Use case diagrams

[Spark]

I have taken a study project in which i have create a web forum. That should look and work pretty much like this one.

A user must register first to be a member. Members can add friends, and share private and public messages with each other. The web site will also provide email feature for members. Extensive searching feature will allow members to search for members, topics, forums. Searching feature will include filters/advanced search options. The application will also provide members, the features to create photo albums to upload pictures and set access rights. Owner and Moderator will handle the management of forums/topics/members.

First phase is to develop a use case diagram for the whole scenario..... so any help??

[Eve]

Although the people here are a helpful bunch, but they won't help you if you simply expect them to do your homework.

In general, you're going to be working out what qualifies as a use case.  There have been numerous discussions about exactly that.  (eg. Does user login count as a use case.)

So try a search (the default time period is 7 days, make sure you set it longer.)

After reading some prior discussions and attempting it yourself, then ask questions.  That way your questions may even help the experts think about something differently.

[OneCent]

a good starting point is... find the actors and "analyze" the business prozesses you have, or define them if you dont have any ;-). Then define the "system border", whats inside and outside of the system you want to design.

[NeilS]

I'd suggest reading Kurt Bittner and Ian Spence's book "Use Case Modelling" - this will give you a solid commonsense grounding.