Review of Learn Hardware Firmware and Software Design (Perfect Paperback)

First, before I even get into why this is so bad, you should probably know that the four "positive" (and only) reviews for this CD-Rom thus far have come from people who have no reviews for any other books. It kind of makes you wonder, doesn't it?

Second, from what I can tell, the author, O.G. Popa, is publishing this out of his home. He's simply making a PDF of what he's written up and thrown that together with some code onto a "business-card-sized" CD (not even a regular CD-Rom) with a cheap printed label.

Third, he mangles the English language! I don't think anybody even took a look at this "masterpiece" before it was published. I could even live with the fact that it's barely readable, but what makes this even worse is that, in addition to this over-priced garbage, the author is actually selling a book on English grammar!!!

Check out the link to his website:
http://www.corollarytheorems.com/

It boggles the imagination!!!

However, the worst part about this, and the main reason for my criticism, is that he does not have a good enough grasp of the subject matter to be writing a book - CD-Rom or otherwise.

For instance, in the book he describes RS232 communication like so:

"The RS232 software protocol is a two-way type of communications - also named "full duplex" - and it can be "synchronous" (in the same time) or "asynchronous" (one at a time)."

What is he talking about!?

First of all, "synchronous" communications involve data and a clock source to "synchronize" (provide timing for) serial communications, whereas "asynchronous" communications derive their timing from the serial data stream itself.

Synchronous and asynchronous have nothing to do with "at the same time" and "one at a time" (as he puts it). I think he's confusing this with full-duplex and half-duplex serial communications. Full-duplex means two-way communication that allows sender and receiver to communicate "at the same time" (like a telephone) whereas "half-duplex" means two-way communication that requires the sender and receiver to take turns "one at a time" (like a walkie-talkie). Simplex communication is one-way communication where only one sends and only one receives. With simplex communication the sender never knows for sure whether the message was received.

This is not just a simple slip up or typo on Mr. Popa's part. This is a lack of basic understanding of a subject that he claims to be an authority on. This, combined with the utterly annoying way this guy brags about his extensive knowledge and experience, is the reason why I feel compelled to comment.

So, don't make the same mistake I did!
I am going to return my copy to Amazon tomorrow. Unfortunately though, I will only be able to get 50% of my purchase price back because I (foolishly) opened the CD-Rom.

Do NOT waste your money on this expensive beer coaster! Save it and by the beer instead. You'll probably still know more about electronics and programming than this guy.

Cheers.


Product Description
Although it seems to be impossible, "Learn Hardware Firmware and Software Design" presents each title topic in adequate details. In Part 1, Hardware Design, is developed an interesting set of hardware modules built around dsPIC30F4011 Microchip controller; the topics explained, however, are sufficient to start working with any other Microchip controller. In Part 2, Firmware Design, the readers learn to write real-time multitasking firmware routines for all hardware modules previously designed. Lastly, in Part3, Software Design, is implemented a simple PC software interface using MS Visual Basic 6, which will monitor and control in real time the hardware and, implicitly, the firmware routines.After two years since it was first published, Learn Hardware Firmware and Software Design is still the best in the world. It is exceptional! Please discover Corollary Theorems site for the Table of Contents, Requirements, and for a detailed description of the book. LHFSD explains everything you need to know about Microchip's Digital Signal Controllers. You will learn to design hardware modules logically; you will become an expert in writing firmware; and you will learn to embed the entire power of your PC, with Internet, file management, and advanced graphic analysis, into your firmware and hardware designs. If you are interested in learning true, beneficial skills in hardware, firmware, and software, there is no other book better than Learn Hardware Firmware and Software Design. Now, it is only up to you to become a programming/design Guru in the shortest amount of time. Although it seems to be impossible, "Learn Hardware Firmware and Software Design" presents each title topic in adequate details. In Part 1, Hardware Design, is developed an interesting set of hardware modules built around dsPIC30F4011 Microchip controller; the topics explained, however, are sufficient to start working with any other Microchip controller. In Part 2, Firmware Design, the readers learn to write real-time multitasking firmware routines for all hardware modules previously designed. Lastly, in Part3, Software Design, is implemented a simple PC software interface using MS Visual Basic 6, which will monitor and control in real time the hardware and, implicitly, the firmware routines.After two years since it was first published, Learn Hardware Firmware and Software Design is still the best in the world. It is exceptional! Please discover Corollary Theorems site for the Table of Contents, Requirements, and for a detailed description of the book. LHFSD explains everything you need to know about Microchip's Digital Signal Controllers. You will learn to design hardware modules logically; you will become an expert in writing firmware; and you will learn to embed the entire power of your PC, with Internet, file management, and advanced graphic analysis, into your firmware and hardware designs. If you are interested in learning true, beneficial skills in hardware, firmware, and software, there is no other book better than Learn Hardware Firmware and Software Design. Now, it is only up to you to become a programming/design Guru in the shortest amount of time.

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