(Computer Applications) How to find Computer Answers Part 2 (March 5, 2013)

When you've identified the likely source of a computer problem, it's often helpful to hit-up Google looking for the answer. Google does a great job guessing what we're looking for, but the more specific we can get, the better.

Here are some things to consider when searching for solutions. 

1. What is it you need to do/fix in a few words?

2. What edition of software/hardware/operating system are you running? 

3. If you can put it in the form of a question, try it. 

As you analyze your search results, consider the following: 

1. Look at dates associated with each post, in most cases, you want the webpage stamped with the most recent date (unless you're trying to fix an old Super-Nintendo). 

2. If you're skeptical of the result
you found, can you find at least 1 other source that would back up that solution. 

If Google doesn't give you a clear answer:

1. Try using some of the phrases from your Google search on a youtube page (sorry, can't do this at school). There are helpful videos on thousands of computer problems. Why wouldn't nerds want to show off their repair tips?

2. Press F1 - or access the help menu. In most programs F1 will take you straight to the help portion of the program where you can search through a variety of FAQs and tips. 

3. Ask the nicest nerd you know. 

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IF ALL ELSE FAILS, THEN SEEK A PROFESSIONAL IF IT SEEMS COST EFFECTIVE. 

Activity (complete in this folder):

Copy the following 3 problems into a document in this folder and solve them using 2 or 3 different strategies for each (even if you find the result using the first method). Save as... LASTNAME Google the Solution

Problem 1: You're using Windows Vista, and Adobe's PDF reader is acting buggy. You get the error message:  The feature you are trying to use is on a network resource that is unavailable. Click OK to try again, or enter an alternate path to a folder containing the installation package 'Adobe AdobeApplication.msi' in the box below."

Solution Attempt 1: (State where you looked for the solution) and what answers you found (and where). 

Solution Attempt 2: (State where you looked for the solution) and what answers you found (and where). 

Problem 2: You're using Windows 7 and running the latest version of the Adobe Creative Suite (specifically Adobe Illustrator <--it's on this computer). You found some cool fonts on the internet you want to use, but you have no idea how to install or use them. HELP!

Solution Attempt 1: (State where you looked for the solution) and what answers you found (and where). 

Solution Attempt 2: (State where you looked for the solution) and what answers you found (and where). 

Problem 3: You were asked to write something in MLA format, and you don't know how to do the works cited page. 

Solution Attempt 1: (State where you looked for the solution) and what answers you found (and where). 

Solution Attempt 2: (State where you looked for the solution) and what answers you found (and where).