For those of us who tremble at the thought of opening a computer manual or who think the Internet is used to catch tuna, we now have someone to turn to on Saturday mornings.
Leo Laporte is a radio talk show host who helps his listeners understand computer terminology and deciphers with ease hieroglyphic-like software manuals on his morning program. With equal zeal, Laporte answers both simple and advanced questions received by phone and fax from listeners. And for those few questions that he can't answer, there's always someone out there listening who can.
Above all, Laporte says he wants listeners to understand computer technology without being intimidated by the bulk of contradicting information. "Some people just want to make computing sound difficult," he says.
Laporte claims not to represent the computer industry and not to own stocks in any computer product that he praises. His main mission is to serve and to protect the consumer from bad products and misleading advertising.
Current events don't escape his eyes and he often comments on current political issues and events as they relate to computer technology. Most recently, he opposed government's regulation of free-flowing information and communication on the Internet. And despite the fact that Bay Area listeners hear Laporte on a conservative AM radio station, he takes pride in being the only Democrat on the all-Republican radio station.
For those who long for the days before keyboards, Laporte's calm voice and upbeat manner make the world of chips, operating systems, ports and modems seem a nicer place.
Now for the answers. Laporte says it's impossible to get a virus using e-mail, but it can happen by downloading shared software. As for leaving the computer on with those hypnotic screen savers, Laporte claims that most computers are designed to be turned on and off, and it doesn't hurt the computer. Besides, he says, it saves energy.
"Laporte on Computers" airs each Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on KSFO-AM 560.
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