Sad Macs, Bombs and Other Disasters (Fourth Edition) is the definitive troubleshooting guide for the Macintosh. At almost 1000 pages, it covers all the basics plus much much more. Although its primary focus is on Mac OS 9, it includes a wealth of troubleshooting info (such as on web browsing and email) that is valuable even for OS X users.

Buy it You can order the book at Peachpit or at Amazon.

Reviews Here are selected quotes from reviews of the 4th edition:

A review on the MacEase Web site states: "If there is a single, better reference for avoiding problems with your system or for getting out of a problem situation when it does occur, I'm not aware of it!"

A review from MyMac.com states: "Readers can learn more about what might go wrong and how to MacFixIt than they ever knew existed. Sad Macs is superb." MacMice Rating: 5 (highest).

A review by Andy Ihnatko in the Chicago Sun-Times states: "When you consider all of the permutations and combinations of things that can go wrong, it's amazing that this book is as useful as it is. It's thick and it's exhaustive."

A review by Daniel Jardine at the Amazon.com (U.K.) site states: "This book covers just about every problem you are ever likely to encounter with your Macintosh. Sad Macs, Bombs and Other Disasters is an essential addition to any Mac user's library. Nowhere will you find such a comprehensive guide to maintaining, troubleshooting and fixing your Mac."

A review by Charles Downs in the Well-Healed Mac column of the Arizona Republic writes: "Every Mac user should keep Sad Macs handy. It is the ultimate reference book when trouble strikes and a comprehensive guide to understanding how your Mac works."

A review from Netsurfer Digest states: "This is the newest edition of the single most important book any Mac user can own. Forget the others. You own this book and you can fix just about any problem you will come across."

If you are curious to see what reviewers had to say about previous editions of Sad Macs, click here.