It is not always easy to find the help you want in Apple’s Support system. If you do not use their specific search terms you’re often SOL. To avoid this problem, I used to create pages on my web site with a list of troubleshooting articles that were easy to search by keyword in a browser. These pages were not really made for public consumption, but other users did find them helpful. I updated those pages sporadically, and due to various link changes on Apple’s site, they’re only marginally useful now.

I decided to put up a new page with 2012 troubleshooting articles updates from Apple. The full page will be posted on my site (and linked here eventually), but I will post noteworthy updates in this blog for your frustration’s pleasure. These articles not only include troubleshooting tips, but helpful tutorials too. Apple often publishes tutorials which you should read before running out and buying a book that covers way more then you want to know.

The first page you may want to bookmark is Apple’s download page, which links to the most recent software updates. Keep in mind though, just because an update exists, doesn’t mean you have to install it. For example, I recently updated my Brother printer from Apple’s Software Update (in the Apple menu) and I still have not gotten my printer back up on the network! This update caused me more trouble then it’s worth. I should have done my homework before updating, which I’ll talk about more later.

Apple’s troubleshooting tips, hints, and tutorials are useful though, especially if you stumble into an update that offers unexpected results.

Here are updates for the first week of 2012

• 1/2/12 TS3124 iMovie ’09: Referenced videos from iPhoto Library not displayed in iMovie Event Library
• 1/5/12 TS4148 iPhone 4S displays ‘No Service’ or ‘No SIM Card Installed’
• 1/5/12 TS3626 “How to install iMovie, iPhoto, or iTunes using Mac OS X Software Install”
• 1/6/12 TS1630 iPhone: Can’t hear through the receiver or speakers
• 1/6/12 TS2799 Tunes Store reporting error – 3259

Here are useful tutorials

• 1/2/12 HT2506 Mac 101: Preview
• 1/3/12 HT2488 Mac 101: Automator
• 1/3/12 HT3737 Mac 101: Desktop
• 1/4/12 HT2474 Mac 101: The Dock
• 1/5/12 HT1549 Mac 101: File Sharing
• 1/7/12 HT2508 Mac 101: Connecting a home stereo, iPod, iPad, musical instruments, or speakers
• 1/5/12 HT4718 OS X Lion: About Lion Recovery
• 1/3/12 HT5085 iTunes in the Cloud and iTunes Match Availability
• 1/4/12 HT4072 Setting up iTunes and DVD Player for digital surround sound
• 1/6/12 HT1689 iTunes Store:Frequently Asked Questions for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
• 1/6/12 HT5058 iCloud: Microsoft Exchange behavior with iCloud
• 11/17/11 HT4861 iCloud: Calendar Events, Reminders, To Dos, and Tasks behavior differs by application

So, there you go. You’re on your way to becoming an expert user, if you just read these docs and bookmark the ones you need. Enjoy!

As for a playlist today, I find that music short circuits my ability to remember technical information when I read. If you find that music helps though, you should probably play the tunes that work best with your brain. If you care to share your music that works while reading techie stuff, please leave a comment with the song name and band below so we can give it a listen. Thanks!