Software Support Technical

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

2010-02-08T19:25:00.000-05:00

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)

2010-02-08T18:51:00.000-05:00

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)

2010-02-08T16:29:00.000-05:00

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)

2010-02-08T12:34:00.000-05:00

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)

2010-02-08T11:16:00.000-05:00

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.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Recovering Informal Learning: Wisdom, Judgement and Community (Lifelong Learning Book Series) (Paperback)

Review of Sales Proposals Kit for Dummies (Paperback)

2010-02-07T17:46:00.000-05:00

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)

2010-02-07T15:22:00.000-05:00

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)

2010-02-07T13:40:00.001-05:00

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)

2010-02-07T13:40:00.000-05:00

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

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)

2010-02-07T10:46:00.000-05:00

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)

2010-02-07T02:36:00.000-05:00

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)

2010-02-07T02:25:00.000-05:00

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)

2010-02-06T19:27:00.000-05:00

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)

2010-02-06T13:16:00.000-05:00

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

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Review of Hardening Network Infrastructure (Paperback)

2010-02-06T09:46:00.000-05:00

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

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

2010-02-06T09:11:00.000-05:00

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)

2010-02-06T08:55:00.000-05:00

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.

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

2010-02-06T08:04:00.000-05:00

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)

2010-02-06T07:37:00.000-05:00

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)

2010-02-05T19:52:00.000-05:00

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.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Art of Great Training Delivery: Strategies, Tools, and Tactics (The Skilled Trainer) (Paperback)

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

2010-02-05T18:57:00.000-05:00

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)

2010-02-05T14:50:00.000-05:00

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!

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

2010-02-05T12:03:00.000-05:00

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.

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

2010-02-05T07:36:00.000-05:00

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.

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Review of Microsoft C# Professional Projects (Paperback)

2010-02-05T04:48:00.000-05:00

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)

2010-02-05T01:50:00.000-05:00

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.

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Review of 3ds Max 2009 Bible (Paperback)

2010-02-04T20:28:00.000-05:00

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)

2010-02-04T19:19:00.000-05:00

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)

2010-02-04T17:34:00.000-05:00

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)

2010-02-04T15:21:00.000-05:00

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)

2010-02-04T07:16:00.000-05:00

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)

2010-02-04T02:06:00.000-05:00

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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Review of Picture Yourself Drumming: Step-by-Step Instruction for Drum Kit Setup, Reading Music, Learning from the Pros, and More (Paperback)

2010-02-04T01:06:00.000-05:00

I borrowed this book from the library 4 times before I decided I just had to add this to my collection. From the beginner to the novice drummer, there's something for everyone in this book. It takes you from what the "job description" of a drummer is, how to get a kit, how to set it up and tune the drums, how to read music, basic beats, advanced beats, fills, more fills, advanced drumming techniques and then where to go from there (ie, join a band, music lessons, recordings, etc).
I've been a drummer (on and off) for almost 18 years now and did the garage band thing back in the day. I still learned quite a few things from this book.
It's also a very easy read. So much so that my impatient 11 year old son picked it up and figured out how to lay a basic click. If it works for him.. hey, you gotta get this book!
The absolute only thing I would have liked different about this book is to have audio tracks either with or in place of the dvd. I'm not usually around a tv/dvd setup, especially when practicing. But I do have a cd/mp3 player handy. However, the dvd is fantastic! Far better quality and detail than I expected.
In summary, you can't afford not to get this book. If you're just starting out, this is your launch point. If you're already playing, this will shore up your educational/experience shortfalls. Something for everyone here, a real winner.

Product Description
Imagine yourself onstage with your band. As the band plays, the crowd moves to the rhythm-your rhythm. The rhythm that you feel in your bones and set loose on the crowd. Drummers aren't front and center. They're not often the face of the band. Instead, they are its heart. It's the drummer who sets the pace and keeps the song on track. Picture Yourself Drumming is an easy-to-follow, visual guide that will help you tackle the basic skills you need to someday control that crowd with your own driving beat. If you have some natural rhythm, a set of sticks, and a desire to become a drummer, then this book was written for you. The accompanying DVD includes tips for a variety of drumming techniques as well as coaching sessions and step-by-step instructions for setting up each piece of your new drum kit.

About the Author
Jon Peckman has been a professional drummer for 20 years and a teacher for 10. He has worked in almost all genres of music as well as maintaining a full teaching schedule. He has taught students aged 8 to adult and has developed an effective and encouraging coaching style.

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Review of Urban Squares: Recent European Promenades, Squares, and City Centres (Paperback)

2010-02-03T14:07:00.000-05:00

Seventeen innovative public spaces, devised for European cities over the past decade, are described and evaluated in this collection of features from Topos, the German landscape magazine. It's a lively mix of plazas and infills, but several-most notably the Schouwburgplein in Rotterdam-are over-designed, require a higher level of maintenance than the city is able to provide, and fail the test of usability.

Product Description
What would a town be without squares? It is precisely these open spaces which give the built areas their meaning, function and character. Squares provide a breathing space within the structure of the city, separating and joining. They are the stage for urban actors, the heart of political and social life of an urban community, and as such designing new squares or redesigning existing ones is one of the most delightful tasks for architects, urban planners and landscape architects. Open-air and multi-functional, squares are always unique and more strongly defined by their surroundings than buildings.

This book presents the best and most attractive squares which have been presented in individual Topos magazines since 1993. It contains successful examples from Barcelona, Lyon, Reykjavik, Verona, Dublin, and Vienna. Some of the examples, for instance, the Schouwerburgplein in Rotterdam, the Place des Terraux in Lyon or the Gustav-Adolf-Torg in Malmö were much discussed even criticized. Yet they bear the confident signature of their designer and a distinctive interplay of material and form, art and commerce, work and fun.

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Review of Managerial Accounting, 10th Edition (Hardcover)

2010-02-03T12:36:00.000-05:00

This is an outstanding book, which covers complex topics on a very friendly manner. Maybe for some readers this book may seem hard to understand, so I strongly recommend everybody to think over the necessity of studying managerial accounting. For me as a person who works with internal finance and who makes prompt decisions upon raw timely data, the book was a relief. It covers such immensely important topics as break-even, leverage, cost behavior and structure, and so forth. One suggestion, do not learn everything by heart, it's useless. You never learn everything in managerial accounting. Use the book as a reference for your everyday needs. Good luck.

Product Description
Garrison/Noreen has been- and still is- the market-leading text in managerial accounting, having educated close to 2 million students since its inception. In short, Garrison is the Guide in Managerial Accounting.The lighthouse on the cover symbolizes that for this difficult course, Garrison's comprehensive but manageable coverage, author-written supplements, and peerless end-of-chapter material makes it a safe and dependable choice for instructors and students alike. The loyalty and following it has achieved is due to the authors unwavering commitment to three simple principles: relevance, balance, and clarity.

Relevance- Every effort has been made to help students relate the concepts in this book to decisions made by working managers. The Managerial Accounting in Action segments within the chapters help students apply concepts to real world problems.
Balance- Garrison mixes its coverage to include a variety of both service and manufacturing organizations- this includes new coverage of e-commerce and e-tailers. Service examples have been expanded in this new edition and these are marked with a S icon in the margins.
Clarity- The entire supplements package has been written by the author team to insure that students and professors will work with clear, well-written supplements that employ consistent terminology.

