Virgin Media launches online agony aunt

Technology and gadget expert LJ Rich has become Virginmedia.com's resident digital agony aunt.

Positioned as a "techno-babble translator with a human face," LJ will be giving fortnightly on her 'Ask LJ' page, which launches today at www.virginmedia.com/asklj

LJ said: "I'm hoping to demystify all the jargon and bridge the gap between the IT helpdesk and specialist magazines. Technology doesn't have to be daunting. Loads of people would like to know more about the latest gadgets but they don't want to appear clueless by using the wrong lingo. As far as I'm concerned the odder the query the better - I've just had a question from someone asking about the best way to record their brass band and choir on an MP3 player!"

LJ will begin by answering travel gadget queries such as 'what that can make eight hour flight more bearable?' and 'what kit will help me to stay awake on a 15 hour trek?' Over the next few months she will be covering gadget questions on laptops, cars and gadgets for Christmas.

Chris Bunyan, director of portal management for Virgin Media, said: "We're looking forward to seeing what digital problems our visitors are going to get off their chests. No doubt LJ's 'geek chic' style will attract a whole new audience to the digital and technology pages of the portal. Aside from the immediate answers that she'll be able to provide, the site will build an accessible reference library with information about the latest trends, products and advice."