Review of Windows XP Headaches: How to Fix Common (and Not So Common) Problems in a Hurry (Paperback)

No big secrets here, but it sure makes it easier to do things with XP than the program help files.

Product Description
Windows XP Headaches is the ultimate resource for fast and effective troubleshooting. From taskbar troubles to aggravating security issues this solutions-packed guide helps you identify the symptom and quickly diagnose and treat the problem--and even helps to alleviate migraine-causing problems like system crashes, installation issues, and boot failures.

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Review of The Eye for Innovation: Recognizing Possibilities and Managing the Creative Enterprise (Hardcover)

Excellent book if you lived in the 70's and 80's. Slow and boring. A blast from the past. The coverjacket design describes the book to a T: A plain white bread book...

Product Description
Innovation is synonymous with problem solving, and the basic elements of innovation apply to any business, says Robert M. Price in this essential guide for managers of organizations large or small. Distilling a set of practical principles from his forty years of experience as a pioneer in the computer industry, the author shows that innovation can be learned and practiced by everyone, that it can offer solutions to everyday problems as well as high-profile ones, and that it provides opportunities to solve business problems while meeting a variety of human needs.

Former CEO of Control Data, Price weaves the history of this uniquely innovative company with fresh thinking about innovation itself-what it means to the people in an organization, the products, and the processes. He avoids simplistic prescriptions and clearly explains seven fundamental principles of innovation beginning with "innovators are made, not born." He illustrates these principles with fascinating real-life examples. His book offers both the practical tools and the inspiration to everyone with an interest in effective management practice and in building organizations that creatively and continuously respond to ever-changing social and market needs.

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Review of Economics for Real People: An Introduction to the Austrian School (Paperback)

The Austrian School is the most consistently free enterprise school of economic thought.Its most outstanding representative was Ludwig von Mises and its leading thinker in recent memory was Murray Rothbard.Both von Mises and Rothbard wrote substantial treatises on economics.However, there haven't been many introductory works.(Hazlitt's Economics in One Lesson focuses more on government intervention than prices, the evenly rotating economy and capital theory.)

Gene Callahan has remedied that situation with this excellent introductory work.Written in the style of Rothbard, Callahan provides a primer on methodology, economic theory, and a critique of government intervention. The examples are always vivid and at times humorous.

After finishing this book, the reader should tackle Rothbard's Man, Economy and State.Then he should try von Mises's Human Action.Human Action isn't easy, but it will present the reader with the acedmic and theoretical rigor of the Austrian school's greatest exponent.For an introductory work that is more basic that Callahan's, David Gordon's An Introduction to Economic Reasoning is excellent.

Product Description
At last, a fun and fascinating guide to the main ideas of the Austrian School of economics, written in sparkling prose especially for the non-economist. Gene Callahan shows that good economics isn't about government planning or statistical models. It's about human beings and the choices they make in the real world.

This may be the most important book of its kind since Hazlitt's Economics in One Lesson. Though written for the beginner, it has been justly praised by scholars too, including Israel Kirzner, Walter Block, and Peter Boettke.

Israel M. Kirzner (New York University): "Even a cursory examination of this book is sufficient to impress the reader that we have here a remarkably well-written exposition for the layman of the highlights of Austrian Economics."

Peter J. Boettke (George Mason University): "Written in a jargon-less and engaging style, Callahan's work provides the most comprehensive introduction to modern Austrian economics currently available to the intelligent layman."

Walter Block (Loyola University, New Orleans): "I don't toss around compliments like this lightly, but the passion, eloquence and sheer witty writing style of this author is also reminiscent of Rothbard. I plan to use it in all of my future intro courses."

About the Author
Gene Callahan is a software-technology professional in Connecticut, an adjunct scholar of the Mises Institute, and a commentator on economics issues in venues such as Marketplace and The Free Market. This is his first book.

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Review of Eyes Right: Winning The Project Management Challenge (Paperback)

George has presented an easy to read and comprehend guide to different types of organizational behavior that impact the successful delivery of projects.

Product Description
Project management as seen through the eyes of a highly experienced project leader whose expertise was earned the hard way. Learn what to do and when to do it to deliver a successful project.

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Review of Recovering Informal Learning: Wisdom, Judgement and Community (Lifelong Learning Book Series) (Paperback)

The title of Paul Hager and John Halliday's book immediately raises a question: "Recovering informal learning from what?" The answer is provided in their Introduction: "Our central thesis is that currently the balance within both policies and practices of lifelong learning has shifted too far towards formal learning. That imbalance should be corrected...In summary, we argue that too much is spent on the provision of formal learning opportunities and not enough on the provision of opportunities for informal learning...For us, formal learning is that which takes place as intended within formally constituted educational institutions such as schools, universities, training centres and so on. Typically it follows a prescribed framework whether or not actual attendance at the institution as necessary...Informal learning covers all of the other situations in which people learn including those occasions when in the course of living they learn without sometimes intending to learn. It also includes those situations within formal educational institutions when some things are learnt which are not directly intended by those employed by the institution."

This composite excerpt raises another question; "What about corporate training and development programs?" According to Bersin & Associates' just-published 2008 Corporate Learning Factbook®, based on data collected by an August 2007 survey conducted in partnership with Training Magazine, "The U.S. corporate learning market grew slightly from 2006 to 2007, increasing from $55.8B to $58.5. Spending on products and services grew from $15.8B in 2006 to $16.38B in 2007." As for E-learning, it has grown dramatically. The use of self-study e-learning now accounts for 20% of student hours, up from last year's figure of 15%. This growth is driven largely by an increase in online training among small organizations (100-999 employees), which are acquiring the skills and technology to make online training a reality...The younger generation of learners is driving changes in learning strategies. This year's study shows a sharp increase in new web-based and collaborative learning resources, such as podcasts, communities of practice, blogs, and wikis."

In The Training Measurement Book, Josh Bersin explains that the material in his book is based on the results of surveys that he and his associates conducted among more than 600 C-level executives in 2005-2007. One of the most important revelations is that more than 90% identified performance measurement as being either most important or next most important on their list of what to improve. In 2007, they conducted research among more than 700 HR and learning executives indicating that only 4% rated their learning programs were "fully aligned" with talent needs, and, only 15% rated them "well-aligned." Clearly, as both Cross and Berrsin assert, there is substantial room for improvement in formal corporate training and development programs.

Consider these comments by Jay Cross: "Workers learn more in the coffee room than in the classroom. They discover how to do their jobs through informal learning: asking the person in the next cubicle, trial and error, calling the help desk, working with people in the know, and joining the conversation. This is natural learning - learning from others when you feel the need to do so." So far, no pyrotechnics. Cross continues: "Training programs, workshops, and schools get the lion's share of the corporate budget for developing talent, despite the fact that...," and then, "this formal learning has almost no impact on job performance. And informal learning, the major source of knowledge transfer and innovation, is left to chance."

In their book, Hager and Halliday view learning in more general terms than do advocates of allocating more resources to informal learning in the workplace. They critique and reject several common assumptions about current principles of learning "that have been shown to narrow the scope of our conceptions of learning, thus causing outcomes that are harmful to society and its ongoing development." Also, as indicated previously, they argue that learning is something that is much richer than our common conceptual attempts to capture it would suggest. There are dimensions of learning that elude our present formulas and common misunderstandings. Practices of all kinds involve learning, some aspects of which are tacit." They reject the notion of lifelong longing as "growing formalisation of learning across the lifespan," proposing instead what they characterize as "a fresh understanding of learning," one that offers a better balance of the formal and informal, "will lead to much more viable and attractive notions of lifelong learning." The "better balance of the formal and the informal" to which Hager and Halliday refer has a context that includes but is by no means limited to the workplace. "The view that learning is acquisition of products, and its associated metaphors, leads us toward a panopticon society. As liberal humanists, we do not want such a society."

