S.E. Slack

S. E. Slack

Associate General Manager, Lifewire.com

Education

California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo

Expertise

Consumer Technology

Internet Security

Smart Home Technology

Software and Applications

Microsoft Windows and Office

Apple and Android Smartphones

Introduction

  • Manages all content for Lifewire and is responsible for the entire business, from content strategy, to product vision, to brand evangelism.
  • Technology writer, author, and trainer specializing in consumer technology and online security.
  • Author or contributor to numerous consumer technology books and articles published in multiple languages. 
  • Trusted communications consultant and manager for tech companies including Microsoft, IBM, Lenovo, Sony, CDW, Oracle, and more.

Experience

S.E. Slack is a technology writer, editor, and manager with more than 30 years' experience writing for consumer and business publications. She specializes in educating consumers on safely and easily using the everyday technology they own, from smartphones and PCs to websites and apps.

A graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Slack has written thousands of articles for various publications and sites (including Microsoft At Work and IBM developerWorks) and provided voice-training on software for companies such as ClipTraining.com. She also has written or contributed to more than a dozen books, including titles such as CNET's Do-It-Yourself Digital Home Office Projects: 24 Cool Things You Didn't Know You Could Do!; PC Magazine's Office 2007 Solutions; and PowerPoint Graphics and Animations Made Easy.

Slack was the Senior Strategy & Editorial Director for Lifewire.com and manages all evergreen content for the site. Previously, she held positions as the newsletter editor for Microsoft's BizSpark program and as the communications lead for IBM's global deployment of Siebel.

My Gear

I use four monitors at home along with my Windows 10 PC: 2 Viewsonics, 1 Dell and 1 Insignia television monitor. I've got a Logitech Pro webcam and Cowin wireless headphones, plus a Trendnet USB hub to plug in my Android phone and various peripherals.

I use ergonomic tools wherever I can, such as my well-loved Microsoft natural ergonomic split keyboard and an ergonomic Microsoft mouse. I've got a virtual sandbox on a separate Windows 10 system that I use to test software before writing about it. I primarily use a Chrome browser but occasionally work with Edge; both Google GSuite and a Microsoft 365 subscription help me stay organized from a software perspective.

My office lights and computers are set up for voice commands through an Amazon Echo Dot, which is also connected to a Bose Soundlink Mini bluetooth speaker for tunes. I travel with a Dell laptop, a pair of Samsung Buds2 Pro (purple!), a Chromecast for mirroring my laptop to hotel televisions, and a USB C Power Bank RAVPower 20100 Portable Charger (primarily so I can watch Hulu on my Samsung Note 9 while hanging out in airports).

I have four additional Echo Dots and two 2nd generation Echos in the house; I'm a huge fan of smart homes and have connected fans, stereos, lights and other items to take advantage of voice technology. Streaming movies and music is second-nature now that I've cut the cord; I use Amazon Prime Music and Spotify for my tunes and watch movies and television shows on Hulu, Netflix, and a host of other apps on my Samsung TV via a Fire TV stick. I've just started learning how to use Android Auto in my car, too. Wish me luck!

Education

Slack obtained her degree at California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo in California. She holds a BA in English Literature.

A Message from S.E. Slack

I write for Lifewire because I am passionate about helping people learn how to make their lives easier through the technology they use daily.

Lifewire and Dotdash Meredith

Lifewire, a Dotdash Meredith brand, is a Top 10 technology information website, as rated by Comscore, a leading internet measurement company. We provide trusted, clear, and actionable answers to your most pressing technology questions vetted by certified experts, as well as trustworthy product recommendations so you can make the most informed purchasing decisions. Learn more about us and our editorial process.

Read more from S.E. Slack