TechTV Forever Sits Down with Andy Walker, Host of Call for Help!

Recently the TTVF crew had the opportunity to chat with Andy Walker, host of Call for Help [ http://www.callforhelptv.com/ ] with Leo Laporte and Amber MacArthur, which is currently being aired on G4TechTV Canada and on several other fine networks around the world, (in places like Austrailia, the Phillipines, and more!) not to mention the owner of must-bookmark sites like Cyberwalker [ http://www.cyberwalker.com/ ], which includes his blog [ http://blog.cyberwalker.com/ ], and the Cyberwalker Software Library [ http://software.cyberwalker.com/ ]!

We wanted to ask him questions about his new book, what its like working on Call for Help, his insights on the direction of technology, and of course his own personal preference in gadgets and gear. It was a good time, and we really thank Andy for taking the time to answer our questions, exclusive to TechTV Forever! Now then, on with the interview!

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TTVF: Andy, tell us a little about your new book, why did you choose to write a book about these topics?

ANDY: It’s one of the most important topics in personal computers today. A lot of our questions on the show relate directly to security, and Que Publishing felt the timing was right. With the encouragement of Leo, who has agreed to write the foreword, I couldn’t say no!

TTVF: Where will we be able to pick up a copy of your book?

ANDY: The book, called The Absolute Beginners Guide to Security, Spam, Spyware and Viruses, is being published by Que. They will distribute it internationally, so you’ll be able to get a copy from all major book chains as well as Amazon.com and Amazon.ca and other online book sellers. Pre-ordering is available now. More info here: [ http://www.cyberwalker.com/books/abg-security.html ] I sound like an infomerical!

TTVF: What was the inspiration for the Cyberwalker Software Library? [ http://software.cyberwalker.com/ ]

ANDY: I just thought there was a lack of good software library resources on the Net that reflected what Cyberwalker was all about. Download.com is awesome but it’s too big and unfocused. On Cyberwalker.com, I was always linking out to other computer fix it resources and thought why not create a mini site to keep it in the family. It’s early days yet, but you’ll see a lot of new content on there that no only shows you freeware, payware and shareware but also helps you choose the right programs and lets the community participate with comments and product ratings.

TTVF: How does the Cyberwalker Software Library differ from sites like Download.com?

ANDY: It mostly focuses on fix-it tools for the PC. The focus was Craig Worden’s idea. He’s my software site webmaster (you may know him as tambits10 on Leoville). However we want to include all the great freeware out there in a separate section.

TTVF: Tell us a little about Call for Help, what is the average day on the set like?

ANDY: It’s a crazy schedule. We’re in for makeup and prep in the AM and then we get to it. And we do one show after another with a break in between for more makeup and a wardrobe change and maybe a coffee. We shoot it in realtime as if it’s live. So no stopping for tech issues or gaffes – its all in there. Then we go til the end of the day. We go out for a bite sometimes at dinner and then off home to bed. It’s grueling, but tons of fun. It’s my favorite part of the job. And we do that for four days in a row.

TTVF: What goes into getting an episode of Call For Help from idea to screen?

ANDY: Amber and I cook up our own segments (15 per mo) and free files (with suggestions of course from viewers). Mike preps 5 free files and helps with preproduction. And Sean and Mike do loads of lab work on segments for each cycle. Leo chooses calls from the email and is our ultimate content adviser approving everything you see on the show.
Jenny Chase produces the callers and Claudia does guest booking with input from everyone. Producers Katya and Matt work with use to develop ideas and are the backbone of the show. Matt also works with me on field segments. He is amazing. Katya is just a dream to work with too. They are all young hardworking excellent people. I feel so lucky to work with such a strong team and such awesome co-hosts.

TTVF: Do you think there is a future for technology on television? In Canada? Abroad?

ANDY: It’s hard to say. I think you’ll see a lot of IP TV based content about tech. And you’ll see tech content make its way into lifestyle shows on mainstream TV. A dedicated channel with full blown content? Not as we have seen in the past. But IP TV is about to happen. TV is changing and its future is bright. Tech content will lead the way. All you have to do is look at TWIT [ http://www.twit.tv/ ] and Command-N [ http://www.commandn.tv/ ] for proof if its popularity.

TTVF: Do yo think that the future of TV is on the internet using downloadable programs such as Systm [http://www.systm.org/ ] and Command-N [ http://www.commandn.tv/ ] as early examples?

ANDY: See above. YES! The world is about to change.

TTVF: So many of us know so little about G4TechTV Canada. What do you think really puts G4TTV Canada apart from their American counterpart?

ANDY: The recognition that technology is a key part of the content. G4 is all gaming of course while, G4TechTV Canada recognized non-gaming tech content is as important. However it’s a business decision. G4 has made a lot of people angry for what they did to TechTV, but in the end it was business people making business decisions. And business people think with their wallets not with their hearts.

TTVF: Where do you see computers and related technologies going in the next 5 years?

ANDY: Smaller, faster, lighter and more mobile. Wireless will be a suite of technologies not just one or two specifications. The marketing keyword on product boxes is “networked”. Consumer electronics will be paired with the internet as a given. Just as you would expect color on a screen and wouldn’t think about buying a black and white screen, you will see non-connected consumer electronics as yesterday’s technology.

TTVF: What’s your favorite gadget?

ANDY: My laptop is my life. Right now I have a Toshiba P20, but soon I’ll be replacing it. Thinking Thinkpad T42.

TTVF: Do you own an iPod, what’s your favorite mp3 player?

ANDY: I have a 1GB iPod shuffle and I love it. I use it in my car with a Belkin Tunecast II that plays music on my car FM radio. My iMac has been a disappointment as a multimedia production machine, however it has become my “stereo”, if I can use such an old fashioned word.

TTVF: Can you give us a quick run-down of some of your “must-have” gadgets and gear?

ANDY: A Bluetooth cellphone that disappears in my pocket. I have a Motorola RAZR. A PVR – I am shopping for one here in Toronto. I miss my TiVO from my Berkeley, CA days. An HDTV – I have an HD CRT at the moment. Waiting on a Samsung DLP. Have to save my pennies. Laptop. Wi-Fi router. Fastest broadband connection I can find (I have a 5 M/bps cable service). MP3 player for exercise and the car.

TTVF: Are there any projects in your future that you can share with us at this time?

ANDY: There are so many. Another book for sure. AndyWalker.com will launch soon, designed by Tackie. You’ll also see a “Tackie” resdesign of Cyberwalker.com with RSS and XML content from [ http://software.cyberwalker.com/ ] and [ http://blog.cyberwalker.com].
My Jetson book — the Jetson Prophesy — is still being looked at by the New York publishing houses. I am also looking at doing a podcast, but the other projects are a priority at the moment so I’ll be guesting here and there.

TTVF: How are your kittens Biff and Boo settling in at your home, do they own it yet?

ANDY: Biff and Boo are terrorizing my apartment. The have doubled in size and they have learned to eat the plants, climb on the kitchen table and monopolize my time. They are driving me nuts. But I adore them! More pix on my blog soon and an appearance on the show in a demo soon!

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Thanks Andy!

You can check out Andy’s bio at G4TechTV.ca [ http://www.g4techtv.ca/callforhelp/aboutus/bio_andy.shtml ] and visit the Call for Help website here [ http://www.callforhelptv.com ] for more information about the show, and of course visit CyberWalker.com [ http://www.cyberwalker.com/ ] for loads of tech tips and tricks, Andy’s blog, the Cyberwalker software archives, and much much more!