Review of PC Upgrade & Repair Simplified, 2nd Edition (Paperback)

I have checked several "pc upgrade" books which are in great details but vague. This one has only 225 pages and the best thing of this book is that it practically shows you with images rather than giving you more technical info to make it more complicated. That's why I found it so easy....! to follow. If you really want to learn how to repair or upgrade your pc, then save some money and buy this one.

Product Description
The premier full-color guide to PC upgrade and repair is back -- and better than ever! Now updated to cover all of the latest technologies, from Pentium III and USB to Firewire and DVD drives, this book remains the easiest guide available for visually oriented PC do-it-yourselfers, with more than 1,000 step-by-step illustrations accompanied by short, to-the-point captions.

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Review of The Fast Forward MBA in Marketing (Paperback)

Having graduated with a BBA in Marketing, yet having forgot some of the raw fundamentals, I purchased this book. It helped to brushup on some topics, and I also learned a couple of new tidbits. Some of the material is for academic purposes only with little real-world use and is perhaps a little out-dated. Having said that, I still find it a useful reference for terms and marketing stratagies and a good reference and starting point for topics such as a product's life cycle. Elementary and short.

Product Description
Your fastest route to a whole new level of marketing prowess!

When those big marketing decisions loom and success hangs in the balance, you need reliable, authoritative information immediately-not tomorrow, not next week, NOW! With The Fast Forward MBA in Marketing as your constant companion, you've got it!

In this resource you'll find clear, concise coverage of the complete range of essential marketing topics in a format designed especially for people who need answers quickly. You'll also find cutting-edge ideas from highly regarded thinkers and doers and the world's best MBA programs. This indispensable guide brings you:

• Essential marketing concepts-product, price, place, and promotion
• A rapid-fire overview of marketing innovations, technological breakthroughs, and important trends of the past decade
• The latest methods and suggestions for solving your toughest marketing problems
• Cutting-edge articles from Marketing Tools magazine that illustrate how successful entrepreneurs and businesses employ these concepts in the real world
• Multiple access points -index, cross-references, and icons - that lead you quickly to the answers you need
• A convenient format with short, lively entries that tell you what you need to know without bogging you down in theory

Whether you're a hard-driving entrepreneur, a busy marketing specialist or manager, or a recent graduate eager to make your way in the business world, The Fast Forward MBA in Marketing puts the knowledge you need where you need it most -right in the palm of your hand.

From the Publisher
This book provides the fastest way to learn the latest business ideas necessary to take any company's products and ideas to the next level. Great for marketing specialists, managers and professionals without an MBA who need a quick course in marketing. Contains a rapid-fire overview of the marketing innovations, technological changes and trends of the past decade.

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Review of Canon EOS 30D Guide to Digital SLR Photography (Paperback)

David Busch set out to write a book wich will help 30D users understand both the features of the camera and digital photograhy in general. It's the only book on the 30D that I know of that doesn't read like a manual, especially beginning with the fourth chapter.

Busch does a really good job of trying to break down what making photo instead of what taking a photo is all about. He gets beyond the manual approach which is not an easy task when talking about a particular camera. He makes a good attempt to explains important points about exposure, lens types, and lighting. Some parts of the book could use more illustration and step by step examples, but overall it's very readable for novice and intermediate 30D digital photographers.

It's very nicely laid out with lots of white space for writing notes and underlining. The photos included in the book are not spactacular, but some are very useful illustrating the points he tries to make.

I would imagine that this book would be very useful to read along side Busch's other book on pro level digital photography secrets.

Product Description
If you own a digital SLR camera, then you're serious about photography. As an avid photographer, you owe it to yourself to make the most out of your cutting-edge equipment. Somewhere between the tedious user manual full of technical garble and the generic how to digital photography books is the ideal guide to your EOS 30D. Welcome to that guide! Canon EOS 30D Guide to Digital SLR Photography provides you with a concise introduction to the most important features specific to your EOS 30D, explaining not only how to use them but also why and when. Filled with full-color images to illustrate results in various settings, this book also helps you enhance your digital photography skills with techniques specific to the EOS 30D.

About the Author
With more than a million books in print, David D. Busch is a best-selling author of books on digital photography and imaging technology, and the originator of popular series like "David Busch's Pro Secrets" and "David Busch's Quick Snap Guides." He has written six hugely successful guidebooks for Nikon digital SLR models, and the most comprehensive manuals for dSLRs from Canon, Sony, and other vendors.His many other books devoted to digital photography include "David Busch's Digital Infrared Pro Secrets" and "Mastering Digital SLR Photography."As a roving photojournalist for more than 20 years, he has illustrated his books, magazine articles, and newspaper reports with award-winning images. Busch has operated his own commercial studio, suffocated in formal dress while shooting weddings-for-hire, and shot sports for a daily newspaper and upstate New York college.His photographs and articles have been published in magazines as diverse as "PhotoGraphic," "Popular Photograph & Imaging," "The Rangefinder," and hundreds of other publications.He's also reviewed digital cameras for CNet Networks and Computer Shopper.

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Review of Online Education: 6 Steps To Starting An Online School (Paperback)

I liked this book very much. I thought it was reasonably well written. And I thought its content was wonderful. That might be because I am in the process of putting together a mini online school (consulting/coaching company) of my own, and I thought there were some great points made in the book that will help me in my pursuit. The book does not have a Table of Contents. But it has six chapters and five appendices as follows:

0a. Introduction
0b. Foreward
1. Curriculum
2. Courses
3. Faculty
4. Students
5. Administration
6. Software
A. Content matrix sample
B. Roll-out schedule
C. Master of public health program
D. Master of health administration program
E. Master of geriatric health management program

The cover of the book informs us that the book will provide "6 steps" to starting an online school. I did not find any steps in the book. What I did find were 6 "topics" that one must address when creating an online school. And those topics are covered in chapters 1 through 6. Each of the chapters has numerious point headings: C1 (7), C2 (13), C3 (10), C4 (13), C5 (19), and C6 (5). Since the project I am working on will be a solo operation at least in the beginning, chapters 1, 2, 4, and 6 were of particular interest to me. Chapters 3 and 5 regarding faculty and administration might become relevant to me as my company grows and I have to start hiring people. But for now they were not of much interest to me.

The author created an online education program for a university. And after becoming successful doing it he has decided to operate a consulting practice to help other universities do the same. He has written the instant book being reviewed as a marketing tool for his consulting practice. But I suspect he also uses the book to help his clients understand his approach to consulting.

I think the book is a great resource. It is kind of short - only 127 pages including the appendix materials. And it could have been expanded and made into a full-fledged full sized book. But that would have required more emphasis on formating, layout, etc of the material - not to mention a little more text. The chapter titles probably could have been made into "Parts" and many of the point headings could have been made into chapters. However, the book covers the basics and covers it so well that anyone can read between the lines and fill in the blanks using their imagination. 5 stars!

Product Description
Dr. Mulford's book is based on his experience in starting and managing an online program.It emphasizes and examines the roles that careful planning and qualified personnel have in the success of online programs.

About the Author
D. Kent Mulford, DO, MBA currently is the President of eInstructors.Inc providing consulting services to colleges and universities in the planning, design, implementation, and management of online schools, programs and courses. As the founding Dean of the School of Health Management, of A.T. Still University, Dr. Mulford created the all online graduate school, offering three degrees, six degree concentrations, and four graduate certificates in public health, health administration, and geriatric health management. Beginning in December 1999, the school now has a student enrollment of over 430 students from all over the US and several foreign countries, forty (40) faculties, and an operational budget which was profitable in a little over five years. Colleges, Schools or Universities desiring assistance in the planning, implementation or management of an online program may contact Dr. Mulford at www.eInstructors.Com or e-mail him at pres@eInstructors.Com.

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Review of Networked Politics: Agency, Power, and Governance (Cornell Studies in Political Economy) (Paperback)

This is a useful volume on networks and politics. For those who are not steeped in the literature, a network is a structure that has a number of actors working together in a non-hierarchical manner, although--in public administration--the term has a zillion different meanings (making things more confusing). The editor of this volume, Miles Kahler, notes that there are two approaches to networks--(a) structures; (b) actors (as opposed to hierarchical actors).

