Changes Cause Problems Problem: Cry of frustration from a computer user:                      "It worked yesterday!  Why doesn't it work now?"   Answer:   Ask yourself :  "What changed between yesterday and today?" Computers don't change magically.  They aren't evil - they aren't trying to frustrate you.  If it worked yesterday, it will probably work today - hence the cry of frustration. ...BUT ... sometimes something changes.  Did you rename the file?  Were you using the same computer?  Is it logged in to the same user account? What did you eat for breakfast ... no, just kidding. Simple Solutions  - Most problems don't need high-tech solutions.  Good planning prevents many problems.  Try these non-technical solutions for preventing common problems. < Can't find it  >   Make a folder for each project - keep all files in the same folder.  Write down the location of the folder so you don't forget. < What was it called? >  Use good names (clear, simple, obvious, UNIQUE)       "KennedyEssayVer7"   is clearer than  "KV7"      ** avoid spaces in file names - more about this later < I forgot... >  Use a paper notebook (a journal) to jot down ideas, file names, folder locations, tips and tricks, dates, etc.

< I lost it - it's erased!  It was my only copy >    Always have a backup (extra copy) of anything you create -    and keep these in separate places  (not both copies on one diskette )    For example, on Drive D: and a server (Z:), or floppy diskette, etc. < Printer is broken >    Get help from a teacher, or use a different printer       HINT - printing is probably easier at home       If your home printer is broken, get it fixed!  < Ran out of time >  Printing?  Takes 5-10 minutes, not 30 seconds! Plan ahead! Writing documents?  Start early, finish early, do several versions. < Network is down or lab is not open. >  Try again later.   No time?  Next time plan ahead, finish early, etc. (above) < My computer is too old or too slow. >  Probably not true.  But if it is, try using simpler software - e.g. use "write.exe" instead of MS-Word.  < Diskette is broken >  At 30 cents each, you an afford a new one. But USB  sticks are better, faster, more reliable, and hold a lot more data. < Lost diskette/USB stick > Was your name on it?  Why not use your backup copy? (see above) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Any change might cause problems, but some common situations are especially error-prone.   Moving work between home and school causes lots of problems for students and teachers.            [More]