EPTObligatory Pretty Picture:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/YLhPD.jpg)
Lets start with the basics. If you just use the regular search bar in the upper right hand corner, it will just search the site, and also give you some fancy options.
The first field on the advanced search, the text field next to the "Search" button, is your search terms. That's where you tell the search engine what you want to search the site for.
Now, lets talk about search terms: Good search terms are simple. "Graphic problem" is good. "MSI HD 6850 12GBDDR17 Batch#Imagoddamnmoron" might be a little too specific for the TL sample size.
"New Monitor", "Artifact", "Low FPS". These are good search terms.
Now then, let's talk about the options.
Title and Content search searches thread titles, and contents for the search terms. I know this is a crazy, complicated concept, but if you aren't sure what the titles of threads about an issue like yours might be, searching Content might be a good idea, since good search terms are likely to find something related to your problem.
Title only search is more if you're looking for a specific thread and remember part or all of the title, otherwise, it's probably hit or miss.
The dropdown box on the right lets you pick a specific forum. Searching just in Tech Support for your Tech Support results is a good idea, especially if you're searching content. This will limit the results to a specific subforum, keeping your context.
Now for ordering and sorting, feel free to use whatever options you prefer, since that doesn't change the results, just how you see them.
When searching content, the Username box lets you search for posts by a certain person. Useful for finding posts by specific posters you've found to actually know what they're talking about.
Finally, when you get your search results, actually look through more than one thread. Don't just glance at titles and decide the title is uninformative, and make a new post. Actually use your search results, and see if maybe some of the discussion covers what you're looking for.
Remember, it's rude to act like an entitled little prick and expect people to reiterate things they've explained in-depth just because you're lazy.
