This may be a weird question, but why does the number of "new posts" differ every time I click on it? Sometimes 4 pages of posts come up and other times barely a full page.

"New Posts" are posts since your last visit. So if you've visited recently, the "New posts" list will be shorter than if it has been a while.

Thanks for asking the question - I never noticed that tab before!
I always look at the home page when I log in, and it gives new threads. I love that I can see new posts too. Thanks!

I like "User CP" to show me updates to the threads I've posted in or subscribed to. It took me years to notice that one!

haha thanks mandalinn82!

However ... it just shows recent posts that you haven't read and sometimes the cache is cleared and it will show no new posts. For an example, right now it shows me 38 posts I've not read; in half an hour it could show me six even though I've been logged on all the time.
Of course, I could be missing something. I'm old and easily confused!

Oh yeah Ruth right!!!!