Review of PC Magazine Windows XP Solutions (Paperback)

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

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

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

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

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

From the Back Cover
In the event of system failure

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

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

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

You can redesign Windows XP

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

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

Review of PC Magazine Windows XP Solutions (Paperback)

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

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

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

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

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

From the Back Cover
In the event of system failure

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

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

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

You can redesign Windows XP

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

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

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

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

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

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

A handy appendix offers our very own Top Ten list:

Ten Things Worth Buying for Your PC.

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Review of Windows 2000 Administration for Dummies (Paperback)

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 Master VISUALLY Optimizing PC Performance (Paperback)

Another good book in the Master Visually series.Even as a computer tech I found this book very informative. The average non-geek computer user out there will find plenty of ways to tune and tweak their machine without doing any harm to the computer or themselves.Just follow basic instructions. Most high end techies will find this book pretty basic but it is a book I can recommend to my clients. I'm not a book reviewer but once again it can be said that "a picture is worth a thousand words"!

Product Description
* Offers step-by-step instructions for more than 190 optimizing tasks, including streamlining a Start menu, preventing unnecessary programs from wasting memory, improving monitor performance, and printing faster and more efficiently
* The ideal resource for intermediate to advanced visual learners who want to speed up a dragging computer, understand how to prevent bottlenecks in the future, and enhance network performance and reliability
* Addresses how to identify and troubleshoot common problems and how to check and protect a PC from viruses
* Explores different tools to get the job done and looks at which ones are best suited for different tasks
* Includes an explanation of how to assemble a collection of essential freeware and shareware utilities and get optimum performance with hardware upgrades

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Review of 70-293 Planning and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure (Paperback)

Craig Zacker is a fantastic technical writer. He presents his materials in a clear, concise and straightforward manner. He wrote two different text books for this course, this one and also the MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-293): Planning and Maintaining a Microsoft® Windows Server(TM) 2003 Network Infrastructure, Second Edition. I actually used both to prepare for this exam. I left my program at school early to take a job. This is the second course that I have completed in self-study. Zacker's books were a great asset.

This book is designed to be used in a Microsoft Approved Academy and is an official MOAC textbook. It is designed for use in a classroom setting. The program I did at school was modular and basically was a chapter a day, with review and exam at the end of the course. This book with its shorter chapters and being direct to the point is great for that environment. On its own it needed a little beefing up and I turned to his other text for extra exercises. The student CD includes a lot of resources to help you prepare for the exam, practice test software, and a pdf of the textbook. I find the pdf's a great resource because I can keep my whole IT library with me at all times for quick reference and when searching for something you remember, but do not recall the specifics.

Zacker's books are always a pleasure to read. His style is both engaging and challenging. This book was definitely an asset in my developing IT knowledge and in preparing for the exam.




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Review of Alan Simpson's Windows XP Bible (Paperback)

I picked this book up because I was looking for details on Microsofts "latest and greatest."I have to admit I should have done more research.
This book is probably suitable for someone new to windows(any flavor) and computers.

It is full of basic information and is well written,
however if you have no difficulties maneuvering in previous versions of Windows or consider yourself a poweruser...look elsewhere.



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Review of Mac OS X Tiger For Dummies (Paperback)

Review by Ronald Schoedel

Once again, the "for Dummies" series has come to the rescue of newbies and others who just want to learn more about their Macs.I am not a newbie.I've owned Macs for well over a decade. Even so, "Tiger for Dummies" had some great tidbits of knowledge that I was reading and learning for the first time.I always enjoy reading articles and books by "Dr. Mac" Bob Levitus, too.His style is easy-going and helpful, and he doesn't assume you know more than you likely do.

The true test of a "Dummies" book, however, is how much it helps someone unfamiliar with the Mac become a more efficient and better-informed user.The book is broken down into a number of tasks, and then walks the reader through a task step by step.Playful icons guide the reader through the task, warn of potential pitfalls, clarify matters, and direct the reader to additional software or resources that may be helpful.

