Review of Computer Programming for Teens (Paperback)

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Learning!

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

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

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Review of AutoCAD 2008 3D Modeling Workbook For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech)) (Paperback)

Yes it's a Dummy book and as such doesn't assume much on the reader's part so if you're already pretty advanced and up to date with AutoCAD 3D Modeling then save your money.On the other hand, if you only want or need to get up to speed on R2008's interface and 3D features, the 3D Modeling Workbook is probably just what you are looking for.It's not going to teach you how to create sophisticated, photo-real models but by the time you are finished you will know and be able to use virtually all of the commands and tools AutoCAD provides for 3D modeling.Add your talent and skill and you're good to go.

One warning:While the exercises are generally short and sweet, they are numerous so be prepared to spend a couple of hours on each chapter (23 total) as they are true substance of the book.

Product Description

• AutoCAD 2007 features a new 3D rendering engine that greatly enhances the program's 3D functionality-and makes this industry-standard drafting program even more difficult to master, even for veteran users
• This focused For Dummies workbook gives people the practice they need to get up to speed on the new 3D features, with dozens of problems and step-by-step solutions for modeling, shadowing, and lighting
• Topics covered by the problems include 2D geometric construction, 3D solid modeling, 3D surface modeling, rendering and imaging, dimensioning and drafting, and model interchange
• Used by architects, engineers, and draftspeople, AutoCAD is the #1 computer-aided design (CAD) software in the world, with an installed base of 6.7 million users
• The accompanying DVD provides videos that illustrate select problems and solutions presented in the workbook

From the Back Cover
Conquer the complexities of AutoCAD 3D modeling

Mastering AutoCAD is no picnic, and using it for 3D modeling is among the toughest challenges. This unique workbook offers over one hundred exercises that lead you skill by skill toward AutoCAD 3D success. You get the hands-on practice you need to tackle everything from solid and surface modeling to rendering and plotting-all reinforced with video walkthroughs on the companion DVD.

See How To

• Transition from 2D to 3D

• Model solids using primitives, extrusions, and sweeps

• Tackle complex surface modeling

• Visualize and render designs

• Plot, import, or export 3D designs

All this on the bonus DVD

• Video walkthroughs demonstrate more than 60 AutoCAD 3D modeling techniques

• 140 demonstration files to accompany the book's exercises

• Trial version of AutoCAD 2008

• System requirements: Please see the DVD appendix for details and complete system requirements.

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Review of PgMP: Program Management Professional Exam Study Guide (Paperback)

I'm a trainer in the fields of project management and program management and have found this book as the best not only for PgMP exam preparation but also for learning the basics of program management.
First, for the PgMP Exam:
The best strength of this book is that it follows and covers the official exam specifications by PMI very closely and thoroughly. Yes, if you have time you can go through different references such as, Program Management Standard (which you should go through any way), and relevant parts of other references such asPMBOK Guide 3rd Edition, OPM3 model doc, and some other references to learn the material covered by the PgMP exam as specified in the exam specifications. You can take the relevant pieces of information from these different resources and references and put them together, but it will take a lot of effort. This book integrates these pieces of information together in a seamless fashion. So, it's a great time saver.
Bottom line: this book gives you the body of knowledge that the exam covers. That siad, no book can be a substitute for your experience. To pass the PgMP exam, you need the body of knowledge presented in this book PLUS your experience.
Second, the program management:
I agree with another reviewer that this is the first real book on program management (other than the program management standard, of course) that clearly distinguishes program management from project management and presents the relationship between them in a clear way. The basic concepts of program management are explained in a very clear way and the author offers comprehensive coverage in a cohesive fashion. I love the author's style of presentation. It makes learning easier and fun.



Product Description
In this book, best selling author, Paul Sanghera, offers cohesive, concise, yet comprehensive coverage of all the topics included in the PgMP exam. With a laser sharp focus on the exam objectives, the Study Guide goes beyond just being an "exam cram." The material is presented in a logical learning sequence: a section builds upon previous sections and a chapter on previous chapters. All concepts, simple and complex, are defined and explained when they appear the first time. There is no hopping from topic to topic and no technical jargon without explanation. Because no prior knowledge of program management is assumed, this book will be useful for both: those new to program management, as well as individuals with years of experience. Although the primary purpose of the book is to help you pass the PgMP exam, it will also serve as a great reference for the program managers before and after the exam.

Special Features:

• Hundreds of review questions with fully explained answers
• A complete practice exam with fully explained answers
• The real world scenarios to help you deal with the program management issues in the real world and also to answer the scenario based questions in the exam
• Notes and tips to highlight the crucial points
• Exam's Eye View section at the end of each chapter to emphasize the important points from the exam's perspective
• Key Terms section at the end of each chapter that lists the important terms and concepts introduced in the chapter along with their definitions
• The exam objectives fully explained before their coverage in each chapter

From the Back Cover
The leading test prep book on the market for the new PgMP certification exam

Take charge of your career with a new certification that proves that you can lead the management of multiple projects in the workplace. This comprehensive book prepares you for the all-new Program Management Professional (PgMP) certification exam developed by the Project Management Institute (PMI), the same organization that administers the popular Project Management Professional (PMP) exam. Inside this practical test prep guide, you'll find key concepts and terms, case studies, review questions, and much more, including:

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

• Practical hands-on exercises to reinforce critical skills

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

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

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

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

Look inside for complete coverage of all exam objectives.

Featured on the CD

SYBEX TEST ENGINE:
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 the 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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