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 FileMaker Pro Business Applications: For versions 8 and 8.5 (Paperback)

Just popped on to Amazon to see what other books are for Filemaker Pro and thought I would check the rating of the book I am currently using.

Lets me describe the book by chapters:
1: Describing a DDB
2: Other Filemaker products you can buy
3: Installing the program and viewing existing DDB records.
4: Starting to build a DDB, making fields, adding tables, and lists
5: Different types of fields; text, number, date, calculation....
6: Layout types, standard, columnar, table, label
7: Relational Database Design. How to make relationships
8: Calculation fields
9 Using script maker
10: Planning a business solution

11-22: Part two (starting at page 143), each chapter describes one of the authors DDB's and how he made it. The problem is he says, `put a portal here' but does not tell you how, or how to actually get the data to pop into the windows the way you need it to. He leaves out critical details that prevent you from creating something.

Part III (have not read this part yet)
Deployment options
Server 8
Security issues
Getting Data into and out of
FM with other applications
Web publishing

Ch. 7 was the only chapter that was of any use to me!
The book:
Does not describe very well when or why to use various things (portals, look-ups),
I can not figure out how to make a Portal that works properly
I can not figure out how to make a Look-up that works properly
I had to download one of the authors DDB's and dissect it to figure out how to make a relationship work properly.

I'm buying another book!
Rob

Product Description
The ability to manage information is the key to businesses thriving in an increasingly competitive market. With FileMaker® Pro Business Applications, small business owners and workgroup managers can find out how to write custom database applications in order to add value to critical business information. After demonstrating how easily a database can be written using FileMaker Pro, this book presents a set of 11 business database case studies, all of which can be easily adapted by readers for their own data management requirements. The final section of the book offers ideas on deploying database solutions over a network and the web.Learn how to: Build a database and design layouts. Create relationships between tables. Automate tasks using scripts and buttons. Secure data through the use of accounts and privileges. Exchange data with other applications.

About the Author
Arthur W. Evans has been designing database solutions for business, government, education, and charity sector clients using FileMaker for over 16 years, having first used FileMaker to analyze coastal erosion rates around the UK for his doctoral thesis. He has helped clients ranging in size from one-person bands to the United Nations add value to business information using FileMaker Pro, and has also written training materials and technical papers for FileMaker, Apple, and Claris. His professional practice, AWE Consultancy, is a member of the FileMaker Solutions Alliance and has offices in London and Northern Ireland.

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Review of Introduction to Relational Databases [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

This is an excellent book.The explanations are clear, to the point, and illustrated by great examples.The only book I've ever seen that explains relational database design clearly AND shows how to implement it in Oracle.Outstanding!Best purchase I've made in a long time.

Product Description
This text provides hands-on instruction to relational database design and management using Oracle examples. The proven format features step-by-step tutorials, end-of-chapter reviews, practice questions, key term lists, and lab projects.

From the Back Cover
Essential IT Skills for On-the-Job Success

Learn to use a database to transform vast amounts of information into orderly, correlated data. Introduction to Relational Databases and SQL Programming introduces fundamental database concepts, then teaches you how to store, retrieve, and manipulate data and how to use SQL and PL/SQL. Using Oracle9i as an example, the book offers hands-on tutorials and exercises, including the Clapham Specialty Store case study, so you can apply your skills to real-world business scenarios.Inside this book, you will learn how to:

• Work with key database components--tables, rows, records, columns, and fields
• Store and retrieve data
• Perform advanced data manipulation
• Control SQL*Plus
• Apply Oracle SQL built-in functions
• Determine when to use an index
• Create PL/SQL programs
• Read data models
• Design a database structure
• Normalize your database and correct data anomalies
• Analyze data quality issues

Each chapter includes:

• Learning Objectives
• Many Figures and Illustrations
• Clapham Specialty Store Case
• Step-by-Step Tutorials
• Real-World Examples
• Cross Check Exercises
• Inside Information Sidebars
• Helpful Notes, Tips, and Warnings
• Chapter Summaries and Key Term Lists
• End-of-Chapter Quizzes and Lab Projects

CD-ROM includes trial version of Oracle 9i Standard Edition

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Review of MSDE Bible (Paperback)

