Posting Acronyms

Sometimes when we post about an observation, solution, or problem, we tend to use acronyms such as API, TPM, DHCP, RDP, etc.


For myself, I know I can look it up by typing, "what is tpm in windows 11". I don't always get the information I need, every time, though. If I knew (who doesn't already know what TPM is!) what the acronym TPM represented, I could look that up and most likely get the information I need.

Remembering that this is a Windows Help Forum, I would suggest that when using an acronym, it should be followed by what it represents, i.e. API (Application Programming Interface), TPM (Trusted Platform Module), DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration), RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol), etc.

Thing is, we're not all gurus, so that way, those less knowledgeable about/newer to computers among us will at least have a leg up on what we're talking about.

I always try to use the full name of the item the first time I use it, and also where possible include a link to it's Wikipedia or other entry providing more into. subsequently I will use the abbreviation

barman58 said:

I always try to use the full name of the item the first time I use it, and also where possible include a link to it's Wikipedia or other entry providing more into. subsequently I will use the abbreviation

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Thanks, Nigel. Better'n I asked for.

I agree, I always use the full name first time then abbreviate names afterwards

TLAs can be so annoying.

Wynona said:

Remembering that this is a Windows Help Forum, I would suggest that when using an acronym, it should be followed by what it represents, i.e. API (Application Programming Interface), TPM (Trusted Platform Module), DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration), RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol), etc.

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Yep, that's how I won my degree, I seem to remember Associate the full name with the acronym, then use the acronym thereafter.

The-Hive said:

I agree, I always use the full name first time then abbreviate names afterwards.

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OK, that works for an article, but not so much for multiple threads in a forum. There's no easy solution, except to pay attention to whether the full name has been given after the acronym further up in the thread.

I'm not advocating to go overboard but if it hasn't; the reader needs to take some responsibility too. IOW, if I see TPM in a post without the full name, and have to look it up for myself in order to reply to the post, use "TPM (Trusted Platform Module) as my part of the responsibility.

Am I making sense? Just trying to cover all the bases without making it hard on anyone.

And one of my favorites:

ICD (Impulsive Click Disorder)

I was taught years ago [high school] when in English and Yearbook classes to always use the full name first time then use acronyms later to save space. Not a good thing in writing articles when having to meet a certain amount of words in them.

Geez... you wouldn't wanna see my kid's texts, then! Nuthin but abbreviations!!!
Drives me nuts!!!

play2mefish said:

And one of my favorites:

ICD (Impulsive Click Disorder)

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I have impulsive mouse wiggle disorder. I make my students sea sick.

My feelings are a bit mixed. From encyclopaedic point, I completely agree that any acronym or abbreviation should be explained, written in full words at first usage. I also sometimes become disappointed when rarely used abbreviation is written on forum or in an article without proper explanation, assuming that it is obvious for every reader.

But we are on the forum where most of people are more or less educated in IT area to understand the terms like OS, BIOS, NTFS, API, GUI, I/O, BSOD, TCP/IP and some others very common terms. It's possible, of course, to explain them too, but it would be excessive and may even irritate some people (why are we counted as pupils of elementary school)? On the other side, abbreviations like TPM or RDP are less common. With enough common sense, an author may feel the border and give explanation when it really needs.

As I saw on some hackers forums or community boards, the ability to use and understand (decrypt) rare acronyms, often written in lower case and sometimes undistinguished from slang, is counted as a criterion of belonging to a closed social group, "we" vs "they". I hope this forum will be free of that.

Slavic said:

But we are on the forum where most of people are more or less educated in IT area to understand the terms like OS, BIOS, NTFS, API, GUI, I/O, BSOD, TCP/IP and some others very common terms. It's possible, of course, to explain them too, but it would be excessive and may even irritate some people (why are we counted as pupils of elementary school)? On the other side, abbreviations like TPM or RDP are less common. With enough common sense, an author may feel the border and give explanation when it really needs.

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Actually, VistaForums, SevenForums, TenForums, and ElevenForum are all Windows help forums for those less knowledgeable about Windows than those giving help and advice.

People come here to look for and/or ask for help. The reason we see more of those who "know what they're doing" than those asking "what the heck is going on" is simple. The one needing help generally posts once, while several of the former will answer the askee's question/s.