The book explores networks in action. The various parts of this book: Part I: International economic networks and constitutional networks; Part II: networks and collective action; Part III: power and accountability in networks; Part IV: networks and international governance.

It's hard to describe the essence of this book in 25 words or less. Nonetheless, it is a useful volume laying out the political implications of network structures.


Product Description
Contributors

Peter Cowhey, University of California, San Diego.
Mette Eilstrup-Sangiovanni, University of Cambridge and Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge
Zachary Elkins, University of Texas at Austin
Emilie M. Hafner-Burton, Princeton University
Miles Kahler, University of California, San Diego.
Michael Kenney, Pennsylvania State University
David A. Lake, University of California, San Diego
Alexander H. Montgomery, Reed College
Milton Mueller, Syracuse University School of Information Studies and Delft University of Technology
Kathryn Sikkink, University of Minnesota
Janice Gross Stein, University of Toronto
Wendy H. Wong, University of Toronto
Helen Yanacopulos, Open University

The concept of network has emerged as an intellectual centerpiece for our era. Network analysis also occupies a growing place in many of the social sciences. In international relations, however, network has too often remained a metaphor rather than a powerful theoretical perspective. In Networked Politics, a team of political scientists investigates networks in important sectors of international relations, including human rights, security agreements, terrorist and criminal groups, international inequality, and governance of the Internet. They treat networks as either structures that shape behavior or important collective actors. In their hands, familiar concepts, such as structure, power, and governance, are awarded new meaning.--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From the Back Cover
"This path-breaking volume generates a set of exciting research questions about the role of networks in world politics, and offers some innovative methodologies to facilitate their empirical investigation.Anyone interested in new ways of thinking aboutworld politics should read Networked Politics."--Robert O. Keohane, Princeton University --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Review of Option Pricing Models and Volatility Using Excel-VBA (Wiley Finance) (Paperback)

This book explains how to implement option pricing models using Excel-VBA. This is the best book for any software engineer who wants to become a financial engineer. This book is for car mechanics not for users who just want to get "Oil Change".

Product Description
Praise for Option Pricing Models & Volatility Using Excel-VBA

"Excel is already a great pedagogical tool for teaching option valuation and risk management. But the VBA routines in this book elevate Excel to an industrial-strength financial engineering toolbox. I have no doubt that it will become hugely successful as a reference for option traders and risk managers."
--Peter Christoffersen, Associate Professor of Finance, Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill University

"This book is filled with methodology and techniques on how to implement option pricing and volatility models in VBA. The book takes an in-depth look into how to implement the Heston and Heston and Nandi models and includes an entire chapter on parameter estimation, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. Everyone interested in derivatives should have this book in their personal library."
--Espen Gaarder Haug, option trader, philosopher, nd author of Derivatives Models on Models

"I am impressed. This is an important book because it is the first book to cover the modern generation of option models, including stochastic volatility and GARCH."
--Steven L. Heston, Assistant Professor of Finance, R.H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland

From the Back Cover
Praise for Option Pricing Models & Volatility Using Excel-VBA

"Excel is already a great pedagogical tool for teaching option valuation and risk management. But the VBA routines in this book elevate Excel to an industrial-strength financial engineering toolbox. I have no doubt that it will become hugely successful as a reference for option traders and risk managers."
-Peter Christoffersen, Associate Professor of Finance, Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill University

"This book is filled with methodology and techniques on how to implement option pricing and volatility models in VBA. The book takes an in-depth look into how to implement the Heston and Heston and Nandi models and includes an entire chapter on parameter estimation, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. Everyone interested in derivatives should have this book in their personal library."
-Espen Gaarder Haug, option trader, philosopher, nd author of Derivatives Models on Models

"I am impressed. This is an important book because it is the first book to cover the modern generation of option models, including stochastic volatility and GARCH."
-Steven L. Heston, Assistant Professor of Finance, R.H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland

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Review of Start & Run a Bookkeeping Business (Paperback)

I was alittle disappointed.The author assumes that you're going "gung ho" & opening a bookkeeping business with a location & several employees.I was looking for more information on opening a small in-home business with just me.Of course, there are some good tips that will be helpful someday.

Product Description
* Run your own profitable business from home* Start your business with just a small investment* Learn how to successfully market your services* Learn the skills to make your bookkeeping business thrive!

Many bookkeeping services fail because the entrepreneurs focus on bookkeeping and don't take the time to learn how to plan their business and make it profitable. Start & Run a Bookkeeping Business will teach you the basics of running your own business and provide insider tips to keep it running smoothly.

Written in the step-by-step style that has made the Start & Run series the best of its kind, this indispensable guide also addresses issues specific to a bookkeeping service, such as how to assess which clients are profitable and when to involve a professional accountant. By following the principles Angie Mohr outlines and using the worksheets that accompany this book, you will be well on the way to owning a successful bookkeeping business.

You'll learn how to --assess whether running your own business is right for youdecide whether to work from homemarket your services cost-effectivelymanage your workload and cash flow

-- and much more!

Whether you are just starting your own business or wanting to expand your bookkeeping business, this book will show you how. It includes chapters on hiring and managing employees, staying competitive, and planning for business growth.

Worksheets and forms are included on the cd-rom in MS Excel, MS Word, and pdf formats for use on a Windows-based PC.

From the Back Cover
Many bookkeeping services fail because the entrepreneurs who start them focus on bookkeeping and don't take the time to learn how to plan their businesses and make them profitable.

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Review of Computer and Information Security Handbook (The Morgan Kaufmann Series in Computer Security) (Hardcover)

This book is an extremely valuable resource for anyone entering into the Information Security field.It is full of detailed technical information in many IT areas with a heavy focus on security systems, applications and networks.



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Review of Cases on Information Technology Management in Modern Organizations (Series in Information Technology Management) (Paperback)

I'll admit it: I purchased this techno-tome in an effort to impress one of the girls in the IT shop at work.She'd been unresponsive to my normal (and myriad) charms and I placed the blame (wrongly) on my inability to speak her language.A few witty anecdotes from this book got me a first date, but my inability to pronounce the authors' names kept me from rounding first.Shameful!

Product Description
Information systems professionals learn best from the experiences of others. Successes and failures from others can help the IS commonly further develop and flourish. This book is a compilation of original case studies that describe information technology experiences in both domestic and international organizations. Pub: 9/97.

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Review of Spectacular Nature: Corporate Culture and the Sea World Experience (Paperback)

A devastating deconstruction of Sea World that gives jagged substance to the nagging feeling of dislocation and coercion that most of us feel when we are in a corporate theme park. Its also a handbook for rescuing environmentalism from greenwashers and the corporate media. Finally, its a sustained hymn of pure hatred and contempt, and everyone loves to read abuse. Enjoy!

Product Description
This is the story of Sea World, a theme park where the wonders of nature are performed, marketed, and sold. With its trademark star, Shamu the killer whale--as well as performing dolphins, pettable sting rays, and reproductions of pristine natural worlds--the park represents a careful coordination of shows, dioramas, rides, and concessions built around the theme of ocean life. Susan Davis analyzes the Sea World experience and the forces that produce it: the theme park industry; Southern California tourism; the privatization of urban space; and the increasing integration of advertising, entertainment, and education. The result is an engaging exploration of the role played by images of nature and animals in contemporary commercial culture, and a precise account of how Sea World and its parent corporation, Anheuser-Busch, succeed. Davis argues that Sea World builds its vision of nature around customers' worries and concerns about the environment, family relations, and education.
While Davis shows the many ways that Sea World monitors its audience and manipulates animals and landscapes to manufacture pleasure, she also explains the contradictions facing the enterprise in its campaign for a positive public identity. Shifting popular attitudes, animal rights activists, and environmental laws all pose practical and public relations challenges to the theme park. Davis confronts the park's vast operations with impressive insight and originality, revealing Sea World as both an industrial product and a phenomenon typical of contemporary American culture. Spectacular Nature opens an intriguing field of inquiry: the role of commercial entertainment in shaping public understandings of the environment and environmental problems.

