Now days, OS X may seem a little trickier to troubleshoot because of multiple Libraries and User accounts, but don't let that fool you. It may actually be easier to troubleshoot, because extension conflicts have virtually been eliminated in OS X. Corrupt preferences still remain a common problem though, so here is a strategy to help you isolate OS X issues.

One of the first things I recommend you do when you install a new Mac OS X system or get a new Mac, is to create another User account and call it "Test." You can do this at anytime by simply going to System Preferences > Accounts. I use this "bare bones" account to help troubleshoot or isolate a problem. By logging into the 'Test' account, it can help me determine if the problem is localized (in my Home Library) or system-wide (System or HD Library). For example, say your Dock is acting up, log out and login to your 'Test' account. If the Dock is working fine now, you have isolated the problem locally to your main User account -- a possible corrupt preference in your Home Library.

Next week I'll give you give you a detailed example of a problem I recently solved for a friend using this troubleshooting method, so stay tuned! (You can email me at admin@macosg.com)