When
you don’t know whom, what or where to ask….
© 2015 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
BOB SKIDMORE
CORRESPONDENT
Keeping up with new technology has become more than a
challenge for both the techie and the novice. Instruction manuals are no longer
or never were packed with the devices you acquired. You’re expected to already
know the operation or, at best, download a manual with terms you don’t
understand. Features and shortcuts are often built-in, but never disclosed. So
from whom, what or where can you find the answers? I don’t normally review
books, but this is a worthwhile exception that goes a long way to solving the
problem.
POGUE’S
BASICS, a 357 page softcover book, is published by Flatiron
Books, and written by David Pogue, a tech savvy author. David has a long list
of credits including a thirteen year stint as the tech guru at the NEW YORK TIMES; founder of
yahootech.com; wrote or co-wrote seven of the FOR DUMMIES series of books; writes a monthly column for SCIENTIFIC AMERICA; tech
contributor for CBS’s SUNDAY MORNING
and has authored a vast collection of the MISSING
MANUAL computer-book series. He has the knack of simplifying and focusing
in on what you need to know to maximize the use of your electronic gadgets. His
topics include; Smartphones, tablets, cameras, computers (MAC & PC),
operating systems, apps and much more. It’s fair to say that anything with a
plug or the software necessary to make it work is covered and well within his
expertise.
This book is written in an easy to understand format
that’s well illustrated. As they say, “a picture is worth a thousand words”.
It’s indexed by topic making it easy to locate what you need. It’s chocked full
of useful tips like, scrolling down a web site by tapping the space bar; recovering
photos you accidently trashed; maximizing the use of your phone, tablet,
computer, camera, web browser, and navigating email and social networks. In
short, it’s so well illustrated and laid out, it’s like having your own
personal guru at your command. Consider it a reference book and not something
you necessarily have to read cover-to-cover.
Tips include, but are certainly not limited to; bringing
back a water soaked phone from the inoperable; the fastest way to charge an
iPad; the 10 best apps for your smartphone; using map apps on your phone
without an Internet connection; making the verbiage on your screen larger; bypassing
lengthy voice mail instructions; junk mail tips; sending photos that don’t
bounce back; printing articles without ads; renaming a group of files at one
time; making YouTube videos larger and sharper; sign a contract electronically.
I rank this as one of the best resources available for
anyone who has an electronic device and accompanying software or apps to make
life simpler. It’s probably one of the lowest priced return-on-investments
you’ll ever make!
(TIP: While not reviewed in this article, David’s MISSING MANUAL
series is also a must have. It’s truly the missing manual that did not come
with your computer or various software programs you may have. The topics are
numerous, so check your book supplier or Amazon for availability. You’ll also
find topics in this series authored by other competent experts.)
GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★★★★
MSRP: Soft cover ~ $19.95 ISBN 978-1-250-05348-0;
E-book edition ~ $9.95 ISBN 978-10250-05384-8
Graphic
credits: Amazon
Bob
Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent,
or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his
points of view and not those of the manufacturer. The manufacturer generally
supplies products at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is
received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of
review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior
ratings.
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