From the Inside Flap
"In this imaginative and fascinating study of Sea World, Susan Davis powerfully combines the interpretation of metaphor and symbol with the analysis of more concrete evidence. Spectacular Nature constitutes a very significant contribution to our understanding of the relationship between human beings and other animals in modern America."--Harriet Ritvo, author of The Animal Estate

"This beautifully subtle, nuanced analysis of one of the most ambiguous of American commercial institutions--the nature "theme park"--is a landmark of social criticism and a telling dissection of a central contradiction in a world dedicated to profit and also, supposedly, to public knowledge and compassion."--Stephen Jay Gould

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Review of Metro Area Networking (McGraw-Hill Networking Professional) (Paperback)

Like Shepard's other tomes, this book does a great job of addressing the one area of today's public network that's not only a source of contention (pun intended), but also the area that's undergoing the most radical evolution in the early 21st century.

As someone who works for a major Bell company product managing a metro Ethernet product, I can tell you that Shepard examines the activity in this space perfectly. MANs are the hot area right now, as carriers cope with how to address the bottleneck that exists between legacy transport technologies (i.e. DS-n) and the near-infinite capacity of today's long-haul networks (thanks to DWDM). If you're looking for an understanding of how this area is being addressed, this is the right book. And Steve's usual conversational, not-too-technical writing style make it all the better.I strongly recommend this book.It's relevant !!

Product Description
Broadband in the Metro Area has proven to be telecom's one bright spot in 2001 - all the long haul backbone capacity in the world does you no good if you can't move your data through the Metro bottleneck. But service providers are wrestling with all manner of technology choices (SONET? DWDM? Ethernet? The coming 10Gig Ethernet?), and also face the challenge of easily and effectively accessing SANs and VPNs. Quality of service issues are crucial in recruiting and maintaining customers

Steven Shepard lays bare the tricks and traps awaiting service providers in the metro area space, detailing the technological challenges and opportunities in his trademark lucid, humorous prose.

From the Back Cover
GET SHEPARDED TO THE REAL DEAL ON MANs

Promising delivery of backbone-size bandwidth locally, where it's needed, the metro area glows with vast profit potential--and some of the most brazen hype and outrageously confusing counterclaims in communications. Now Steven Shepard puts things in focus. One of tech's top writers, Shepard brings you clarity, breadth, and depth of vision--and a winning wit--to make understanding metro area networking a pleasure.

You must read this book if--
* You intend to explorethe most potentially lucrative area of telecom
*Unlimited bandwidth appeals to you
* You work in communications management or technology but are not thoroughly versed in metro area networking
* It's your job to open the MAN bottleneck and let the bandwidth flow
* Robust recovery, ease of local routing, and features such as QoS (Quality of Service), OSS (Operations Support Systems), and MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) could be useful bottleneck-breakers
* Orders of magnitude increases in bandwidth on a given strand of fiber are desirable
* The question of which technologies are most likely to succeed in MANs falls into your need-to-know category

A roadmap to Sonet, DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing), Fibre Channel, InfiniBand, 10 Gb Ethernet, Bluetooth, and other technologies in the MAN would be a valuable commodity
* Knowing how VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) and SANs (Storage Area Networks) fit into Metro Area Networks sounds rewarding
* The words dynamic routing, bandwidth increase, and packet addressing send shivers down your spine
* You have a stake in business, and your business has a stake in the Internet
* Investing in businessescrucial to the future of the Internet makes your wallet pocket tingle

Metro Area Networks are going to be major telecom profit centers for years to come.If you are a networking professional--an investor or a manager--you must absorb this cutting edge insight into MANs today--and tomorrow.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Metro Area Networking (McGraw-Hill Networking Professional) (Paperback)

Review of Metro Area Networking (McGraw-Hill Networking Professional) (Paperback)

Like Shepard's other tomes, this book does a great job of addressing the one area of today's public network that's not only a source of contention (pun intended), but also the area that's undergoing the most radical evolution in the early 21st century.

As someone who works for a major Bell company product managing a metro Ethernet product, I can tell you that Shepard examines the activity in this space perfectly. MANs are the hot area right now, as carriers cope with how to address the bottleneck that exists between legacy transport technologies (i.e. DS-n) and the near-infinite capacity of today's long-haul networks (thanks to DWDM). If you're looking for an understanding of how this area is being addressed, this is the right book. And Steve's usual conversational, not-too-technical writing style make it all the better.I strongly recommend this book.It's relevant !!

Product Description
Broadband in the Metro Area has proven to be telecom's one bright spot in 2001 - all the long haul backbone capacity in the world does you no good if you can't move your data through the Metro bottleneck. But service providers are wrestling with all manner of technology choices (SONET? DWDM? Ethernet? The coming 10Gig Ethernet?), and also face the challenge of easily and effectively accessing SANs and VPNs. Quality of service issues are crucial in recruiting and maintaining customers

Steven Shepard lays bare the tricks and traps awaiting service providers in the metro area space, detailing the technological challenges and opportunities in his trademark lucid, humorous prose.

From the Back Cover
GET SHEPARDED TO THE REAL DEAL ON MANs

Promising delivery of backbone-size bandwidth locally, where it's needed, the metro area glows with vast profit potential--and some of the most brazen hype and outrageously confusing counterclaims in communications. Now Steven Shepard puts things in focus. One of tech's top writers, Shepard brings you clarity, breadth, and depth of vision--and a winning wit--to make understanding metro area networking a pleasure.

You must read this book if--
* You intend to explorethe most potentially lucrative area of telecom
*Unlimited bandwidth appeals to you
* You work in communications management or technology but are not thoroughly versed in metro area networking
* It's your job to open the MAN bottleneck and let the bandwidth flow
* Robust recovery, ease of local routing, and features such as QoS (Quality of Service), OSS (Operations Support Systems), and MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) could be useful bottleneck-breakers
* Orders of magnitude increases in bandwidth on a given strand of fiber are desirable
* The question of which technologies are most likely to succeed in MANs falls into your need-to-know category

A roadmap to Sonet, DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing), Fibre Channel, InfiniBand, 10 Gb Ethernet, Bluetooth, and other technologies in the MAN would be a valuable commodity
* Knowing how VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) and SANs (Storage Area Networks) fit into Metro Area Networks sounds rewarding
* The words dynamic routing, bandwidth increase, and packet addressing send shivers down your spine
* You have a stake in business, and your business has a stake in the Internet
* Investing in businessescrucial to the future of the Internet makes your wallet pocket tingle

Metro Area Networks are going to be major telecom profit centers for years to come.If you are a networking professional--an investor or a manager--you must absorb this cutting edge insight into MANs today--and tomorrow.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Metro Area Networking (McGraw-Hill Networking Professional) (Paperback)

Review of Computer Programming for Teens (Paperback)

I love this book.I tried learning the basics of programming a while ago, but was unable to find any resources that gave a really good foundation of the basics of programming.So, I got frustrated due to a lot of questions being left unanswered and put learning programming onto the back burner.A week ago I decided to go back into giving web development\programming another go as a career change.And coolness, I found Computer Programming for Teens which gives the background that anyone new to programming needs...the solid foundation and understanding of basic programming topics that I had been looking for.

The author covers all the fundamental topics (such as what are variables, how variables work, the three kinds of loops and how all of their parts work, tears apart how a function works) a person needs to understand any programming or scripting language.The author gives examples by using real life situations, such as painting a friends house and compares the real life situation to how the program works.These examples help give you a feel for the programming topic.

The author gives coding examples using C++.At first she gives all of the coding and then just gives a few lines of coding for other examples.You can download Visual C++ Express from Microsoft, which is free and a great tool, to learn and practice the examples in this book.

This book is an awesome start.I also go to LyndaDotCom (for more web programming and design video tutorials), TrainingspotDotCom (for database video learning) and have some really good books on C++, JavaScript, HTML and CSS.Along with some other online resources such as MSDN forums.School is too expensive these days and I really don't want to go back, so I'm taking the learn at home approach.Anyway, get this book if you need a great understanding of the basics of any programming and scripting language.

