The first white arrow on the left end of your navigation bar will collapse your banner area. Please be aware that if you do this, you will not see the reminder that you have PMs!
The second white arrow from the left will collapse the left sidebar, and the third white arrow will collapse the right sidebar.
If you are using the forum, the experience is more friendly with the sidebars collapsed.
However, if you are using the features on the Home Page, you will need to have the sidebars open for access.
Also, you may minimize the SHOUT BOX by clicking the small white arrow on the right side of the title bar. The Shout Box is a moderated feature.
Enjoy!