Pogue's Basics: Essential Tips and Shortcuts (That No One Bothers to Tell You) for Simplifying the Technology in Your Life

Pogue's Basics #1

by David Pogue

New York Times Bestseller!Did you know that can you scroll a Web page just by tapping the space bar? How do you recover photos you've deleted by accident? What can you do if your cell phone's battery is dead by dinnertime each day? When it comes to technology, there's no driver's ed class or government-issued pamphlet covering the essentials. Somehow, you're just supposed to know how to use your phone, tablet, computer, camera, Web browser, e-mail, and social networks. Luckily, award-winning tech expert David Pogue comes to the rescue with Pogue's Basics, a book that will change your relationship with all of the technology in your life. With wit and authority, Pogue's Basics collects every essential technique for making your gadgets seem easier, faster, and less of a hassle. Crystal-clear illustrations accompany these 225 easy-to-follow tips.Tips the type bigger on your screen · Bring a wet phone back from the dead · The fastest way to charge an iPad · The 10 best apps to put on your phone · How to type symbols · Bypass annoyingly long voice mail instructions · Use map apps on your phone without an Internet connection · Sign a contract electronically · See what's in a file without opening it · The 12 best free services on the Web · Turn off automatic bullets, lists, and links in Word · Protect yourself from online scams and viruses · Set up an automatic backup system on your computer · What to do about junk e-mail · Send photos so that they don't bounce back · Print or email articles without ads · How to get money for your used electronics · Rename a bunch of files in one fell swoop · Make YouTube videos sharper · and much more.At last, you can lose that nagging, insecure feeling that you're not the master of your own gadgets. The tech tips in Pogue's Basics are all you need—the shortcuts to a happier technological life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Technology, Reference, Self Help, Science, Computers, Adult

396 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 9, 2014

About the author

David Pogue, Yale '85, is the weekly personal-technology columnist for the New York Times and an Emmy award-winning tech correspondent for CBS News. His funny tech videos appear weekly on CNBC. And with 3 million books in print, he is also one of the world's bestselling how- to authors. He wrote or co-wrote seven books in the "For Dummies" series (including Macs, Magic, Opera, and Classical Music). In 1999, he launched his own series of amusing, practical, and user-friendly computer books called Missing Manuals, which now includes 100 titles.

David and his wife, Jennifer Pogue, MD, live in Connecticut with their three young children.

Reviews

[H (trying to keep up with GR friends) Balikov · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Essential tips and shortcuts (that no one bothers to tell you) for simplifying the technology in your life.”

Whether he is talking about how to make typing on your phone screen easier or getting the most out of Google, Pogue knows more than most of us do and he is willing to share it all.

Sections include:
Your Gadgets
The Computer
The Internet
Social Networks

Much of the material of this book bears a strong resemblance to the column he used to write for the Tech Section of the New York Times. This must have been a very successful book because he was able to quick publish others on “Money,” “Life,” and republish this one as “Tech.”
Three years means a lot in the tech field so some of the information may be out of date, but most of it is still usable. So, I have no problem giving this 4 starts.

[Cari · Rating 5 out of 5]

The main reason I give this book five stars is because of what it represents. This is essentially my job in a nutshell. People come to me because they want to know this stuff. So now I have a book I can refer them to! I'm thinking of getting a bunch of copies and just passing them out in the computer lab. I did learn some tricks, especially in the Mac and Windows 8 sections - I'm a bit rusty on Windows 8, and completely clueless when it comes to Mac. I also like that this book has something for most anyone who has a bit of computer knowledge. It will be a good reference tool for my department as well.

[Haneen · Rating 5 out of 5]

زكّى لي زوجي هذا الكتاب بعد أن استطلع اسمه مصادفةً في موقع قارئ جرير، ونظرًا لقلّة قراءاتي في المجال التقني فقد كان وجود كتاب حديث النشر بعنوان "أساسيات بوج- تبسيط التكنولوجيا في حياتك" جاذبًا لي، وبالفعل تركتُ قائمتي الطويلة من الروايات والكتب وبدأت بقراءته.

لغة الكتاب سلسة جدًا، وقراءته ممتعة بالفعل، يوضّح أبسط أساسيات التكنولوجيا التي نتعامل معها كل يوم، الجميل أن الكاتب يشرح المصطلحات التي يذكرها والتي نتعامل معها كبديهيّات، أيقونة متصفح مجلّد ملف.. إلخ مراعيًا بذلك مستويات القراء كافّة.

