Review of Windows XP Headaches: How to Fix Common (and Not So Common) Problems in a Hurry (Paperback)

No big secrets here, but it sure makes it easier to do things with XP than the program help files.

Product Description
Windows XP Headaches is the ultimate resource for fast and effective troubleshooting. From taskbar troubles to aggravating security issues this solutions-packed guide helps you identify the symptom and quickly diagnose and treat the problem--and even helps to alleviate migraine-causing problems like system crashes, installation issues, and boot failures.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Windows XP Headaches: How to Fix Common (and Not So Common) Problems in a Hurry (Paperback)

Review of Hardening Network Infrastructure (Paperback)

Practical, hands-on 'guide' to securing your environment. Even includes securing those pesky wireless network upstarts! Very nuts-&-bolts. Real world applications, as shown by Mr. Noonan's inclusion of various network equipment and its operations. From implementations of firewall ACLs, AAA, routers & switches command line/GUI consoles, to deployment of VLANs, DMZs and intrusion detection systems - this book has got it all!!! No network admin should not have this on their book shelf!

Product Description
Bulletproof your system before you are hacked! From the publisher of the international best-seller, Hacking Exposed, here is a brilliant new offering written with a passion for security that will help you make the necessary upgrades and take the essential steps to secure your network infrastructure. The concise and consistent approach breaks down security into logical parts, giving you actions to take immediately, information on hardening your system from the top down, and finally when to go back and make further upgrades.

From the Back Cover
"This book is invaluable to anyone facing the challenges of security in a business environment." --Paul D. Robertson, Moderator of Firewall-Wizards and Director of Risk Assessment, TruSecure Corporation A Note From Series Editor: "I first got to know Wesley Noonan through a common newsgroup. His insightful and technical comments stuck with me, and I finally met him at a conference several years later. Wes has the gift to present network security in a concise, well-reasoned way--easy for everyone to understand regardless of their security or networking knowledge. His writing style reflects his congenial presentation manner and his knowledge, and his eagerness to share his expertise is exceptional. Wes's guide to hardening your network infrastructure provides the step-by-step how-to approach that you need to build, deploy, and maintain a security defense. I've read every word; you will not be disappointed." --Roberta BraggFeatures a four-part hardening methodology:

*Do This Now!--Checklist of immediate steps to take to lockdown your system from further attack

*Take It From The Top--Systematic approach to hardening your perimeter and internal network

infrastructure, focusing on firewalls, IDS/IPS, network content filtering, wireless LAN connections,

routers, and switches

*Once Is Never Enough!--Ongoing monitoring and assessment plan to keep your network secure, including

patch management and auditing

*How to Succeed at Hardening Your Network Infrastructure--Strategies for getting budget approval,

management buy-in, and employee cooperation for your security program

Click Here to see more reviews about: Hardening Network Infrastructure (Paperback)

Review of Extreme Exploits: Advanced Defenses Against Hardcore Hacks (Hacking Exposed) (Paperback)

Here is the thing - I am giving this book a high score (4) since it contains unique and fun content related to network infrastructure attacks and defenses, which I have not seen anywhere else. In my view, the good stuff justifies such score, although I suspect that some other reviewers will sledgehammer the book for having too much of routine material covered in other previous books, including the venerable Hacking Exposed.

While I had a general idea of how providers mitigate DDoS attacks, I did not know the specifics of unicast reverse-path forwarding method, described in the book. Similarly, I picked up a lot of material of setting up sinkholes for dropping traffic (and, more specifically, how they are better than ACLs in many cases).

From other topics, I liked their coverage on the evolution of DMZ from simple designs of years past to current security zone design.

The book also presents a lot of up-to-date material, such as the coverage of security information management (SIM), vulnerability management and recent security standards, such as CVSS. It doesn't go into details in some places where I'd wanted it to, but still is interesting to read.