This book is a great beginning.After reading this book read "Head First JavaScript by Michael Morrison (an O'Reilly book) for a deeper understanding of all the topics "Computer Programming for Teens" covers.

Happy Learning!

Product Description
Ready to learn computer programming but aren't sure where to start? Look no further, Computer Programming for Teens is the book for you. Other books on programming tend to be language specific and often get bogged down in the syntax of the language. That is fine if you already have a strong background in programming, but if you're a novice, the language-specific approach can make things unnecessarily difficult. Computer Programming for Teens stresses concepts over language, but still includes examples in the most popular languages-specifically HTML, C++, and Java. It begins by explaining the fundamental topics, like data storage, and progresses through to more complex topics, such as decisions, loops, design, and complex data structures. Written by a high school teacher, the book includes helpful tips and analogies to guide readers through the maze of programming techniques, concepts, and common pitfalls. It introduces the most relevant topics for beginners and pinpoints the essential skills needed for programming success.

About the Author
Mary Farrell teaches computer science, mathematics, and Japanese at Boston College High School, where she has been teaching for the past 17 years. She is an avid learner of spoken languages as well as computer languages and travels frequently to practice. She lives south of Boston, Massachusetts.

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Review of Digital SLR Pro Secrets (Paperback)

I've read several of Busch's plethora of books about digital imaging; however I think this one is his best hitherto. Great all around discourse, excellent tips, excellent explanations, great examples, very resourceful (and funny) "secrets."
What I like the most is the level of detail he gives and further, as a reader I feel the author really wants me to comprehend and understand the concepts at hand. I know there are more tips/"secrets" that can be covered in ANY book; however, the ones "exposed" (pun intended) in this primer are the most commonly used and necessesary to take better advantage of whatever DSLR and glass you might own. Also, I really enjoyed and learned quite a bit from the equipment testing section which I think is necessary in order to have a better understanding about the limitations (or lack thereof) of your DSLR.
If the above sounds like it's over your head, I then refer you to Busch's other book "Mastering Digital DSLR Photography," for a proper introduction to the subject.

Product Description
Have you mastered the basics of digital SLR photography and are ready to take full advantage of the unique tools and capabilities that digital SLR cameras have to offer? "Digital SLR Pro Secrets" shows you how to combine your artistic skills with your growing photographic proficiency as you capture compelling images. Today's digital SLR cameras are less expensive and more sophisticated than ever, but along with these special features and capabilities come special challenges that need to be embraced and used to improve the excellence of your work. Learn how to increase the image quality of your photographs and get all the sharpness, broad tonal range, and accurate color rendition that your camera is capable of. Gain a real understanding of how telephoto and wide-angle lenses work and how to use them creatively. And discover in-depth information on exciting topics such as infrared photography, macro imaging, using studio lighting, and how to produce special effects with your dSLR camera. Each chapter features tips and tricks from the pros, including how to create your own gadgets and equipment to really maximize your camera's capabilities. A comprehensive illustrated glossary features definitions and explanations of key photography terms and concepts and helps provide clarity as you work your way through the book. With "Digital SLR Pro Secrets", you will discover how to take great pictures in the camera as you harness all of the amazing tools right at your fingertips.

About the Author
With more than a million books in print, David D. Busch is a best-selling author of books on digital photography and imaging technology, and the originator of popular series like "David Busch's Pro Secrets" and "David Busch's Quick Snap Guides." He has written six hugely successful guidebooks for Nikon digital SLR models, and the most comprehensive manuals for dSLRs from Canon, Sony, and other vendors.His many other books devoted to digital photography include "David Busch's Digital Infrared Pro Secrets" and "Mastering Digital SLR Photography."As a roving photojournalist for more than 20 years, he has illustrated his books, magazine articles, and newspaper reports with award-winning images. Busch has operated his own commercial studio, suffocated in formal dress while shooting weddings-for-hire, and shot sports for a daily newspaper and upstate New York college.His photographs and articles have been published in magazines as diverse as "PhotoGraphic," "Popular Photograph & Imaging," "The Rangefinder," and hundreds of other publications.He's also reviewed digital cameras for CNet Networks and Computer Shopper.

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Review of MCTS: Windows Server Virtualization Configuration Study Guide: (Exam 70-652) (Paperback)

I used this book to pass my test.It is clear, easy to understand and it covers all the material you need.

Great book.Highly recommend for test preparation and future guide.

Product Description
The MCTS is Windows Server Virtualization Configuring exam, and is Microsoft?s newest addition to their exam repertoire and tests candidates? ability to use Hyper-V and server virtualization as part of their network infrastructure solution. The exam targets IT professionals who are looking to enhance their skills and distinguish themselves from the rest of the pack. This guide reviews the tasks that are mandatory for candidates to know: installing Hyper-V, configuring and optimizing Hyper-V, deploying virtual machines, and managing and monitoring virtual machines. The CD-ROM contains coverage of the exam objectives, real-world scenarios, hands-on exercises, and challenging review questions.

From the Back Cover

Prepare for Microsoft's new virtualization exam

With Microsoft's addition of Hyper-V to the Windows Server 2008 product, it's now more important than ever for Windows IT administrators to understand server virtualization as part of their infrastructure management. Become a fully credentialed Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) in Windows Server 2008 virtualization configuration with the solid preparation you'll find here for Exam 70-652, Microsoft's newest MCTS exam and its first on virtualization. Inside, you'll find:

• Full coverage of all exam objectives in a systematic approach, so you can be confident you're getting the instruction you need for the exam

• Practical hands-on exercises to reinforce critical skills

• Real-world scenarios that put what you've learned in the context of actual job roles

• Challenging review questions in each chapter to prepare you for exam day

• Exam Essentials, a key feature in each chapter that identifies critical areas you must become proficient in before taking the exam

• A handy tear card that maps every official exam objective to the corresponding chapter in the book, so you can track your exam prep objective by objective

Look inside for complete coverage of all exam objectives.

SYBEX TEST ENGINE: Test your knowledge with advanced testing software. Includes chapter review questions and bonus exams.

ELECTRONIC FLASHCARDS: Reinforce your understanding with flashcards that can run on your PC.

Also on CD, you'll find the entire book in searchable and printable PDF. Study anywhere, any time, and approach the exam with confidence.

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Review of Encyclopedia of Library and Information Science: Volume 54 - Supplement 17: Access to Patron Use Software to Wolfenbottel: the Library at (Hardcover)

Many articles in this 2. edition are just reprints of articles from the 1 edition. It is a real problem that the articles are not dated or have otherwise been indicated whether they are new in this edition (from 2003) or have just been reprinted without updating from the first edition which was published in 73 volumes from 1968 until 2003. (Vol 1-33 A-Z; Vol. 34+35 = Index; Vol 36-73 = supplements)

For example, the article "Philosophy of Science" was pubished in 1977. It is reprinted in the 2nd edition without any changes in content (only typographical changes such as two columns). In the 2nd edition we are misinformed that this entry is "Print Published: 05/20/2003 | Online Published: 06/23/2003". The readers are thus misled concerning what they are reading. This is tru for many articles, I guess much more than 50%.

The only way you can tell whether the article is revised or updated is by looking at the references and see if new references are included - in most cases they are not (alternatively, of course compare the articles in the two editions page by page).

Both the first edition and the second edition have a heavy emphazis on specific libraries in specific countries and is weak in theoretical and conceptual issues.

When this is said, it should be said that there are many important articles in this work and it is an obvious advantage that it is available online and the papers available as pdf-files. I have now read usefull articles that I would not have read if I had to make paper copies from the old edition.

