My Mac Won't Start! A Tiny Guide.

Last month I was browsing through the CreativeBits archives when I stumbled on a link for PocketMod. I didn't need a low-tech PDA replacement. But folding these little booklets became addictive. We started looking for other ways to use the PocketMod template. Here is what we came up with:

My Mac Won't Start! (PocketMod Edition)

Nothing is 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. It lists several of the most common fixes for a Mac that will not start up properly.

Download the PDF, print it out, fold it together, and keep it handy. You can even tape this tiny booklet to the side of your Mac in case you ever need it.

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.

Want to build your own PocketMod?

The PocketMod website provides a flash-based application that invites you to design your own PocketMod using a variety of pre-designed calendars, to-do lists, SuDuko puzzles, etc.

If you'd like design your own unique PocketMod, there is a PDF to PocketMod converter that converts PDF documents into the PocketMod folding dummy. However this utility only runs in Microsoft Windows. For designers with no access to a Windows computer, you can find two simple PDF folding dummies here.

Ideas for other Tiny Guide?

We've been brainstorming ideas for a couple more guides. They are certainly fun to create. What other topics would be a good fit for such a small portable document?

Note: This troubleshooting guide was co-created by two designer-friendly computer support firms: CreativeTechs in Seattle and Forget Computers in Chicago.