Synopses & Reviews
When it comes to technology (or anything, really), men and women rarely think alike. Men are obsessed with acronyms and the size of their hard drives. Women just want to get things done. And if they can get it done while shopping for a cute pair of shoes, even better.
How to Be a Geek Goddess shows you how to sort out technology decisions (and find those cute shoes online) without ever having to ask a man. Whether you're buying a computer, shopping for a cell phone, trapped in the electronics aisle, or simply lost on the Internet, author Christina Tynan-Wood explains it all with wit, intelligence, and a minimum of geeky acronyms.
You'll learn how to:
- Buy the right computer for your needs, your decor, and your budget
- Surf the Web with confidence, organize your life, and manage your finances
- Master your email inbox, cell phone, and instant messaging
- Keep yourself and your kids safe from spyware, viruses, and online scam artists
- Reconnect with friends, grow your professional network, or find that special someone online
How to Be a Geek Goddess will show you how to join the Web conversation, start your own blog, and maybe even teach your friends a thing or two. Think of it as the tech-savvy girlfriend you wish you had on speed dial.
Synopsis
Do you sigh in frustration when your computer shows a blank screen for no apparent reason? Are you tired of waiting for your husband to install that wireless network? Have you felt belittled by the sales guy at your local tech emporium? Well, you're not alone. In "How to Be a Geek Goddess," author Christina Tynan-Wood shares the expertise she gained while writing for magazines like "PC World" and "PC Magazine" but keeps the book light and conversational. Like advice from the geek girlfriends you always wished you had, the book explains topics in a way you'll understand: No patronizing guy bluster, unnecessary jargon, or information you aren't interested in, just the stuff you need to know to get the job done. You'll learn how to use your computer to get more done in less time, shop for gear, fit an ugly computer into a lovely living room, hang out in online communities, and keep yourself and your family safe online. Tynan-Wood covers basic and not-so-basic topics, like how to use VoIP to make inexpensive telephone calls over the Internet and set up a wireless network in your home.
About the Author
Christina Tynan-Wood has published hundreds of articles on technology, parenting, and education in her 15 years as a working writer. She has written for Family Circle, Parenting, This Old House, USA Weekend, Edutopia, Working Mother, Scholastic Administrator, Family PC, and Popular Science and has contributed regular columns for both PC World and PC Magazine.
Table of Contents
A NOTE FOR MEN; INTRODUCTION; A QUICK TOUR OF GODDESS LAND; WHEN YOU ARE A GEEK GODDESS; Chapter 1: GET A SMOOTH RIDE, NEW OR USED; 1.1 THE BIG PURCHASE; 1.2 REJUVENATE A TIRED FRIEND; 1.3 DISASTER PREPARATION; Chapter 2: HOUSEBREAKING; 2.1 A ROOM OF ONE'S OWN; 2.2 A CORNER OF ONE'S OWN; 2.3 PERILOUS POSITIONS; 2.4 OUT WITH THE OLD; 2.5 ASKING FOR HELP; Chapter 3: GETTING IN TOUCH WITH YOUR SOFTWARE SIDE; 3.1 WHERE'S THE MALL?; 3.2 SOFTWARE WARDROBE FIT FOR A QUEEN; Chapter 4: HOOK IT UP; 4.1 GETTING HOOKED; 4.2 YOUR DIGITAL CALLING CARD; 4.3 Go to Town; Chapter 5: WHERE THE STORES NEVER CLOSE; 5.1 CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES; 5.2 DESIGNER GOODS; 5.3 ELECTRONICS; 5.4 FOR THE HOME; 5.5 AUTOMATIC DELIVERY; 5.6 CARS AND AUTOMOTIVE; 5.7 REAL ESTATE; 5.8 BOOKS; 5.9 THE PRIVACY OF YOUR OWN STORE; 5.10 WATCH YOUR BACK ON EBAY AND CRAIGSLIST; Chapter 6: HELLO, OPERATOR; 6.1 FREE PHONE SERVICE; 6.2 DID YOU EVER HAVE TO MAKE UP YOUR MIND?; 6.3 TALK TO YOUR COMPUTER; 6.4 YOUR VIRTUAL RECEPTIONIST; 6.5 INTERNET PHONES GIVE THE BOOT TO MA BELL; 6.6 CALL QUALITY; 6.7 GOODIES I LOVE; Chapter 7: THE WIRELESS HOME; 7.1 GETTING YOUR OWN WI-FI; 7.2 SETTING UP YOUR NETWORK; 7.3 GOING INTO LOCKDOWN; 7.4 AND NOW FOR THE FUN PART; 7.5 GEEK CREDENTIALS; Chapter 8: KEEPING IT SAFE; 8.1 USE PROTECTION; 8.2 SWORN ENEMIES; 8.3 THE SOCIAL HAZARDS; 8.4 HOW TO FIGHT BACK; Chapter 9: GEEK PARENTING; 9.1 IN PLAIN SIGHT; 9.2 MORE GUIDELINES THAN ACTUAL RULES; 9.3 SAFETY GATES; 9.4 THE WEB FILTERS; 9.5 LET THEM HAVE FUN; Chapter 10: GROOVY GEAR AND GADGETS; 10.1 CAMERAS; 10.2 VIDEO CAMERAS; 10.3 PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANTS; 10.4 MUSIC AND MEDIA PLAYERS; 10.5 TECHNOLOGY AND THE LIVING ROOM STEREO; 10.6 TV; 10.7 A LUST FOR LUXURY GEAR; Chapter 11: YOUR 200 CLOSEST FRIENDS; 11.1 SOCIAL NETWORKING--NOT WHAT IT SEEMS; 11.2 OF BLOGS AND BLOGGERS; 11.3 OH, BEHAVE!; 11.4 PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE; 11.5 GET THEE TO THE PARTY; Chapter 12: THE SEXY GEEK; 12.1 HOOKING UP; 12.2 STAYING CONNECTED; 12.3 VIRTUAL AND VICARIOUS SEX; 12.4 I HAVE SEEN MY FUTURE HUSBAND (AND HE'S A TIDY TEETOTALER); COLOPHON;