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Pogue's Basics: Essential Tips and Shortcuts (That No One Bothers to Tell You) for Simplifying the Technology in Your Life Paperback – December 9, 2014

by David Pogue (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 682 ratings
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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 include:
Make 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.

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  1. Print length
    368 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Flatiron Books
  4. Publication date
    December 9, 2014
  5. Dimensions
    5.47 x 0.99 x 8.2 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    125005348X
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1250053480
  8. See all details
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Pogue's Basics: Essential Tips and Shortcuts (That No One Bothers to Tell You) for Simplifying the Technology in Your Life
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Pogue's Basics: Life: Essential Tips and Shortcuts (That No One Bothers to Tell You) for Simplifying Your Day
Pogue's Basics: Life: Essential Tips and Shortcuts (That No One Bothers to Tell You) for Simplifying Your Day
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Pogue's Basics: Money: Essential Tips and Shortcuts (That No One Bothers to Tell You) About Beating the System
Pogue's Basics: Money: Essential Tips and Shortcuts (That No One Bothers to Tell You) About Beating the System
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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
682 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book easy to read and understand, with tons of simple hints and tips. They also say it's worth the money, useful for beginners and technophobes, and contains good stuff covering many topics. Readers also appreciate the right touch of humor.

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ReadabilityValueComplexityContentHumorRelevanceBackground
94 customers mention "Readability"94 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and understand, with an intuitive and friendly writing style. They also say the book is entertaining and well written.

"...In David Pogue's usual style "Pogue's Basics" is extremely well-written to the point of being entertaining...." Read more

"...row of small "F" keys on a computer--you'll find much clearly-explained, useful information in the book...." Read more

"It's good and easy to read, but honestly most of the tips are pretty basic...." Read more

"This book is small but has all kinds of information about tech shortcuts such as smartphones, computers, tablets, etc...." Read more

25 customers mention "Value"25 positive0 negative

Customers find the book helpful and worth the money.

"...Very useful. Great buy." Read more

"...it in 8th grade or anywhere else - this item alone was worth the price of the book." Read more

"...A good value and I would buy it again." Read more

"...of detail of every day life and gives shortcuts and advice that's so valuable and useful...." Read more

20 customers mention "Complexity"15 positive5 negative

Customers find the book useful for beginners and technophobes, and say it's great for seasoned iPhone users. They also say the information is well researched and correct.

"David Pogue has written yet another great, basic book on technology...." Read more

"Very good for a low tech person like me. The author had a number of informative tips which I had never heard or seen anywhere else...." Read more

"It's good and easy to read, but honestly most of the tips are pretty basic...." Read more

"...because David Pogue is the author which means all the information has been well researched and is correct...." Read more

20 customers mention "Content"20 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's content useful, comprehensive, and interesting. They say it covers many topics and is a good introduction to different items. Readers also say it's well researched and correct.

"...But I was agreeably surprised by the variety of topics the book covers. The book is not only about keyboard shortcuts as some suggest...." Read more

"Interesting collection of unknown bells and whistles...." Read more

"...which means all the information has been well researched and is correct. Great little reference book for all of us regardless of our tech levels." Read more

"Very useful and easy and comprehensive ( ie lots of info in small doses)" Read more

8 customers mention "Humor"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book has just the right touch of humor.

"...David is as one can expect of him, complete with his brand of humor (how to find a file in a haystack...) I'm now into 25-30 pages, I learned some..." Read more

"Excellent book in that the author writes in slightly comical prose what would otherwise make for boring reading...." Read more

"...It is very easy to read and has just the right touch of humor." Read more

"...Great organization, super tips, and all with a sense of humor.Many other books do the same, but they are not nearly as much fun to read." Read more

7 customers mention "Relevance"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book relevant and easy to read.

"...Lots of time-saving and useful tips, many which I was aware of and have been using, but also a lot that I did not know...." Read more

"...Quick and easy read...." Read more

"...Lots of time-saving and useful tips, many which I was aware if and already use, but also a lot that I did not know, especially a lot of the keyboard..." Read more

"Fast turn around from when I placed the order to when it was received. Contains many good ideas." Read more

4 customers mention "Background"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the background of the book very illuminating, good, and easy to read. They also appreciate the ability to highlight the most important items and get back to them in the book.

