Review: How to be a Geek Goddess

I received the book from the publisher “No Starch Press”, and it was completely free for me, however this is an unbiased review — I am not under any obligation to kiss ass here for my review and it’s the only way I’ll review products or items.

Moving on!

This is what her book description says:

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.

SHORT REVIEW

Buy the book if you are technologically-challenged (male or female), because it is witty, and down to earth while being extremely informative and not frightening at all.

LONG REVIEW

Absolutely fabulous.

This is by far, one of my favourite books, ever and I will never let it out of my library, EVER. I could use it as a quick reference for SOME parts that I was kind of fuzzy on as I haven’t done my own research (digital camera, digital camcorder, security).

I had not expected to like as much as I did. Honestly, I thought it would be the same stuff all over again, dumbed down for the girls (“Duh? Wireless?”), but it was the complete opposite of all of my expectations.

Sure, the information could be out of date in a year or so, but honestly I’d strongly recommend buying it anyway if you are even the slightest bit uncomfortable with technology.

Christina (Xtina..) runs the gamut on everything techy, from wireless routers to digital cameras to computer security to keep your computers healthy and your kids safe while they surf online.

The information is clear, and no question is considered dumb or stupid. Even as a pretty solid female geek, I learned about 5-6 things from the book such as little tips and tricks about Windows Vista and XP that I had random problems with but never bothered to research on forums about what was causing it, or how to fix it.

She also gives solid recommendations for lots of free software and programs to try which was very helpful for me. The whole book is so damn PRACTICAL, I love it, and not pooh-poohing women’s rights to have a beautiful laptop or gorgeous gadgets that aren’t all black or silver.

The best part is that she doesn’t try to make the book too technical, or scare you into thinking that you are going to screw something up if you don’t understand it – she really promotes experimenting with your computer (slowly) and feeling more comfortable with it while surfing safely.

VERDICT

Highly recommended on all counts, unless you’re the type of girl that knows how to install Linux on an operating system and tear the laptop apart using a toothpick as a screwdriver to upgrade its components.

I will guarantee (personally as I have read and loved it) that if you read the book from front to cover, you WILL become a geek goddess. You will understand what all of these acronyms mean that everyone is throwing around so casually and will be in the loop, so to speak.