On the other hand, some chapters are disappointing and seem to be in the book for it to appear "comprehensive". Forensics chapter is one of those (it is also mistakenly called "Exploiting Forensics", while no exploitation is taking place)

I recommend the book for most people, from beginners to advanced, since the former will enjoy the breadth of coverage while the latter will likely benefit from the network infrastructure protection (and devastation, of course!) tips. In addition, defense checklists in the end of each chapter are useful for those who do not have time to go and study the material in-depth. The book is slightly biased towards the defense side, with good coverage of the attacking side as well.

Dr Anton Chuvakin, GCIA, GCIH, GCFA is a recognized security expert and book author. In his current role as a Security Strategist with netForensics, a security information management company, he is involved with defining future features and conducting security research.A frequent conference speaker, he also represents the company at various security meetings and standard organizations. He is an author of a book "Security Warrior" and a contributor to "Know Your Enemy II", "Information Security Management Handbook" and the upcoming "Hacker's Challenge 3".Anton also published numerous papers on a broad range of security subjects. In his spare time he maintains his security portal at info-secure.organd a blog at O'Reilly"


Product Description
This cutting-edge volume takes network security professionals to the next level in protecting networks and web sites. Never-before-published advanced security techniques and concise explanations of core Internet infrastructure explain how to defend against devastating vulnerabilities in systems and the underlying network.With the authors' winning methodology for attack profiling and the theatre of war concept, you'll learn how to architect and prepare your network for threats that don't yet exist.
By explaining specific in-depth technologies in use by not only the attackers, but also inside the applications they target, this book enables the reader to make better use of the tools available today, and to design new tools, techniques, and operational policies for the future.

From the Back Cover

Protect your network and web sites from malicious attacks with help from this cutting-edge guide. Extreme Exploits is packed with never-before-published advanced security techniques and concise instructions that explain how to defend against devastating vulnerabilities in software and network infrastructure. This book gives you detailed analyses of modern threats and their solutions along with checklists for developing defenses. You'll also be introduced to a winning methodology for custom vulnerability assessments including attack profiling and the theatre of war concept. Through in-depth explanations of underlying technologies, you'll learn to prepare your network and software from threats that don't yet exist. This is a must-have volume for anyone responsible for network security.

• Secure your critical domain name system (DNS) infrastructure
• Ensure reliable Internet connectivity amidst a myriad of attacks
• Implement effective intrusion detection and prevention technologies
• Prevent e-mail abuse using advanced filtering, encryption, and other methods
• Stop data theft and egress exploitation by altering packet filtering rules
• Defend against viruses, worms, bots, Trojans, and other malicious code
• Use IP sinkholes and backscatter analysis to trap and gain knowledge from scanning and infiltration attempts
• Secure wireless networks using a variety of technologies
• Create a customized vulnerability assessment methodology for your organization
• Use proven digital forensics techniques to investigate attacks
• Learn to protect your software from little-known vulnerabilities

About the Authors:Victor Oppleman is an accomplished author, speaker, and patent-holder in the field of network security and a specialized consultant to some of the world's most admired companies.His open source software is used by thousands of engineers worldwide. Oliver Friedrichs is a Senior Manager in Symantec Security Response, the organization responsible for the delivery of anti-virus definitions, intrusion detection updates, and early warning technologies within Symantec. Mr. Friedrichs also co-founded SecurityFocus and Secure Networks.Brett Watson has 17 years experience in networks and security for some of the world's largest Internet Service Providers and enterprise networks. He holds a patent for one of the first large-scale content distribution platforms known as Hopscotch.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Extreme Exploits: Advanced Defenses Against Hardcore Hacks (Hacking Exposed) (Paperback)

Review of Sun Certified Enterprise Architect for J2EE Study Guide (Exam 310-051) (Paperback)

