Author of "Wired in a Week: How AOL Can Improve Your Life in 10 Minutes a Day"

December 28, 2000

Read our chat with Regina Lewis, author of "Wired in a Week: How AOL Can Improve Your Life in 10 Minutes a Day!" If you've got a computer, a phone line, phone jack, and this book, you've got everything you need to get online. Designed for beginners who are just thinking about going online, as well as America Online members who are new to the service.

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TWBookmark: Welcome to Time Warner Bookmark! Warner Books is proud to introduce our special guest, Regina Lewis, author of "Wired in a Week- How AOL Can Improve Your Life in 10 Minutes a Day!" If you've got a computer, a phone line, phone jack, and this book, you've got everything you need to get online. This easy-to-use guide is designed for beginners who are just thinking about going online, as well as America Online members who are new to the service. Welcome to Talk City, Regina!

Regina Lewis: Hi everyone. Thanks for having me.

Big Cat: Is the book "Wired in a Week" only for beginners? I mean for people that have never been online before.

Regina Lewis: Actually, it's for two groups--people who have never been online, and people who are online, but not taking advantage of everything the Internet has to offer (maybe those just doing e-mail).

Sushi Lady: How did you get to be an AOL consumer spokesperson? What does that really mean?

Regina Lewis: I'm kind of like Tony Robbins meets Bob Vila. I travel around the country, and people always seem to ask the same questions. What's instant messaging? How do I find online bargains? What do I need to know to keep my kids safe online? So I'm trying to spread the word.

Curious One: What inspired you to write this book?

Regina Lewis: People really seem to want something that was easy to follow. I went to the bookstore, and I found that the average computer book was 400 pages. There was clearly a need! Again and again, people say to me, "Where are the crib notes? I don't have all day and night to learn this thing." So "Wired in a Week" is a little like “Thinner Thighs in 30 Days.” It cuts right to the chase.

The Giggler: What can I learn from it that I don't already know?

Regina Lewis: It depends on what you already know, but there are some insider tips like how to create a buddy chat, how to earn airline miles online, etc.

Inquiring Mind: Have you written other books regarding computers and/or the Internet?

Regina Lewis: "Wired in a Week" is my first book. I do a lot of work in television for "The CBS Early Show" and others. I plan to get started on a second book since "Wired in a Week" has been so well received.

Robin: Can you describe the book for us? How much knowledge do you have to have of computers?

Regina Lewis: Little to no knowledge of computers, which is the key. Most people are buying computers to go online. The good news is you can get up and running in ten minutes a day and feel like you've made real progress by week's end. The key is getting started and walking before you run.

Recon: What makes AOL so easy to use compared to other similar products out there?

Regina Lewis: Ease of use is the number one goal. AOL is organized with a welcome screen and 'channels', so you can find what you're looking for quickly and easily. There is so much on the Web that people want a programmed experience. They don't want to feel lost.

Miss Q: Do they have AOL access in other countries for those that travel a lot?

Regina Lewis: Absolutely. You can access AOL from almost anywhere in the world.

Aries Rising: Can I use AOL for my business?

Regina Lewis: Millions of people use AOL for business. Also, Netscape has a new product for small businesses called NetBusiness.com. It's free, and really worth checking out.

AOL Nut: My family just became online newbies, and we use AOL. We have different accounts, but we can't seem to log on more than one nick at a time. How do we do that?

Regina Lewis: If you get AOL TV, two people can log on at once. Otherwise, you do have to use one screen name at a time.

Lost One: I have been trying to convince my elderly parents that this would be a great thing for them, but to no avail. Any suggestions as to what may peak their interest for their age group?

Regina Lewis: Great question! Getting digital photographs of grandchildren is always a big hit. Also, researching your family roots. Try AOL Keyword - Genealogy, or www.ancestry.com, and get them "Wired in a Week." And maybe some help from a teenager. (smile)

Puck Meister: After reading your book, if I still need help, what else can I do? Any phone help line or something? Is there an online chat help thingy?

Regina Lewis: There is all of the above. AOL has more than 7000 customer service representatives that available for free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is also help online including chats, and help via e-mail and instant messaging.

Golden Eye: I am new to the Net. What more than e-mail and surfing does AOL have of interest to me?

Regina Lewis: You name it; AOL has it! A couple of the most popular areas include news, sports, weather, horoscopes, instant messaging, games, and personal finance. Plus, there is shopping, parental controls, and special areas for kids ages 6-12.

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