My Five Star rating indicates how well I think Hager and Halliday present and develop their argument that, for too long, theories and practices of learning have been dominated by the requirements of formal learning. (Their book is Volume 7 of the Lifelong Learning Series published by Springer.) Questions can and should be raised about the value of formal education (i.e. provided by schools, colleges, and universities) to the learning-living relationship in one's life just as Cross, Bersin, and others have questioned the value of formal corporate training and development programs to one's job performance, when indeed substantial evidence suggests that workers learn more from on-the-job training and frequent interaction with associates, especially with a supervisor.

I agree with all four of them that imbalances must be corrected, not only between formal and informal learning but also between one's career and one's personal life. That said, the challenge remains to achieve and then sustain proper balances to varying degree in relationships with one's teachers, other elders, family members, business associates, and other sources of information, expertise, and (yes) wisdom.

Product Description
For too long, theories and practices of learning have been dominated by the requirements of formal learning. Quite simply this book seeks to persuade readers through philosophical argument and empirically grounded examples that the balance should be shifted back towards the informal. These arguments and examples are taken from informal learning in very diverse situations, such as in leisure activities, as a preparation for and as part of work, and as a means of surviving undesirable circumstances like dead-end jobs and incarceration.Informal learning can be fruitfully thought of as developing the capacity to make context sensitive judgments during ongoing practical involvements of a variety of kinds. Such involvements are necessarily indeterminate and opportunistic. Hence there is a major challenge to policy makers in shifting the balance towards informal learning without destroying the very things that are desirable about informal learning and indeed learning in general. The book has implications therefore for formal learning too and the way that teaching might proceed within formally constituted educational institutions such as schools and colleges.

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Review of Sales Proposals Kit for Dummies (Paperback)

Sales Proposals Kit for Dummies is not only effective, it is an excellent read.So many books on sales techniques are so dry and virtually unreadable, but Mr. Kantin's witty style and real world examples of proposal design have had an impact on the quality of my proposals and my philosophy of sales in general.I found the proposal RATER particularly useful, as it pinpointed the areas that I needed too focus on in my proposals.My only regret is that Mr. Kantin did not write this book three

years ago. It would have saved me a lot of pain and rejection.Since I've read the book, only a few weeks ago, I'm three for three.This book is a must read for anybody who writes more than the occasional proposal.

Product Description
Sales Proposals Kit For Dummies is a unique and valuable reference that helps sales professionals create winning sales proposals that close the deal -- in simple, step-by-step terms and with real-life examples.

This friendly kit explains in clear language and simple steps how to integrate the sales and proposal processes. It provides a proven structure and guidelines for writing winning proposals. And it includes a tool for evaluating proposal quality from the buyer's viewpoint. Plus, you'll find examples of proposals in several different sectors.

From the Back Cover
"Will increase your chances of winning the 'big one.'" Bob Heckman, CEO, Navigate Consulting "Full of tips, tricks, and tools every sales pro must have!" Bill Byron Concevitch, Sr. VP, Mentergy, Inc.

Includes step-by-step instructions to help you write winning sales proposals!

Salespeople - listen up! Want a surefire way to write winning sales proposals that'll wake 'em up, seal the deal, and keep 'em comin' back for more? Let expert Bob Kantin share his savvy advice on everything from getting into your buyer's head to actually presenting a fabulous proposal. You'll come out a winner every time! all this on the CD-ROM Valuable forms and materials, including: A great tool to rate your proposal A proposal model Sample product proposals Sample service proposals A customer questionnaire System requirements: PC running Windows 95 or later, Windows NT 4 or later; Power Macintosh running System 7.6 or later. See the About the CD Appendix for details and complete system requirements.

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Review of Microsoft VBScript Professional Projects (Paperback)

There just are not that many really good VBScript books out there. And there are even fewer well written VBScript books that target power users, system admins and advanced readers. Well, this book is one of them. It provides a quick review of VBScript (for those that need a primer or a quick overview) and then procedes to demonstrate how to use VBScript to tackle several different projects. This approach provides a great balance between theory and practical hands-on application.

Product Description
Microsoft's VBScript, a simplified version of VisualBasic, is a powerful, easy-to-learn tool that can add interaction toWeb pages. VBScript Professional Projects distinguishes itself fromthe competition by being the only book to offer a project-basedapproach for higher-end users and to provide coverage of VBScript'sapplicability to both Web and WSH scripting. It is the ideal guide forVBA and Visual Basic programmers who wish to expand their programmingcapabilities using a scripting language.

About the Author
Jerry Lee Ford, Jr. is an author, educator, and IT professional with over 13 years experience in information technology.He is a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer and has also earned Microsoft's MCP & MCP+Internet certification.He holds a master's degree in Business Administration and has been a part-time IT instructor for five years.Jerry is the author of nine books, including "Microsoft Windows Shell Scripting and WSH Administrator's Guide" (ISBN: 1931841268).He lives in Richmond, Virginia with his wife and sons.

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Review of PC Magazine Windows XP Solutions (Paperback)

I've had the book for a couple of weeks now, and I keep learning new tricks.Most recently the book taught me how to create screen capture movies that I can e-mail to others.I'm using this trick mostly to create "here's how you do this" videos for my parents, which is a lot easier than trying to talk them through the computer challenge du jour over the phone.

Probably the next most useful sections of the book for me have been the parts covering User Profile managment.I've never found those tasks to be intuitive in WinXP, and the book does a great job of showing me how I can finally get some benefit out of Profiles, rather than the headaches they've been giving me since I got WinXP.

The book has other chapters on these topics, too:
*Working With Digital Cameras
*Making Videos
*Recording & Ripping Music
*Remote Control of Windows XP via the internet
*Using Windows XP as an Internet Server

Plus, of course, chapters on security, backups, installing hardware/software, and the other sorts of topics you'd expect from PC Magazine.

Product Description
* The practical, proven solutions Windows XP users have been looking for-from the source trusted by more than six million readers worldwide, PC Magazine
* Written like the magazine's popular "Solutions" feature, the book helps experienced Windows users work faster and smarter by customizing the interface, circumventing annoying features, and fixing common glitches
* Topics covered range from building a better Start Button and Task Bar, eliminating the new program notification on the Start menu, and cleaning up the Registry after an uninstall to safely removing old drivers, using the recover console after a crash, and dealing with DSL and other broadband connection problems
* Well written and organized for easy reference, the book shows the sixty-seven million Windows XP users how to save time and frustration-and make their PCs work the way they want them to

From the Back Cover
In the event of system failure

Sometimes a Windows XP installation can fail to the point where you can do nothing to save it. You have a number of options open to you, such as attempting to repair the installation and, at the other extreme, reformatting all your hard drives and starting over. However, often the easiest approach is to install a fresh instance of Windows XP on a new hard disk partition and then work from the new installation to recover data from the old installation.
--From Chapter 11, Locating and Migrating User Data

They say there's a solution to everything. When it comes to Windows XP, PC Magazine knows 'em all

Ever wish they'd consulted you before they designed Windows XP? Sure, it's a great system, but there's this one feature that makes you crazy. Or that annoying problem that keeps occurring. Well, you can rely on Neil Randall and your friends at PC Magazine to correct that oversight. Here's the complete compendium of solutions to the things that bug you, threaten your security, slow you down, or other-wise prevent Windows XP from achieving perfection.

You can redesign Windows XP

• Create the interface that works for you
• Tweak your taskbar and control your folders
• Remove the stuff that gets in your way
• Install what you want; dump what you don't
• Unlock hidden settings in Media Player
• Use Group Policy Editor to change the way users interact with their PCs
• Reinstall Windows without losing important files
• Lock it down with the Encrypting File System
• Find helpful features hidden in Outlook Express
• Dig into the Registry to remove every last trace of spyware

Click Here to see more reviews about: PC Magazine Windows XP Solutions (Paperback)

Review of PC Magazine Windows XP Solutions (Paperback)

I've had the book for a couple of weeks now, and I keep learning new tricks.Most recently the book taught me how to create screen capture movies that I can e-mail to others.I'm using this trick mostly to create "here's how you do this" videos for my parents, which is a lot easier than trying to talk them through the computer challenge du jour over the phone.

Probably the next most useful sections of the book for me have been the parts covering User Profile managment.I've never found those tasks to be intuitive in WinXP, and the book does a great job of showing me how I can finally get some benefit out of Profiles, rather than the headaches they've been giving me since I got WinXP.