"Mac OS X Tiger for Dummies" will help you configure a printer, get on the internet, use cool new internet services, get the most out of the included software on your Mac, and navigate the system preferences, explaining in detail (but not too much detail to bore you) many of the customization options your Mac has available.You will learn about Spotlight and how to find anything on your Mac exceptionally quickly.You will learn about downloading and installing Widgets to complement the ones Apple provides in the default Dashboard. Dr. Mac will also explain to you the Finder and the metaphors common to the Macintosh experience (concepts such as documents, the desktop, folders, windows, icons and menus).You will get a good education on removable media, disk images, downloading things from the internet, backing up your files, and even a couple chapters on networking.

In reviewing this book, I loaned it to a couple brand new Mac users; they now own their own copies, which they purchased after enjoying my copy for a brief time.They said that "Tiger for Dummies" is a great book and helps them acclimate to the Mac, especially helping them overcome some common hang-ups or sources of confusion encountered by switchers from Windows.

My only gripe: too many bad jokes.Not enough to dock it any moose in the 5 out of 5 moose rating that I am giving it, but suffice it to say that after 400 pages, the jokes wear thin.Less jokes, more content, would be my desire for the next version.I enjoy Dr. Mac's humor, generally, but like anything else, it's best taken in moderation.

I recommend "Tiger for Dummies" to any Mac user, but especially to new users or as a gift for new Mac users in your life.Pick up a couple copies for the Mac users on your gift list!

Pros: Easy to read, well-illustrated, another fine Dummies book
Cons: Too many bad jokes.

Product Description
Mac OS X just keeps getting better! The newest cat in the pack, 10.4 Tiger, has new bells and whistles and terrific updates that make it even easier and more fun to use, which is why you won't want to miss out on the helpful guidance this book has to offer.

Written by "Dr. Mac" himself, veteran Macintosh expert Bob LeVitus, Mac OS X Tiger For Dummies is perfect whether you're brand-new to the Mac or you're a longtime Mac-thusiast. You'll find sections on

• Basic Mac usage, including keyboard and mouse, menus, windows, the Dock, saving and backing up files, and getting around OS X
• Internet ins and outs, how to print from your Mac, and the how and why of System Preferences
• How to set up a network, share files, and troubleshoot problems
• Step-by-step installation instructions for OS X, and a lot more

Bob LeVitus reaches over a million readers weekly with his "Dr. Mac" column in the Houston Chronicle, and his books have sold more than a million copies worldwide. In this one, he helps you

• Find your way around the new Finder, go Web surfing with the cool new Safari browser, and search smarter with Spotlight
• Use Preferences to personalize your system for the way you work
• Handle removable media, including CDs, DVDs, and even classic devices like zip drives
• Manage files, use file sharing, and protect your precious data -painlessly
• Take advantage of Dashboard widgets, navigate nested folders, and make the most of Tiger

With the friendly and expert advice in this book, you'll tame the Tiger in no time. Then, when you're ready to delve deeper into some of the specific applications like digital media, check out other For Dummies guides, including iLife '04 All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies (ISBN 0-7645-7347-0).

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

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

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

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Review of PC Magazine Wireless Solutions (Paperback)

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

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

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

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


A Taste of Honey

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

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

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

No strings attached! Here's how to

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

A Taste of Honey

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

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Review of MCSE Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure for Dummies (with CD-ROM, covers (Paperback)

I don't know if it is the dummies books in general or Glenn Weadock that make this a quality buy, but this book is worth it's weight in gold as far as getting past the 70-216 test.Easy reading and easy to follow.

Product Description
If you're a MCSE candidate who doesn't have a lot of time to study, this 100% accurate guide provides just what you need to pass the new "Core-Four" Exam 70-216. The CD-ROM includes a test engine that generates thousands of exam scenarios, test-prep software demos, such as Transcender, Specialized Solutions, and more.

From the Back Cover
Microsoft Certified Professional
Approved Study Guide
Your friendly guide to exam 70-216 success!

Dummies Test Engine, QuickLearn game, and more on CD-ROM

CD-ROM includes hundreds of sample exam questions!

The fun and easy way to study for the exam - all the rewards in half the time!
Here's the MCSE Windows 2000 network infrastructure test-prep guide you've been waiting for - a For Dummies book-and-software package that actually makes studying fun. Prepared by a Microsoft-certified expert, and packed with proven tips and practice exams, it's all you need to master the topic - and pass the test!