About the Author
Ray H. Garrison is emeritus Professor of Accounting at Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah. He received his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Brigham Young University and his D.B.A. degree from Indiana University. As a certified public accountant, Professor Garrison has been involved in management consulting work with both national and regional accounting firms. He has published articles in The Accounting Review, Management Accounting, and other professional journals. Innovation in the classroom has earned Professor Garrison the Karl G. Maeser Distinguished Teaching Award from Brigham Young University.

Eric W. Noreen is a globeAnd#64979;trotting academic who has held appointments at institutions in the United States, Europe, and Asia. He is currently Professor of Accounting at the University of Washington and Visiting Price Waterhouse Professor of Management Information And Control at INSEAD, an international graduate school of business located in France.He received his B.A. degree from the University of Washington and MBA and Ph.D. degrees from Stanford University. A Certified Management Accountant, he was awarded a Certificate of Distinguished Performance by the Institute of Certified Management Accountants.--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Review of Bridging the Gap: Leadership, Technology, and Organizational Change for University Deans and Chairpersons (Paperback)

2010-02-03T10:47:00.000-05:00

Bridging the Gap is a book whose audience is a relatively small niche but that niche effects a large portion of our society. This book is aimed at the middle layer of leaders in the colleges of the United States; specifically deans and department chairs. These are the people that affect change in colleges and universities from a powerful but less visible position because they are part of the decision making process in upper management and are the sounding board for those in the trenches of the lecture halls.

The editors approach the book in three parts. They begin with an overview of change theory laying a foundation that essentially states that being the conduit for positive change is one of the most important jobs these leaders have. The second part of this book consists of actual case studies. They have interviewed a number of deans and chair people from a variety of colleges and gotten their story regarding the joys, pitfalls and politics of making positive change a reality in this environment. The final section has a summary and suggested strategies that one might use in the college environment to lead as those who were interviewed have done.

I found this book to be very helpful and surprisingly insightful. I am new to the academic political hierarchy and now I am better prepared to seek out and pay attention to what I truly need to know. I also have a better understanding of where my strengths lie and what to keep in check. In some ways colleges, like so many companies, are going through growing pains as they keep up with the technological advances that force the old guard to change the way they do business, competition is simply too great to ignore the wired world of the 21st century. Additionally, I was surprised at how many academic leaders have no formal management or leadership training. They have simply grown through the ranks.

This book provides many perspectives and a suite of useful advice. If you are interested in being a leader or understanding what it takes to get things moving in the college environment I would highly recommend Bridging the Gap.

Product Description
When we think of leadership - in academe or elsewhere - we tend to envision it coming either from the very top or from the grassroots level. But as Michael Johnson, Donald Hanna, and Don Olcott, Jr., write in Bridging the Gap, "the most important leadership in the academy emanates from the center" - that is, from you and your colleagues who serve as the chairpersons of academic departments or the deans of academic divisions. "Deans and chairpersons seldom get the glory and the press," the authors note, "but they and their units are the heart and soul of the modern college and university."

As a dean or chair, you have an enormous responsibility - and opportunity - to lead dynamic change within your unit. But how do you do that without alienating your faculty colleagues and throwing out what's already working? How do you mix the best of the old with the best of the new? The key is to simultaneously manage three interconnected dimensions of organizational change in the academic setting: leadership, technology, and culture.

Bridging the Gap shows you how to do just that - using a theoretical perspective in the early chapters followed by a unique practical approach in the later chapters that features the real-life experiences and advice of deans and chairpersons who were interviewed specifically for this book.

About the Author
Michael J. Johnson currently serves as Associate Professor of Educational Administration at the University of Alaska Anchorage. He has authored numerous articles on the use and impact of technology on education working for a number of foundations and professional organizations. In the last few years he has developed online mediated advanced degree programs at two universities and several educational technology institutes for university administrators in the western states. Prior to returning to higher education, he served as Director of Strategic Initiatives, Western Region Higher Education, for Apple Computer in the 14 western states. Contact information: Michael Johnson, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Dr., Anchorage, AK 99508.

Donald E. Hanna is Professor of Educational Communications, University of Wisconsin-Extension. He has been an administrator and a faculty member at four U.S. land-grant universities and was the recipient of a Kellogg National Leadership Fellowship. Dr. Hanna served as Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Extension (1993-1997) and previously was Director of Continuing Education and Public Service (1983-87) and Associate Vice-Provost for Extended University Services (1987-1993) at Washington State University and Professor of Adult and Continuing Education. An author of numerous articles, chapters, and books. Hanna received, with co-author and editor Colin Latchem, the 2001 UCEA Wedemeyer Award for the best book in the field of distance learning for Leadership for 21st Century Learning. Contact information: Donald E. Hanna, Professor of Educational Communications, University of Wisconsin-Extension, 432 Lake Street, Room 213, Madison, WI 53706.

Don Olcott, Jr. is the Executive Director, Division of Extended Programs, at Western Oregon University. Dr. Olcott is also President of Harmony James Associates, specializing in higher education and distance learning planning, development, and evaluation consulting. Don was the 2000 University Continuing Education Association's (UCEA) Gayle B. Childs award recipient for exemplary long-term leadership, scholarship, and applied contributions to the field of continuing and distance learning. Dr. Olcott received the 1998 Charles Wedemeyer Outstanding Distance Learning Practitioner in North America award from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and The American Center for the Study of Distance Education. Contact information: Don Olcott, Jr., Executive Director, Division of Extended Programs, Western Oregon University, Monmouth, OR 97361.

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Review of E-Tailing [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

2010-02-03T10:34:00.000-05:00

"E-Tailing" is a great book for any business owner who wants to have a better understanding of electronic commerce. I have had a web site for three years, but now have a new understanding of the elements thatcreate a stronger online presence. Bernadette Tiernan has successfullymanaged to address e-tailing in an easy-to-understand and comprehensivemanner. I have specialized in business planning for many years and wouldadvise every business teacher and student, and business owner tofamiliarize themselves with and utilize the concepts presented in"E-Tailing". Kudos for doing a great job of addressing adifficult subject.

Product Description
Provides instruction on how to incorporate e-commerce into your business plan with a detailed approach, offer customers optimal service and minimal risk, implement techniques unique to Internet business, and learn from the failures and successes of many well known companies.

