[Deathrender]

I just got freespace 2 and looked for a forum for people who played online.
Could you please get me up to date on the current version, show me links to updates, and help me play with other players online?

[Retsof]

You can get FS2 open 3.6.10 from the release thread in that big announcement at the top of the site.  Go the the FSUpgrade Project to get the 3.6.10 Mediavps.

[The E]

Yes.
Most recent version of FSO.
Most recent mediavps.
Installation instructions.
Getting started with multiplayer.
The forum search function.

[General Battuta]

Get the 3.6.10 Final EXE, the 3.6.10 MediaVPs, and hip36's installer to get a crapload of campaigns.

And please read the sticky threads, okay? Common courtesy.

[Deathrender]

I've hit the jackpot of confusing forums!
Woo hoo! Everything seems like a development forum! The madness!!!! 

It'll take me some time to navigate this maze.

[The E]

Everything seems like a development forum, because most of them are. However, most of them have pretty self-explanatory descriptions.

[Droid803]

Well yeah they are development forums, but they also hold the releases which are developed there .

[colecampbell666]

Yes.
Most recent version of FSO.
Most recent mediavps.
Installation instructions.
Getting started with multiplayer.
The forum search function.

Just pay attention to this and you'll be fine.