The book has other chapters on these topics, too:
*Working With Digital Cameras
*Making Videos
*Recording & Ripping Music
*Remote Control of Windows XP via the internet
*Using Windows XP as an Internet Server

Plus, of course, chapters on security, backups, installing hardware/software, and the other sorts of topics you'd expect from PC Magazine.

Product Description
* The practical, proven solutions Windows XP users have been looking for-from the source trusted by more than six million readers worldwide, PC Magazine
* Written like the magazine's popular "Solutions" feature, the book helps experienced Windows users work faster and smarter by customizing the interface, circumventing annoying features, and fixing common glitches
* Topics covered range from building a better Start Button and Task Bar, eliminating the new program notification on the Start menu, and cleaning up the Registry after an uninstall to safely removing old drivers, using the recover console after a crash, and dealing with DSL and other broadband connection problems
* Well written and organized for easy reference, the book shows the sixty-seven million Windows XP users how to save time and frustration-and make their PCs work the way they want them to

From the Back Cover
In the event of system failure

Sometimes a Windows XP installation can fail to the point where you can do nothing to save it. You have a number of options open to you, such as attempting to repair the installation and, at the other extreme, reformatting all your hard drives and starting over. However, often the easiest approach is to install a fresh instance of Windows XP on a new hard disk partition and then work from the new installation to recover data from the old installation.
--From Chapter 11, Locating and Migrating User Data

They say there's a solution to everything. When it comes to Windows XP, PC Magazine knows 'em all

Ever wish they'd consulted you before they designed Windows XP? Sure, it's a great system, but there's this one feature that makes you crazy. Or that annoying problem that keeps occurring. Well, you can rely on Neil Randall and your friends at PC Magazine to correct that oversight. Here's the complete compendium of solutions to the things that bug you, threaten your security, slow you down, or other-wise prevent Windows XP from achieving perfection.

You can redesign Windows XP

• Create the interface that works for you
• Tweak your taskbar and control your folders
• Remove the stuff that gets in your way
• Install what you want; dump what you don't
• Unlock hidden settings in Media Player
• Use Group Policy Editor to change the way users interact with their PCs
• Reinstall Windows without losing important files
• Lock it down with the Encrypting File System
• Find helpful features hidden in Outlook Express
• Dig into the Registry to remove every last trace of spyware

Click Here to see more reviews about: PC Magazine Windows XP Solutions (Paperback)

Review of How to Choose a College Major [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

Comprehensive book on how to choose a college majors, with detailed information about the prospects of each major. Highly recommended.

Product Description
How to Choose a College Major Learn how to weigh the pros and cons of potential majors and their corresponding careers. Includes interviews, statistical data, worksheets, where to get professional guidance, and 21st century trends.

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Review of Marketing Management: Knowledge and Skills (Hardcover)

Half the time reading this book is like reading a dictionary. I think I must have read 100 sentences that begin with "XXX can be defined as .... ". The authors do a complete coverage of the topics but in such a dull and routine way it is hard to keep your attention on the reading. On a plus side, there are about 40 case analyses that are pretty good, but of course they weren't written by the authors. Of course if you're like most people, your professor has chosen this book and you have to get it whether you like it or not.

Product Description
Marketing Management: Knowledge and Skills, 7/e, by Peter and Donnelly, serves an overview for critical issues in marketing management.The text strives to enhance knowledge of marketing management and advance student skills so they can develop and maintain successful marketing strategies.The text does this through comprehensive text chapters that analyze that marketing process and gives students the foundation needed for success in marketing management and through 45 cases (16 of them new, many others updated) that go beyond traditional marketing principles and focus on the role of marketing in cross-functional business and organization strategies.

About the Author
J. Paul Peter is another very highly regarded marketing educator and is also at UW-Madison.He has won many awards for his contributions through research, textbooks, and education.

James H. Donnelly, Jr. Is the Turner Professor in the College of Business and Economics, Univ. of Kentucky.Research areas include marketing and banking.

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Review of Betting It All: The Entrepreneurs of Technology (Paperback)

After reading Founders at Work by Jessica Livingston, I dived into an older book by Michael Malone. It has the same concept, i.e. interviews of 16 famous technology entrepreneurs. And it is worth reading.

I loved it so much I put a post on my blog, www.startup-book.com and here are again some quotes form the book that I hope will convince otehr people to become readers:

Larry Ellison about uncertainty:

"When everyone said a relational database would never be commercially viable, the reckless guy said "maybe everyone's wrong - maybe I will take a chance with my career and with my cash." It's not a rational process."

Larry Ellison again about entrepreneurs: "I saw outside managers brought into a lot of companies who then made things dramatically worse. I think I was the best person for the job, I knew the company better than anyone else. I knew the technology, the products and the markets. My heroes are people who do not follow convention. It's difficult to innovate when you are like anybody else."

T. J. Rodgers about Silicon Valley: "One of the things that Silicon Valley successful is companies think just about wanting to succeed. It is also a meritocracy. What makes us so special and different is no Java code or biotechnology, it is that we're truly capitalists. About Europe and Japan: We're moving at light speed relative to the Japanese, who probably still have a committee working on the problem and the Europeans, who are trying to work it out politically. "

Tom Siebel about luck: "If you look at the core of many success stories, it's not great visionaries, not great technology, not great entrepreneurs, it's pretty bright people who found themselves in the right place at the right time and managed not to foul up the opportunity."

Gordon Moore about Silicon Valley. "I really measure the thing that's become Silicon Valley from Shockley in 1956. There were earlier technology companies - Hewlett Packard and Varian - but they were more like established companies on the East Coast. Shockley introduced some instability in the system. "

If you want to learn more, read it...

Product Description
"I realized I was willing to die for Java."
-- KIM POLESE, MARIMBA

"I was the opposite of a party animal.I had this thing where if I was signed up for a [college] class, I wouldn't go to the class, ever."
-- BILL GATES, MICROSOFT

"I don't know what made me decide that my life should always be about making love standing up in a hammock, but this is the way that my life has worked out."
-- JERRY SANDERS, ADVANCED MICRO DEVICES

Beyond the media hype and mystique, the high-tech entrepreneurs of our time are just as human as the rest of us-even though they carefully guard their words and maintain their corporate images, making it almost impossible to get a real glimpse of the people behind the legends. Now, Betting It All takes you inside the minds of sixteen of the most famous industry titans-Scott McNealy, Bob Metcalfe, Carol Bartz, Philippe Kahn, and more-through a series of intimate and remarkably candid interviews.You'll be the fly on the wall as these business leaders explore memories from childhood, their dreams, their inspirations, and their unwavering ambition to achieve their goals-no matter the risks involved.

From the Inside Flap
From garages and kitchen tables across America, courageous men and women have built the great technology companies that define modern life.Bill Gates, Larry Ellison, Steve Wozniak-the names are as familiar as movie stars; their every move captures headlines and their decisions affect the lives of millions.

But behind the well-crafted personae these men and women present to the world, what are they really like?What makes them tick?What enabled them to make, often in a few short years, the leap from everyday person to industry titan?What drives them to stay at the top?What keeps them from walking away with their riches to a long and easy life?

Betting It All has the revealing answers.Based on the popular PBS series, and containing added material never shown, this book takes a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the lives of sixteen legendary American entrepreneurs. It offers new insights into the hearts and minds of Gates, Ellison, Wozniak, Gordon Moore of Intel, Carol Bartz of Autodesk, Tom Siebel of Siebel Systems, T. J. Rodgers of Cypress Semiconductor, and others.In intimate interviews, Michael S. Malone, Editor at Large of Forbes ASAP magazine and long-time Silicon Valley chronicler, strips away the myth and exposes the human side of business, digging deep to find the individual beneath the entrepreneur.