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Review of Leading the Mathematical Sciences Department: A Resource for Chairs (Paperback)

2010-02-03T10:09:00.000-05:00

Most mathematics instructors who are appointed chair of their department are "promoted" from within. Therefore, they are immediately transformed from one of the group into the most visible and directly accessible boss of the math faculty. Before they took over the responsibility, they were insulated from dealing with the administrative upper echelons and could form opinions, cultivate select friends in the department and take sides on departmental issues. After they assume the leadership role, they now have to deal directly with organizational administrators and they run the risk of hearing a cry of "favoritism" if they carry out their previous social intercourse. Most members of a department want the chair to act as the first among equals, except when it is a cause that is near to their heart. In that case, they have no problem with the chair showing a bit of a dictatorial streak.
Such a transition to the chair is a hard one, made all the more difficult because you are essentially on your own. Support among your former peers is fleeting, depending on how they view your decisions. In many cases, you are expected to continue to do almost everything you did before, along with your new duties. Up until now, there been no guidebook regarding what to expect and how to juggle the many responsibilities. This book is a manual for what to expect in the new role as chair as well as some advice in how to deal with the problems. All institutions have their differences, so the contributors try to be as general as possible in their scenarios.
Situations such as managing difficult faculty protected under the tenure umbrella, handling decisions to grant or refuse tenure, dealing with irate students, budget restrictions, student recruitment, a myriad of legal issues and generally just keeping your sanity are all covered. There is no sugar coating here, the contributors are up front and honest about how difficult and unrewarding the job can be. There are also short articles written by administrators such as the president, dean and provost, giving their perspective on the role of the department chair.
I strongly recommend that anyone who is potentially in line to become department chair read this book. It may be your only hope.

Published in Journal of Recreational Mathematics, reprinted with permission.

Product Description
Being an academic department chair is a profession for which there are few resources--either for those doing the job who have lots of questions but few answers,or as preparation for those who are just beginning and may not know all the questions to ask.In either case, you now have a rich resource from the Mathematical Association of America to which you can turn for ideas, guidance, and reflection on the unique and critical position in academe you occupy

Leading the Mathematical Sciences Department: A Resource for Chairs provides insights and advice from mathematical science department chairs and administrators.The focus is on leadership rather than the technical details of management.The Wisdom of Practice contains advice from presidents, vice-presidents, provosts, deans, and chairs.The Case Studies are scenarios based upon real situations encountered by chairs.Some may sound very familiar.There are no answers but instead the cases are intended for you to think about how you would handle the situation. The Issues papers cover topics that chairs told us they wanted to know about and present strategies by the writers of the papers.

The book can provide you with a self-guided professional development experience as you think through the cases and issues or you can work through the book with colleagues, using it as a basis for discussion.Although the book targets chairs of departments of mathematical sciences, the material will be useful to chairs of all academic departments.

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Review of The Accelerating Organization: Embracing the Human Face of Change (Hardcover)

2010-02-03T06:56:00.000-05:00

I have always been interested in culture and human aspects of the firm. This book was highly recommended by my teacher on strategic management as his favorite on change management. It's an easy read on the human aspectsof change and is helped by a novel structure in the book (each subsectionof the chapter reads like an individual chapter, which assists the droppingand picking up). It's no nonsense. Anyone who liked 'The Fifth Discipline',will much appreciate this as well. I hope to read more of this typematerial.

Product Description
Peter Scott-Morgan, author of the best-selling, The Unwritten Rules of the Game, and his colleagues at Arthur D. Little have discovered that Fortune 500 companies are currently spending twice their profits on change initiatives; yet they are only satisfied with half the results.The obvious question is How can we stop this?

The paradigm-shifting answer, based on a six year study of Fortune 500 companies, is: concentrate on maximizing stability within a changing environment--don't fixate on change.This book explains how by developing the six competencies needed to achieve dynamic stability--the management stabilizers of strategy, tactics, operations, and the enabling stabilizers of teamwork, quality, and communication--companies can avoid being swamped by the disruption of unending turbulence.

From the Back Cover
An entirely fresh approach to managing in a changing world It's a fast=moving, cyber-linked, overcommunicated world out there these days. Change seems to happen much more rapidly and with far less predictability. It's no wonder the store shelves are crammed with books for beleaguered managers who are desperately trying to navigate through this torrent of change. This one is different from the rest. Here is a book that shows you how to turn your organization into one that continually meets the challenges of change, in a business world strewn with the survivors of yesterday's fads. The Accelerating Organization features the cutting-edge, experience-tested principles being taught by Arthur D. Little and Innovation Associates. It's not another take on reengineering nor a rewarmed learning organization tome. It's the best of both methods--and a whole lot more. Learn how you can: refocus strategic goals and galvanize for never-ending change; Get to know your organization's unwritten rules and use them to gain leverage; Change policies and structures simultaneously, while avoiding performance disruption; Make your people the agents of change, not its victims; Instill a continuous learning mindset aimed at sustaining high performance. Accessible and practical, this whole new approach to managing in an ever-changing world provides you with the knowledge and tools to ensure that your organization is flexible, nimble, and ready to handle whatever might come next.--.--.be it a minor tremor or a seismic shift.

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Review of The Lighthouse Handbook on Vision Impairment and Vision Rehabilitation (2-Volume Set + Free CD-ROM with Return of Enclosed Card) (Hardcover)

2010-02-03T01:21:00.000-05:00

This two-volume set is divided into two areas -- visual disorders and vision rehabilitation. Each of these areas is then subdivided into chapters in which contributors cover specific topics in depth. The greatest strength of the set is the extensive, detailed review of the field of vision loss and vision rehabilitation. It appears that no area has been overlooked in this review of information. No other text in the field of vision rehabilitation matches the depth and breadth of information compiled here. The quality and quantity of information is outstanding and the editors and contributors are leading experts in their respective fields of vision rehabilitation.

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Review of PHP 5 Fast & Easy Web Development (Paperback)

2010-02-02T13:01:00.000-05:00

This is an "ok" book for web developers.It has some nice features if you can get past the amount of errors in the coded examples and the sometimes confusing and contradictory explanations.There is very little discussion of basic concepts, therefore, I would not recommend this book for anyone who does not have some programming background.
The title, PHP 5 fast & easy web development, is indicative of the book's contents.It provides a series of potentially useful PHP scripts that you can adapt to develop database interactive web pages (emphasis is on the MySQL database).However, like the 2nd edition of Julie Meloni's "PHP fast & easy web development," this book is plagued with coding errors which are not only annoying, but also make understanding the various features of PHP more difficult.
The book starts with instructions on how to install PHP, Apache and MySQL.The remainder of the book consists of a series of increasingly complex scripts, detailed step-by-step.For the first half of the book, the examples are relatively easy to read and carefully documented.However, halfway through the book, segments of code begin to appear without adequate explanation, and as the book progresses, it becomes more a cookbook of code to retype rather than a clear explanation of what the code mean.Instructions about where to insert new lines of code are difficult to follow.In addition, some explanations appear contradictory, which adds to the confusion.The errors in the coded examples are excessive.I can understand a few typos, but lines of code that are substantially different or are missing completely can be found in every chapter.This is unacceptable and unprofessional in a book that is supposed to help you learn a new programming language.

Product Description
Don't spend your time wading through manuals to learn PHP 5. Spend it doing what you do best-creating web pages! With "PHP 5 Fast & Easy Web Development" you can get up and running with PHP 5, Apache, and MySQL with ease. By the time you're finished, you'll be able to display dynamic content, build your own contact management system, create custom reports, work with XML, and much more. Less time, less effort, more results!

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 Extreme Exploits: Advanced Defenses Against Hardcore Hacks (Hacking Exposed) (Paperback)

2010-02-02T09:03:00.000-05:00

Here is the thing - I am giving this book a high score (4) since it contains unique and fun content related to network infrastructure attacks and defenses, which I have not seen anywhere else. In my view, the good stuff justifies such score, although I suspect that some other reviewers will sledgehammer the book for having too much of routine material covered in other previous books, including the venerable Hacking Exposed.

