h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

... and welcome to h2g2.

You seem to have been overlooked by the <./>ACEs</.> who normally greet people. I expect this is because you signed up quite a while ago but only recently created a personal space page for yourself.

If you don't want to remain as a number, "Researcher 171003", then click on the "Preferences" link on the left hand side of the page (or here <./>UserDetails</.&gt to set your own nickname. Unlike your login details, you are not limited by case or punctuation though it does help to include some spaces in a long nickname. You can also change the way you view the site. The current default skin is brunel but there is also alabaster and many people still prefer the original classic goo. There is even a "secret" skin called plain.

One thing h2g2 has a lot of, as well as researchers, is these <./>Smileys</.>. You can use them in your personal space and other articles, conversations and journal entries. You just type the shortcut text and they appear as if by magic on preview or posting. For example: < scientist > without the spaces becomes .

Here are a few more links you might like to try. A660340 is a list of "Clubs and Societies" on h2g2. <./>Askh2g2</.> and <./>MiscChat</.> are good places to start or join a random conversation. If you don't understand the local terminology, have a look at A632431 "h2 Jargon" and A901829 "h2g2 Glossary". You could use the infinite improbability drive on the "Front Page" if you don't know where you want to go or <./>search</.> if you do. See the guide entries too important to be merely a number at <./>NamedEntries</.>.

Above all, have fun and don't panic. If you do find yourself tempted to panic, click the "h2g2 Help" link on the left. It may help.

Now, if you'll excuse me, there are probably other things I should be doing, but I'll be back if you call for help (ie reply to this message).