Welcome, John.
As you can see from the forum topics on the front page:
Installation
– Problems with getting it running.
How-To and Troubleshooting
– Once it’s running
Themes and Templates
– XHTML and CSS
Plugins and Hacks
– Extensions and modifications
WP-Advanced
– Beyond Codex Questions
Your WordPress
– Strut your stuff.
Miscellaneous
– Almost everything else.
Requests and Feedback
– Feature requests; criticism.
Alpha/Beta
– Discussion of development versions only
I would think anything within the realm of those topics might be worth asking a question about. Everyone here is a volunteer, so like any other help forum, answers may be prompt, not so prompt, succinct or in depth, depending on the issue.
what are the best ways to use this forum
Searching the forums based on key words relevant to your particular question, is always regarded as good form. Chances are, someone has had a similar situation, and you may find the answers there. You would be surprised how much information can actually be obtained by simply searching your symptom key words or error messages from the search function first.
the major advantages it would have with my site.
I personally think that the major advantage is that this is where you get WordPress. This is where you ask questions about WordPress. This is where you should get your updates and your information about security and changes in the product and community… and the theme and plugin repositories are outstanding.
If you have a question about WordPress, throw it out there and I’m sure that someone will make an attempt to help you find an answer. There are some very, very knowledgeable and helpful members here. A lot of them regularly go out of their way to help others find solutions.
Best wishes to you, and I hope you get a chance to learn as much as I have by just hanging around here! (Even though I manage to overstay my welcome on occasion!)
😛