While I had a general idea of how providers mitigate DDoS attacks, I did not know the specifics of unicast reverse-path forwarding method, described in the book. Similarly, I picked up a lot of material of setting up sinkholes for dropping traffic (and, more specifically, how they are better than ACLs in many cases).

From other topics, I liked their coverage on the evolution of DMZ from simple designs of years past to current security zone design.

The book also presents a lot of up-to-date material, such as the coverage of security information management (SIM), vulnerability management and recent security standards, such as CVSS. It doesn't go into details in some places where I'd wanted it to, but still is interesting to read.

On the other hand, some chapters are disappointing and seem to be in the book for it to appear "comprehensive". Forensics chapter is one of those (it is also mistakenly called "Exploiting Forensics", while no exploitation is taking place)

I recommend the book for most people, from beginners to advanced, since the former will enjoy the breadth of coverage while the latter will likely benefit from the network infrastructure protection (and devastation, of course!) tips. In addition, defense checklists in the end of each chapter are useful for those who do not have time to go and study the material in-depth. The book is slightly biased towards the defense side, with good coverage of the attacking side as well.

Dr Anton Chuvakin, GCIA, GCIH, GCFA is a recognized security expert and book author. In his current role as a Security Strategist with netForensics, a security information management company, he is involved with defining future features and conducting security research.A frequent conference speaker, he also represents the company at various security meetings and standard organizations. He is an author of a book "Security Warrior" and a contributor to "Know Your Enemy II", "Information Security Management Handbook" and the upcoming "Hacker's Challenge 3".Anton also published numerous papers on a broad range of security subjects. In his spare time he maintains his security portal at info-secure.organd a blog at O'Reilly"

Product Description
This cutting-edge volume takes network security professionals to the next level in protecting networks and web sites. Never-before-published advanced security techniques and concise explanations of core Internet infrastructure explain how to defend against devastating vulnerabilities in systems and the underlying network.With the authors' winning methodology for attack profiling and the theatre of war concept, you'll learn how to architect and prepare your network for threats that don't yet exist.
By explaining specific in-depth technologies in use by not only the attackers, but also inside the applications they target, this book enables the reader to make better use of the tools available today, and to design new tools, techniques, and operational policies for the future.

From the Back Cover

Protect your network and web sites from malicious attacks with help from this cutting-edge guide. Extreme Exploits is packed with never-before-published advanced security techniques and concise instructions that explain how to defend against devastating vulnerabilities in software and network infrastructure. This book gives you detailed analyses of modern threats and their solutions along with checklists for developing defenses. You'll also be introduced to a winning methodology for custom vulnerability assessments including attack profiling and the theatre of war concept. Through in-depth explanations of underlying technologies, you'll learn to prepare your network and software from threats that don't yet exist. This is a must-have volume for anyone responsible for network security.

Secure your critical domain name system (DNS) infrastructure
Ensure reliable Internet connectivity amidst a myriad of attacks
Implement effective intrusion detection and prevention technologies
Prevent e-mail abuse using advanced filtering, encryption, and other methods
Stop data theft and egress exploitation by altering packet filtering rules
Defend against viruses, worms, bots, Trojans, and other malicious code
Use IP sinkholes and backscatter analysis to trap and gain knowledge from scanning and infiltration attempts
Secure wireless networks using a variety of technologies
Create a customized vulnerability assessment methodology for your organization
Use proven digital forensics techniques to investigate attacks
Learn to protect your software from little-known vulnerabilities

About the Authors:Victor Oppleman is an accomplished author, speaker, and patent-holder in the field of network security and a specialized consultant to some of the world's most admired companies.His open source software is used by thousands of engineers worldwide. Oliver Friedrichs is a Senior Manager in Symantec Security Response, the organization responsible for the delivery of anti-virus definitions, intrusion detection updates, and early warning technologies within Symantec. Mr. Friedrichs also co-founded SecurityFocus and Secure Networks.Brett Watson has 17 years experience in networks and security for some of the world's largest Internet Service Providers and enterprise networks. He holds a patent for one of the first large-scale content distribution platforms known as Hopscotch.

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Review of Firewall Policies and VPN Configurations [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

2010-02-02T08:16:00.000-05:00

I am sure that, I wouldn't have bought this book if someone had reviewed this book before me.
Briefly, if you are looking for a deep information on several brand firewall's configuration and especially onVPN subject, belive, this book is not for you.
The first half of the book is full of with just generic information which almost avery avarage IT people have. That is, whithin a few minutes you pass the first two part.
Than you decide your point on this book while reading the VPN part. No detail on the issues, no real time application samples and most important one completely wrong several figures.
For example, on page 247 figure 5.20 says "MPLS Packet Structure", but you see screen snapshot of Putty telnet application's configuration window. I honestly couldn't understand if they are joking or have another purpose.

My only advice, always prefer the books you can look inside it.

Product Description
A firewall is as good as its policies and the security of its VPN connections. The latest generation of firewalls offers a dizzying array of powerful options; they key to success is to write concise policies that provide the appropriate level of access while maximizing security.

This book covers the leading firewall products: Cisco PIX, Check Point NGX, Microsoft ISA Server, Juniper's NetScreen Firewall, and SonicWall. It describes in plain English what features can be controlled by a policy, and walks the reader through the steps for writing the policy to fit the objective. Because of their vulnerability and their complexity, VPN policies are covered in more depth with numerous tips for troubleshooting remote connections.

Â· The only book that focuses on creating policies that apply to multiple products.
Â· Included is a bonus chapter on using Ethereal, the most popular protocol analyzer, to monitor and analyze network traffic.
Â· Shows what features can be controlled by a policy, and walks you through the steps for writing the policy to fit the objective at hand

About the Author
Dale Liu, (MCSE Security, CISSP, MCT, IAM/IEM, CCNA) has been working in the computer and networking field for over 20 years. Dale's experience ranges from programming to networking to information security and project management. He currently teaches networking, routing and security classes, while working in the field performing security audits and infrastructure design for medium to large companies.

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Review of AppleScript in a Nutshell: A Desktop Quick Reference (Nutshell Handbook) (Paperback)

2010-02-02T05:36:00.000-05:00

This book is somewhat out of date, first of all; it covers only a fairly old version of OS X, doesn't mention AppleScript Studio at all, etc.This is somewhat understandable, and it is at least much more up-to-date than Danny Goodman's book.
But the writing -- my god!It has the feel of a book that was written in one draft and never edited.Every single page of the book (and I just finished reading it cover to cover) had errors, typos, bugs, and poorly worded or unclear passages.In many cases I re-read sections several times and was simply unable to decipher what they were trying to say at all.I am a very experienced programmer (worked at Apple for several years, in fact), and I couldn't make head or tail of some of the passages in the book.There are huge omissions (I can find no explicit description of what "get" does, for example, anywhere in the reference section of the book).Many subtle (but important) details are glossed over completely.
Just pathetic that this is the best book available on AppleScript.I wish I could get my money back, on this and on Danny Goodman's book.I give it two stars instead of one because at least it is reasonably up to date and occasionally helpful.