"I like the ability to highlight the more important item and the ability to get back to them in the future...." Read more

"Good background.... interesting tips. I was surprised to find info on the web and networking...." Read more

"Wonderful! Very illuminating! Actually fun to read! And it has taught me so much!" Read more

"Great read and eye opener." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

Robin Hood
5.0 out of 5 stars No Better Tool for Enhancing Your Technical Know-How
Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2015
Verified Purchase
If you have somehow, by default or otherwise, become the office technical guru and it bothers you that sometime you do not have all of the answers or if you just pride yourself on being able to help others when a better, more efficient way of accomplishing a task on the computer or on some other technical device is available, then this book is a "must have" for your library. In David Pogue's usual style "Pogue's Basics" is extremely well-written to the point of being entertaining. Learn all of David's tips and techniques revealed in this book and you will not only enhance your efficiency in performing the everyday run-of-the-mill tasks requiring technical literacy but you will also be much more confident about your overall technical abilities and skills as you find yourself becoming the go-to person at the office and in the neighborhood for solutions to those pesky technical problems that almost make this new-fangled device a hassle instead of a help.
One person found this helpful
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Samuel
4.0 out of 5 stars A tyro? A Renaissance man? A polymath genius for the layman? This smiling face is always worth listening to.
Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2016
Verified Purchase
As a proponent of a "liberal education" (not a political position but an ideal defined by John Henry Newman), I've come to admire Pogue, who is the ultimate (sometimes consummate) collector and presenter of information about everything (is it possible that Apple products lead consumers to assume the role of "polymath know-it-alls" who are always ready, willing and able to pass on everything they know to us equally curious, if less industrious and productive, versions of Pogue himself?). If only he would write a book explaining how to program some of the multi-faceted musical keyboards that are collecting dust in my basement. He probably will. A final recommendation for this advisory to the confused consumer: Pogue would never write or deliver verbose, overblown syntax like the train-wrecks preceding this sentence (my only defense: at least it's grammatical).

Many of us have come to trust Pogue for his ability to confront the frequently exasperating reality of the present over-digitalized millennium. In fact, "Pogue" himself has become a "brand" that stands for "plain but pleasant and practical prose" that's never private, privileged information but accessible to a public increasingly overwhelmed by parallel universes of: 1. the things in virtual reality ("bytes") and 2. the gadgetry (smart phones, computers, self-driving cars, etc.) that promise to expedite our labors in material reality but more often rob us of time that would better be used serving others (as Pogue does with his books reducing complexity to simpler terms promising to "empower" those of us who feel hopelessly overmatched.

As for this book, it's exactly as advertised: a collection of tips and shortcuts making for diverting reading while sitting, for example, in the doctor's waiting room or standing in the immobile line for renewing license plates for your automobile.

If you're like me--someone who relies on his mouse and disdains keyboard "short cuts" or who computes with no understanding of the purpose of the top row of small "F" keys on a computer--you'll find much clearly-explained, useful information in the book. And should you remember, perhaps, no more than a couple of tips, the book could easily repay your investment. (Frankly, I can't remember a single tip--but it's reassuring to know, simply, that they're there should I ever have need of them.)