Product Description
The Encyclopedia of Library and Information Science provides an outstanding resource in 33 published volumes with 2 helpful indexes. This thorough reference set--written by 1300 eminent, international experts--offers librarians, information/computer scientists, bibliographers, documentalists, systems analysts, and students, convenient access to the techniques and tools of both library and information science.Impeccably researched, cross referenced, alphabetized by subject, and generously illustrated, the Encyclopedia of Library and Information Science integrates the essential theoretical and practical information accumulating in this rapidly growing field. The self-contained Supplements (each Supplement contains A-Z coverage) highlight new trends, describe the latest advances, and profile key people making critical contributions to the field.Recent individual Supplements considered topics such as Archival Science to User NeedsConcept-Based Indexing and Retrieval of Hypermedia Information to Using Self-Checkout Technology to Increase Productivity and Patron Service in the Library Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Approach to Fraud Investigation to Visual Search in Modern Human-Computer Interfaces* Supplement Volumes 36-61 are available; additional supplements in preparation.

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Review of ForeX Trading for Maximum Profit: The Best Kept Secret Off Wall Street (Hardcover)

Okay, first some background:I am new to trading forex but have been trading stocks and options for over 5 years.Aspects of the forex market are very intriguing (24 hour trading, a small 'universe' of currencies to watch vs. thousands of stocks/options, leverage, etc.) so I was looking for a book that would tell me more about the forex market and provide a good foundation to trade successfully.

Let me state from the outset that the editing indeed leaves much to be desired. Typos, letters or spaces left out and smallish charts that forces one to bring out a magnifying glass at times.But none of this has anything to do with the value of the content of the book.Anyone dismissing this book simply due to editing are 'missing the forest for the trees,' as the saying goes.But the minor editing blunders are unfortunate and are the reason for only 4 stars instead of 5.

Content pros:
a)Very bite-sized chapters help encapsulate topics nicely.You can focus on one thing at a time to insure that you 'get it' before moving on.And everything builds upon the preceding chapters fairly smoothly, so it works.
b)True to her premise, this is NOT another missive on all the possible technical indicators available to use. (If you want that, I suggest Murphy's tome on Technical Analysis.) Instead, she is clearly outlining some of the key tools that she uses to trade forex and provides adequate reasoning for her choices.She does not dismiss other indicators as not being useful - she simply seems to have found that following a simple system with these tools works for her.And I would have to agree that it is easy to become bogged down in 'indicator paralysis' and I find her simplicity refreshing.
c)For those commentators below that question whether she is a 'real' trader or whether her system can work, I would happily point out that the forex market uniquely offers a wonderful, NO COST way to find out for yourself!Unlike any stock broker that I know, you can open a demo account (or 3 or 5!) with any online forex broker and 1) learn how to execute a trade (it is different than stocks or options in some ways), 2) see whose `trading platform' you like the most AND, most importantly, 3) you can 'play along with Raghee' (or anyone else's strategy) as you read the book!
d) She does a very good job of defining trading styles (scalping, swing, momentum, etc.), links them to what markets that best apply (trending, sideways, etc.) and to which indicators fit each style and market the best.I have not seen any other author put the style, market conditions and tools together in such a clear manner.
e)She does a very commendable job in covering trade and account management.With the high leverage issues in forex, these issues become very critical, more so than with stocks and options.This is typically a boring area for most readers, but ignore it at your financial peril!

Content cons:
a) Other than the known gripes about small charts and some editing gaffs, I really do not have any significant `cons.' (But ask me again in a year once I have traded in a 'real' account for a while!The demo account is doing too well to leave unfunded!)

As you can tell, I highly recommend this book.If you are new to forex, you can buy many books for half the cost of this one, some that are a lot thicker, too!But I doubt that you can find a better book to help you become comfortable with the market, the 'whys' and 'hows' of trading forex, and perhaps most importantly, how to manage your trades and money in differing market conditions.

1. Buy this book.
2. Open a demo account (if you are not already active in forex)
3. 'Play' until you are ready!

What could be better?


Product Description
Take an in-depth, how-to look at Forex trading using the methods, analysis, and insights of a renowned trader, Raghee Horner.

As the fate of the dollar against foreign currency generates both anxiety and opportunities, currency trading has been drawing much interest and a growing following among traders in the United States. The Forex market is particularly attractive because it trades with no gaps and has unlimited guaranteed stop-losses. The liquidity of the Forex market and worldwide participation makes for more reliable and longer lasting trends as well.

Raghee Horner, legendary not only as a top Forex trader but as a master teacher of trading systems and techniques, draws on her winning tools and methods, including classic charting techniques, in this book. She'll enable you, regardless of your skill level as a trader or investor, to understand how the Forex operates and lays out a blueprint for getting starting in this little-understood but high-potential trading vehicle.

From the Inside Flap
Making A Fortune in the World's Most Dramatic Market

With no commissions, 24 hour accessibility, and gap-less chart patterns, it is no wonder that the foreign exchange (FX) market continues to draw more and more interest from traders around the world. If you're ready to venture into this fast-paced world and stake your claim, you must first acquire the skills that will help you make the most in the FX market-because if you're uniformed, you will underperform.

Written by Raghee Horner-one of the top FX traders in the country and a master teacher of trading systems and techniques- Forex Trading for Maximum Profit offers a comprehensive road map to getting started in this little-understood, but highly-profitable arena. By sharing her winning tools and methods, including classic charting techniques, price action, and market psychology, Horner enables traders and investors of any skill level to capitalize on and make money from the FX market. Throughout the text, she lays out a blueprint for trading success. And through this book's companion CD-ROM, you'll be virtually transported to Rahgee's trading desk where she'll show you-by illustrating actual, real-time trades and techniques-how to put what you've learned to work.

Filled with in-depth trading insights and practical advice, Forex Trading for Maximum Profit contains everything you need to succeed in the FX market. By becoming more familiar with this dynamic market and understanding Raghee's thought process as she trades in it-a process that has helped her achieve a typical per-trade return of 34%-you'll be prepared to take your first step into FX with confidence.

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Review of PC Magazine Wireless Solutions (Paperback)

The target reader seems to be a Win-XP user with a D-Link DI-624, who does not really want to learn much.If that is you, then this book may be fine for you.If you only want to run the wizards & menus & little else, great.I happen to use Win-XP on some machines, and have a D-Link DI-624 on one.But I actually was hoping to learn more, and this book disappointed me.I'm taking it back to Barnes & Noble.
The authors use acronyms(initials) but usually make you go to the index to find out what the initials stand for.Seldom is there an explanation of what it really means.Sometimes the acronyms/initials are not defined, and at least once, the initials were defined two ways at two points in the book (see MAC as medium access control on page 90 and media access control on page 123 & the index).
What I really disliked is the total omission of Linux, a bunch of the technologies & components involved in wireless, and a good explanation of the basics.This book omits way to much for me.The authors apparantly think readers do not need to understand wireless technology basics.I'm not looking for wireless network certification or employment, just good basic understanding and this book doesn't have it.It does have some good material for the newbie, and is not overly verbose, so 3 stars.

Product Description
Wireless is freedom. Wireless is now. And who better than PC Magazine to help you break free?

Wireless is more than cell phones. It's Web surfing from your deck, or tuning up your Xbox? to take on opponents on the opposite coast. But whatever wireless is, it isn't simple--or it wasn't, until these two guys made it so. Here's the straight scoop on setup, security, trouble-shooting, wireless capabilities, and a whole lot more. Plenty of books will tell you how to build a wireless network, but only this one offers proven solutions from PC Magazine.

No strings attached! Here's how to
* Share printers, files, Internet connections and more--all without wires
* Wirelessly connect your video, audio, and game consoles
* Connect and control wireless "smart home" devices
* Guard your Wi-Fi network against intruders withWEP and WPA encryption
* Surf from anywhere in your home or office
* Untether your employees for greater creativity and productivity
* Take your wireless world on the road
* Understand wireless standards and protocols
* Learn how to choose the right wireless equipment


A Taste of Honey

A honeypot litters the airwaves with simulated access points, inviting intruders to take advantage of the network but. . . offering them no-where to go. Instead of trying to hide your real AP. . . you put it out with fake APs, hiding (it) by giving the intruder too much to do.
-- From Chapter 8

From the Back Cover
Wireless is freedom. Wireless is now. And who better than PC Magazine to help you break free?

