of the page.
User talk pages are accessed by clicking on the "talk" link next to your username at the top right. Other people may write messages, and you can respond.
Resources
You're ready to begin editing and creating articles!
You can use the following resources: Help Main Page, Intro to Editing, Cheatsheet, Sandbox