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Review of Nonprofit Kit for Dummies (With CD-ROM) (Paperback)

2010-02-02T04:57:00.000-05:00

OK this book makes you feel like incorporating is as easy as bying the book ...

But it is way too vague, and omits to tell you what you get yourself into !

After reading this book, I incorporated and for additional info I bought Nolo's How to Form a Nonprofit Corporation in California by Anthony Mancuso (or How to Form a Nonprofit Corporation if you don't live in california) and I got really scared.
This nonprofit kit is really for dummies, it doesn't even talk about applying for state tax exemption which is as important as federal tax exemption, or your responsibilities and duties as a director or officer.

I would really advise you to buy Nolo's book (nolo.com). The author is much more responsible, he clearly tells you that you should prepare your bylaws, your federal and state tax exemption application BEFORE submitting you articles of incorporation ...

Plus, this nonprofit kit for dummies is making some huge mistakes! It tells you that the Board of Directors is composed of the president, vice president, secretary and CFO ... which is totally untrue, they are officers
The board of directors is composed of guess what ... directors.

Product Description
The Nonprofit Kit For Dummies is the only comprehensive guide of its kind at a reasonable. This is a nuts-and-bolts guide for real people -- nonprofessional managers and volunteers who hope to start a nonprofit but don't know where to begin or who already run one but are struggling with a multitude of decisions and tasks -- real-life issues like staffing, budgeting, fundraising, tax reports, and facilities.

From the Back Cover
"A nonprofit almanac, dictionary, atlas, and field guide all rolled into one!" Jan Masaoka, CompassPoint Nonprofit Services "This book will help you ask - and answer - all the right questions." Putnam Barber, The Internet Nonprofit Center

Your nuts-and-bolts guide to running a successful nonprofit

Nonprofit novices, loosen up! Let two seasoned pros help you fulfill your dreams of starting and running a successful nonprofit. From savvy advice on incorporating and managing your nonprofit to nifty tips on raising money and getting great P.R., this essential guide will soon become your best friend. Grab it and have fun! all this on the CD-ROM Valuable forms and materials, including: Legal forms Presentation templates Annual IRS reporting forms GrantWriter Pro demo and evaluation version of eBase 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 Complaint Management: The Heart of CRM (Hardcover)

2010-02-02T03:27:00.000-05:00

In the past few decades the Services Industry has advanced long way - in a direction from product services to a customer centric business environments.
Although the quantitative and qualitative importance of services - as well as its spectrum of offerings - has grown quite considerably,the thrust of activity still seems solely to center around itsoperational tasks and processes. Bernd Stauss' and Wolfgang Seidel's revolutionary Complaint Managent model represents an impressive progress in our understanding of what services organisations must do to become outstanding and exemplary leaders in the roles ofservices providers and services innovators.
I have read the book entirely page by page, each chapter creatingmore desire and curiosty to read the next one.
Today the aspects of complaint managementare used probably in hundreds ofbusiness facilities around the world, yet there is to my knowledge no other book or public documentation providing such a holistic introduction and a guidance to everyone in services management, to enable the creation of a powerful blue print for services organisations.

Walter Duschek, Speaker of the Supervisory Board Spirit/21 AG, VP AFSMI

Product Description
Every company strives for increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty. But without effective complaint management, it's only a matter of time before the seemingly sweet company-client relationship may turn sour. Drawing from their extensive experience in customer service (both from academic research and practical business perspectives), Stauss and Seidel deliver thorough coverage of complaint management, from helping readers understand why customers complain to illustrating how to handle customer complaints to effectively measuring and analyzing complaints. Complaint Management is an excellent resource for marketing professionals in customer support, technical support, and marketing management, as well as executives, department managers, and any employee who has direct contact with complaining customers.

About the Author
Professor Bern Stauss holds the first German chair for services management at the Business School of Ingolstadt of the Catholic University Eichstaett-Ingolstadt.Currently, his research deals with aspects of services marketing, service quality, quality management in the service industry, management of internal services, customer retention, complaint management, regain management, and electronic services.Stauss has written and edited several books, and he has also written more than 140 articles, which were published in books and journals like Managing Service Quality, International Journal of Service Industry Management, Journal of Services Marketing, Journal of Service Research and European Journal of Marketing.

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Review of Online Investing Bible (Bible (Wiley)) [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

2010-02-01T20:07:00.000-05:00

This fine (and fat) book is just the thing for people who currently trade online or those who are considering it. It provides a nice assortment of screen shots of useful sites to become familiar with and concludes each chapter with a concise summary in list format. The book is 823 pages long but still doesn't go far enough on specialist topics. But this book is a comprehensive and carefully constructed primer on the entire waterfront from Stocks to Bonds to Mutual Funds and of course to the particulars and precautions of setting up an account, making trades, gathering timely information etc. I like that it doesn't take an AOL-centric point of view because that would be too limiting. If you are interested in Online Investing, buy this book and supplement it with a subscription to "Online Investing" magazine (monthly) which would bring you up to date on new developments and also cover special topics with more depth.

Product Description
Online investing is a hot topic right now, but it's easy to get in over your head quickly without enough know-how in this volatile market. The Online Investing Bible will demystify the basics of online trading for newbies, while helping more seasoned investors expand their portfolios using advanced tracking and investing techniques. Starting out with guidelines for planning your investment strategy, this book covers everything you need to know to invest wisely in this bull market. From stocks and bonds to futures and IPOs, no investor should log on without this book at their side.

From the Back Cover
The only guide to online investing you'll ever need … Online investing gives you access to an arsenal of investment resources - resources that used to be available only to brokers and other money management professionals. This comprehensive guide shows you how to make the most of these online tools, from research and analysis services to real-time portfolio tracking. Packed with savvy investment advice and nuts-and-bolts Internet know-how, this is the only guide you'll ever need to build your nest egg online, whether you're a rookie investor or a veteran online trader.

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Review of Resume Power: Selling Yourself on Paper in the New Millennium (Paperback)

2010-02-01T17:36:00.000-05:00

For anyone hunting for a job I highly recommend this book, it's a must read. It has helped me write my resume many times over the last few years. Better yet, it's helped me to get a number of jobs, including the one I'm at now that I started working at in December when the job market really fell apart.

Come to think of it that is the real test of a resume book, can it help you get a job when the job market is really bad? Take your time and read it carefully and thoughtfully, Tom really knows what he is talking about.

Product Description
This new edition of the best-selling resume guide explains the value of portfolio resumes and how to create one. It also shows how to effectively use the Internet in job searches, with updated lists of the websites available to job seekers. Black-and-white illustrations are included.

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Review of Treasurer's & Controller's Desk Book (Hardcover)

2010-02-01T17:16:00.000-05:00

As a new controller that is basically needing to create the job as I go along, I am finding this book to be very helpful. It contains practical information that applies specificallly to the controller's position that is is difficult to find in other sources. One example of this is theinformation on a records retention policy. I wasn't able to find anyinformation elsewhere. This book not only provided me with information, butalso told me where to look for more information. Reading this book is likehaving a mentor available to me.

