Maintaining Your IT System

6. Troubleshooting Software

6.1 Start by trying to replicate the problem.

Some software faults are caused by a particular combination of programs. You may encounter a one-off problem purely by chance and never experience it again.

6.2 If you can replicate a fault, see if your application's own online help section offers a method of working round the problem.

6.3 Answers to common problems are often available on the Internet.

• Look on the software manufacturer's website.
• Most packages have related newsgroups, where users swap tips and advice. You can search for these newsgroups at www.google.com/groups.

6.4 Software developers' websites may also carry updated versions of applications software, or special 'patches' or 'fixes' you can download to deal with bugs.

• Only add a patch if you are suffering from the problem it was designed to fix.

6.5 Try to keep your software up to date unless there are specific reasons why you need to stick with an older version.

• Hold back a few weeks before installing a new software update. This gives others time to find and iron out any major bugs.

6.6 To remove an application, always use 'uninstall' or the option to 'add/remove' programs offered in the Control Panel. This should remove all traces of an application.

• Do not just delete the folder where the software is stored, as this can cause problems by leaving files littered around in several different folders.