From Barnes & Noble
The Barnes & Noble ReviewMillions of geeks and protogeeks suffered major withdrawal pains when Leo Laporte disappeared from the old TechTV, just as that network was fading into history. Now G4TechTV has risen from the ashes, resurrecting Leo’s legendary computer help program, Call for Help. But, in 2005, you can have Leo every day -- without worrying about the vicissitudes of the cable TV business. Just get Leo Laporte’s 2005 Technology Almanac.
Here’s a whole year’s worth of Laporte’s best new tech advice in one place: authoritative advice, quick tips, downloads, and cool stuff you never knew you could do. All organized into bite-sized entries and sprinkled with history (did you know what day The Simpsons premiered?).
For example, Laporte’s “January” entries are designed to help you break in your new PC. Santa’s not bringing one? No sweat: Laporte’s tips on ergonomics and power protection are just as useful to you. Even more valuable is his guidance on security and privacy. (Do you know how to encrypt your files and email or keep folks from tracking the web sites you’re visiting? Did you know every newsgroup message you sent in the 1990s is still searchable by Google? (Hope you’re not running for Congress!)
Laporte, a notorious gadget hound, also offers up 52 “Gadgets of the Week.” Here, you’ll find everything from the world’s tiniest camcorder to the Wacom Cintiq for Mac, a touch-sensitive graphics pad that doubles as an 18-inch LCD. Our fave is a web-connected pet communication and feeding system: Call your pets from anywhere on earth, release food, and watch them chow down via Webcam. Only $500. Such a deal. And where else would you hear about it? Bill Camarda
Bill Camarda is a consultant, writer, and web/multimedia content developer. His 15 books include Special Edition Using Word 2003 and Upgrading & Fixing Networks for Dummies, Second Edition.