You'll hear, in their own words, how these brave people weathered their personal tragedies and savored their triumphs . . . why they take such daring risks . . . and how their deep levels of commitment drove them to reach such lofty goals.You'll be there as:

• Candice Carpenter, cofounder and Chairman of iVillage.com, talks about being a survivor, how living in the mountains prepared her for the Internet, and how sisterhood is now the focus of her life
• Steve Wozniak, cofounder of Apple Computer Inc., tells how a particular book in sixth grade set him on his life's path and led him into the world of computers
• Larry Ellison, founder, Chairman, and CEO of Oracle Corporation, revisits old wounds from childhood, which sparked his relentless ambition and his need to live out the dreams of his youth

Provocative, personal, and, above all, inspirational, Betting It All reveals surprising and compelling details about each industry giant with every turn of the page.

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Review of PHP Professional Projects (Paperback)

This book was a great disappointment! I am building a large application in PHP and was looking for some good project planning strategies and patterns. Instead I found the usual shopping cart examples written as if for a small scale project. The code snippets are full of white space and a few lines of code takes up an entire page, hence it is hard to follow. What little code I did try was full of errors and bad syntax. This book does not have a CD with it so you must type in all the code that you may want to start with. I suggest the book 'Web Applications Development with PHP 4.0' for your true professional projects.

Product Description
This book provides a hands-on approach to learning PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor, which is a server-side scripting language. The book is aimed at both novice as well as advance level readers. Readers might only have the basic knowledge of HTML or might already know Web-based programming. The readers will use the PHP concepts that they learn in the book to create professional projects.

The book starts with a few overview chapters that cover the key concepts of Web-based programming. These chapters act as an information store for programmers who may need to brush up their prior programming knowledge. A major part of the book revolves around professional projects. These projects enable programmers to learn about various tasks by following a simple to complex approach. Each project covers a specific subject area and guides the readers by using practical scenarios. The projects range from a simple project that involves creating plain data entry Web pages using HTML and saving the information in a text file. Then the books moves to complex projects that involve creating Web pages containing PHP scripts and storing information in MySQL databases. These projects help programmers to accomplish their goals by understanding the practical and real-life application of PHP in Web page designing. Each project in the book is a guide for the reader to create a part of a large Web site.

Apart from the overview chapters and the professional projects, this book also includes two additional sections, Beyond the Lab and Appendices. The Beyond the Lab section serves as both a summary of what the reader has learned throughout the projects and as a road map for where the reader can go to expand on this knowledge. This section also covers the future direction of the programming language. The Appendices act as a quick reference for PHP functions and certain concepts that a reader might want to explore further.

Use PHP to accomplish real-world, professional tasks.

Incorporating five hands-on projects, PHP Professional Projects is your key to unlocking the power of PHP. Each project focuses on a specific PHP concept and is based on a real-world situation. You will be able to use the skills that you develop throughout the book to modify the projects as needed to fit your professional needs.

CREATE A USER REGISTRATION FORM

Using various form elements, create a user registration form for an online shopping site. You will use PHP script to track form value and check for errors. Your PHP script will give you experience using variables, operators, and control structures.

STORE AND RETRIEVE DATA FROM FILES

Using the registration form that you have just created, you will learn how to store data in a file and to retrieve the data using various file functions. You will learn the basics of file handling such as reading and writing to a file as well as pack and unpack functions.

WORK WITH MYSQL USING PHP

Begin by creating a database table and inserting data with a form and PHP script. Query your database table based on specific criteria and allow results to be displayed. Further your understanding of handling data storage and using PHP with a SQL database.

CREATE A CATALOG AND SHOPPING CART

Cover all of the steps necessary to create a product catalog and shopping cart with PHP begin-ning with user registration. Learn how to add and remove products and customers and to send a feedback message using the mail function.

MASTER USER AUTHENTICATION AND TRACKING

Learn how to configure HTTP authentication on Apache and to create users. Begin with the basics of password-based authentication and password storage. Then create a PHP script that will validate users, and learn how to use cookies and sessions to track users.

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Review of Network+ Certification Bible (With CD-ROM) (Hardcover)

I bought this book, along with the Network+ Passport by Mike Meyers and passed the test with no problem. I'm a fan of Gilster's books, and this one didn't disappoint. While the Network+ Passport does a great job of skimming over the basics, this book expanded on topics and covered everything necessary. Since I already had networking experience, I could have passed the test with this book alone. I also thought the test software included was pretty solid.

Product Description
* Master the material for the CompTIA Network+ exam
* Test your knowledge with assessment questions, scenario problems, and labs
* Practice on state-of-the-art test-preparation software
The only guide you need for Network+ exam success...
You're holding in your hands the most comprehensive and effective guide available for the CompTIA Network+ exam. A crack team of networking experts delivers incisive, crystal-clear explanations of every Network+ topic, highlighting exam-critical concepts and offering hands-on tips that can help you in your real-world networking career. Throughout, they provide pre-tests, exam-style assessment questions, scenario problems, and labs - everything you need to master the material and pass the exam. Inside, you'll find complete coverage of Network+ exam objectives
* Get the scoop on network topologies and technologies, media standards, and network components
* Master the ins and outs of MAC addresses, the OSI model, and common protocols such as TCP/IP, FTP, SMTP, and TFTP
* Get a handle on TCP/UDP port functionality and services such as DHCP, DNS, WINS, and SNMP
* Delve into IP addressing, public and private networks, WANs, remote access, and security protocols
* Find out how to implement VLANs, network-attached storage, fault tolerance, disaster recovery, firewalls, and proxy servers
* Get up to speed on network support, from client/server network configuration to troubleshooting wiring, networks, and remote connectivity
Test-Prep Software on CD-ROM
* Customizable test engine with hundreds of sample questions
* Searchable e-version of the book
* Observer demo version

From the Back Cover

• Master the material for the CompTIA Network+ exam
• Test your knowledge with assessment questions, scenario problems, and labs
• Practice on state-of-the-art test-preparation software

The only guide you need for Network+ exam success...

Youre holding in your hands the most comprehensive and effective guide available for the CompTIA Network+ exam. A crack team of networking experts delivers incisive, crystal-clear explanations of every Network+ topic, highlighting exam-critical concepts and offering hands-on tips that can help you in your real-world networking career. Throughout, they provide pre-tests, exam-style assessment questions, scenario problems, and labs - everything you need to master the material and pass the exam. Inside, youll find complete coverage of Network+ exam objectives

• Get the scoop on network topologies and technologies, media standards, and network components
• Master the ins and outs of MAC addresses, the OSI model, and common protocols such as TCP/IP, FTP, SMTP, and TFTP
• Get a handle on TCP/UDP port functionality and services such as DHCP, DNS, WINS, and SNMP
• Delve into IP addressing, public and private networks, WANs, remote access, and security protocols
• Find out how to implement VLANs, network-attached storage, fault tolerance, disaster recovery, firewalls, and proxy servers
• Get up to speed on network support, from client/server network configuration to troubleshooting wiring, networks, and remote connectivity

Test-Prep Software on CD-ROM

• Customizable test engine with hundreds of sample questions
• Searchable e-version of the book
• Observer demo version

Click Here to see more reviews about: Network+ Certification Bible (With CD-ROM) (Hardcover)

Review of Hardening Network Infrastructure (Paperback)

Practical, hands-on 'guide' to securing your environment. Even includes securing those pesky wireless network upstarts! Very nuts-&-bolts. Real world applications, as shown by Mr. Noonan's inclusion of various network equipment and its operations. From implementations of firewall ACLs, AAA, routers & switches command line/GUI consoles, to deployment of VLANs, DMZs and intrusion detection systems - this book has got it all!!! No network admin should not have this on their book shelf!

Product Description
Bulletproof your system before you are hacked! From the publisher of the international best-seller, Hacking Exposed, here is a brilliant new offering written with a passion for security that will help you make the necessary upgrades and take the essential steps to secure your network infrastructure. The concise and consistent approach breaks down security into logical parts, giving you actions to take immediately, information on hardening your system from the top down, and finally when to go back and make further upgrades.