I don't understand, why do you write a book that contains nothing but information about SQL Server, and call it MSDE bible? In my opinion just trying to sell copies of a rehash of other ideas. I bought this book in hopes of really learning the best way to do things in MSDE without the benefit of the GUI Enterprise Manager in SQL Server. Well in a word this book does not even come close. There is one puny little chapter on SQLDMO which leaves much to be desired. To say the least I am extremely irritated that they 'show you how to do this in MSDE by explaning how to do it in Enterprise Manager in SQL Server.' Does anyone else find that odd? I mean please if I wanted to know how to do something in SQL Server I would have bought a SQL Server book, instead I feel like I have been duped into buying a book that is misrepresentative of its contents. Do not waste your money, this book will not help you learn MSDE.

Product Description
Developers, programmers, software architects, technical managers, and technical support staff who work with MSDE (Microsoft Data Engine) applications will all benefit from this book, which guides you through everything from installation and configuration of MSDE to administration and deployment.

Some of the topics covered in this reference include: the MSDE architecture; database structures; data retrieval and modification; database administration; securing MSDE applications; database monitoring and maintenance; and packaging SQL in stored procedures.

The CD-ROM included with the book contains all the example code.

From the Back Cover
If MSDE can do it, you can do it too… If you're a developer, programmer, software architect, or technical support person in an environment using MSDE applications, you'll benefit from this book. Providing comprehensive coverage of MSDE's features, this guide demonstrates how to make the most of this database engine using SQL Server Enterprise Manager, Access 2000, SQL commands, Visual Studio®, and DMO. Plus, you'll get pointers on providing scalable database solutions, securing your applications, monitoring and maintaining your databases, and more! Inside, you'll find complete coverage of Microsoft® SQL Server 2000 Desktop Engine

• Determine when and why to use MSDE
• Install and configure MSDE
• Understand the MSDE architecture and database structures
• Build custom applications
• Implement security features
• Deploy and administer MSDE applications
• Retrieve and modify data
• Monitor and maintain databases
• Migrate existing solutions that use Microsoft Jet Database Engine

The CD-ROM includes all example code from the book Shareware programs are fully functional, free trial versions of copyrighted programs. If you like particular programs, register with their authors for a nominal fee and receive licenses, enhanced versions, and technical support. Freeware programs are free, copyrighted games, applications, and utilities. You can copy them to as many PCs as you like-free-but they have no technical support.

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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 FoxTales: Behind the Scenes at Fox Software [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

Recently, I read Mr. Nietz's book while on vacation and found it to be very interesting and hard to put down.Within a couple of days I was finished with the book.This book is for all audiences and you don't need a degree in computers to enjoy it.I highly recommend this book and I look forward to reading other books by Kerry in the future.

Product Description
This memoir of Fox Software details the company's growth from a college professor's side project to a 300-employee organization before its acquisition by Microsoft for $160 million in the early 1990s. Recounted are the triumphs and struggles that the development team went through as they learned how to build personal computer database software that eventually became best-of-breed and trounced the competition. Former employee Kerry Nietz describes his interview at Fox, his job offer, his first days as a rookie programmer, and the tumultuous events of the late 1980s and early 1990s, including the lawsuit filed by Ashton-Tate and the merger/acquisition by Microsoft. Recounted are the varied personalities on the team, including the sometimes off-the-wall management team, and how the outside world appeared to a group of developers who spent their lives staring at computer screens, trying to ship another batch of code.


About the Author
Kerry Nietz worked as one of the six key software developers at Fox Software until the day the company was acquired by Microsoft. He lives in Warren, Ohio.


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Review of Microsoft Agent Software Development Kit (Microsoft Professioal Editions) (Paperback)

This is a pretty good book if you use it for reference only. Its definitely not a tutorial or good at explaining the workings of agent. Pretty skimpy on the code examples. The exact content of this book isavailable for free on microsoft web site, I'm sorry I had to pay to findthis out.

Product Description
This is a comprehensive tutorial and reference for corporate developers, Webmasters, and ISVs, particular game developers and features the newest version of the Software Development Kit for Microsoft Agent.

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