My Mac Won't Start! A Tiny Guide.
Few situations are more frustrating than struggling with a computer that won't start. Especially with client deadlines looming. That's the idea behind this tiny troubleshooting guide:
My Mac Won't Start! (PocketMod Edition)
Print out this guide, fold it together, and keep it handy. Designed with the clever PocketMod template (read Discover PocketMod. The low-tech PDA.), you can tape this tiny booklet to the side of your Mac in case you ever need it. It lists several of the most common fixes for a Mac that will not start up properly.
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What's a PocketMod?
A PocketMod is a special paper template that folds together to make a tiny 8-page booklet from a single sheet of paper. You print it out on your printer, fold it together, and carry it around, well, in your pocket.
Follow the folding diagram shown below, or watch a short video tutorial on the PocketMod website (look for the "Video Instructions" button).
Printing tip: For best results when printing from Acrobat, set page scaling to "none" in Acrobat's print options.
No time to fold! Just help me fix my Mac!
Don't want to mess around with printing and folding together a guide? Download a normal (non-PocketMod) PDF of the troubleshooting guide here:
Want more tiny guides? Leave some feedback.
Got an idea for a tiny guide you'd like to see? Leave us a comment.
We've got ideas for a couple more guides. But only if people enjoy these and help spread the word. Drop us a note. And don't forget to tell a friend!
This troubleshooting guide was co-created by two designer-friendly computer support firms: CreativeTechs in Seattle and Forget Computers in Chicago. Both companies have spent years helping creative teams stay productive with today's changing technology.
Comments
You guys are way too cool! Thanks for this little guide. I hope I never need it... but it is really nice to have and was fun to put together! Gives me some great ideas for my work too!
Posted by: Susan Andersson | June 18, 2006 10:20 PM
I think this is a great idea, I wish I would have thought of it. My readers @ http://www.thinkmac.net could really benefit from this, and I will be sure to mention it to them.
Posted by: one1step1 | June 19, 2006 05:29 PM
How about a little guide with the key combinations for Mac's shortcuts, for us, newbies...
Posted by: Arturo R. | June 19, 2006 06:27 PM
Wow, I'm clumsy... Newbie after all. I found my suggestion smack in the middle of the same page.
Thanks.
Posted by: Arturo R. | June 19, 2006 06:43 PM
This is great, keep 'em coming, thanks!
Chris
http://amateureconblog.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Chris Meisenzahl | June 20, 2006 05:12 AM
Wow, that is just MOST super excellent! Thanks!
I would also appreciate a shortcuts guide. Then again, the format lends itself best to if-then problems like the one you tackled.
Super stuff - I hope it helps with your advertising too!
Greets
Martin
P.S. There is an "easier" way to fold:
- fold the sheet in half, white side to white side, when possible
- cut on the only long line possible
- fold in half length wise, again white to white with the cut showing in the middle of the bottom
- hold the outside edges in each hand
- press together like an accordion
- fold the cover into shape
Posted by: Martin | June 20, 2006 10:22 AM
Would it be possible for someone to create a "print t PocketMod" app/script/automator-thingy for the mac? Scaling pages and printing them on one page in a certain order is already possible, eh. Now if someone just knew how to: set the spcefic order, rotate the output and say not to scale the PDF output - hey a great tool would be born!
Posted by: Martin | June 20, 2006 10:28 AM
I already thought the PocketMod was a great idea. Turning it in to a Mac troubleshooting guide makes it an even better. Great work. I will definitely be telling my listeners about it. themacattack.us
Posted by: Steve | June 20, 2006 11:13 AM
May not be EXACTLY what you're looking for but you can create your own pocketmod at the following URL:
http://www.pocketmod.com/
Posted by: Bobby | June 21, 2006 02:54 PM
TIP?
Can't print it.
Using Acrobat 5.0 full version on system OS9
Thanks,
Steve Collier
Collier Studio
Posted by: Steve | June 26, 2006 03:04 PM
Thanks for the most useful origami
I've seen yet! Looking forward to future publications.
Posted by: sue | June 26, 2006 04:13 PM
Doesn't work very well for A4. Websites forum is down. Where can I get more pocket mods? How can I make pockets mods? Great idea, no one is supporting it though! Need more. I tried to make one with all the all the Mac shortcuts on it. Didn't get very far. Is there one out there?
Posted by: Stan | July 4, 2006 11:22 AM
Nice site actually. Gone to my favourites. Thanks for creation.
Posted by: jack | January 8, 2007 02:01 PM