I bought this book despite the other poor reviews on amazon.I was hopeful that the other reviewers were just being too harsh.But after reading the first couple chapters, it became clear that the other reviewers were being charitable.This book is filled with errors and is poorly organized.
The worst error I've spotted is on p16.The book says that "The current version of the SCEA exam tests your knowledge of J2EE 1.3 API."In fact, at the time I'm writing this review, and certainly at the time they wrote the book, the current version of the exam is still testing the J2EE 1.2 API.That is pretty bad when the course authors don't even know which version of J2EE they should be writing about.It also would be quite detrimental and confusing to readers who would assume they should be studying topics that were added in the J2EE 1.3 version.
In many places, the book also does not seem to be well synched with the topics, approach, and vocabulary of the exam.Some chapters seemed almost irrelevant to the exam.
If you buy this book, you should only consider it a supplement to help give you a general idea of what you need to study.I would suggest doing most of your studying with other books or resources.

Product Description
The only classroom-based training and self-assessment system! This study guide provides 100% complete coverage of all objectives for the Sun Certified Architect for J2EE exam. Based on 300,000+ hours of IT training experience, the book contains hundreds of practice exam questions and hands-on exercises. The CD-ROM features full practice exam software with interactive tutorials and lab simulations, plus an adaptive test engine.

From the Back Cover

The Only Certification Study System Based on 300,000+ Hours of IT Training Experience

• 100% Complete Coverage--All official test objectives for the Enterprise Architect for J2EE exam are covered in detail
• Hands-on Exercises--Step-by-step instruction modeled after classroom labs
• Exam Watch--Warnings based on thorough post-exam research identifying the most troublesome exam topics and how to answer them correctly
• Simulated Exam Questions--Certification questions that closely model the format, tone, topics, and difficulty of the real exam--all with in-depth answers

Full coverage of the topics you need to review, including how to:

• Understand J2EE architecture and system requirements
• Provide access to legacy systems
• Use entity, stateful session, and stateless session beans appropriately
• Make use of bean pooling in an Enterprise JavaBeans container
• Identify firewall features that might interfere with protocol operation
• Use the Gamma et al. and other design patterns
• Enable synchronous and asynchronous messaging
• Customize applications for international deployment
• Apply J2EE security mechanisms to the design, implementation, and deployment of secure enterprise applications

INCLUDED ON THE CD-ROM:

CD Training

• Electronic book--Searchable version of the Study Guide

Master Exam

• Complete Practice Exam--Includes exclusive 310-051 certification exam simulation with questions found only on the CD-ROM
• Detailed Answers--Explain why the correct options are right and why the incorrect options are wrong
• Score Report--Provides overall assessment of performance and indicates subject areas requiring further study

PLUS:

(with free on-line registration)

• MasterExam--Additional SCEA J2EE certification exam simulation download

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sun Certified Enterprise Architect for J2EE Study Guide (Exam 310-051) (Paperback)

Review of Hacking Exposed Cisco Networks: Cisco Security Secrets & Solutions (Paperback)

Hacking Exposed Cisco Networks" (HECN) by Vladimirov, Gavrilenko, Vizulis and Mikhailovsky is the first book of it's kind to focus entirely on hacking the Cisco product line. The book offers a novel concept, and goes into some undocumented areas, but please do not expect to be seeing the enable-mode router prompt by page 50.

My first impression of Hacking Exposed Cisco Networks is that the book was simply 'rushed' to market. The book begins with an intro by Michael Lynn, who made a name for himself at the 2005 Black Hat Briefings by 'publicly demonstrating the ability to reliably exploit buffer overflows on Cisco routers.' My feeling is that after the Black Hat Briefings, a rush was put on HECN to have it published simply to ride on this wave.

The book is divided into 3 Parts and 1 Appendix and includes a total of 14 chapters.The first section, Foundations, gives a review of Cisco design models, different security elements (firewall, IDS, VPN and AAA) and examples of real world security issues.