Discover how to:

• Review the material, objective by objective
• Assess what you know-and what you don't
• Spot and avoid test traps
• Answer questions quickly - and correctly
• Hone your skills on top test-prep software
• Create custom practice exams

all this on the bonus CD-ROM

• Dummies Test Engine, our exclusive, fully customizable test-prep software featuring hundreds of sample questions
• QuickLearn, an exclusive sci-fi adventure game that builds test-taking skills
• Plus an MCSE screensaver and bonus demos from SelfTestSoftware
• Plus demos from Transcender Corporation

Get Smart!

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Review of Focus On Mod Programming in Quake III Arena (The Premier Press Game Development Series) (Paperback)

The Book refers you to a web site for additional code; however, the web site does not contain any information about the book. This makes it difficult to follow the instruction.

Product Description
You've seen the cool mods that other developers have created for games like Quake. Now you're ready to try it for yourself. All you need to dive in and start designing is a copy of Quake III, a creative idea, and this book! Master the fundamental skills you'll need as you start with the basics of mod development and Quake III weapons programming. Then move on to code interaction as you begin to alter the user interface. Step into the ranks of true mod developer as you examine the development of a custom mod and cover ideas for future enhancements. Get ready to put your ideas into action!

From the Author
This is my first book, and it was both challenging and a constant learning process from start to finish. Because of the unusual circumstances that led to my becoming the author, I have many important people to thank; without them I surely wouldn't have been able to pull this off. The first of these people are Emi Smith and Estelle Manticas, two patient ladies who held my hand as I stumbled blindly.

Many of the tutorials in this book are based on the hard work of dedicated Quake III Arena fans, who took their own personal time to write up what they had discovered. My thanks go to Chris Hilton, Karl Pauls, Arthur "Calrathan" Tomlin, and Ian "HypoThermia" Jefferies at Code3Arena for their extensive help and knowledge. As well, thanks to my favorite 3D modeler and friend Dave Wolfe for his contribution in the modeling department. My passion for C programming would not exist if it weren't for the support of Dave Sausville, and so I have him to thank as well. I need to thank Thaxton Beesely, too, for it was his laptop on which a great deal of this book was written.

Special thanks go to Robi Sen, my technical editor, for believing in me enough to get me on this project. Jared Larsen provided detailed information on Q3's code, shaders, and wrote the Flag Indicator & Dynamic Spawn generating functions (all after having just welcomed a baby!), so thanks very much to him. Also, special thanks to Anthony Jacques, for providing the source to his "Domination" mod for Q3, which formed the basis of the Defend the Flag modification, handled in the last section of this book. Thanks also go to the team back at Breckenridge Communications, who dared me to write a book.

And finally, thanks especially to my wife, Julie, for her support and patience during this exciting and unpredictable project.

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Review of Macromedia Flash MX for Dummies (Paperback)

When Flash MX was released, I wanted to get myself up to speed as quickly as possible on how to use all the new features of this new version of Flash. The first book I bought-and the one I still refer to the most often-is Gurdy Leete and Ellen Finkelstein's "Flash MX for Dummies."

Flash is said to have a steep learning curve, and the pursuit of learning a little Flash to liven up one's website has been known to cause more than one otherwise sane and intelligent individual to pull out her hair in fits of frustration and despair. When I was first learning Flash, I purchased and studied a wide variety of thick (and expensive) tombs on the subject, and yet, in spite of hours of agonizing over code and techniques that I never could get to actually work, I finally discovered the clear writing of Gurdy Leete and Ellen Finkelstein. Within a week after purchasing and reading my first "Flash for Dummies" book, I created my very first movie in Flash, and I was thrilled with the end result.

"Flash MX for Dummies" contains just the right amount of clear, concise information, along with step-by-step instructions that will walk you through the creation of your first Flash movie. As you read through the book, you will feel that you have a pair of friendly and competent mentors at your side. The authors have a way of making even the most difficult concepts accessible. Their tone is warm and friendly, yet never condescending.

In addition to providing thorough coverage of the basics of learning Flash, the book also introduces a number of intermediate concepts such as using masks, importing sound and video into your Flash movie, and making use of templates. The chapter named "Getting Interactive" provides the reader with clear and easy instructions for accomplishing such advanced tasks as using the SetMask method to make a movie clip into a mask and dynamically loading music from the web. I also appreciated the section entitled, "Frequently Asked Questions" which provided crystal clear, step-by-step instructions for doing some fun things like creating a custom cursor and making "drag-and-drop" objects.

