DebianHelp is pretty darn friendly to debian-newcomers and has reasonable site-layout and functionality, and quick responses as well.   Not so strong in the "response to advanced questions" realm, though.   *shrug*

Other quasi-forum-ish sites I'm aware of include:

• Java World
• Java Ranch
• jGuru
• 1 Java Street
• Cisco Network Professionals Connection
• Cisco Open Forum
• IBM DeveloperWorks
• Burton Group

And of course this reply wouldn't be complete without the obligitory and self-serving link to " If the only forum you know is PM, every question look like a SoPW"
  cheers,
  ybiC

  striving toward Perl Adept
  (it's pronounced "why-bick")

Update: JavaJunkies and Snakehandlers sites were inspired by the success of Perlmonks