Review of FileMaker Pro 8.5 Bible (Paperback)

I purchased this book in the expectation that it would expand on FMP's online help.However, I was disappointed in that it only covers the basics, doesn't add to what's available in FMP's online help.Index insufficient to quickly access information sought.Lacks sufficient examples of applications.

Product Description
FileMaker Pro 8.5 Bible provides step-by-step procedures for using virtually all FileMaker Pro features and performing all tasks. This best-selling volume has been updated to reflect Version 8.5, the latest version of FileMaker Pro workgroup database. Applicable to both the Mac and Windows versions of FileMaker Pro, this Bible shows readers how to create and work with databases and includes detailed ScriptMaker (scripting) explanations for automating FileMaker. Other topics covered include calculations and computations; data exchange; creating and using templates; linking databases; using FileMaker in workgroups; Web publishing; plug-ins; and advanced database connectivity.

About the Author
Dennis R. Cohen has been developing software and writing about it since the late 1970s. Starting in the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Deep Space Network (DSN), through stints at Ashton-Tate, Claris, and Aladdin Systems, he was involved in creating and maintaining such packages as the DSN Station Scheduling System, dBASE III, dBASE Mac, FileMaker, ClarisWorks, Claris Resolve, and many others.
During this time, Dennis wrote numerous articles appearing in a variety of different publications, including Personal Computing, Macintosh Today, Macworld, and MacTutor. The author (or co-author) of over a dozen books, including AppleWorks 6 Bible, AppleWorks 6 For Dummies, Mac OS X Bible, iLife Bible, Teach Yourself Visually iLife '04, FileMaker Pro 7 Bible, The Xcode 2 Book (all Wiley), and Mac Digital Photography (Sybex), Dennis has also been the technical editor for over 100 titles, including all editions of FileMaker Pro Bible prior to FileMaker Pro 7 Bible.
Dennis resides in Sunnyvale, California, with his best friend-a Boston terrier named Spenser. You can find out more about him at his Web site at http://homepage.mac.com/drcohen.

In 1978, Dr. Steven Schwartz bought his first microcomputer, a new Apple II+. Determined to find a way to make money with it, he began writing software reviews, BASIC programs, and user tips for Nibble magazine. Shortly thereafter, he was made a contributing editor.
Over the past 20 years, Steve has written hundreds of articles for more than a dozen computer magazines. He currently writes for Macworld magazine. He was also a founding editor of Software Digest as well as a business editor for MACazine.
From 1985 to 1990, he was the director of technical services for Funk Software. Steve is the author of more than 40 books, including all editions of Macworld ClarisWorks/AppleWorks Bible and the FileMaker Pro Bible (Wiley); Running Microsoft Office 2001 (Microsoft Press); Visual QuickStart Guide for Internet Explorer 5 for Windows, Internet Explorer 5 for Macintosh, Entourage 2001 for Macintosh, CorelDraw 10 for Windows, and Office v.X for Macintosh (Peachpit Press); and dozens of popular game strategy guides.
Steve has a Ph.D. in psychology and presently lives in the fictional town of Lizard Spit, Arizona, where he writes books and complains about the heat. His official Web site is www.siliconwasteland.com.

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Review of OCP Oracle Database 10g: New Features for Administrators Exam Guide (Osborne ORACLE Press Series) (Paperback)

I previoulsy reviewed this book back in December 2004 (see below my previous opinion on the book). The book is good for the certification exam and has some relevant information you need to know for the exam. I was just disappointed about the amount of errors in the book. If you notice those errors you are fine.

I took my exam today (Tuesday January 25, 2005) and score 51/61. The reason I came back to update my review is to give some credit to this book. I would admit that I learnt from this book. But I did not rely on this book alone. I also used the Sybex study guide and the OOD (Oracle Online Documentation). All of three provided me a valuable assistance in studying for the exams. The practice exam questions in the Oracle Press Book and the Sybex Study guide were helpful and I did not have to buy a practice exam software.

My advice for the exam: make sure you understand clearly the following concepts: ASM, Datapump architecture, Materialized Views, Security Policy,Index with partitions, and Advisory Framework. I was heavily tested in those areas.


December 24, 2004 (review)
I agree with most of reviewers about the amount of errors in the books. Only people who read without paying attention to the contents and not following the logic will have a hard time finding those errors. I bought this book because of the author reputation since I read one of his books before. I would say that Sam Alapati is an expert in Database area, not doubt about it. But the book was written in a hasty approach with the goal to grab the market share before the competitors. I strongly believe the book is still useful. Beside the typos and some misleading errors, the book has very important information you need to know for the exam. It just gives you a lot of work to double check every thing.

I will admit that I was surprised by the first two reviews written back in November 2004. At that time I already went through about 3 chapters of the oracle press book and started seeing those mistakes in the book. I was struck by the fact that they were praising the book without mentionning those mistakes in the book.