Product Description
Now back in a completely revised edition (including thelatest tax law changes), Treasurer's and Controller's Desk Bookis the only guide to the activities of the financial officer orcontroller's job that's based on the Financial Executive's Institute'saccepted industry standards.

This massive reference supplies more than 100 tools--checklists,forms, and procedures--that streamline the treasurer's or controller'sjob. It outlines all the responsibilities--from banking and financialarrangements to records retention and audits. New to this edition:

* The role of the financial officer in today's "information" economy
* Financial analysis that includes benchmarking, market penetration, and even customer perception
* Taking advantage of Internet technology
* Effective techniques for e-purchasing
* Financing using IPOs
* Online treasury workstations, and more.

About the Author
Daniel L. Gotthilf (Ridgefield, CT) is a former treasurer,controller, and a director of Savin Corporation. He is presently acertified public accountant with his own practice.

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Review of Getting Started in Computer Consulting (Paperback)

2010-02-01T15:56:00.000-05:00

I didn't buy this book through Amazon, but I loved it so much that I hadto review it.

A very practical book that was written with lots ofexamples by a very experienced person.I found it extreemly useful insetting up my own database consulting business.it contains things suchas:

How to price your time, how to choose your client, how to ensure thatyour client has confidence in you, pitfalls to avoid when building yourbusiness etc.

Excelent!

Product Description
Written by an expert who has helped thousands of people nationwide find success as computer consultants, this is your complete guide to starting and managing a thriving computer and network consulting practice. From start-up costs to contract negotiation, from taxes to pricing and marketing, you get concise, straightforward advice and guidance on all the critical issues involved. And throughout the text you'll find candid accounts from seasoned computer consultants who share invaluable insights into all aspects of the business. You'll learn how to:

Assess your strengths and zero in on your market niche
Use proven, affordable marketing and sales techniques
Decide when you need a broker and find one you can work with
Set fees and negotiate contracts to your best advantage
Bid on government contracts--and win
Manage your time and workload for optimum satisfaction
Choose and win the clients you want to work with
Use the Internet to build your success

From the Back Cover
"

Written by an expert who has helped thousands of people nationwide find success as computer consultants, this is your complete guide to starting and managing a thriving computer and network consulting practice. From start-up costs to contract negotiation, from taxes to pricing and marketing, you get concise, straightforward advice and guidance on all the critical issues involved. And throughout the text you'll find candid accounts from seasoned computer consultants who share invaluable insights into all aspects of the business. You'll learn how to: Assess your strengths and zero in on your market niche Use proven, affordable marketing and sales techniquesDecide when you need a broker and find one you can work withSet fees and negotiate contracts to your best advantageBid on government contracts--and winManage your time and workload for optimum satisfactionChoose and win the clients you want to work withUse the Internet to build your success

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Review of Business Resumption Planning, Second Supplement (Loose Leaf)

2010-02-01T13:38:00.000-05:00

This is a very comprehensive overview of the entire Business Resumtion planning process.It gives enough detail for you to get started and walk you through the entire process.It is very consistent with other research I have done on the internet in regards to Business Resumption.The book takes you through Business Operations Recovery, Data Center Recovery, and Voice and Data Communications Recovery.I have so far focused on the Business Operations Recovery, but I am sure that the other sections are just as comprehensive.Certainly the best overall resource for Business Resumption that I have found to date.This will be my "go to" manual during this entire planning process.

Product Description
Post 9/11, the focus on corporate disaster preparedness, availability of time-critical product delivery, and customer service is the order of the day. Business Continuity Planning Step by Step presents a top down approach to business process high-availability and continuity planning. It provides the most efficient and effective guidance and methodologies for undertaking current state assessments and for the development, implementation, testing & maintenance, and measurement of organizational continuity planning infrastructures. The text includes checklists and other forms that readers can use to simplify and expedite execution of continuity planning activities and tasks.--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

About the Author
TelLAWCom Labs, Inc., Ovilla, Texas, USA--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Review of XML Web Services Professional Projects (Paperback)

2010-02-01T04:04:00.000-05:00

This book has some good information, but it tries to cover too much.It covers web services created in .NET, Java, and even Perl.Most of the book is related to .NET though.

It is funny that in the intro the authors say they assume you already know XML, but then the first chapter is an intro to XML.Actually, that's one of the reasons I bought the book though.I didn't want to buy a separate XML book.

The other reason I bought the book is that it was on the bargain rack.I wouldn't have paid full price since I am not interested in .NET.

Product Description
Microsoft's .NET Framework acts as a platform for building XML Web services, reusable components that can be shared across multiple Web sites. XML Web Services Professional Projects provides you with information on the basics and intricacies of Web services. It offers coverage of topics such as the SOAP protocol, deploying and publishing XML Web services, and Web service description language. It includes real-world projects and outlines the need for Web services in the upcoming mobile technology and Internet scenario. Case studies help you relate the concepts in the book to situations in your own work environment. Designed for Web developers and IT professionals, this book assumes you are proficient in Internet technologies.

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 PHP and MySQL for Dummies with CDROM (Paperback)

2010-02-01T03:06:00.000-05:00

I found PHP & MySQL for DUMMIES by Janet Valade to be an extremely useful starting place for practicing those tools, and if your circumstances and needs are similar to mine, then you may find it helpful as well. I have a database that I want to serve on the web. I have some experience with relatively simple programming, including C, but I am not a programmer per se. At my work, I have access to a web-server running both MySQL and PHP and an administrator to make sure that they are working. I am also someone who likes to do things themselves so that the result matches precisely what is in my head. All that this dummy needed was an introductory lesson on the syntax and structure of these two "languages" and Valade provided it.

MySQL & PHP for DUMMIES uses the example of setting up an online catalog for a pet store, demonstrating how to build a multi-table database in MySQL that employs the various necessary components, e.g. user login, querying and formatting the output. The computer operations covered are simple enough to just read on the train (i.e., I didn't need to be seated at my computer running the exercises to understand them) and provide a good primer for the kinds of that I could do... that YOU could do too.

Having praised the book for what it is, I want to make clear what it is not. The index is almost useless and the functions of both MySQL and PHP are covered in only the most superficial way, so this For DUMMIES book is a poor reference for projects beyond the advanced beginner; it does not necessarily replace more comprehensive texts. For my own rudimentary dabblings in web databases, I now rely more upon the PHP and MySQL code I have already written based on what this book taught me than the book itself. But, MySQL and PHP for DUMMIES provided the framework for me to take the first baby steps towards a really flexible web-based database.

Product Description
This is an introductory level book that provides the essential information needed to enable users to build common Web database applications.
The book is directed toward users who know HTML and have created static Web pages, but no prior experience with programming or database design or use is required.
PHP and MySQL For Dummies contains all the information necessary to create a simple Web database or fully functional E-commerce Web site.
ABOUT THE CD-ROM
Includes a CD-ROM with PHP, MySQL, and Apache software, sample Web applications from the book, code samples, and other useful utilities.

From the Back Cover
The fun and easy way™ to create a Web database application!

