For as long as there have been PCs there have been dedicated users who are willing to share all their tips and tricks to help you navigate through your system’s software and hardware issues. Think of these users as the Internet version of the Good Samaritan. They’ve worked through the debugging so you don’t have to. How can you gain access to this legion of helpers? Like everything else on the Internet, they are just a Google search (or your search engine of choice) away!
Advances in technology have a way of working out the software kinks in a particular program, but this can only happen through trial and error. Whenever Apple launches a new device you can bet there will be lines around the block of eager customers. They’ve just got to be the first ones with the new I-whatever. Of course, they also run the risk of being the first ones on the receiving end of glitches and bugs. Within hours of release, you’ll already find websites and forums up and running that are dedicated to providing tips and tricks for the gadget you just bought. Then there is an entire patient segment of the population who is willing to wait six months for a new piece of technology to go through a shakedown cruise. Of course by then, that one program could already be replaced.
Gamers know all about tips and tricks. Their version of helpful hints are provided through what they call “walk abouts.” These are step by step walking tours of any game. You’ll be given specific instructions of what controls to use, what widgets to pick up and which way to go. Walk abouts are great if you’re working through several layers of a game and then find yourself stuck. Just don’t be tempted to use them for the whole game!