Pinehurst resident Sandy Berger, whose column appears regularly in The Pilot, has written not one, but three books (published by Que Publishing at $19.99 each) designed to help baby boomers — or anyone — plow through the computer and software minefield as well as introduce them to the latest on electronic devices. Berger is also the host of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Webplace Computers and Technology Web site.
Berger is popular with The Pilot’s readers, and her earlier books have sold well. This is due, in large measure, to the way she explains things in a manner simple enough for those who are not completely immersed in the computer world to comprehend — but she doesn’t talk down to her readers. Respectful of the aging eyes of baby boomers, the books are printed in a larger font, with larger images.
The “Great Age Guide to Gadgets and Gizmos” will offer readers a look at the world of electronic devices. With all of the new digital cameras, cell phones and toys, not to mention the options for computer users, this book is a handy item to have. Digital cameras have become really popular, and there are so many out there that it’s hard to determine which one best meets your needs for the price you can afford to pay.
One computer program in particular that could be helpful for aging eyes is a software product called WebEyes. This lets the user increase the type size on Web pages as well as turn an article into a book format.
“Great Age Guide to the Internet” explains the basics of the Internet, from sending an e-mail to creating a Web page. Berger discusses which Internet Service Provider to choose based on your lifestyle, explains what firewalls are, how to protect yourself from spam and identity theft, and preventing viruses from attacking your computer.
“Great Age Guide to Better Living Through Technology” offers readers tips on the many resources available on the Web from genealogy sites to sharing photo images. (It amazes me to see my Web-savvy children and their friends use IM [instant messaging], sharing photos and setting up Web pages.) If there’s a subject that interests you, there’s likely a source on the Web — and if not, you could create one.
Another good topic in this book is about buying music for downloading. Parents are often clueless about how their children accomplish this task.
Berger tries to give both the positives and negatives about the products she discusses.
Berger is also the author of “Your Official Grown-up's Guide to AOL and the Internet,” “Cyber Savers: Tips and Tricks for Today's Drowning Computer User” and “How to Have a Meaningful Relationship With Your Computer.” Her next book, to be released in the spring, is “Great Age Guide to Online Health and Wellness.”
If someone you know has just moved into the world of computers, especially online, all three of these books would make a great gift. (Or you can put them on your own Christmas list. There’s still plenty of time for shopping.)
Faye M. Dasen may be reached at fdasen@thepilot.com or 693-2475.
