Did my alternator go out?

Okay I was driving earlier when i began to smell a foul odor. Smelling like burnt rubber. Then i began to see smoke coming from my vents. Then my battery light came on. Temp gauge stayed at normal so i'm guessing the car didn't overheat but smoke was coming from vents and under hood. I have a 2000 ford taurus. So after the battery light came on i lost power and the car slowed to a stop. Losing complete power. Nothing works. Does this sound like my alternator burned out or something else?

What's wrong with my car? 2003 Taurus accelerating on its own? What are my options?

I have a 2003 Ford Taurus SES. It has 168k miles on it. I've noticed that when I let go of the gas, it doesn't decelerate, it coasts at the same speed or will accelerate. I started noticing this after I got off the interstate. I was breaking and the break pedal was vibrating to the point where it was vibrating my side of the car, and when I let go it jolted forward, like it drank two doubleshots and wanted to go. I've did some research and people have said speed control cables and cruise control cables getting all twisted up. No matter what "drive" I put it in (it has 2 of them and I guess one saves gas) it does this, and i noticed it accelerates quickly when it's down hill. Brakes still work great on it, I'm just afraid to drive it because I don't want the problem getting worse. I have to get this fixed before my driving test next week, and I want to get the input with you guys before I take it to a mechanic because the ones near me try to milk you out of all your money.

Is my A/C killing my battery?

Ok so I have an issue. When i run my a/c in my car it seems to take alot out of my battery. At times especially when idling when a/c is on i can hear the air compressor running and clicking. It is kinda loud. Also seems to drain power from my radio. My radio starts to skip and if i run it too long or forget to turn it off before i turn off the car i will need a jump to start it. I was wondering if anyone has had this issue how did you resolve it or if yoy have any info on this situation your input is appreciated. I have a 2000 ford taurus. Just got a brand new battery yesterday and yesterday everything was fine but this morning it seems as if its happening again

Power steering went out after driving through water?

I had to drive to work in a storm today. I drive a 2007 Ford Taurus 105, xxx miles, and I went around a corner and I completely lost steering in my car mid turn. This is the first time this has ever happened to my car. I slowed down drastically and then maybe 10 seconds later my power steering came back with a loud screech. Should I be worried about it going out again? I checked my steering fluid and it's topped off. Anything I can do to prevent this from happening again?

This is for all you mechanic type of guys?

I just bought a 2000 Ford Taurus SE. Same day I bought it I had to buy a brand new battery. And it's has 2700997 miles on it. Transmission seems to be slipping. I didn't pay a lot for it but If tranny is going then thats going to be worth more than the car is actually worth. Was wondering if i should just sell It or junk it and get my money back out of it. It has brand new tires but I don't know. What do you think? I need help making a descision.