If all of this isn't enough, the book also comes with an accompanying CD that is packed with resources, including a library of vector graphics you can use in your movies, Flash movies that you can open in Flash and dissect in order to further your understanding of Flash, and even a whole library of sounds you can practice with, courtesy of SoundRangers.

Not only does this book provide you with top-notch instruction for learning Flash, but you won't have to pay an arm and a leg for it. The price of the book is less than half the price of many other books on the same subject.

The book is perfect for those just starting out in learning Flash. At the same time, it provides more experienced Flashers with a wealth of information, resources, and new ideas.I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in furthering herunderstanding of Flash. Buy the book. Then you, too, can be one happy dummy. : )

Product Description
The fun and easy way to jazz up a Web site!

Hands-on tips for creating buttons, animations, actions and more

Make Web sites come alive with movement, sound, and interactivity - no animation experience required!

With Macromedia Flash, you can transform an ordinary Web site into an interactive showplace that'll make visitors say "wow." But how do you get the hang of all those tools and techniques? Don't worry! With this friendly reference, you'll be drawing pictures, building buttons, creating animations, adding sound, setting up actions, and more - in a flash!

All this on the bonus CD-ROM

• Macromedia Dreamweaver, Fireworks, and FreeHand trial versions
• Author-created graphic shapes, designs, and images to incorporate into your own Macromedia Flash movies
• Plus Adobe Photoshop tryout version and SWiSH demo

System requirements: PC running Windows 9x/2000/Me/XP, Windows NT 4 or later; Power Macintosh running System 8.6 or later.

From the Back Cover
The fun and easy way to jazz up a Web site!

Hands-on tips for creating buttons, animations, actions and more

Make Web sites come alive with movement, sound, and interactivity - no animation experience required!

With Macromedia Flash, you can transform an ordinary Web site into an interactive showplace that'll make visitors say "wow." But how do you get the hang of all those tools and techniques? Don't worry! With this friendly reference, you'll be drawing pictures, building buttons, creating animations, adding sound, setting up actions, and more - in a flash!

All this on the bonus CD-ROM

• Macromedia Dreamweaver, Fireworks, and FreeHand trial versions
• Author-created graphic shapes, designs, and images to incorporate into your own Macromedia Flash movies
• Plus Adobe Photoshop tryout version and SWiSH demo

System requirements: PC running Windows 9x/2000/Me/XP, Windows NT 4 or later; Power Macintosh running System 8.6 or later.

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Review of MCTS: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 Configuration Study Guide: Exam 70-630 (Paperback)

I recently passed exam 70-630 (MCTS: MOSS Configuration) and this book was one of the study methods I used for preparing for the exam.Overall, this is an excellent resource for not only the exam but I found it to be a decent reference manual as well.The book covers all of the concepts you "need to know" without going into the great depths of every detail.It's easy to read and follow and retain the information.It is also they only book available specifically geared towards exam 70-630.

If you understand all of the concepts of this book and can answer the practice questions provided with it, you are more than ready for the real exam.My only critique about it is that I did not find the practice questions to be very helpful as many of them were much more detailed and more complicated than the actual exam.However, it's better to err on the side of complexity than making the practice questions too easy.

I would recommend pairing this book with a practice test vendor such as Self Test Software or Transcender and you should be successful in achieving your MCTS in MOSS Configuration.

Overall it's a very good study guide and reference book.

Product Description
Qualified SharePoint administrators are in demand, and what better way to show your expertise in this growing field than with Microsoft's new MCTS: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, Configuration certification. Inside, find everything you need to prepare for exam 70-630, including full coverage of exam topics?such as configuring content management, managing business intelligence, and more?as well as challenging review questions, real-world scenarios, practical exercises, and a CD with advanced testing software.

From the Back Cover
Prepare for Microsoft's new certification for SharePoint administrators

Qualified SharePoint administrators are in demand, and what better way to show your expertise in this growing field than with Microsoft's new MCTS: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, Configuration certification. Inside, find everything you need to prepare for exam 70-630, including full coverage of exam topics such as configuring content management, managing business intelligence, and more.