أنصح بهذا الكتاب للجميع:
* لمن يستخدم التقنية دون فهمها ليتمكن من حلّ المشكلات المتكررة التي تواجهه يوميًا.

*وللضليعين بالتقنية ممن يضطرون للإجابة بشكل متكرر ومزعج على الأسئلة نفسها "كيف أستعيد صورًا حذفتها بالخطأ" "كيف أحمي هاتفي من الفيروسات" "كيف تستطيع العمل على الحاسب دون أن تفارق يديك لوحة المفاتيح؟"
إن كُنت منزعجًا من تكرارها.. أنصحك بإهداء هذا الكتاب لكلّ من حولك، سيقلّل هذا من وتيرة الأسئلة بالتأكيد!


مراجعتي للكتاب في جريدة عنب بلدي:

تجه جميعًا لاستصدار رخصة قيادة سيارة عندما نرغب بذلك، إذا أردت حمل سلاح ستحتاج لرخصة مشابهة، لكن عندما يتعلق الأمر باستخدام وسائل التكنولوجيا فلا رُخص ولا دورات مسبقة لتتمكن من استخدامها، أو تجاوز المشكلات التي تصادفك أثناء ذلك يوميًا.

فمثلًا هل تعرف كيف تستعيد الصور التي حذفتها خطأً؟ ما الحلول الممكنة لتحسين أداء بطارية هاتفك؟ كيف تنقذ هاتفك المبتلّ من التلف؟ وكيف تعيد تسمية مجموعة من الملفات بنقرة واحدة؟

“أمور تعتقد أن الجميع يعلمها، لكنهم لا يعلمونها”، حول هذه الأمور يدور كتاب “أساسيات بوج، تبسيط التكنولوجيا في حياتك”، وهو موضوع عزم ديفيد بوج على الكتابة عنه في مدونته بمجلة نيويورك تايمز بعد حادثة جرت معه في مكتبة عامة، لتتحول المقالة إلى حديث على منصة مؤتمر “تيد” عام 2013، ويجمع ديفيد بعدها كل نصائحه في كتاب “أساسيات بوج”.

ما يربط بين هذه النصائح حسب المؤلف “أنها تجعل استخدام التكنولوجيا أسرع وأسهل، خطوات أقل، جلبة أقل، إزعاج أقل”.

صدر الكتاب باللغة الإنكليزية أواخر عام 2014، وتُرجم للعربية من قبل دار جرير عام 2015.

يقع الكتاب في 350 صفحة تقريبًا، موزعة على 17 فصلًا، بدءًا من “جلسة علاجية للتعرف على التكنولوجيا”، وانتهاءً بتعريفك على موقع تويتر وكيف تتعامل معه، مرورًا بالهواتف، أجهزة التابلت، الكاميرات، أنظمة تشغيل الكمبيوتر، البريد الإلكتروني، الإنترنت، التعامل بذكاء مع غوغل والاستفادة مما يتيحه لك، والأخطاء الشائعة التي يجب أن تتجاوزها في استخدام التقنية.

الكتاب أساسيّ للتعامل مع التكنولوجيا المحيطة بنا، وكما يقول المؤلف “إذا علّمك هذا الكتاب حيلة واحدة جديدة فقط فقد تجعل حياتك أسهل”.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is it possible not to love David Pogue? If he were a teacher, at any level, his classes would easily be the most popular. As he demonstrated in his “Making Stuff...” series on PBS he has a splendid ability to make complicated science understandable and fun with equal measures of enthusiasm and good humor and not a hint of condescension. This book is no different. If you’ve seen or heard him before you can almost hear his voice in your head as you read along. The tone is light and uplifting and there’s no shortage of funny material, although he goes for the corny jokes a little too often.

This isn’t a book to curl up with around the fireplace with a warm cup of tea. At its heart it’s a user’s guide packed with tips and tricks to help its readers improve their ability to use and understand all sorts of electronic gadgets and software (smart phones, tablets, laptops, browsers, iOS, Android, Google, Mac & Windows 8 & 8.1 operating systems, and more). Unless you’re an absolute technology maven I can’t imagine you won’t learn at least a handful of new ideas.

