I freely admit it: the first time I used a modem I was terrified. I wanted to stake a claim in cyberspace, but I nearly drove myself to drink just trying to figure out how the silly thing worked. It took a ton of patience from a friend in the know to get me zooming down the information superhighway. I'll never forget the struggle finding that damn on-ramp.
If you had a similar experience and don't wish a friend to follow in your sorry footsteps, I suggest buying him or her What's a Modem?, an audiocassette guide to gaining access to the world of online networks and bulletin boards from a Windows terminal. Narrated by John Stewart, computer commentator for the Business Radio Network, this is perhaps the most user-friendly introduction for cybernovices around.
Stewart's narration is folksy and never belittles or confuses the listener. It's as if a beloved uncle stopped by to discuss 9600 baud; his plain-English explanations are much clearer than the technobabble of many how-to books.
What's a Modem? does not recommend where to go online, but does provide a list of free federal BBSes and tips for finding local ones. As a gift or learning guide for the first-time computer user, you simply couldn't ask for better.
What's a Modem?: US$18.95. Audio Computer Information Inc.: (800) 647 8273, +1 (507) 498 3279, e-mail radiojohn@delphi.com.
STREET CRED
Hot SpotChannel Surfer's Guide
Online On-Ramp