Wireless is more than cell phones. It's Web surfing from your deck, or tuning up your Xbox® to take on opponents on the opposite coast. But whatever wireless is, it isn't simple-or it wasn't, until these two guys made it so. Here's the straight scoop on setup, security, trouble-shooting, wireless capabilities, and a whole lot more. Plenty of books will tell you how to build a wireless network, but only this one offers proven solutions from PC Magazine.

No strings attached! Here's how to

• Share printers, files, Internet connections and more-all without wires
• Wirelessly connect your video, audio, and game consoles
• Connect and control wireless "smart home" devices
• Guard your Wi-Fi network against intruders withWEP and WPA encryption
• Surf from anywhere in your home or office
• Untether your employees for greater creativity and productivity
• Take your wireless world on the road
• Understand wireless standards and protocols
• Learn how to choose the right wireless equipment

A Taste of Honey

A honeypot litters the airwaves with simulated access points, inviting intruders to take advantage of the network but. . . offering them no-where to go. Instead of trying to hide your real AP. . . you put it out with fake APs, hiding (it) by giving the intruder too much to do.
- From Chapter 8

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Review of Business Intelligence Competency Centers: A Team Approach to Maximizing Competitive Advantage (Wiley and SAS Business Series) (Hardcover)

When I think of "business intelligence", I tend to envision the gathering of competitive information.But it's really much, much more than that.The book Business Intelligence Competency Centers: A Team Approach to Maximizing Competitive Advantage by Gloria J. Miller, Dagmar Brautigam, and Stefanie V. Gerlach explores the subject and goes into what it takes to build a Business Intelligence Competency Center (BICC) at work...

Contents: Introduction; Business Intelligence in the Organization; Primary Functions of the Business Intelligence Competency Center; Planning a Business Intelligence Competency Center - Using the Information Evolution Model; Human Capital; Knowledge Processes; Culture; Infrastructure; Setting Up and Ensuring Ongoing Support; Cases from the Field; Ten Recommendations for a Highly Effective Business Intelligence Competency Center; List of Abbreviations; Additional Roles; Index

This book is authored by SAS employees, and the organization figures prominently in many of the examples and case studies.Even so, the content doesn't turn into a 200 page advertisement for the company.The significant issue for building a BICC (for me) was the emphasis on coordinating the use of data within the organization.Business intelligence encompasses the use of *all* the information in your company.The data marts that often end up as an IT resource should be the foundation of a BICC area.The goal is to have a single authoritative source for data and answers, and to eliminate the "one-off" areas of siloed information.The book goes into plenty of detail on how to design a BICC, what it takes to run one, and what type of changes a company will need to make to allow it to all work together.There's also a good series of questions at the end by which you can judge your potential options and plans.

This isn't necessarily a "fun" or easy read.It will appeal most to those who are already inclined to want to move down this path.It could well serve as your guidebook to manage the creation of your own BICC.And don't feel that you'll be steered down a specific software path (like SAS).For a book that's sponsored by a software vendor, it's more software-neutral than I expected...


Product Description
Transform data into action for competitive advantage

"The knowledge assets of an organization are becoming increasingly important for competitive advantage, and therefore, the way in which knowledge is created, renewed, and communicated is critical. This book provides practical insights into how this may be achieved through the establishment of a Business Intelligence Competency Centre and is a valuable read for 'information professionals.'"
--Bill Sturman, Information Architecture Project Manager The Open University, United Kingdom

"BI is more than technology and projects. BI must live in the organization--as a BICC. This book helps to make BI tangible and understandable, bringing it to life."
--Miriam Eisenmann, Project Manager (PMP) CSC Ploenzke AG, Germany

"This book is a must-read for planning and implementing your BICC. It is a pragmatic guide that addresses a lot, if not all, of the questions you'll be asking yourself. Don't miss out on getting a head start from the people who thought this through from start to finish . . . Pray your competitors don't get hold of this book!"
--Claudia Imhoff, President Intelligent Solutions, Inc., USA

"Creating a BICC forces the organization to focus on the importance of centralizing the gathering, interpreting, and analyzing of information to create business insight."
--Anne Ulyate, Group Manager Business Intelligence Mutual & Federal, South Africa

"BI is a highly visible element in the 'business value' trend for IT investments. Initiatives, such as competency centers, should empower user organizations to drive even more value out of their BI investments."
--Marianne Kolding, Director, European ServicesIDC, United Kingdom

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Review of Encyclopedia of Computer Science and Technology: Volume 41 - Supplement 26 - Application of Bayesan Belief Networks to Highway Construction to Virtual Reality Software and Technology (Hardcover)

Here, I am also commenting on the Supplements to this book, which the publisher periodically issues.

The encyclopedia is excellent for a broad discussion of the hardware and software in computing. It has to regularly come out with Supplements because of the ongoing improvments in the field. All the major contributors to computing are discussed, with a good synopsis for each, explaining his or her bailiwick. The treatment is about 50-50 between hardware and software. The articles tend to discuss the main ideas, and the encyclopedia and its supplements should not be seen as even an attempt at a summary of vendors' offerings.

If you are new to computing and want a general introduction, try consulting articles here. Professionals in computing will already have specialised texts in their subfields, and may not really need this book.

Product Description
This 41st volume covers Application of Bayesan Belief Networks to Highway Construction to Virtual Reality Software and Technology.

About the Author
Belzer; JackUniversity of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA,Holzman; Albert G.University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA,Kent; Allen,--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Review of Handbook for Multi-Sensory Worship ( volume 1 ) (Paperback)

I'm sorry scripted worship services wasn't what I was expecting.I was expecting fresh ideas rather than a script.If you are looking for something to read this is not the book.However, if you are merely wanting to copy something that has already been done then this is the book for you.Not really a postmodern worship guide at all.



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Review of Warehouse Management Handbook (Hardcover)

I recommend this book primarily for the extensive content. At over 900 pages, this book is enormous. Though you may want more detailed information on certain topics, you will at least find some useful information on virtually every topic related to managing a warehouse. The book is actually a collection of chapters written by different authors. Each chapter can be read independently of the others, which makes this a very good reference book.
Because of the multiple authors, there is some redundancy between chapters and inconsistency in the quality of the content.
If you're responsible for managing a warehouse, you should have this book on your bookshelf.



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Review of Power Pricing (Hardcover)

Why does there exist such a variety of pricing schemes for different products and why do we see different prices for the same product, depending on who buys it when, where, and how? This is a branch of microeconomics called price discrimination. Price discrimination questions are among the most directly observable ones for students, particulary those who are unlikley to study more economics or business. I therefore focus on these questions in teaching managerial economics in an organizational management graduate program.

Dolan's and Simon's book is therefore of some interest to me. These two management consultants have written an extremely practical and non-academic book which explores the actual practice of business pricing with greater sophistication than found in most standard applied micreconomics texts or many business marketing texts. The main markets for this book, I suspect, are students, having graduated but still disatisifed with the overly theoretical approach in their microeconomics classes, and business managers, especially in medium to large companies, for whom pricing is a very dynamic and strategic issue.

I doubt this book is used as a main teaching text, nor would I recommend it. Its basic concepts are hardly novel and are found in any microeconomics or marketing text.The presentation of the basic concept of price elasticity is somewhat long and tedious (it is usually done in less than a page in a standard microeconomics text). However, the application of this concept -and illustrations of how businesses can use it practically - makes for a very rich discussion.

What is useful in their book is the variety of examples of actual business settings where practical pricing decisions have to be made which can apply several different concepts. How globalization affects pricing decisions is given considerable attention in this book. I did not find the final section on implementation of priing strategy in organizations as insightful as the middle chapter which is more analytical.

For teaching and learning purposes, this could be a useful back-up resource, if used judiciously with a more standard text.



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Review of Beginning DirectX 10 Game Programming (Paperback)

This is a very light introduction to DirectX10, especially to direct3d 10. Beginners should feel very comfortable with this book. The text, most of the time, is clear and the examples are very simple. The math and math explanations involved are kept to a minimum.

The book delivers what it promises and should be taken as a base for further readings.