Get the scoop on building online catalogs and members-only sites

Take your site to the next level - no programming or database experience required

With a MySQL database and a little PHP programming, you can add a whole new level of interactivity to your site - for free. But how do you get a fix on the world of Web database applications? Don't worry! With this friendly reference (and the free software on the CD-ROM), you'll be building a MySQL database and writing PHP programs in no time.

All this on the bonus CD-Rom

PHP server-side scripting language
MySQL relational database management system
Apache Web server
Sample applications and code from the book

System Requirements: A Pentium PC or faster; Windows 9x/2000/Me/XP, Windows NT 4 or later; Linux. At least 32 MB of total RAM; a CD-ROM drive.

See CD appendix for details and complete system requirements.

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Review of Online Auctions at eBay, 2nd Edition: Bid with Confidence, Sell with Success (Miscellaneous) (Paperback)

2010-01-31T22:01:00.000-05:00

First off, this book is very well written.He has accomplished the difficult; making a computer book that's enjoyable to read.If I were new to eBay or to the online auction arena, I can see where this would help me.Dennis explains the entire process from A to Z.

Now for the downside.Isell daily at eBay, and I was hoping to gain a little more in depthinformation, ie. best times to post, credit cards, taxes, listingstrategies, handling deadbeat bidders, etc.Based on the earlier reviews,this book was supposed to be beneficial to even the most advanced of eBayusers.I did not find that to be the case.

All in all the book wasworth the money.If you are new to eBay, then this is a MUST HAVE.I willhand it off to my father, as he is new to eBay and this should be right uphis alley.

Product Description
Are you one of the millions of Internet users that are flocking to eBay? Do you lack the knowledge, experience, or savvy to bid with confidence or conduct your own auctions? Online Auctions at eBay, 2nd Edition will familiarize you with the world of phenomenally successful online auctions. This book introduces you to eBay and its features, including how to find items within eBay's extensive listings, how to research items and place bids, and how to employ techniques that increase success in winning the auction. You will learn how to create your own auction listings, from simple text to more creative and eye-catching HTML designs. You will also discover the best methods to track an auction, finalize deals, send or receive payment, and exchange merchandise. Plus you'll learn tips about good customer service, electronic etiquette, fair methods, and how to build trust in cyberspace. By the end of this book you will know how to achieve a successful and enjoyable online auction experience.

About the Author
Dennis L. Prince is a business professional with a background in technical (computer) applications and corporate procurement principles. As a longtime online auction enthusiast, analyst, and advocate, he has studied the growth and potential of Internet auctioning as well as other forms of e-commerce since 1996.He has authored many successful books including Online Auctions @ eBay, 2nd Edition (September 1999, 0761524142) and Starting Your Online Auction Business (December 2000, 0761523162), both published by Prima-Tech/Premier Press Books and recognized by AuctionWatch as one of the "Top 10 Online Auction Movers and Shakers."Acclaimed for his commitment to promoting better understanding and execution in online selling, he has regularly contributed to a variety of noted Internet and auction service sites as AuctionWatch, Auctiva, Krause, Collector Online and ZDNet.He has been featured in the nationally distributed Access Magazine (2000) and Entrepreneur Magazine (2003) and has been featured on highly rated television and radio programs such as TechTV and C/Net Radio with Alex Bennett.

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Review of Lotus Notes R 6 Professional Projects [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

2010-01-31T21:47:00.000-05:00

Nothing wrong with the book. It just didn't have what I was hoping for in it. Typical software tutorial restating the help info with a new example here and there. It may have been great when it was written in 2003. We still use 6.5 at work.

I bought it used. Seller's description was accurate. Good condition and shipped on time.

Product Description
Lotus Notes / Domino Administrator's Guide is a complete study guide for both novice and experienced system administrators. Notes and Domino together help organizations in lowering the total cost of a messaging and collaboration infrastructure. Notes R5 is integrated with the Domino R5 server, making it the most powerful e-business client. This book covers the entire administration skill set-installation, configuration, monitoring, and maintenance-teaching readers how to implement information through hands on exercises. It contains several real-world project situations and scenarios to help you relate the concepts to your own work environment and includes detailed case study-based problem solving situations.

About the Author
Sanjeev Sreedharan is a seasoned entrepreneurial technologist with over 10 years' experience in the IT industry.He has expertise in E-business, Web development technologies, product development, system architecture, system integration, and project management.He has served as a director of technology and operations for an IT consultancy and solutions company, as a consultant working in close association with Lotus Corporation, India Operations and has designed and developed a Knowledge Management System for McKinsey, India.

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Review of Microsoft Internet & Networking Dictionary (Bpg-Other) (Paperback)

2010-01-31T15:54:00.000-05:00

Yes, this "Microsoft Internet & Networking Dictionary" did cover the most important networking and Internet terms. Its appendixes harbour updated Internet codes and domain names. But, with just over three-thousand entries, no non-beginner would pay serious attention to it.
Its greatest strength lies in being both elaborate and portable. However, many common high-tech jargons and Programming acronyms were excluded: thus ensuring that the book remains palatable only to inexperienced learners.

Product Description
With today's fast pace of innovation in networking and on the Internet, new technical terms appear constantly. This handy pocket-sized dictionary-a subset of the terms found in the popular, recently updated Microsoft Computer Dictionary, Fifth Edition-promises to keep people up-to-date on the latest terms they need to know. It includes more than 3,000 of the most important terms about the Internet and networking, and it also provides appendixes of Internet country codes and domains, common file extensions, and Instant Messaging emoticons and acronyms. It's the ideal Internet and networking reference for home, office, school, or wherever the latest technology takes you!

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Review of Learning from Cyber-Savvy Students: How Internet-Age Kids Impact Classroom Teaching (Paperback)

2010-01-31T13:58:00.000-05:00

Based on six months observing a class in a school where the students had easy and routine access to computers and the Internet, Anne Hird presents an informative and insightful report (often using the student's own words) of the impact of the new electronic communication resources and techniques upon classroom curriculum, teacher strategies, and student cognition in Learning From Cyber-Savvy Students. Impressive, scholarly, informative, ground breaking, thoughtful, and challenging, Learning From Cyber-Savvy Students is very highly recommended reading regarding the real-world realities of integrating computer technology and the Internet into elementary and secondary school classrooms and curriculums.

Product Description
As the Internet shifts from novelty to common household utility, more and more students are coming to school with Internet experience.

How will students' and teachers' roles, and schools as institutions, change as these Internet-age kids enter classrooms that are fully equipped with networked computers?

This book offers a unique preview of the issues and challenges teachers will face as their classrooms become fully connected to the Internet.

Anne Hird spent six months observing a class at a school where the future has already arrived. She presents a vivid and insightful account--often reported through the students' own words--of how young teens use computers in and out of school; how they perceive the world shaped by the Internet; and how these factors shape their expectations for classroom learning.

Hird observes and reflects on the paradox that confronts teachers in this new environment. They are expected to guide students in learning with a cognitive tool that was not part of the teachers' experience as students, while students' familiarity with the Internet calls into question the authority of the teacher on which the traditional teacher-student relationship is based. She offers a strategy for professional development that recognizes and builds on this inevitable shift in the teacher-student relationship.

This is an absorbing, thought-provoking and practical book for all educators--individual teachers and administrators alike--concerned about the integration of computer technology into elementary and secondary school classrooms.

