How to prepare for technical interviews

There are a number of programming books that I use to prepare for technical interviews. These are

1. Programming pearls, http://www.amazon.com/Programming-Pearls-2nd-Jon-Bentley/dp/...

2. Effective C++, http://www.amazon.com/Effective-Specific-Improve-Programs-De...

3. Programming Problems, http://www.amazon.com/Programming-Problems-Primer-Technical-...

The reason for these texts is not because they are overtly insightful or well written, it is because they have a large number of problems with completely coded solutions. After working through these basics, programming interviews are much more enjoyable.

At least for mid-level and higher positions, read the job description and know enough about every technology and concept they mention so that you could give an introductory lightning talk on it, AND why/when that technology is preferable over common alternatives A, B, and C.