1. A method for detecting problems in a system which generates a plurality of symptoms, the method comprising the steps of: (1) providing a computer-accessible codebook comprising a matrix of values each corresponding to a mapping between one of said plurality of symptoms and a likely problem in said system; (2) monitoring said plurality of symptoms generated by said system over time; (3) decoding, through the use of a computer, said monitored symptoms into one or more of said likely problems by determining a mismatch measure between one or more of said values in said codebook and one or more of said monitored symptoms; and (4) generating a report comprising said one or more likely problems decoded from said codebook.