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Review of The Joy of Working from Home (Paperback)

2010-01-31T13:20:00.000-05:00

I have worked from my home for the last 4 months and up until yesterday I felt like I was going out of my mind. I woke up in my office every morning and I went to sleep in my office every evening. I was stuck at home all day and there was no escape. That is, not until I purchased The Joy of Working From Home.

Jeff Berner's book is not only graphically superior to any business book I have ever read, but it is loaded with information on working from home. It covers how to avoid the evil temptations working from home presents, how to stay well organized, how to find clients and most importantly, how to get paid.

I realize that today is only my first day, but I have a feeling the rest of my life has changed for the better. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who finds themselves working from home. The author knows what he is talking about too. His clients include Nikon, Office Depot and Apple Computers.

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Review of Windows 2000 Administration for Dummies (Paperback)

2010-01-31T11:05:00.000-05:00

Having worked as a systems administrator for a Windows NT (as well as Unix and Linux) network(s), I found this book to be completely silly, and of hardly any real use whatsoever. Bellmo's attempt at providing an intelligent and useful guide to the implementation of a W2K server and network is no better than a Public Relations blurb for Microsoft. He relies on a number of unsupported assumptions about the superiority of W2K without actually discussing (or demonstrating) how this latest version from the Microsoft family is better than the previous one. He wastes valuable time praising the new "bells and whistles" W2K has to offer, when he should have spent more time and energy explaining (and showing) how W2k might make your LAN more reliable and less costly. This book, like so many others, is mostly just technical hype.

Product Description
As millions of network administrators around the world upgrade to Windows 2000 -- or install it initially -- Windows 2000 Administration For Dummies is sure to help them set up and maintain the best networking environment for their needs. Written in plain English, this indispensable resource for network administrators covers setting up Active Directory, managing users and printers, establishing security, and troubleshooting network problems.

From the Publisher
As millions of network administrators around the world upgrade to Windows 2000 - or install it initially - they'll rely on this plain-English guide for day-to-day network administration tasks.

Topics such as setting up Active Directory, managing users and printers, establishing security, and troubleshooting help readers set up and maintain the best networking environment for their needs.

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Review of The Official XMLSPY Handbook (Paperback)

2010-01-31T10:48:00.000-05:00

I don't feel tempted to write a review very often but for this book I do. It is a warning: Don't buy this book. There are an awfull lot of better books about XML, XML Schema's and XSLT around (try Wrox) and the book doesn't tell you anything about XML spy (which is a great product!) that you can't find out with an hour or so of clicking around and trying the features.
More important: It doesn't even mention the more interesting features of XML Spy that do seem to require a manual: Extending the product by writing macro's for instance or this Authentic stuff.
For me, unfortunately, it was a waste of time and money.

Product Description

Covers all the features of the number one XML development tool-currently used by over 500,000 developers worldwide
Written by one of Altova's top XML "spies," this book will be an indispensable study guide for XML Spy Certification
Addresses topics that will appeal to XML newbies and veterans who are looking to build XML applications, documents, and Web services more quickly and easily
Shows how to work with XML views, create and manage XML Spy projects, XML fundamentals, DTDs, and schemas
CD-ROM includes a sixty day trial version of XML Spy

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Review of Perl for Dummies (Third Edition) (Paperback)

2010-01-30T20:33:00.000-05:00

I am copying an excerpt from "The Perl Journal" review of this book.

__START__

Summary: This is a really rotten book. Very few books are able to attain as many as eight major flaws:

1.'Dummy' approach encourages and reinforces the reader's disability

2.Lack of concrete programming examples

3.Lack of general discussion of how to program, apart from language-specific features

4.Reference manual organization style

5.Inclusion of too many useless and abstruse features

6.Complicated explanations where simple ones arepossible

7.Scaremongering and panic instead of calm explanation of affairs

8.Many, many technical errors, some very serious

__END__

I taught myself Perl with little programming background (BASIC, 20 years ago). I started 1 1/2 years ago and am now using it daily as a web developer and data analyst.

Learning Perl from the books and resources out there is *extremely* difficult. There were many times I could've saved 3 weeks of hammering on a script if a perl guru had said, "Hey, list context just means the function wants a list, like an array or hash." I understand very well that the O'Reilly books are godawful for a beginner b/c that's where I started and suffered long from every explanation that said simply, "It's just like in C, so we won't explain it." That said, the books are pretty terrific once you're at a level to absorb them, but steer clear before then, unless you already know everything that POSIX means.

It might be tempting to pick up this book b/c there are pretty much no Perl books for those who haven't coded already. You should consider "The Elements of Perl" instead of this one. It's a better start for beginners and a wonderful way to start to understand Perl, its idioms, its culture, and how to program well. There is also "The Perl Black Book" which is a much better overview of the Perl than any single O'Reilly book, though the author isn't a guru, he's a good writer and tackles everything from the basics to advanced stuff with lots of examples and a CD with all the code.

Perl is wonderful, so please do pick up a book, just not this one.

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Review of Electronic Enterprise: Strategy and Architecture (Paperback)

2010-01-30T17:38:00.000-05:00

This book is worth more than its weight in gold! More and more books I read for research, less and less new things I learn and this indeed is frustrating. This book is a rare exception to this experience. I generated much more awareness about what an electronic enterprise can be and learnt much more about strategy for going about it and implementing the architecture. For any one desiring to do so, studying this book is a must. The most important strength of this book is that it offers an ocean of knowledge in a nutshell. Excellent models are presented explaining difficult concepts. Best investment for the time and resources spent on it.

Large organizations no more need to become dinosaurs! This book teaches them how to become agile and dance to the tune of changing environmental factors and serve the mankind! Not only that. The large or aspiring organizations also can make impact on environment. Author's communication skill is so excellent that this book is good both for a novice or an expert in the field of management or in the information technology. No matter how much of expertise an expert may have on the subject, may still learn at least a few new pragmatic things about electronic enterprise!

Despite this book presenting so many ground breaking academic concepts it easily grabs the interest of reader right from the start and retains it till the end. What amazed me the most reading this book is that it discussed concepts in electronic enterprise not in isolation but in totality of the whole world scenario which is only the right thing to do in this global village business that the electronics has helped create!

A must read and study book for all FORTUNE 500 companies and those desiring to become one!

Product Description
The evolution from network-centric commerce (EDI) to e-commerce and e-business up to e-enterprise and virtual enterprise is traced and explained in this discussion of the transformation of a business enterprise from an industrial into an information model. Addressed are the strategy and architecture of an e-enterprise, emphasizing the integration issues and solutions of enterprise information infrastructure, its applications layer, and the whole enterprise. Discussed are the benefits to a company of transformation into an electronic enterprise, such as a better competitive position and increased profitability and productivity.

About the Author
Andrew Targowski is a professor of computer information systems at Western Michigan University and chairman of the Advisory Council of the Information Resource Management Association. He is the author of The Architecture and Planning of Enterprise-wide IM Systems, Global Information Infrastructure, and Enterprise Information Infrastructure. He has contributed to the Journal of Business Communication, Journal of Education for MIS, and The Journal of Information Management, Information Executive. He lives in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

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