From the Back Cover
"This book is invaluable to anyone facing the challenges of security in a business environment." --Paul D. Robertson, Moderator of Firewall-Wizards and Director of Risk Assessment, TruSecure Corporation A Note From Series Editor: "I first got to know Wesley Noonan through a common newsgroup. His insightful and technical comments stuck with me, and I finally met him at a conference several years later. Wes has the gift to present network security in a concise, well-reasoned way--easy for everyone to understand regardless of their security or networking knowledge. His writing style reflects his congenial presentation manner and his knowledge, and his eagerness to share his expertise is exceptional. Wes's guide to hardening your network infrastructure provides the step-by-step how-to approach that you need to build, deploy, and maintain a security defense. I've read every word; you will not be disappointed." --Roberta BraggFeatures a four-part hardening methodology:

*Do This Now!--Checklist of immediate steps to take to lockdown your system from further attack

*Take It From The Top--Systematic approach to hardening your perimeter and internal network

infrastructure, focusing on firewalls, IDS/IPS, network content filtering, wireless LAN connections,

routers, and switches

*Once Is Never Enough!--Ongoing monitoring and assessment plan to keep your network secure, including

patch management and auditing

*How to Succeed at Hardening Your Network Infrastructure--Strategies for getting budget approval,

management buy-in, and employee cooperation for your security program

Click Here to see more reviews about: Hardening Network Infrastructure (Paperback)

Review of MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-293): Planning and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server(TM) 2003 Network Infrastructure (Pro-Certification) (Paperback)

I really wonder if the people who have reviewed a few hundred books and wrote a review of this even read the books. I was shocked to go back after purchasing this bookset to reread the reviews that led me to purchase this set. When I read the reviews I also noticed how many other books some of these people read. I thought wow, they must read all day. Their reviews were nothing but glowing.
A friend of mine claims this book set is designed to force people into taking classes, I must agree with him. The chapter reviews contain questions that were not presented in the section. The companion CD has test questions that also contain questions that are not covered in these books. Every time I found these questions I had to question my own abilities. I asked others to prove me right. To further compound the difficulties were the format of the questions. In some questions the correct answer(s) was the "best practice(s)", this would exclude some answers as being not proper even though correct. Other questions had just the opposite and required any possible even though not a "best practice" response.
My point is that if you have only these books to help you pass the expensive tests then you might consider some classes. I don't feel that this set will allow you to pass the tests without a lot of other studying. I would hate to think that some people pass the test by learning the question pool instead of learning the subject matter. I claim to be no expert in any subject. I am sure I can get trained and certified despite the curves thrown to me with this set with a lot of extra effort and training matter. Thank you for your time.

Product Description
Announcing an all-new MCSE TRAINING KIT designed to help maximize your performance on Exam 70-293, a core exam for the new Windows Server 2003 certification. This kit packs the tools and features exam candidates want most-including in-depth, self-paced training; rigorous, objective-by-objective review; exam tips from expert, exam-certified authors; and a robust testing suite. It also provides real-world scenarios, case studies, and troubleshooting labs for the skills and expertise you need on the job.

Focusing on how to plan and implement a Windows Server 2003 network infrastructure, this official study guide covers topics such as server roles and security, infrastructure planning/design, routing and remote access, server availability, network security planning, and security infrastructure management.

Ace your exam preparation and ramp up quickly on Windows Server 2003 by working at your own pace through the lessons, hands-on exercises, and practice tests. The Readiness Review Suite on CD, featuring advanced technology from MeasureUp, provides 425 challenging questions for in-depth self-assessment and practice.Choose timed or untimed testing mode, generate random tests, or focus on discrete objectives or chapters, and get detailed explanations for right and wrong answers-including pointers back to the book for further study. You also get a 180-day evaluation version of Windows Server 2003 software and a 15 percent exam discount voucher-making this kit an exceptional value and a great career investment.

Click Here to see more reviews about: MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-293): Planning and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server(TM) 2003 Network Infrastructure (Pro-Certification) (Paperback)

Review of PC's for Dummies Quick Reference [ILLUSTRATED] (Plastic Comb)

this book offers many practical tips for everything about pcs. the section on setting up a pc is helpfull.

Product Description
Dan Gookin, author of DOS For Dummies and PCs For Dummies, is an unparalleled expert at helping beginners understand and use computers. He brings that expertise, with the help of co-author, wife, and Parenting For Dummies author Sandy Gookin, to PCs For Dummies Quick Reference. This new edition to the ...For Dummies Quick Reference series is an ideal reference for any beginning PC user who needs immediate answers to computing questions at their fingertips. The lay-flat book offers help in setting up a PC, using the basic Windows applications, and getting on the Internet. The book also helps users who want to improve their PC with upgrades or new hardware.

From the Publisher
Getting Around This BookIf you're new to computers, take a look at the first part of this book, The Big Picture.The Big Picture gives you an overview of PCs and provides helpful cross-references to other things you do with a PC.Or jump in at any part, where you find an alphabetical listing of the topics covered.

Get the lowdown on keyboards, Windows, disk drives, files, printing, software, the Internet, maintenance, peripherals and add-ons, troubleshooting, and just plain old having fun with your PC.

A handy appendix offers our very own Top Ten list:

Ten Things Worth Buying for Your PC.

Click Here to see more reviews about: PC's for Dummies Quick Reference [ILLUSTRATED] (Plastic Comb)

Review of Increase Your Web Traffic in a Weekend, Fifth Edition (Paperback)

There are many books on the market about increasing web traffic; I have read several of them. After completing significant research, I have found that this book is one of the best available. It breaks the process down into simple "bite size" tasks that the reader can complete over a few days - provided they have read ahead.

The information in this book has helped me drive significantly moretraffic to my website and to several of my colleagues' sites as well.

I recommend this book for anyone who wants to increase their web presence.

Geoffrey Schmidt
Author, The Busy Adult's Guide to Making College Happen!


Product Description
These days, everyone seems to have a home page or a Web site. However, just because you create and publish a Web site doesn't mean anyone will visit it. Competition to attract visitors is extreme. The reality is that of the millions of Web pages out there, only a handful actually attract a steady readership; and these same Web pages are the ones that attract advertisers. In order to compete, you need to develop and implement a Web site promotion plan. What can you do when you build a home page that no one visits? What can you do to earn money on your Web site? Is there an easy way to attract readers and advertisers without spending a fortune? There are low-cost ways to attract readers and advertisers to your home page or Web site, and Increase Your Web Traffic In a Weekend, Fifth Edition shows you how. The book lays out a cost-effective, comprehensive plan that both Web beginners and experts can use to build an audience for a home page or Web site. The techniques covered are the result of the authors' years of practical experience, but you can put them to use in just a weekend!

About the Author
Jerry Lee Ford, Jr. is an author, educator, and an IT professional with over 18 years of experience in information technology, including roles as an automation analyst, technical manager, technical support analyst, automation engineer, and security analyst. He is the author of 23 other books and co-author of two additional books. His published works include AppleScript Studio Programming for the Absolute Beginner, Microsoft Windows PowerShell Programming for the Absolute Beginner, Visual Basic 2005 Express Programming for the Absolute Beginner, VBScript Professional Projects, Microsoft Windows Shell Scripting and WSH Administrator's Guide, Microsoft Windows Shell Scripting for the Absolute Beginner, Learn JavaScript in a Weekend, and Microsoft Windows XP Professional Administrator's Guide. Ford has a master's degree in business administration from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia and has over five years of experience as an adjunct instructor teaching networking courses in information technology.