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

• Practical hands-on exercises to reinforce critical skills

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

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

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

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

FEATURED ON THE CD

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

ELECTRONIC FLASHCARDS:
Reinforce your understanding with flashcards that can run on your PC, Pocket PC, or Palm handheld.
Also on CD, you'll find the entire book in searchable and printable PDF.
Study anywhere, any time, and approach the exam with confidence.

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Review of Project Arcade: Build Your Own Arcade Machine (Paperback)

Ok, well technically its the ONLY MAME cabinet book around - but seriously this is very good.I started getting the MAME cabinet bug about a year ago, and took a stab or 2 at building some desktop controls, using the Author's website, oddly enough. Now, I have everything I need to go all the way.

The Author is serious about this, and it shows.It's very well written, and the tone feels like he is working along side you in the garage, guiding you step-by-step through the construction.

There is even a CD ROM included with tons of diagrams, construction plans, templates, and software.I haven't gotten all the way through the CD, but it is packed full of stuff.

Man, my wife is gonna kill me....

Product Description
You can go back, and here's howRemember the days-and quarters-you spent pursuing aliens, fleeing ghosts, and gobbling dots in that beloved arcade? They're hiding in these pages, along with diagrams, directions, plans, and materials lists that will enable you to build your very own arcade game. Construct joysticks, buttons, and trackballs; build the console and cabinet; install and configure the software; crank up the speakers; and wham! Step across the time-space continuum and enjoy all those classic games, plus dozens of new ones, whenever you like.Start HereIncludes diagrams, detailed instructions, essential software, and more 1. Plan for your space and budget
2. Design and build the cabinet
3. Construct the controllers
4. Build the console
5. Pick an old game's brain
6. Install the emulator
7. Convince a PC it's a game
8. Connect a monitor and speakers
9. Add a marquee
10. GO PLAY!CD-ROM Includes
Complete cabinet plans and diagrams
MAME32 software
Paint Shop Pro¿ evaluation version
Links to hundreds of arcade cabinet projects

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Review of PCs All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech)) (Paperback)

excellent book for reminding you what you have forgotten because you do not use the tool very often

Product Description
Need the scoop on Windows Vista? How about Office 2007? Anything you need to know about using your PC can probably be found in PCs All-In-One Desk Reference for Dummies, 4^th Edition.

This handy guide is made up of eight convenient minibooks, so you can find what you need in a hurry. And in case you think you've seen it before, this fourth edition is fully updated for all the newest, coolest stuff. Want a guided tour of the Vista operating system and how it differs from XP? Check out minibook #2. Have you heard about Microsoft Works but aren't sure what it's about? Find out in Book #4. Planning to network all the computers in your home? Minibook #8 is just what you need. The entire repertoire includes

• PC Hardware
• Windows Vista
• The Internet
• Microsoft Works
• Office 2007
• Fun With Movies, Music, and Photos
• Upgrading and Supercharging
• Home Networking

For all the things you probably do with your PC - browsing the Internet, e-mail, word processing, presentations, spreadsheets, organizing and sharing digital photos and video, downloading music - you'll find you can get right to the point and discover what you want to know, quickly and easily. You'll want to keep PCs All-In-One Desk Reference for Dummies, 4^th Edition handy, say on your desk, maybe?

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Review of Linux Smart Homes For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech)) (Paperback)

This book helps you to define and set up a complete home automation system. It is obviously based on the Linux operating system, and presumes that you have at least some idea about getting a Linus distribution, getting it installed and have a few development tools. The applications he discusses fit into several different categories: Entertainment, X10 controller, Weather, and of course in today's world - security.

There is a CD included with the book. It does not contain a Linux distribution, but instead several shareware programs that the home automater should find useful. These applications are all designed around Linux of course. If you should choose to automate your house using that other operating system, you don't want to use this book but instead 'Smart Homes For Dummies.'

Setting up a home system like this one is just about the ultimate in geek-dom, and very educational. Have Fun!

Product Description
A Linux smart home is about controlling and monitoring devices and information around your home using a standard personal computer, Linux, and its vast array of open source tools. You don't have to be a master programmer to create one. If you like to tinker with Linux, Linux Smart Homes For Dummies will guide you through cool home automation projects that are as much fun to work on as they are to use.

