Enlighten your geek for free: when slashdot.org just isn't enough

It's true: the best things in life really are free. Computer Source Magazine, Computer User, and Tekbug are three locally published computer magazines or newspapers available at no charge. Each provides valuable information about computers and technology that would cost a premium in other publications.

Technolusting

Computer Source Magazine is in its sixth year of publication with 250,000 readers. It primarily focuses on computer hardware, and is geared toward the computer hobbyist. CSM offers the perfect information for persons building or upgrading their PCs. Each issue has a different hardware focus with the current issue offering detailed information on hard drives, and the previous issue covering PC audio from sound cards to speakers. Large full-page, color ads from local computer hardware stores help to satisfy enthusiasts' technolust (the desire to buy bigger and faster parts for a PC). CSM also offers information about the Linux operating system and the open-source community.

I've found that CSM consistently produces articles with information that I can use, and explains concepts in an easy-to-understand manner while still including a lot of detail.

Work related

Computer User is printed in tabloid-newspaper format and targets those working in the information-technology field. Its regular columns, "Training Advisor" and "Career Advisor," offer technical career planning and training. CU also offers opinion pieces on technology and the business behind it. In addition to Linux news and reviews, CU contains information pertinent to Mac users that is lacking in CSM.

I always find one or two interesting articles in each issue, though many articles in CU fail to keep my attention while reading. CU also assumes a much higher level of technical knowledge of its readers than the other two publications, further restricting its audience. The November issue features a holiday gadget guide and a preview of some of the toys seen at the annual COMDEX technology convention.

'Tekbug'

Tekbug is not a typical computer publication. It can best be described as a potpourri of information about lifestyles in the modern, digital world. Published by the same company as CSM, Tekbug is just finishing its second year on the shelves with a claimed 150,000-person readership.

The content is diverse with tech-oriented video game and gadget reviews, monthly health articles by Dr. Debug, a licensed psychiatrist, who writes about physical and mental problems that affect Seattleites, and local travel and entertainment guides. The December issue features an informative article on the economics of cell-phone use and the best places to play pinball in the Seattle area. The variety of information appeals to anyone with a geek side, be it computer geek, music geek or comic-strip geek. This is a great source of humor and enjoyable reading, but doesn't offer as much technical information as the other two magazines reviewed.

Find Computer Source Magazine at any Safeway or QFC, Computer User is available at the HUB University Book Store, and Tekbug can be obtained in various newspaper vending machines around the U-District. Each publication also posts its content online