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Q: I am 84 years of age and hooked on computers which I find indispensable in daily life.

I often come across problems for which no answer seems available, even with advice from younger ones. Am I expecting too much from this wonderful machine, or is there an answer somewhere?

A: Yes, there is an answer out there to your computing problems. Unfortunately, finding just the right answer can be quite difficult and time-consuming.

The problem is that many people buy computers from many different manufacturers, who build their computers from many different sets of parts. Plus, everybody’s computer runs a slightly different set of software.

That makes many computers unique, with their own set of incompatibilities and problems. And that’s why you’re seeing problems not found by others. Rejoice in your uniqueness!

Seriously, though, I have three pieces of advice:

• Write down the exact wording of any error messages you see.
• Search for that error message on Google.
• Repeat until you find somebody who’s stumbled upon the answer and was kind enough to post it on the Web.

There are billions of people out there on the Internet. You just might find somebody with your exact computer’s configuration who’s posted an answer.

This Help page on Google searching might help you pluck your particular needle from the haystack. Mastering the art of pinpoint Google searching will go a long way in solving computer problems.

Q:

The only alternative I have is to retrain into a new career that has parallels to my old company.

Do you have any recommendations or suggestions for online courses for CompTIA  A+ certification? With this certification, an opportunity is sure to be forthcoming; even if it’s opening the doors again as a computer service.

My current unemployment plus my lack of the skills in today’s computer areas are a really difficult combination to overcome.

A: Since I specialize in writing beginning computer books, I don’t know anything about online courses for CompTIA A+ certification.

However, I know that many people skip the expensive online courses and buy study guides, like the CompTIA A+ Complete Certification Kit (Exams 220-701 and 220-702) from Amazon.

Certification study guides aren’t cheap, and I’ve never read that particular book, but the reviews look solid. It contains both a sample exam and study guides to help people pass the real exam.

You might drop by your local bookstore to check out some of the competing books, as well. Your local library might have some of the books to compare, as well.

Any other suggestions out there, readers?