As I always do, I don't use one source to prepare for the exam. I bought both oracle press books and sybex study guide at the same time. I have to switch to the sybex book due to those frustating mistakes you have to check all the time. So far I feel pretty comfortable with the sybex study guide. I already went through the entire sybex book and going through it for the second time.
I am planning to go back to the oracle press book too before I go take the exam. The exam questions in the oracle press are OK but not the best.

I don't know if I will recommend this book to anyone but it is just matter of choice. I don't regret buying it and I am planning to keep it around.

I give 3 stars.
Good luck!!!

Product Description
The only study guide in the market for those taking the Oracle Database 10g: New Features for Administrators exam!

From the Back Cover

A Comprehensive, Fully Integrated Study System

Prepare for the Oracle Certified Professional Oracle Database 10g New Features for Administrators exam with help from this exclusive Oracle Press guide. Get complete coverage of all topics on the upgrade exam, including installation, configuration, application tuning, database management, backup and recovery, security, and more. In each chapter, you'll find examples, practice questions, lab questions, a two-minute drill, and a chapter summary to highlight what you've learned. This book and CD-ROM package is the most comprehensive preparation tool available for this OCP exam.

• Ideal as both an exam guide and an on-the-job Oracle Database 10g DBA reference
• All official Oracle OCP objectives for exam 1Z0-040 are covered in detail
• Exam Readiness checklist at the front of the book--you're ready for the exam when all objectives on the list are checked off
• Two-minute drills reinforce knowledge
• Inside the Exam sections highlight key exam topics covered
• 300+ simulated exam questions match the format, topics, and difficulty of the real exam

CD contains two interactive practice exams that simulate the actual OCP exam questions and include detailed answers and explanations. Score report performance assessment tool and ebook are also included.

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Review of MySQL: Essential Skills (Paperback)

One of the first questions you have to ask is: why a book on MySQL when the MySQL site provides such a comprehensive training instruction? The authors answer this very succinctly: the training manual is almost incomprehensible to anyone coming to MySQL new. I downloaded it and looked at it--they're right, it is!
So, I came to this new book with no knowledge of MySQL but with experience of teaching myself other software from books. This is the clearest and most interesting training manual I've seen for a long time. It started by explaining some of the fundamentals: the difference between open source and proprietary software and how to download the software you've chosen. Every step is accompanied by crisp screen captures and a clear explanation. What I particularly like is that the author gives the impression that she is carrying out the actions at the same time you are, so when faults and problems occur, she's found the same thing and talks you through. It's so refreshing after the number of times I've tried something from other books and not found the result I'm supposed to.
The layout of the pages is particularly pleasing, with a tips section, projects to work though and self-tests to ensure you've grasped the knowledge in each chapter. As a training specialist, I found this book a lesson in the correct use of the principles of training design.
What really made this book stand out for me as something new and different was the example that is used throughout to explain the principles of the database design: a company making clothes for pet ducks. It's so whimsical and amusing; you can't help but romp though the exercises. Who says learning coding can't be fun?
If you want to take your web site to the next level with interactive databases; if you want to learn how to design these powerful databases, then I highly recommend this crisp, clear and well-written book.

Product Description
An introductory look into the most popular open source database. Get step-by-step instruction from installing MySQL, manipulating it, and basic reporting, to advanced reporting, interfacing programs, and backups. An accessible introduction to a powerful database, featuring progress checks, exercises, and Ask the Experts sections in each chapter.

From the Back Cover

Fundamentals Made Easy. Get Your MySQL Database Up and Running with Ease

Set up a MySQL database on Windows or Linux with help from this step-by-step beginner's guide. Learn to design and create a database with tables, load data into your tables, and generate basic and advanced reports. You'll also get details on how to administer, secure, and back up your database, and import data from other programs. Plus, learn to use PHP for dynamic web pages and MySQL web interfaces. Get started in no time with today's most popular open source database and take advantage of all the features MySQL database server has to offer.

Designed for Easy Learning:

• Modules--Each concept is divided into logically organized modules (chapters), ideal for self-paced learning
• Critical Skills--Each module opens with the specific skills covered in the module
• Mastery Checks--End-of-module reviews test knowledge using short-answer, multiple-choice, and fill-in-the-blank questions
• Ask the Experts--Q&A sections throughout are filled with bonus information and helpful tips
• Progress Checks--Quick self-assessment sections check your progress
• Projects--Practical exercises show how to apply the critical skills learned in each module

Dr. John W. Horn is a recognized MySQL lecturer and trainer with Interstate Software LLC.Michael Grey is an IT professional, trainer, and writer who provides courseware development for Interstate Software, LLC.Interstate Software is the only gold-level partner with MySQL AB, the commercial MySQL company founded by the creators of the MySQL database server. Interstate Software provides authorized MySQL training and consulting.

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