Home automation used to be limited to turning on lights and appliances, and maybe controlling your thermostat and lawn sprinkler, from your computer. While you still might not be able to create all the Jetsons' toys, today you can also

• Build a wireless network
• Create and set up a weather station
• Automate your TV and sound system
• Spy on your pets when you're not home
• Set up an answering system that knows what to do with calls
• Increase your home's security

If you know how to use Linux and a few basic development tools - Perl, the BASH shell, development libraries, and the GNU C compiler-Linux Smart Homes For Dummies will help you do all these tricks and more. For example, you can

• Discover the best sources for Linux-based home automation devices
• Set up a wireless network, create a wireless access point, build a bridge between wired and wireless networks, and route your own network traffic
• Build a personal video recorder with MythTV that will record to DVD, or set up a wireless streaming music system
• Create a smart phone system that takes messages and forwards them to your fax, modem, or answering machine
• Build a weather station that notifies you of severe weather alerts
• Control and secure your home automation network, and even check on your house when you're away

The bonus CD-ROM includes all kinds of cool open source software for your home automation projects. Linux Smart Homes For Dummies even includes lists of cool gadgets to check out and great ways to automate those boring household chores. A smart home's a happy home!

From the Back Cover
Make your home safer and more efficient with Linux

Linux home automation has never been simpler or more fun!

A smart home's a happy home! Teach yours lots of new tricks with Linux. Not only can you arrange automation for lights, appliances, and watering the lawn, you can also build your own TV recorder, pipe music throughout the house, set up a severe weather alert, and control everything from your Web browser.

Lots of open source home automation software, including:

• MisterHouse home automation server
• MythTV personal video recorder (PVR)
• OpenWrt customizable software for wireless applications
• PuTTY, a GUI-based ssh client
• Wireless networking software: ndiswrapper and wpa_supplicant
• and much more!

Discover how to

• Set up a wireless access point and build a network
• Build a software-powered smart phone system
• Control lights and appliances
• Have your house monitor the weather
• Access your home automation system online

For details and complete system requirements, see the CD-ROM appendix.

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Review of Advanced Palm Programming: Developing Real-World Applications (With CD-ROM) (Paperback)

Frequent questions I encounter while developing for the Palm platform include, how do I work with floating point numbers? How do I do graphics? How do I add an appointment or address book entry into the Palm database?If you've gone past the basics of Palm programming and have these kinds of questions, "Advanced Palm Programming" is for you.

For example, when I wrote a calculator program, I wish I had the chapter on floating point conversion and formatting. The PalmOS is designed to be compact and efficient and therefore, doesn't support floating point very well.Mann and Rischpater present routines with 15 digit precision, localization, and left and right alignment.

Regarding graphics, the authors discuss bitmaps, and panning and zooming techniques.If you're looking for sample video games, you'll have to look elsewhere.The authors frame their discussion with mapping software.

The chapter on reading from and writing to Palm's native databases (address, datebook, todo, memo) is interesting.While some developers have done this by studying Palm's source code (like myself), the authors offer an alternative API they call a property interface.This API hides the internal details, simplifies the task, and generally saves time.If Palm changes the underlying database schema, the API will isolate those changes and prevent your code from breaking.But you will have to depend on the authors to update their API, or know enough of the internals to update it yourself.I haven't worked with the API enough to render a verdict.There is one other way to write to Palm's address, datebook, and todo database that the authors did not mention: use the vCalendar and vCard format.These public formats, however, are no help when it comes to reading the databases.

The book covers many other advanced topics so be sure to check out the table of contents. Most of the examples require Palm OS 3.1, Codewarrior 6, and the Palm SDK 3.5.Unix and the gcc toolchain are not used in this book.Nevertheless, the writing is clear, as are the examples, so developers on Unix can still benefit.