Product Description
Discover the exciting world of game programming and 3D graphics creation using DirectX 10!"Beginning DirectX® 10 Game Progmramming" is an introductory guide to creating fantastic graphics, amazing creatures, and realistic worlds for games.Written specifically for the beginner programmer, the book uses step-by-step instructions to teach the basics of DirectX 10, introducing skills that can be applied to creating games for both PC and game console platforms.You'll start by learning how to install the DirectX SDK and how to get your first application up and running.From there you'll be introduced to the 2D and 3D graphics components of DirectX allowing you to draw animated sprites and create 3D objects.Put your new skills to the test with a final, hands-on project that shows how to bring together everything you've learned.If you have a basic knowledge of C++ and 3D math concepts then you are ready to learn how to program amazing 3D game graphics with "Beginning DirectX 10!"

About the Author
Wendy Jones devoted herself to computers the first time her eyes befell an Apple IIe in elementary school. From that point on, she spent every free moment learning BASIC and graphics programming, sketching out her ideas on graph paper to type in later. Other computer languages followed, including Pascal, C, C#, and C++.As Wendy's career in computers took off, she branched out, teaching herself Windows programming and then jumping into the dot-com world for a bit. Although Internet companies provided a challenge, they didn't provide fulfillment, so Wendy started expanding her programming skills to games, devoting any extra energy to its pursuit.Wendy's true passion became apparent when she got the opportunity to work for Atari's Humongous Entertainment as a game programmer. During her time at Atari, she worked on both PC and console titles, thrilled with the challenge they provided.Wendy can now be found at Electronic Art's Tiburon studio in Orlando working with some wonderfully talented people on Next Generation consoles.If you have any comments or questions about this book, you can reach Wendy at her website at http://www.fasterkittycodecode.com.

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Review of 2500 Keywords to Get You Hired (Paperback)

This book is only remotely helpful if you have loads of experience.If you are just starting out in the job market or changing your career path, it's totally worthless.The only way this book would be valuable is if you absolutely could not put together even the semblance of a resume.

Product Description

Endorsed by the Professional Association of Resume Writers

Now that 70 percent of job searches are conducted online, and resumes are processed by computers programmed to scan for keywords, knowing the right keywords­­or buzzwords associated with a profession, industry, or job function­­and how to use them effectively has never been a more critical job-search skill.

The most comprehensive reference of its kind, this powerful resume-writing resource gives readers instant access to 2,500 indispensable keywords germane to 300 careers in nine employment categories­­from business, the law, and health care, to the arts, education and media­­and shows how to use them effectively.

In 2,500 Keywords to Get You Hired, readers will find:

• Keywords for hundreds of individual careers
• A complete listing of critical keywords for each career
• Boxed examples demonstrating how keywords can be deployed strategically in a resume
• Sample resumes incorporating keywords

From the Back Cover

Make that important first cut with a resume that packs a punch with 2500 Keywords to Get You Hired

What's in a word? When used effectively on your resume, the right words could land you your next job! 2500 Keywords to Get You Hired breaks down the buzz on buzzwords-those powerful little words that communicate your experience and qualifications. The abracadabras of a champion job search, a resume packed with potent keywords will get you noticed, get you those elusive interviews, and get your hired!

Today's competitive job market demands that your resume stand out from the hundreds-even thousands-of resumes submitted for each job opening. Now that electronic processing of resumes is the norm, your resume may never even reach the desk of a perspective employer without those critical keywords. 2500 Keywords to Get You Hired gives you instant access to the most indispensable keywords relevant to 300 careers in nine employment categories-from business, law, and health care to the arts, education, and media-and shows you the most valuable ways to use them.

Get it right and get noticed. Packed with hundreds of examplesillustrating how to use keywords effectively in your resume and oninterviews, 2500 Keywords to Get You Hired also covers:

• How to shine on an interview-the importance of making a strong first impression with the receptionist
• Networking tips-keep a file on each contact and maintain good records at all times
• Using the Internet in your job search-use keywords heavily in the introduction of your resume
• Job search strategies-do some research to identify hiring authorities
• Salary negotiations-establish your value in the mind of the hiring manager
• Unconventional techniques for securing job openings-send your resume in a Priority Mail envelope
• And much more

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Review of Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition Fast & Easy (Paperback)

I'm giving this book one star simply because there's no method for giving it less than one star.

This book is for the absolute beginner. I had hoped to find something a lot more informative than this. If you actually need a book of this caliber, doing anything major with multimedia is probably beyond your grasp.

Save your money and learn to use your F1 key.

Product Description
Get ready to discover your computerÂ's amazing multimedia capabilities. Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition Fast & Easy offers step-by-step instructions for using your computer as a television, DVD player, photo viewer, CD player, and more! By the time you finish, youÂ'll even cover multimedia file storage options and the Media Center remote control.

About the Author
Eric Grebler is an IT professional, author and certified trainer who has demystified the world of computers for thousands of people. Originally from Ottawa, he currently resides in Toronto, Canada. Eric has developed curriculum and resource material on a wide range of technical topics including desktop publishing, graphics, XML and operating systems. He is also the author of "Digital Performer 4 Ignite!" (Course Technology PTR, 1592003524), "Lindows Fast & Easy" (Premier Press, 1592000606) and "Windows XP Media Center Edition Fast & Easy" (Premier Press, 1592000835).

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Review of The Official Blackbook Price Guide to United States Coins 2010, 48th Edition (Mass Market Paperback)

First, just buy Whitman's A Guide Book of United States Coins 2010: The Official Red Book. For a couple of dollars more, that guide has everything that this guide is missing.

What's missing?

1) This 2010 Blackbook price guide released in June 2009 is supposed to have ALL U.S. coins listed through 2008. But the book is completely missing the Presidential dollars and First Spouse coins which started in 2007. A pretty serious oversight.

The 2010 Red Book not only has all this, it also has 2009 coins listed in it as well. It lists the 2009 D.C. and Territorial quarters, 2009 Lincoln cents, 2009 Agricultural Sacagawea and even the new MMIX Ultra High Relief St. Gaudens gold coin, not to mention other 2009 circulating and commemorative coinage.

2) Lack of mintage totals. For some reason, mintage totals just stop for many coin listings. For example, mintage totals are missing for any commemorative coin after 1989 and any Kennedy half dollar after 2005. Many other listings stop in the 1990s or early 2000s.

The Red Book didn't seem to have a problem listing mintages.

2) No private or territorial gold coin listings. No Bechtlers, Moffat, Kellogg, or Humbert coins.

The Red Book has them all with nice color photos.

3) No mention of Hard Times tokens. The Blackbook Guide finds tokens important enough to include a whole chapter on Civil War tokens, but there is no mention what-so-ever about Hard Times tokens.

Again, the Red Book has a section on this.

5) No color photos. Although there are black and white photos, the quality is such that you would be hard pressed to use them for anything other than identifying general type.

The Red Book has nice color photos including close-ups of many major varieties.

So skip this book and buy the The Red Book for a couple of dollars more. If someone gave me a case of the Blackbook guides for free, I wouldn't even give them away. I'd just toss them into the fire.

Product Description
Blackbook US Coins

The Official Blackbook Price Guide to United States Coins 2010, 48th Edition is packed with all the information you need to become a knowledgeable coin collector. It's filled with current values and the latest market reports, and it also includes:

•Over 18,000 prices
•Values for every U.S. coin ever minted
•An updated market review that traces current trends in collecting and investing
•Hundreds of coin illustrations and a fast-find index for easy identification
•Extensive information on buying and selling coins at auction, coins shows, online, and through the mail

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Review of A Day in the Life: Career Options in Library and Information Science (Paperback)

A Day in the Life: Career Options in Library and Information Science is an omnibus anthology of ninety-five essays by diverse authors. Focusing primarily upon the many different types of library science jobs available, from working for school libraries or special libraries to library vendors, positions in publishing, and nontraditional careers such as "personal librarian" or "independent information professional", A Day in the Life is a first-rate resource for library and information science students, prospective information professionals, new librarians, and anyone considering a career change. An index for quick reference rounds out this broad-ranged anthology steeped in the professional field experience of its many contributors.