The ones we usually don't see are those who don't register as members, but come to the site looking for a solution, rather than join and ask for a solution. And there are more than a few of those.

I won't hazard a guess as to how many folks join just to learn more about Windows and/or take advantage of the vast amount of knowledge here, nor how many are here because they've been helped and want to pay it forward. Regardless, it's not quite accurate to say that most folks here are "more or less educated in the IT area".

Good post!

Most of the Malware Removal sites use the full name then give the acronym further up in the thread. If they think the poster is understanding what the Specialist is referring to, if not then we go back to the original spelling of the word(s).
Chuck

Slavic said:

But we are on the forum where most of people are more or less educated in IT area to understand the terms like OS, BIOS, NTFS, API, GUI, I/O, BSOD, TCP/IP and some others very common terms. It's possible, of course, to explain them too, but it would be excessive and may even irritate some people (why are we counted as pupils of elementary school)? On the other side, abbreviations like TPM or RDP are less common. With enough common sense, an author may feel the border and give explanation when it really needs.

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I beg to differ.
Forums of any kind, NOT just this site, generally have a vast audience compiled of different groups.
The silent lurkers who like to keep informed but just stay silent and prefer not to join the site.
The newbie hit & run - ask their question, get their answer and that's the last you usually see or hear of them.
The enthusiasts - those that join to learn as much as they can, but say very little for IMO fear of being embarrassed if they ask a silly question or being overwhelmed in the advice provided, sometimes way over the average users head or the occasional hijacking of a thread by "whose is bigger" posts.
and last but not least
The regulars - those that have the time, devotion and experience to pass on their wisdom, knowledge or best guess to help the majority.
Unfortunately IMO, some in this group believe they are better than the rest, which does cause silence from others. (not directed at this site)

I always believe more information is better than none so whether a "poster" puts the full text in all the time should not distract from what is trying to be accomplished - "Helping the OP with their problem"

And if we are being honest, I even find some of the acronyms confusing and I have had to go scrambling for a dictionary of sorts once or twice..

jaree1961 said:

And if we are being honest, I even find some of the acronyms confusing and I have had to go scrambling for a dictionary of sorts once or twice..

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Please note that you also used the acronyms IMO and OP in your post without explanation of their meanings. Sure, the most of, if not all, people know them, but in theory someone less savvy may read and either had to guess or misunderstand you. (Don't take it too personally.)

On the positive side, I think that forum should have an easily visible link to an article with all such IT acronyms, so the newcomers can visit it any time, while other authors will be free of duty to explain the same again and again.

Slavic said:

Please note that you also used the acronyms IMO and OP in your post without explanation of their meanings. Sure, the most of, if not all, people know them, but in theory someone less savvy may read and either had to guess or misunderstand you. (Don't take it too personally.) and again.

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Totally agree @Slavic and yes we are all guilty of it in some form or another, hence why I try and stay in the "enthusiasts" group, to stop making a fool of one's self
NO I did not take it personally :)

Slavic said:

On the positive side, I think that forum should have an easily visible link to an article with all such IT acronyms, so the newcomers can visit it any time, while other authors will be free of duty to explain the same again and again.

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Totally agree on this too, a guide would be a great idea.

IDK, NBD IMHO

A Guy

Wynona said:

Actually, VistaForums, SevenForums, TenForums, and ElevenForum are all Windows help forums for those less knowledgeable about Windows than those giving help and advice.

People come here to look for and/or ask for help. The reason we see more of those who "know what they're doing" than those asking "what the heck is going on" is simple. The one needing help generally posts once, while several of the former will answer the askee's question/s.

The ones we usually don't see are those who don't register as members, but come to the site looking for a solution, rather than join and ask for a solution. And there are more than a few of those.

I won't hazard a guess as to how many folks join just to learn more about Windows and/or take advantage of the vast amount of knowledge here, nor how many are here because they've been helped and want to pay it forward. Regardless, it's not quite accurate to say that most folks here are "more or less educated in the IT area".

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Honestly,, I'm not going to change my posting stye or method. If the rules from John require me to change I'll change otherwise I'm not going to

If someone doesn't understand what BIOS means I doubt they will understand what Basic Input/Output System means.