Advice for Resolving the Questions I Can't Answer

Why can't I solve every problem you send me? Apart from there being only 24 hours in a day, the primary reason is that most of your questions are too specific: I don't know how to calculate Louisiana payroll taxes in a Microsoft Works spreadsheet, for example. And not enough readers have that concern to justify putting it in the magazine.

For suggestions on resolving your own tech problems, read PC World Editor in Chief Harry McCracken's "How to Help Thyself".

Also, enter the product name in the search engine of your choice, along with other words related to your problem. Restrict your search, at least initially, to the vendor's site by using the site: command. For instance, to learn how to calculate Louisiana payroll taxes in a Works spreadsheet, enter "Microsoft Works" Louisiana payroll tax site:Microsoft.com. If you don't find an answer, remove the 'site:' portion and search the entire Web.

Send questions to answer@pcworld.com. Answer Line pays $50 for published items. You'll find Contributing Editor Lincoln Spector's humorous and other writings at www.thelinkinspector.com.