So that I can see how it works for others.
why not just create a test account?
and then give/remove member groups to test each one out.
You can't really duplicate a forum without direct server access, and you can't really test the forum functionality without admin access on it.
So I suggest you just install a separate test forum to play with, if you want to learn how it works.
Another option is to install this mod: https://custom.simplemachines.org/mods/index.php?mod=2703
It allows you to see what any member of the forum sees by selecting 'switch permissions' in their profile. You can switch back at any time.
Thank you all for your help.
The "test account"may be what I need. Is that a topic in the manual?
no..... why would it be. Just log out as admin and register a new user...
ta da. done. test user account set up
Thank you, Steve and Kindrid,
I shall do as you recommend.
James
I have MANY test accounts - one for each type of member
(we have 5>)
even a test moderator account (we have 1)
also, best to use different browser for each - to make sure nothing in cache
(or incognito)