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Review of Steal This Computer Book 3: What They Won't Tell You About the Internet (Paperback)

I orderd this book after seeing the "stunning" reviews it recieved on this site.I'm sorry to say that I am very disappointed.I got it yesterday morning and was real eager to get into it, but within an hour I just stopped reading.Why?

Dont get me wrong this isnt a bad book per-se and its just that it has its audience and i'm not part of it.This is for people\parents\employers\new users to the internet who want to know more about its dark underbelly.

If you know or understand phrases like- firewalls, sniffers, back-doors, loggers, scanners, spam, idtheft, filters, Airsnort, dumpster-diving, social-engineering, shoulder surfing and so on....- then dont even pick this book up.I'm no computer security guru but i'd say a couple of days surfing the net and you'll soon have the bones of this book.

If on the other hand, you're new to the net, you're worried about you kids safety while on the net, who's using your computer, what they're doing, what other could be doing to you, or just need a quick jumpstart into the darker side of the net then maybe (and only just maybe!!) you should consider this book.

Its like one reviewer said, its for the ordinary guy, but if you've done any bit of work in IT then a lot of it will seem like fluff.So I've left it for now but am not gonna throw it out, its something i'll read when i got time and also there looks to be some interesting sections that I'm gonna look through.

It still gets 2 stars though; one because its well organsied and written in a very easy to understand language, not too technical which is definately a plus if you're new to the net and all thing computers, and two beacuse theres a lot of good links to related software and sites that can help you understand more.Think of it as a good reference\starting point.

Peronally i'd say save you're money and read "computer espoinage, counter measures and tactics" if you want more intersting read.



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Review of The Venturesome Economy: How Innovation Sustains Prosperity in a More Connected World (Hardcover)

The book is a thoroughly researched, eloquently argued and highly persuasive piece. It's central thesis is that technological innovation is a complex, multiplayer game in which America still leads the world by a long way. American scientific, technological and economic pre-eminence are thus not going away anytime soon. The book goes on to argue that "neo-protectionist" fears are unwarranted, and shows how they will probably undermine America's economic might in the long run.

The book comes with impeccable credentials. It is authored by Amar Bhide, the Lawrence D. Glaubinger Professor of Business at Columbia University. Prof Bhide is also a co-researcher of Edmund Phelps, 2006 Nobel Laureate in Economics who is an authority on, among other things, the relationship between investment in education and research on the one hand, and economic growth on the other.

And Prof Bhide could hardly have chosen a better time to weigh in, as anti-offshoring rhetoric can be expected to rise over the next few months. It must be noted that the primary purport of the book is not to support outsourcing or offshoring,and I am sure nothing could be farther from the author's mind than to be painted as a torchbearer for the outsourcing brigade. Nonetheless, the arguments presented therein can be read as making a substantial case for a more liberal approach toward outsourcing.

The author marshals an astonishing array of evidence in supporting his thesis, stitching together data and information from diverse disciplines. He presents data to show that protectionistfears inthe 1980s that the US would soon be overtaken by Germany and Japan, which focused on rigorous planningof their scientific manpower, proved baseless asthe US prospered whilethe ostensible aggressors largely floundered.He says things are no different this time, with China and India.

Thebook'sargumentscanbroadlybesummedupasfollows:

*Wealtharisesnotsomuchfromcreatingnewtechnologicalbreakthroughsasfromthecapacitytobenefitfromthosebreakthroughs.

*This'capacitytobenefit'isahigherordercapacitythatincludeselementssuchastheabilitytocreateproductsbasedonthosetechnologicalbreakthroughs,theabilitytomarketthoseproductswell,theabilitytotakeriskandfreedomfromover-regulation. Inparticular,"venturesomeconsumption"-thepropensityofconsumerstoembraceproductsbasedonnewtechnologies-isvital.
*TheUShasmostpartsofthisdiversepuzzle-particularlyventuresomeconsumption-andishencebestpositionedtobenefitfromnewtechnologies.Thisistrueevenofnewtechnologicalinnovationsproducedabroad.Asanexample,theauthoravers,theexceptionalabilityofUScompaniestouseIThasbeenastrongreasonwhyUSproductivityhasoutpacedthatinEuropeinJapan.

*Henceallowingtechnologicalbreakthroughstohappenabroadcertainlydoesnothurt,andpossiblybenefits,theUS.TheauthorofferstheexampleoftheiPod,muchofwhosetechnologyoriginatedinEuropeandAsia,butwhichwouldn'thaveachievedthesuccessithaswithoutventuresomeUSconsumers-whohaveinturnreapedhugebenefitsbysoconsumingthedevice.
*Thishigher-ordercapacityisdeeply rooted in various economic, social, cultural and psychological structures and is hence highlysticky, which makes it difficultfortheUStolose it -andforothercountriestoacquire it.

Theauthoralsointroducesthenotionof"nondestructivecreation"(innovationthatcreatesnewproductsandserviceswithoutdisplacingexistingones)inadditiontothefamiliarSchumpeteriancreativedestruction.Suchnondestructivecreationcreatesnewjobswithouteliminatingexistingones.Atleastinthenontradableservicessector,thesenewjobswillhavetostayintheUSandcannotmigratetolowcostlocations.

Thus,Prof.Bhideassuresus,thereisunlikelytobeagiantsuckingsoundanytimesoon.

Onepotentialobjectionthatoccurstome,thatprotectionistsmayraise:relyingtoostronglyonthe'nontradableservices'argumentmayamounttostandingonshiftingsandsatbest.Severalservicesthoughttobenontradablehaveturnedouttobetradableafterall.ITservicesthemselveswerethoughttobenontradableforlong,untilIndianITservicecompaniesshowedtheycouldcrossborders.Evenadvertising,whichishighlyculture-andcontext-specific-hasbeenoffshored(LenovohasheadquarteredallitsmarketingactivitiesoutsideChinainBangalore).

Thebookalsoperhapsbypassesonemajorthemeonthesubjectof'howinnovationsustainsprosperityinaconnectedworld'(andthisisalsomyfavoriteargumentinfavorofwhydevelopedeconomiesincludingtheUSshouldnotbecharyofallowinghigh-endwork-andhigh-payingjobs-toflowabroad):alotoftheprosperitythatso'leaksaway'fromdevelopedeconomiescomesrightbackintheformofdemandforproductsandservices.Asanexample,IndianIToutsourcingcompaniesareperhapsthelargestairlinecustomersintheworld,astensofthousandsofworkerstraveleachyearbetweenIndiaandthecountrieswhereclientsarelocated.TheseairlinessuchasUnitedandLufthansaaremostlyheadquarteredindevelopedcountries.Similarly,thesameIndia-basedoutsourcerslapupthelaptops,PCs,serversandnetworkingequipmentmadebyDell,SunandCisco.TheyarehugebuyersofsoftwareproducedbyMicrosoft,IBM,OracleandSAP.Thesecompanies(andtheiremployees)cansafelybeassumedtohaveaninsatiableappetiteforthelatestcellularphonesandsoforthfromthelikesofApple,NokiaandRIM.Thesecompaniesalsoemploylegionsofworkersatorclosetoclientlocations-workerswhopaytaxesandpumpmoneyintolocaleconomies.Many of these companies are listed on US and European stock exchanges, allowing people there to participate in their wealth creation. Thus,prosperity'leaking'abroadcontributestoprosperityinthedevelopedeconomies-notinsomenebulous,long-termsensebutinawaythatisdirectandalmostimmediate.

Thesearebutminorquibbles-thebookcutsawideswatheinmakingitselaborateargumentconvincing. Alongtheway,theauthorexploresthequestionofwhycompaniesbuyIT.Thenotorious'Productivityparadox',whichheldthatIThasnotcontributedtoproductivitygainsinbusiness-isfirmlylaidtorest.HeaversthatIThasbroughtnewwaysofdoingbusiness,andalsodeliveredsignificantbenefitstothecustomersofthosebusinessesthatusedIT,whichareignoredbyconventionalproductivitystatistics.Anotherinterestingtopicexaminedisthatofwhypeopleacquireeducation(particularlyhighereducation),andhowuniversitiesperceivetheeconomicvaluetheyimparttotheirgraduates.



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