His main thrust in the Mac & Windows sections (each are handled separately and there’s also overlap) is to teach keyboard shortcuts to reduce mouse clicking. (Although he does offer several mouse and trackpad tips.) I’m not a heavy duty user who’s at a keyboard all day so the keystroke shortcuts are things I’m unlikely to adopt.

Some sections may not be of interest or use to readers but they’re easy to skip. I did skip a few sections only because it dealt with items I’d never use (such as Facebook).

The instructions are crystal clear and there are lots of pictures and illustrations to prevent any confusion. Having the devices (smart phone, tablet, computer) handy is the best way to maximize the value of this book. I tried many of the tricks to great success.

Technology manuals become outdated eventually but I would dare say this is a book virtually everyone should own. Don’t borrow it from the library, keep a copy handy.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and very interesting book about tips and shortcuts to help make our technology simpler. I learned a few good tips that I've already started using and was surprised at some of the tips I've known about for years. It has a little bit of everything: PCs, tablets, smart phones and the internet written in a instructive yet not overwhelming style. I would recommend this book to beginners and mid-level computer knowledge users.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book, highly likely that you'll learn something. Here are a few things I learned:
- check out retailmenot.com to maybe save money on things
- in a Powerpoint presentation, use B or W keys to black out or white out the slide if you want people to stop looking at the slide and look at you
- press Alt+D to highlight the address bar
- press the Space bar to move one screenful
- Ctrl+ = zoom faster
- freeconferencecall.com (check to see if it will work for me)

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been a Mac person ever since I got my first work desktop computer almost 30 years ago, and I followed that up with several Mac home computers and devices, so I know a lot of the tips and tricks for efficiently using them. To my amazement, I learned a lot more by reading this book. Pogue writes in a snappy and amusing way, and packs a lot of information into this useful book. Highly recommended.

[Hapzydeco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great things come in small packages. This practical guide by David Pogue, the entertainer, is a must for anyone who received an iPhone or a new computer for Christmas. Maybe not so much for an iPad recipient. Also, this useful, fun read comes with an excellent index.

[Erikka · Rating 3 out of 5]

We are techies, so we knew most of these things. Also, the book was four years old which is ancient in tech info years. That being said, this is just an unbelievable resource for people who are not the best with computers. Lots of great information and shortcuts to take some of the stress out of learning to use a computer.

[Flewts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even if you think you are technologically savvy, you will learn new things. If you feel a bit overwhelmed by all the technology and have given up on reading the tomes that come with every new gadget, you'll want to look at this book.

It is set up so that if you have a Mac computer, you can skip the chapter on Windows machines, and vice versa. It gives tips for Smart Phones (android and iphone) and basic computer keyboard shortcuts, and things relevant to newer things like Facebook, Twitter, and some interesting FREE Internet sites which can be a big help.

Even so, it is an easy read, just enough humor to keep you from boredom, and even some basic things so that even those of us who NEED HELP can think, "Ha, even I know that..."

Definitely worth your time to read this book.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book contains a plethora of basic to slightly more than basic tips for electronics. It is useful no matter if you have an iPhone, Android, Windows, or Apple device (whenever applicable, he explains each tip for each different device it can be used on).

I knew a lot of it already, but learned about 5 useful tidbits I have implemented (most of which I felt pretty stupid for not already knowing, especially as a Millennial). 5 out of 200+ tips seems like a poor return on investment, but the information is divided logically and given in bite-sized portions, so you can easily hone in on pertinent chapters and ignore the rest.

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers tech tips on everything from smartphones to computers to software. It is well designed to find the information you need and skip what you don't. Skim it for a few useful ideas and keep it around in case you're asked to help someone with something unfamiliar.

There are many tip books available for specific devices or programs, and Mr. Pogue has written a number of them. If your world depends on just one, a device-specific book will offer a deeper look. If, like me, technology is available in many forms, this book is a good choice.

[Carina Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when you thought you knew everything techie..

This book is filled with tips and tricks that everyone should know about but doesn't. This is perfect for the person who is slightly stymied by tech, but is willing to learn. I've read Mr. Pogue's books before, and they are all entertaining and educational to read. I would love to give this book as a gift.

[Paulo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ao invés de ler centenas de páginas de manuais e artigos, procure as informações sobre Software em um único lugar.

Dicas do Windows 7, 8 e 8.1, Android, iPhone, McBook, Smartphone, ...