William R. Stanek is a leading network technology expert and an award-winning author. He is a regular contributor to leading publications such as PC Magazine and has written, co-authored, or contributed to numerous computer books, including Microsoft Windows 2000 Administrator's Pocket Consultant, Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 Administrator's Pocket Consultant, and Windows 2000 Scripting Administrator's Guide. Stanek has a master's degree in information systems, with distinction, and a bachelor's degree in computer science, magna cum laude. He has been involved in the commercial Internet community since 1991 and has experience developing server technology, encryption, and e-commerce technology.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Increase Your Web Traffic in a Weekend, Fifth Edition (Paperback)

Review of Beginning C++ Game Programming (Game Development Series) (Paperback)

If you're a beginner and want a place to start programming games then this is the book for you. But be sure of one thing, no book can teach you everything, but with help from books like this one written by Michael Dawson it will help you get your foot into the door and then some. I recommend this book to anyone that wants to get into game programming and knows the basics of C++. Here is a little more info about each chapter for those of you that need it.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1 - Types, Variables, and Standard I/O: Lost Fortune
Chapter 2 - Truth, Branching, and The Game Loop: Guess My Number
Chapter 3 - For Loops, Strings, and Arrays: Word Jumble
Chapter 4 - The Standard Template Library: Hangman
Chapter 5 - Functions: Mad-Lib
Chapter 6 - References: Tic-Tac-Toe
Chapter 7 - Pointers: Tic-Tac-Toe 2.0
Chapter 8 - Classes: Critter Caretaker
Chapter 9 - Advanced Classes and Dynamic Memory: Game Lobby
Chapter 10 - Inheritance and Polymorphism: Blackjack

I hope this helps you out.


Product Description
Interactivity-the unique feature that sets games apart from other forms of entertainment. The power of interactivity lies in the programming that occurs behind the scenes. If you're ready to jump into the world of programming for games, "Beginning C++Game Programming" will get you started on your journey, providing you with a solid foundation in the game programming language of the professionals. As you cover each programming concept, you'll create small games that demonstrate your new skills. Wrap things up by combining each major concept to create an ambitious multiple player game. Get ready to master the basics of game programming with C++!

About the Author
Michael Dawson, from Santa Monica, CA, is a professional writer and has worked as a programmer and game industry designer and producer. He is the author of "Python Programming for the Absolute Beginner" (Premier Press, 1592000738), which teaches newcomers programming by using games as examples.Mike earned his Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science from the University of Southern California and has worked as a programmer for a large Internet services company.He also has experience in the television industry as a staff writer for a popular sitcom.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Beginning C++ Game Programming (Game Development Series) (Paperback)

Review of The Art of Great Training Delivery: Strategies, Tools, and Tactics (The Skilled Trainer) (Paperback)

First is the collection of information. In order to proceed with any kind of training some information needs to be determined before you can even decide that training is needed. And if it is, what kind of training. Perhaps this is product training for the sales people. Perhaps it is time management. Perhaps the problem being addressed doesn't call for more training but some kind of change in the work flow, the people, or the computer system.

Second is the analysis of the collected information. This may be summaries, complete with charts and tables; this may find something so obvious that you will wonder how it was missed. The end of this phase is to present to the management requesting the study to determine what, if any training is needed.

Finally is the development of a training plan. The author presents a ten part plan that begins with Issue Definition, andends with an evaluation of the results of the training. These steps have been defined over many years and are a proven approach.

A CD is supplied with the book that includes forms, checklists and other tools that are referenced in the book itself.



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Review of Introduction to Accounting: An Integrated Approach (Hardcover)

Ainsworth & Deines make this topic of accounting relevant with real world examples using Apple Computers actual Financial Statements.Challenging material but very thorough and insightful. Both financial and managerial accounting is discussed throughout the textbook.Highly recommended for academic study.

Product Description
This textbook integrates financial and managerial accounting as opposed to keeping these areas separate, which is done in most books and curriculum. By using the term "integration," the authors focus on the business event and examine that event from both an external financial reporting perspective and an internal management decision-making perspective. The text incorporates real-world applications, including actual financial statements, to reinforce the relevance of topics to real business situations and promote student interest. The text also promotes active learning through "Pause & Reflect" probing questions placed sporadically throughout each chapter, "Of Interest" boxes that provide additional information relating to the chapter concepts, and end-of-chapter group exercises.There are three key distinctions to the Ainsworth/Deines/Plumlee/Larson approach. They are:1. Integration of financial and managerial concepts2. Within the context of business events, ADPL is organized by planning for events; performing those events (in other words, capturing them in the financial statements; and evaluating those business events.3. An organization around the Statement of Cash Flows, first focusing on Operating Activities (what is my business, my product, who are my customers in Volume 1 and then Financing and Investing Activities (how do I fund my business, how do I expand, what are the financial risks, etc. in Volume 2.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Review of Cisco Security (One Off) (Paperback)

Cisco Security by Kartik Bhatnagar (Microsoft Certified Professional and Development executive with NIIT) is a practical, accessible, and straightforward guide to ensuring secure transactions in the Internet side of a business enterprise. Step-by-step guides to enhance Cisco network infrastructure security; firewalls; Cisco authentication, authorization, accounting technology; and much, much more provide the basic building blocks that an experienced programmer can use to better protect oneself and one's customers. Cisco Security is a very highly recommended and thoroughly "user friendly" professional level reference and resource.

Product Description
Companies today rely on rapid and secure transfer ofdata. Although the Internet has unlocked powerful possibilities forcommunication, it has also introduced new threats. Cisco securityproducts are designed to protect small to medium-sizedbusinesses. They satisfy basic needs such as restricting unauthorizedaccess, and provide advanced protection for service provider networksas well as the enterprise networks that they manage. Cisco Securitygives you the knowledge to maximize the benefits of Cisco securityproducts, keep your network safe, and gain a competitive edge!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cisco Security (One Off) (Paperback)

Review of Microsoft WSH and VBScript Programming for the Absolute Beginner (Paperback)

This book is an absolute must for the beginning VBScript programmer.Not only does Ford provide step-by-step direction to scripting, gradually ramping the complexity of the exercises, but he leaves the reader with WORKING scripts in the form of games with foundational concepts applicable to real-world scripting development.

My primary objective was to learn VBScripting basics to support script enhancements for Mercury Interactive's QuickTest Pro tool (that is based in VBScript), and this book well served its purpose.

I highly recommend it to other readers.

Product Description
If you're looking for a solid introduction to programming with WSH and VBScript, then this is the book for you. Developed by computer science instructors, books in the for the absolute beginner series teach the principles of programming through simple game creation. By following along with the exercises in this book, you'll acquire the skills you need to write more practical WSH and VBScript programming applications and will learn how these skills can be put to use in real-world scenarios. Best of all, by the time you finish this book, you will be able to apply the basic principles you've learned to the next programming language you tackle.

About the Author
Jerry Lee Ford, Jr. is an author, educator, and IT professional with over 13 years experience in information technology.He is a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer and has also earned Microsoft's MCP & MCP+Internet certification.He holds a master's degree in Business Administration and has been a part-time IT instructor for five years.Jerry is the author of nine books, including "Microsoft Windows Shell Scripting and WSH Administrator's Guide" (ISBN: 1931841268).He lives in Richmond, Virginia with his wife and sons.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Microsoft WSH and VBScript Programming for the Absolute Beginner (Paperback)

Review of Game Scripting Mastery (Premier Press Game Development) [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

I own most of the books in the Permier Press Game Development Series and I have read through most of them, but what I really appreciated about this book was the authors focus on the subject.As much as I enjoy brushing up on windows programming and re-learning a little bit of C/C++, the author wasted no time and got right to the focus of the book; game scripting.

Product Description
Game Scripting Mastery is your key to the complicated issue of scripting. It provides a detailed guide to the design and implementation of a full-featured game scripting system. This book focuses on the design of procedural, C-style languages and their compilation to virtual machine code. Alternative scripting methods are discussed as well, including dynamic linking and simple, command-based languages. This is the first book to provide you with complete, comprehensive, and highly accessible information on game scripting. The CD includes the DirectX SDK, all source code from the book and other tools to turn you into a scripting master.

About the Author
Born in 1981, Alex Varanese has been an avid gamer since age 6 when his parents gave him a Nintendo for Christmas. Alex is currently a Java programmer in his native Silicon Valley. His interestes include coding, 3D rendering, visual effects, and film production.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Game Scripting Mastery (Premier Press Game Development) [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

Review of Microsoft C# Professional Projects (Paperback)

I purchased this book because I learn best by following examples based on real, useful projects.I have completed project 1 and thus far have these observations:

1)Though "validating data" is stressed, the example code does a very poor job of doing so.

2)The authors seem to forget what they need in their example forms.For example, the CustomerForm in project 1 is supposed to be able to add and edit records contained in a customer table.However, they authors forgot to create a way to add the record!

