How to Be a Geek Goddess

How to Be a Geek Goddess

by Christina Tynan-Wood
Released December 2008
Publisher(s): No Starch Press
ISBN: 9781593271879

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Book description

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.

Table of contents

  1. A Note for Men
  2. Introduction
  3. 1: Get a Smooth Ride, New or Used
    1. The Big Purchase (1/5)
    2. The Big Purchase (2/5)
    3. The Big Purchase (3/5)
    4. The Big Purchase (4/5)
    5. The Big Purchase (5/5)
    6. Rejuvenate a Tired Friend (1/2)
    7. Rejuvenate a Tired Friend (2/2)
    8. Disaster Preparation
  4. 2: Housebreaking
    1. A Room of One’s Own
    2. A Corner of One’s Own
    3. Perilous Positions (1/2)
    4. Perilous Positions (2/2)
    5. Out with the Old
    6. Asking for Help
  5. 3: Getting In Touch With Your Software Side
    1. Where’s the Mall?
    2. Software Wardrobe Fit for a Queen (1/5)
    3. Software Wardrobe Fit for a Queen (2/5)
    4. Software Wardrobe Fit for a Queen (3/5)
    5. Software Wardrobe Fit for a Queen (4/5)
    6. Software Wardrobe Fit for a Queen (5/5)
  6. 4: Hook It Up
    1. Getting Hooked (1/3)
    2. Getting Hooked (2/3)
    3. Getting Hooked (3/3)
    4. Your Digital Calling Card (1/2)
    5. Your Digital Calling Card (2/2)
    6. Go to Town (1/3)
    7. Go to Town (2/3)
    8. Go to Town (3/3)
  7. 5: Where the Stores Never Close
    1. Clothing and Accessories
    2. Designer Goods
    3. Electronics
    4. For the Home
    5. Automatic Delivery
    6. Cars and Automotive
    7. Real Estate
    8. Books
    9. The Privacy of Your Own Store
    10. Watch Your Back on eBay and Craigslist
  8. 6: Hello, Operator
    1. Free Phone Service
    2. Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind ?
    3. Talk to Your Computer
    4. Your Virtual Receptionist
    5. Internet Phones Give the Boot to Ma Bell
    6. Call Quality
    7. Goodies I Love
  9. 7: The Wireless Home
    1. Getting Your Own Wi-Fi (1/2)
    2. Getting Your Own Wi-Fi (2/2)
    3. Setting Up Your Network (1/2)
    4. Setting Up Your Network (2/2)
    5. Going into Lockdown
    6. And Now for the Fun Part
    7. Geek Credentials
  10. 8: Keeping It Safe
    1. Use Protection
    2. Sworn Enemies (1/2)
    3. Sworn Enemies (2/2)
    4. The Social Hazards (1/2)
    5. The Social Hazards (2/2)
    6. How to Fight Back
  11. 9: Geek Parenting
    1. In Plain Sight (1/2)
    2. In Plain Sight (2/2)
    3. More Guidelines Than Actual Rules (1/3)
    4. More Guidelines Than Actual Rules (2/3)
    5. More Guidelines Than Actual Rules (3/3)
    6. Safety Gates
    7. The Web Filters (1/2)
    8. The Web Filters (2/2)
    9. Let Them Have Fun
  12. 10: Groovy Gear and Gadgets
    1. Cameras (1/2)
    2. Cameras (2/2)
    3. Video Cameras
    4. Personal Digital Assistants
    5. Music and Media Players
    6. Technology and the Living Room Stereo
    7. TV
    8. A Lust for Luxury Gear
  13. 11: Your 200 Closest Friends
    1. Social Networking —Not What It Seems (1/2)
    2. Social Networking —Not What It Seems (2/2)
    3. Of Blogs and Bloggers
    4. Oh, Behave!
    5. People Helping People
    6. Get Thee to the Party
  14. 12: The Sexy Geek
    1. Hooking Up (1/2)
    2. Hooking Up (2/2)
    3. Staying Connected
    4. Virtual and Vicarious Sex
    5. I Have Seen My Future Husband (and He’s a Tidy Teetotaler)
  15. Index (1/2)
  16. Index (2/2)
  17. Updates

Product information

  • Title: How to Be a Geek Goddess
  • Author(s): Christina Tynan-Wood
  • Release date: December 2008
  • Publisher(s): No Starch Press
  • ISBN: 9781593271879