The link below is a good step by step guide you can follow if you are having some problems with your Mac. It covers a variety of issues, and also has many helpful links as well, it is hosted on the Apple Support Communities site.
You can read it all here https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3353
I am always interested in your thoughts so if you have any comments or feedback then please feel free to add any comments, or you can mail me here.