In the meantime, think of any topic you'd like to have explained. Then wait for Pogue to explain it--in book form or, perhaps, in a video. (I have many such topics--ranging from managing kitty litter boxes in multi-cat homes to learning how to use the Twitter feeds moving across the bottom of my Sony TV set. And I have yet to solve the "picture-in-picture" feature--which would at least give me something to do while watching with my wife a marathon day of "Undercover Boss." Or perhaps Pogue could empower me with a level of confidence and competence to use our Sony's or Time-Warner's remote control with the authoritative effectiveness that my wife exhibits. She can explain it to me, but somehow Pogue does so in a more friendly and inspiring manner, seasoned with a sense of humor that ranges from "dumb funny" to "serendipitously witty."
3 people found this helpful
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Loni
5.0 out of 5 stars Love this book
Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2024
Verified Purchase
I LOVE all of David’s Basics books. I have learned Soooo much!
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Andy Wallace
5.0 out of 5 stars Treasure chest of tech tips from David Pogue
Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2016
Verified Purchase
I have been using a PC since 1993, so I have lots of experience with Windows, starting with Win 3.0. I don't consider myself a power user or a tech geek in any way, but I've learned a few things in my years working with Windows PCs. This book pointed out just how much I don't know about my PC and other electronic gadgets.
This is not a book that I would read from cover to cover. I keep it next to my reading chair where I use my laptop. I pick it up every day or so, and start exploring, wondering what I will learn today. I particularly liked the section on Google Maps. I had no idea how powerful a tool Google Maps is before reading this book. I used it as a GPS program, taking me to places I had never been to before. I relied upon Google Maps when visiting my son in Charlotte this past weekend, using it to uncover restaurants we'd never visited before. I've also used to it explore Tampa, a city I hadn't visited before. We used it to map out a walking route, taking us to all the places we wanted to see while leaving the car parked in a central location.
Now that my travels are done for a while, I'll dig in and try to find some new nuggets that will help me navigate my PC , tablet and phone more efficiently. Highly recommended for the "not so tech savvy" like me.
7 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars makes life easier.
Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2023
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Well written information that helps the ordinary person.
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B.W.
3.0 out of 5 stars Handy book, but best suited for novices.
Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2015
Verified Purchase
It's good and easy to read, but honestly most of the tips are pretty basic. I was surprised that I already knew at least 80% of them, probably 90%, though the ones I didn't know were handy. If you are handy with a computer at all, you probably don't need this.
2 people found this helpful
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Doris Judy O'connor
4.0 out of 5 stars Very useful
Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2015
Verified Purchase
This book is small but has all kinds of information about tech shortcuts such as smartphones, computers, tablets, etc. Lots of time-saving and useful tips, many which I was aware of and have been using, but also a lot that I did not know. There is a lot of tips on internet usage and e-mail. The author also talks about security information and ways to deal with e-mail spam. Very useful. Great buy.
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Shop Gal
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Resource Books
Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2017
Verified Purchase
David Pogue has written yet another great, basic book on technology. His books are filled with tips and tricks that help navigate you through the maze of technology. He writes in plain English, not using words that you have to look up in the dictionary. This book is a read-through that you'll keep as a reference. I do a read through and mark those tips with a highlighter and page marker. This book shares the shelf with other Pogue written books and I use them as a reference.
1) Pogue's Basics: Life
2) Pogue's Basics: Money
Mr. Pogue's books are great to have on your bookshelf and if you don't have any of his books, you might want to make room.
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Hnkmp
5.0 out of 5 stars Sehr nützliches Buch!
Reviewed in Germany on March 8, 2018
Verified Purchase
Für wer sich in Englisch auskennt, ein sehr nützliches Buch. Habe vieles daraus gelernt über meinen Elektronikgeräten dass mann in keiner Gebrauchsanleitung findet.
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Paulo Sunao Shintate Jr.
5.0 out of 5 stars Informações úteis de tecnologia
Reviewed in Brazil on December 12, 2016
Verified Purchase
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 :-)
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Aayush
3.0 out of 5 stars Great for a novice.
Reviewed in India on October 28, 2016
Verified Purchase
Great for those who don't know the shortcuts already. I knew them all so it was a waste of money for me.
One person found this helpful
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maureen bright
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in Australia on November 7, 2016
Verified Purchase
Some great tips that I am now practising every day
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Jolene Palmer
5.0 out of 5 stars This is a fantastic little book jammed with lots of "hey
Reviewed in Canada on April 6, 2015
Verified Purchase
This is a fantastic little book jammed with lots of "hey, that's cool" snippets of information and tips. We have both Mac and Windows in our household and this book covers both. This is not a manual. If you are searching for a book on how to operate your computer I would recommend David Pogue's operating-system specific books. But if you are an average user of technology this book will help you discover things you didn't know your devices could do.
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