Como utilizar o teclado de forma mais inteligente: os comandos mais usados e mais úteis.

Vale a pena ler e guardar como referência futura :-)

Well, just my 2 cents :-)

[David Levin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little book. I love David Pogue anyway. Great combination of practical, clear and funny. Always helpful.

So this book had quite a few worthwhile bits. Since I've followed him for a while I already know most of them. But it was still worth it to pick up the ones I didn't.

[Randee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this immensely and would have given it 5 stars if it hadn't been so short. I recommend this to everyone who has a computer, smart phone, cable TV, etc. Everyone is bound to pick up some useful information that can be implemented every day to better use our technological toys.

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of a grab-bag of tips and tricks related to computers, phones, tablets, and other electronics. Most of the tips are pretty useful, but if you need to actually learn how to use a device, you'll want something more in-depth.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it. A book of some basic miscellaneous stuff to know about our electronic devices today. A great gift for your mother or father if they are always calling you and asking you how to use something and it will give you a few pointers as well.

[Penny Ramirez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of helpful info in this book - some I knew, some I didn't. Debating buying it as a reference....

[Marcia Conner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always surprised and delighted to learn little tricks that can save loads of time. A terrific read.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great run down of tech tips to help you with all of your devices. All written in a very approachable matter.

[Wendi Lau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of stuff I did not know. Clearly explained.

[William Schram · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Pogue’s Basics, the author discusses various shortcuts and ideas to make your technology life easier. Whether you are 8 or 80 you probably have a few pieces of technology somewhere in your house. It could be a voice-activated toaster, a refrigerator that connects to the internet, or a computer of some kind. David Pogue is the author of this particular series, and it is quite helpful if you never play around with your technology. It offers up shortcuts and hidden settings for Apple Products, Tablets, Smartphones, Windows products, Android phones, and other miscellaneous items. It talks about things that everyone should know about their gadgets. All in all, there are 225 different pieces of advice in this slim volume.

The book is enjoyable. It was published in 2014, making it slightly dated. To illustrate this, it only covers Windows up to 8.1 and Macintosh up to OS X 10.9. It talks about phone operating systems as well, but that is not too interesting to me.

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book, but I'll level with you: I'm nineteen. I spent my childhood growing up alongside the likes of Myspace (a year younger than me) and Netflix (only four years older). Like Dennis Nord said, "We not only lived through the golden age of so many forms of popular entertainment, we were present at the birth of them, enjoyed their heyday and were there to mourn their passing."
A lot of these tips may seem second nature to those of us who knew how to set up a Goodreads account, but give it a chance. There are some really good tips on creating your own keyboard shortcuts, and it's a good book to teach you how to explain tech shortcuts to say, your parents or grandparents. Even if you know every tip in the book it's a guide on how to teach others what you know.
TLDR I knew everything in this book because these technologies are all my age but it's a good guide to teaching others tech and I was never bored.

[Heather N · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Pogue's Basics" accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do, which is to provide a handy reference guide and primer on some of the most foundational tech tools. It is easy to navigate: you can easily skip over bits you already know and find the skills you need to brush up on. And all the while it is humorous, conversational, and surprisingly entertaining. I did a fair amount of skipping, but also of learning, so I would definitely recommend this helpful resource to anyone who ever wonders of their tech, "Isn't there an easier way to do this??" Read, learn, and wonder no more!

[Dante · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite reading this book five years after it was published, it is still chock-full of useful, life-altering (live-improving!) tips, even for someone who considers himself fairly adept when it comes to technology. It's well-worth the $19.99 cover price. If Pogue ever undertakes an update of this book, I'll buy it.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to understand tips for IPad, IPhone, Windows, and Mac. As a pretty strong user I knew a lot of these but learned quite a few new ones to highly recommend this book to anyone trying to use technology smarter and faster.

[Elaysee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of the material is inevitably out-of-date, but much is still relevant. I kept grabbing devices or opening apps to try things out, and picked up a couple of new-to-me tricks that I'm using regularly.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful, user-friendly tone and tips. It would be better with an update - this 2014 pub date in tech world is a tad behind. For example, it doesn't include Windows 10. But I'm sure the updated edition is around the corner and, if so, I'd recommend it.

[Clayton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was written in 2014, but many items in the book are still valid. I picked up several useful tips that are still valid. I do think he should update the book or the ratings on this book will start to get worse!