The second section (and the main section of the book) is titled `Hacking the Box' and dives into various methods of penetrating Cisco devices.The first chapter in this section discusses using different information sources to develop a profile (what to search for on a web search engine, autonomous system discovery, Internet routing servers and tables, etc..).Next, a 50 page chapter discusses enumerating and fingerprinting Cisco devices. Subsequent chapters discuss password attacks, SNMP community string attacks, wardialing, IOS exploitation and password cracking.After penetrating a device, the next chapter shows how to exploit and preserve access.

The last section discusses protocol exploitation, which needs not be focused solely on Cisco devices; most of these attacks are common across all vendors.This includes chapters on exploiting Vlans, GRE packet injection, EAP-LEAP cracking.The last chapter discusses routing protocol exploitation including exploits for RIP, EIGRP and BGP. The Appendix includes listing undocumented Cisco commands.While these commands can also be found on the web, the book discusses ways to use the commands in context of a hacking exploit.

Some of the items I found useful from HECN:
* Chapter 4 provides a respectable list of AS profiling techniques. Starting on page 108 is an excellent introduction to a tool to help sniff routing updates (the autonomous system scanner).
* Chapter 5 provides a great chart on Cisco specific protocols (page 124). The chapter also has a very good discussion on Cisco fingerprinting.
* Chapter 8 provides a one-of-a-kind discussion on IOS memory dissection. I was extremely impressed by the discussion on stack heaps. The TFTP buffer overflow on page 281 is a great example of where the future of Cisco IOS hacking may lie.While some believe buffer overflows are soooo 2005, I think believe there is amply room to further explore this within the context of Cisco devices.

HECN also has some weak areas:
* page 24 - mentions all routers support NTP - not true, some of the lower-end IOSs only support SNTP.
* page 28 - mentions `extra flags' for UDP connections. UDP has no flags, but certainly TCP does.
* page 133 - mentions a tool, the "ST-divine tool", as available on the book's website, but the tool is not listed at the book's website.
* Chapters 1 and 3 really don't offer anything new, and only distract from the overall quality of the book.

These and other such typos/editorial mistakes don't distract too much from the overall focus of HECN. The book tries to be a proof-of-concept with many different exploits. One feels that the authors were huddled around a few Cisco boxes, trying whatever exploits they could find to bust the box.It would be very easy to rack up some routers and switches, copy the configurations provided in the book, and follow them page by page as they perform various hacking techniques.

As an owner of over 50 books dedicated to Cisco, this book goes into an area not covered by any other book in my library.And, for that fact alone, I have to respect the book.However, I have to believe that if HECN had only gone through a further round of editing, that the overall structure of the book would be much better.In the end, I do recommend this book, simply because of the novelty of the subject and due to the amount of effort that is apparent throughout the text.

I give this book 4 pings out of 5:
!!!.!

Product Description
Here is the first book to focus solely on Cisco network hacking, security auditing, and defense issues. Using the proven Hacking Exposed methodology, this book shows you how to locate and patch system vulnerabilities by looking at your Cisco network through the eyes of a hacker. The book covers device-specific and network-centered attacks and defenses and offers real-world case studies.

From the Back Cover

Implement bulletproof Cisco security the battle-tested Hacking Exposed way

Defend against the sneakiest attacks by looking at your Cisco network and devices through the eyes of the intruder. Hacking Exposed Cisco Networks shows you, step-by-step, how hackers target exposed systems, gain access, and pilfer compromised networks.All device-specific and network-centered security issues are covered alongside real-world examples, in-depth case studies, and detailed countermeasures. It's all here--from switch, router, firewall, wireless, and VPN vulnerabilities to Layer 2 man-in-the-middle, VLAN jumping, BGP, DoS, and DDoS attacks. You'll prevent tomorrow's catastrophe by learning how new flaws in Cisco-centered networks are discovered and abused by cyber-criminals.Plus, you'll get undocumented Cisco commands, security evaluation templates, and vital security tools from hackingexposedcisco.com.