3)Some of the information is presented out of sequence and thus causes a great deal of confusion.For example, chapter 9 is on Validations and Exception Handling.It looks like this information was once part of chapter 10 and the authors decided that they should discuss validation first.However, it appears that they forgot to rewrite the material so that it would make sense in its new context!I found myself flipping back and forth between the two capters in order to finish the project.

4)Even with these problems, the book would still be useful if an online errata existed.However, I have not been able to locate one on the Website provided.

5)Project 1 presents an inconsistent interface.Each of the forms in the project has a similar purpose but entirely different interfaces and controls.I believe the authors did this in order to show the reader that there are different ways to use .NET Studio to do the job, but I do not recall that this was actually mentioned in the text.All I can say is do not use the projects in this book as models for good interface design.

I have been a programmer for almost three decades and I am already knowledgeable in Java, C++ and Visual Basic, so I am still able to use this book as a tutorial to learn the features of C# and the .NET programming interface.Since this book was still useful in that respect, I have given it 2 Stars instead of 1.However, if you are new to object oriented programming or new to programming in general, please give this book a skip.

Product Description
Incorporating six hands-on projects, Microsoft C# Professional Projects is your key to unlocking the power of C#. Each project builds upon the last and is based on a real-world situation. Enhance your C# skills as you create a customer maintenance system, an employee record system, a Web portal, and an airline reservation portal. You will be able to use the skills that you develop throughout the book to modify the projects as needed to fit your professional needs.

About the Author
Geetanjali Arora is an instructional designer who has worked with the NIIT for almost two years.She has done several projects with the NIIT that include instructor-led training (ILT), computer-based training (CBT), and Web-based training (WBT).She has written on both technical and non-technical subjects.At the NIIT, Geetanjali's responsibilities include scripting, construction, planning, and scheduling.She has also provided training on NexGen and Dreamweaver.

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Review of Designing and Implementing Linux Firewalls with QoS using netfilter, iproute2, NAT and L7-filter (Paperback)

If you like opensource, QoS, Firewalls... this book would be what you need.

If you are netadmin, sysadmin or you are an IT guy and learn this book, you can limit p2p/bittorrent traffic, guarantee bandwith for some services like http, ftp, voip, etc. (QoS), you can protect your network with firewalls.

First in chapter 1 we learn about Networking Fundamentals, then in chapter 2, about Security Threats in every OSI layer. After that we are ready to learn about basis of netfilter and iproute (Firewall and QoS).

In next chapters, show us how to do layer 7 filtering, practical QoS and more advanced things. Then we apply this knowledge in a very practical serie of scenerios that come later in the book.

Very good book, I recomend this to you.

Product Description
Learn how to secure your system and implement QoS using real-world scenarios for networks of all sizes

• Implementing Packet filtering, NAT, bandwidth shaping, packet prioritization using netfilter/iptables, iproute2, Class Based Queuing (CBQ) and Hierarchical Token Bucket (HTB)
• Designing and implementing 5 real-world firewalls and QoS scenarios ranging from small SOHO offices to a large scale ISP network that spans many cities
• Building intelligent networks by marking, queuing, and prioritizing different types of traffic
  

In Detail

Firewalls are used to protect your network from the outside world. Using a Linux firewall, you can do a lot more than just filtering packets. This book shows you how to implement Linux firewalls and Quality of Service using practical examples from very small to very large networks.

After giving us a background of network security, the book moves on to explain the basic technologies we will work with, namely netfilter, iproute2, NAT and l7-filter. These form the crux of building Linux firewalls and QOS. The later part of the book covers 5 real-world networks for which we design the security policies, build the firewall, setup the script, and verify our installation. Providing only necessary theoretical background, the book takes a practical approach, presenting case studies and plenty of illustrative examples.

Approach

The author draws on his experience to offer the reader valuable advice on the best practices.Providing only necessary theoretical background, the book takes a practical approach, presenting case studies and plenty of illustrative examples.

Who this book is written for?

This book is aimed at Linux Network administrators<!--[if !supportAnnotations]-- with some understanding of Linux security threats and issues, or any one interested in securing their systems behind a firewall. Basic knowledge of Linux is presumed but other than that this book shows you how to do the rest, from configuring your system to dealing with security breaches.

About the Author
Lucian Gheorghe

Lucian Gheorghe has just joined the Global NOC of Interoute, Europe's largest voice and data network provider. Before Interoute, he was working as a senior network engineer for Globtel Internet, a significant Internet and Telephony Services Provider to the Romanian market He has been working with Linux for more than 8 years putting a strong accent on security for protecting vital data from hackers and ensuring good quality services for internet customers. Moving to VoIP services he had to focus even more on security as sensitive billing data is most often stored on servers with public IP addresses. He has been studying QoS implementations on Linux to build different types of services for IP customers and also to deliver good quality for them and for VoIP over the public internet. Lucian has also been programming with Perl, PHP and Smarty for over 5 years mostly developing in-house management interfaces for IP and VoIP services.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Designing and Implementing Linux Firewalls with QoS using netfilter, iproute2, NAT and L7-filter (Paperback)

Review of 3ds Max 2009 Bible (Paperback)

Like other 'bibles' 3ds Max 'bible' is frustrating, often oblique and although the author clearly knows his stuff, he cannot teach - at least not this reader. It is a brick of a book and the illustrations often contradict the text which leads to further difficulty. Also the odd religious prose dedication at the beginning of the book about sin and how one should live one's life is odd to say the least in an industry text, and, given how frustrating the book is to use, simply adds another annoyance. For the 3ds Max novice the '3ds Max Essentials' book from Elsevir is excellent and had me in control of the application and understanding why I was in control in no time. As for the 'bible', comprehensive, yes, but helpful? Not for the novice. Avoid.

Product Description
The only comprehensive reference-tutorial on 3ds Max available, this book is everyone's favorite. Whether you're a beginner looking for 3D basics or a full-fledged animator seeking new ways to dazzle viewers with your creations, it's all here. You'll find pages of professional tips, loads of advice, and more than 150 step-by-step tutorials guaranteed to build your skills and spark your creativity. A 16-page color insert highlights cutting-edge work from 3D artists. A valuable companion DVD provides all the examples and content from the book, including unique models and textures you can customize on your own, and a searchable, full-color version of the book.

3ds Max 2009 Bible covers both 3ds Max 2009 and 3ds Max 2009 Design and covers:

• Navigating the viewports with the ViewCube, SteeringWheels, and other ways.
• Creating realistic materials with new ProMaterials.
• Using Spline Mapping to improve texture mapping over irregular shaped objects.
• Blending multiple texture maps together with the new Composite Map.
• Creating architectural walkthroughs with the Walkthrough Assistant.

Don't miss out on the newest version of this bestselling resource!

From the Back Cover
Covers both 3ds Max 2009 and 3ds Max 2009 Design

This is, hands down, the best book on 3ds Max you'll find

If you want just one book to be your go-to guide for all things 3ds Max, this is the book. Whether you're a beginner looking for 3D basics or a full-fledged animator seeking new ways to dazzle viewers with your creations, it's all here. You'll find pages of professional tips, loads of advice, and more than 150 step-by-step tutorials guaranteed to build your skills and spark your creativity.

• Discover the ViewCube, SteeringWheels, and more ways to navigate the viewports

• Use the new ProMaterials to create realistic materials

• Improve texture mapping over irregular shaped objects using Spline Mapping

• Blend multiple texture maps together with the new Composite Map

• Easily create architectural walkthroughs with the Walkthrough Assistant

What's on the DVD?
You'll find before-and-after example files for every tutorial in the book. The DVD also includes:

• Unique models and textures you can customize for your own designs

• Autodesk 3ds Max evaluation version

• A searchable full-color PDF of the book

System Requirements: See the DVD appendix for details and complete system requirements.

Also in the Book

• A 16-page full-color insert showcases cutting-edge work from 3ds Max artists

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Review of PHP Fast & Easy Web Development, 2nd Edition [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

This book is a very good starting point for anyone who wishes to begin programming in PHP.