Product Description
Graduate to the next level of Palm programming

Advanced Palm™ Programming Professional Developer's Guide

If you've been looking for an expert guide to Palm programming that goes beyond the basics, here it is. This book shows you how to create real-world applications that will put you at the forefront of development for the most rapidly growing OS in handheld computing. Pioneering Palm software developers Mann and Rischpater walk you through the source code for their programming examples, teaching you both about algorithms that solve problems specific to the Palm OS and more general purpose application-level programs. In stand-alone chapters designed for easy reference, they provide:

• A practical modest-precision trigonometric library
• Routines for floating-point data entry, formatting, and conversion
• An application to create Palm database (PDB) files on the desktop
• Map display applications with rich graphics support
• Simple yet powerful global searching techniques for Palm devices
• Guidance for building a transport-independent communications API
• Solutions for quickly accessing records in large databases
• Debugging techniques for the Palm OS

The CD-ROM contains complete source code for all the programming samples in the book.

Professional Developer's Guides The Professional Developer's Guide series provides the first in-depth look at recent or emerging programming technologies. Experienced programmers and developers will find comprehensive coverage of new programming standards as well as code, sample programs, developer's tools, and applications that will make learning a new programming language much easier.

About the Author
STEVE MANN, bestselling author of Programming Applications with WAP (Wiley), is President of Creative Digital Publishing, a leading provider of technical information and software for the handheld and mobile computing industries. Mann released the first freeware application for Palm and is the creator of the most widely distributed Palm travel application, WorldFAQ .™ He is also the former publisher and editor of Handheld Systems magazine. RAY RISCHPATER is a consultant and writer formerly at Sun and Spyglass who participated in the development of Internet technologies for the Palm OS and other handheld devices. Rischpater has written for such publications as Handheld Systems, CQ VHF, and Apple's Develop.

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Review of Fix Your Own PC (Paperback)

This book covers everything you need to repair, maintain or upgrade a personal computer.The textcovers legacy and more recent hardware.It's informative and is enhanced with plenty of photos and charts to makecomputer repair/upgrading easier for both veteran and novice.I built mycomputer using this book.The appendices include trouble-shooting flowcharts, lists of companies selling what you need and lists of valuablesoftware utilities available, amoung other items.It even covers all youneed to know about peripherals.In the four months since I've purchasedit, it's proven to be an invailuable reference.



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Review of Palm OS Game Programming (Premier Press Game Development Series) (Paperback)

I should have believed the two readers who rated this book with
2 stars. I'm not sure if they found the same errors that I have
found below but I don't think my debug-ROMs on POSE with all
debug options turned on lied to me.

I bought the book based on its Table of Contents.What a fool
I've been!

I tested the first example Chapter3.prc and it gave the
following error after I tapped any of the launchers :

"Found 3 memory leaks for Chapter3(unknown version) Information

concering the leaks can be found in the log file."

Chapter4.prc ran ok.

Chapter6.prc's animated sheep application ran but again when I
tap any of the application launchers:

"Found 12 memory leaks for Chapter6(unknown version). Information
concerning the leaks can be found in the log file."

Chapter7.prc = "Found 31 memory leaks..."

Chapter8.prc ran but provided no way out. Tapping or pressing
the application launcher and hard buttons can't exit the program.

Chapter9's Elastic.prc & Inelastic.prc = "Found 13 memory leaks..."

Chapter10.prc = "Found 19 memory leaks..."

Chapter12.prc = "Chapter12(unknown version) called SysFatalAlert
with the message "DataMgr.c, Line 3362, Null dbID passed".

The book is hypocrital in the sense that it says to turn ON ALL
debugging options and yet I feel the author turned his OFF when
he developed the applications in the book.

Plus the makefile doesn't work using GCC! I assume the makefile
is specific to one of the proprietary tools he used.

I'll still read this book for the theory but I will definitely
write my own game engine. I can't trust his engine.

Next time, I won't buy books with reviews/ratings split two
ways. I wish I could return this book but I can't since
returning it to Amazon will be a costly excercise on my part.

Product Description
To the average person, a Palm OS PDA is merely a handy calendar and address book. As a game programmer, however, you see its potential as much more than that. You see a device ready to be programmed with an array of exciting games. This book shows you how you can accomplish just that. Beginning with a detailed discusion of how the OS works, you will soon be writing your own programs as you learn about loading and drawing bitmaps, physics, Artificial Intelligence, and many advanced concepts of Palm OS programming. Before beginning, you will need to have a working knowledge of C and C++ as well as some experience using a Palm device, although experience programming a Palm is not required. As you progress though the book, you will develop a game framework that you can use as you create your own games in the future.

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