Troubleshooting Resources
If you've got a problem and need to solve it, then it may be worth your time to check these sites for advice.
First:
- Try tackling the problem on your own before doing research. Five minutes and a little effort solves more than you'd expect. If this doesn't work, then it's worth doing a little reading.
- Are you sure you're asking the right question? Try looking at the problem from a different angle and see if it makes more sense. Sometimes the problem isn't with what you're looking at, but with how you're looking at it. And sometimes you're missing part of the puzzle without realizing it.
- Think of the God Solution. If you were an all-powerful god, how would you solve the problem? You're not a god (probably), but imagining a deity's perfect solution might give you some ideas on how to tackle the issue yourself.
- Consider rubber duck debugging your problem. Yes, even if it's not a programming problem.
Information problems
- Wikipedia isn't perfect, but it's an excellent place to get background information on almost any topic. I find it really helpful for answering simple questions. It's also useful for finding the right search terms for more detailed information- I see it as a springboard for further research.
- WolframAlpha is fantastic at answering questions, even ones that are hard to find with a search engine.
- HowStuffWorks explains a lot of concepts in simple, easy-to-grasp ways. More importantly, it has a search bar.
Tech problems
- Stack Overflow is incredible when it comes to computer problems. It covers a lot of different programming problems, but bugs and errors are talked about too. Make sure to search for your question before asking it. Stack Overflow is like a wiki; duplicates aren't appreciated.
- If you're using Linux and are having tech troubles, then check the Arch Wiki- yes, even if you're not using Arch. It has excellent information and troubleshooting advice that's applicable to most distributions.
- Windows users, I'm so sorry. Windows support kind of sucks if your issue isn't a common or obvious one, but it's better than nothing. Reading the documentation for whatever's having problems is often a better help if you can't find anything here.
- A lot of programs, operating systems, etc. have their own forums. Search any relevant forums for your problem. If you don't find it there, try creating a thread and asking about it. These forums are pretty much made for problem-solving, and as long as your question isn't a duplicate, you'll probably get some help.
- If you're getting an error from something, then copypaste the exact error into a search engine. You should get results right away.
Social problems
- Your best resources are any other people involved in your problem. Talk to them. Yes, even if that's hard. Nothing solves most social problems faster than talking about them in a respectful manner. You can read all you'd like, but you still need to communicate at the end of the day. Be honest about how you feel and try not to place blame on the other person (if possible- sometimes it is their fault). Do your best to treat them as a fellow problem solver instead of an enemy.
- While this could go under information problems, I'm putting this list of mental health resources here. It covers the vast majority of diagnoses as well as things like stress and ordinary anxiety. A lot of these links can be helpful for understanding how you relate to others (or how a loved one with a diagnosis experiences the world).