I picked this book up in hopes of getting somewhat of a grasp of PHP. The book was very successful in presenting appropriate concepts for beginners such as: varibables, arrays and operators. The book also had a few chapters on using MySQL, which is very helpful for anyone who wishes to create full-blown web applications such as shopping carts, forums and news services on their websites.

However, the book was somewhat vague in the amount of content presented. The book is like a giant PHP coding tutorial, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, if you're not a beginner. For a complete introduction to PHP/MySQL I would suggest buying this book AND PHP/MySQL Web Development by Luke Welling and Laura Thompson. With these two books, a beginner will be on the right path down the complicated road of online applications.

Product Description
Create dynamic Web pages quickly with PHP Fast & Easy WebDevelopment! PHP is an open-source, HTML-embedded, server-sidescripting language with flexible and simple requirements, yet powerfuloutput. You don't have to be familiar with programming to learn fromthis book. As part of the Fast & Easy Web Development series, itapplies the highly successful combination of easy-to-understandinstructions and real screen shots for a truly unique learningexperience. Plus, the companion Web site allows you to download samplecode from the book.

About the Author
Julie Meloni is the Technical Director for i2i Interactive, a multimedia company located in Los Altos, CA. She's been developing Web-based applications since the Web first saw the light of day and remembers the excitement surrounding the first GUI Web browser. She is the author of several books and articles on Web-based programming languages and database topics, and you can find translations of her work in several languages, including Chinese, Italian, Portuguese, and Polish.She is the author of "PHP Fast & Easy Web Development, 2nd Edition" (Premier Press, 193184187X).

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Review of The Accidental Trainer: You Know Computers, So They Want You to Teach Everyone Else (Jossey-Bass Business & Management Series) (Paperback)

You know the story. You have more computer skills that anybody in the office and get corralled into doing some training. "OMG, what do I do now," you think?

Don't panic. Take a deep breath. Ask for more time to prepare and immediately order "The Accidental Trainer."

The book offers a solid grounding in training principles as well as preparing you for the inevitable learning bumps that you'll receive along the way. Read Accidental Trainer for a quick start andTelling Ain't Training for a more complete foundation. You'll do fine

Product Description
The perfect bridge to assist the accidental trainer in moving from the panic of being asked to teach 'because you know the system so well' to the satisfaction of successful knowledge transfer. A must read.
--Suzy Johnson, Course Manager, AT&T

The Accidental Trainer is a practical guide for the multitude of computer experts who have fallen into the role of computer trainer accidentally. As the resident experts on the latest word processing programs or the newly installed sales tracking software, most people who train others to use computers have little or no training experience. With checklists, questionnaires, and other hands-on tools, this book provides anyone with tools to bridge the gap between people and technology to create computer training that is clear, concise, and effective.

You'll learn how to:

• Build bridges between people and computers
• Create a blueprint for computer training
• Assess the learners
• Check your training results

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Review of Customers Rule! Why the E-Commerce Honeymoon is over and where Winning Businesses Go From Here (Hardcover)

The title, though provocative and tantalizing, is accurate.Authors Blackwell and Stephan are unabashed celebrities of the art and science of consumer behavior.It is no surprise whatsoever that the arguments and conclusions in the book are academically sound, intuitively resonant and empirically valid. It is no coincidence, either, that the style is personal, engaging and authoritative without being authoritarian. The resarch shows; practical current examples are used to cut through media hype and Wall Street analysts' obsession with trendy, flashy technology. Jump on the train, they say: the next e-business train leaving the station- all of them will take you to profits and increased market caps. WRONG!The book asks the difficult questions: Does the e-business integrate with the bricks and mortar reality of creating value for the customer? Does it make for a delightful experience? Does it make the customer want to keep coming back again and again? All this is necessary, but not sufficient. Does your e-business strategy create profit? Can this profit stream be sustained? Does it complement your current channels of supply chain management and does it lead you towards trhe new world of demand chain management? Does your strategy differentiate you from your competition? Can you sustain your advantage? The authors are technology savvy, but not mesmerized by it. The book offers insights into what strategies will work and which ones will fail and why.I recommend this book to MBA students everywhere. It is a survival handbook. Business persons will find the book practical and relevant.It will save them a lot of grief. The authors have their feet planted firmly in reality. They remind us: " e-business is no substitute for knowing what works in business and why." I learnt from this book and am giving copies to my colleague business profesors.



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Review of Pinnacle Studio 9 Ignite! (Paperback)

No matter what the book says. Pinnacle 9 and it's upgrade Pinnacle 10 are the worst non linear video programs in the history of all non linear based pc programs. Do not waste your time with a book on a program that is just garbage. Use Sony Vegas, it's the way to go. IF ICOULD GIVE THIS negative STARS I WOULD!

Product Description
Covering the popular video editing and DVD authoring software that is used by 3.5 million users, "Pinnacle Studio 9 Ignite!" is a visual guide that will have you up and running in no time. With the many enhancements of Pinnacle Studio 9, this book is not only suitable for beginners, but also for users of Pinnacle looking to brush up on new features. Examining the core features of this software comprehensively, you'll learn how to create compelling interactive multimedia experiences on DVD.With the affordability and feature-rich design of Pinnacle Studio 9, it has never been easier to film video, assemble it into an interactive multimedia experience, view the masterpiece at home and share the DVD with friends and family. There has never been a better time or greater need for a get-started- quick guide and keep-on-hand reference tool on video editing than now. "Pinnacle Studio 9 Ignite!" effectively fills that need.

About the Author
Aneesha Bakharia is a Web developer and accomplished author. She is fluent in C#, Java, JavaScript, ASP.NET, JSP, HTML, XML, and VB.NET. Aneesha specializes in creating dynamic database-driven Web sites. She has a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Microelectronic Engineering and various postgraduate qualifications in multimedia, online course development, and Web design. In addition to "Macromedia Contribute Fast & Easy Web Development", she has written several other books for Premier Press, including: "Dreamweaver UltraDev Fast & Easy Web Development" (ISBN: 0761531645), "JavaServer Pages Fast & Easy Web Development" (ISBN: 0761534288) and "Microsoft C# Fast & Easy Web Development" (ISBN: 1931841055).Aneesha lives in Queensland, Australia.

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Review of Microsoft Windows XP Step by Step (Cpg-Other) [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

Whenever a new Operating system from Microsoft comes along I like to make sure that I understand the basics to ensure that I can support the end user community when the transition takes place. Microsoft Press step by step series is a great way to work with the application and learn what it takes to support it at the same time.

The book begins right at the very beginning with the login process to both the Professional and Home versions of the software. The book has you working with the desktop and the user profiles. I found that the coverage of both versions is good but there could have to separate books produced.

Setting up user accounts, the taskbar, shortcuts are the next areas you will work with. From there you move to the hardware section, working with local and network printers, scanner and cameras to name a few of the hardware components.

Files management is given serious coverage and well as folders and the personalization of the XP environment. Working with the communication section you'll be able to link up to others, the internet and a network.

Games, Music, Photos and troubleshooting round out this very complete book. With the practice files on cdrom included and the ability to learn at your pace maybe the new trend in the learning process.

Product Description
MICROSOFT WINDOWS XP STEP BY STEP offers self-paced instruction to the beginning-to-intermediate user who wants to get the most out of Windows XP. This personal training system offers easy-to-follow lessons full of clear objectives, a wealth of task-oriented procedures, and dozens of real-world business scenarios. MICROSOFT WINDOWS XP STEP BY STEP consists of friendly, straightforward instruction with dozens of full-color screenshots and illustrations to help you learn exactly what you need to know at your own pace. A companion CD-ROM includes practice files that are tightly integrated with the lessons, plus movie-style demonstrations of key procedures. Other features include a "QuickLook Guide" for easy visual navigation, a "Finding the Best Starting Point for You" section to help you decide how to get the most out of the book, and a special lay-flat binding to keep the book open during lessons.

About the Author
Online Training Solutions, Inc. (OTSI) is a traditional and electronic publishing company specializing in the creation, production, and delivery of computer software training. OTSI publishes the Quick Course® and Practical Business Skills™ series of computer and business training products.--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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