Can newbies see other forums and just not post to them, or are they totally restricted to viewing just the newbie section, too? I ask because my account was created before those restrictions and so I'm just wondering. If they can view other, is it considered off-topic in here to post a link to an existing thread elsewhere on the forums?
No, access is open, posting isn't allowed. And no, it is perfectly acceptable to post a link.
And how to become Member? I'm always newbie
And you can become a member once you spend 4 hours on the forum and make 5 posts. You need both.
-Nick