• Use the tried-and-true Hacking Exposed methodology to find, exploit, and plug security holes in Cisco devices and networks
• Locate vulnerable Cisco networks using Google and BGP queries, wardialing, fuzzing, host fingerprinting, and portscanning
• Abuse Cisco failover protocols, punch holes in firewalls, and break into VPN tunnels
• Use blackbox testing to uncover data input validation errors, hidden backdoors, HTTP, and SNMP vulnerabilities
• Gain network access using password and SNMP community guessing, Telnet session hijacking, and searching for open TFTP servers
• Find out how IOS exploits are written and if a Cisco router can be used as an attack platform
• Block determined DoS and DDoS attacks using Cisco proprietary safeguards, CAR, and NBAR
• Prevent secret keys cracking, sneaky data link attacks, routing protocol exploits, and malicious physical access

Click Here to see more reviews about: Hacking Exposed Cisco Networks: Cisco Security Secrets & Solutions (Paperback)

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

Click Here to see more reviews about: Introduction to Relational Databases [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

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.

Click Here to see more reviews about: OCP Oracle Database 10g: New Features for Administrators Exam Guide (Osborne ORACLE Press Series) (Paperback)

Review of Oracle Database 10g OCP Certification All-In-One Exam Guide (Oracle Database 10g Handbook) (Paperback)

i buy this book together with sybex's book and have passed the oca exam with 87% score (less than what i expected though). i found this book easier to read and understand compared to sybex's book, and the many-but-short chapters works better for me. if you could only choose one book to pass the 1Z0-042 exam then this is definitely the best choice. but don't forget to practise what you read (although the book makes it looks so simple), you'll remember more by trying each exercise in this book.

added 5 feb 2007 :
i have just passed my ocp exam last month, still using this book and the ocp 10g certification kits. the good thing about this book is it resembles the training materials from oracle admin II a lot, because it is published by oracle press. but just as the title says, this is the best book to pass the exam only, you need other references and lots of practices if you really want to master the oracle database technology well. however it is still a good idea to get the oca/ocp first to get you fire up (and increase your value for employers), and then continue to explore the beauties of oracle database in your daily works. as before, if you could only get one book for your ocp exam, then get this book.

p.s. be aware that oracle globalization features (NLS) is now in the OCA exam instead of OCP, so the chapter structure for this book (and also sybex's book) need to be updated

Product Description
Four for the price of one! Oracle Database 10g OCP Certification All-in-One Exam Guide is the only book that offers thorough exam prep and a great on-the-job reference for both the latest OCA and OCP exams.

Also includes the Boson's Oracle self-assessment engine to get experience taking the test in the environment it will be given

From the Back Cover

The Most Authoritative OCA/OCP Exam Guide Available

Prepare to pass the OCA and OCP Oracle Database 10g certification exams with help from this Oracle Press guide. With complete coverage of all the material on Exam #1Z0-042 Oracle Database 10g: Administration I and Exam #1Z0-043 Oracle Database 10g: Administration II, this book covers everything you need to know to pass both exams. Inside, you'll find helpful exam tips, hundreds of practice questions, and real-world exercises. This comprehensive guide serves as both a study tool and an on-the-job reference. Get full details on all exam objectives, including how to:

• Install Oracle Database 10g and create a database
• Use SQL, SQL*Plus, iSQL*Plus, and PL/SQL
• Create and manage database user accounts
• Configure Oracle Networking
• Manage shared servers
• Monitor, tune, and troubleshoot a database
• Handle database backup, restore, and recovery
• Use Oracle Recovery Manager and Oracle Flashback
• Configure and manage security
• Use Automatic Storage Management and Resource Manager
• Automate administrative tasks

Included on the CD-ROM

Electronic Practice Test engine with two full practice exams

Complete electronic book

Click Here to see more reviews about: Oracle Database 10g OCP Certification All-In-One Exam Guide (Oracle Database 10g Handbook) (Paperback)

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.

Click Here to see more reviews about: MySQL: Essential Skills (Paperback)