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 Oracle9i for Windows(R) Handbook (Paperback)

"Oracle 9i for Windows Handbook," is a good book for me to learn Oracle 9i in Windows environment. When I suddenly found this book in Borders, I was very excited to read it for 1 hour. And then I ordered it online.

I like the author's writing style. Before I read this book, I was very confused about how to create a oracle 9i database manually in Windows 2000. I don't know the commands and registry key in Windows 2000. After reading this book, I get all the answers in this book.

In this book, you will find it very clear to learn how to create a database using DBCA and how to create a database manually. This book also gives me a good idea about how to upgrade from oracle 8/8i to oralce 9i using database migration assistant or using export and import command. The author makes a comment on when is the best time to use them separately. I also learn how to backup the database using cold backup, hot backup and recovery manager.

If you want to go through Oracle 9i and have a hands-on experience in your own PC, I recommand that you use this book as a reference. This book covers a lot of topics, but maybe you will find that's not enoght for you to know Oracle 9i in detail. I still recommend that the beginners read this book.

Product Description
This authorized guide from Oracle Press explains how to implement the Oracle9i Server on Windows NT/2000. You'll get details on operating system fundamentals, installation, and configuration, plus intermediate and advanced topics such as architecture, migration, clustering, parallel server, performance monitoring, troubleshooting, and using Oracle Enterprise Manager.

From the Back Cover
Deploy Oracle9i in the Windows Environment

Get full details on running Oracle9i on the Windows platform from this in-depth resource. From the exclusive publisher of Oracle Press books, Oracle9i for Windows Handbook covers installation, migration, database administration, application server administration in the middle-tier, security, and much more. Inside, you'll find out how to implement all the powerful features of Oracle9i and optimize system performance.

• Install and configure Oracle9i on Windows NT/2000/XP Professional
• Migrate or upgrade from Oracle8 and Oracle8i
• Create an Oracle9i database, using standard and custom templates
• Perform administrative tasks and handle backup and recovery
• Utilize Oracle Net Services
• Handle backup and recovery with Oracle Recovery Manager (RMAN)
• Use Oracle Enterprise Manager (EM) for single-point administration
• Install and deploy Oracle9i Application Server
• Deploy Oracle Internet File System, Oracle Portal, and Oracle Internet Directory
• Implement sound security measures

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Review of OCP: Oracle8i DBO Study Guide (Hardcover)

I used this book to study for the exam.It was helpful when it came to installing Oracle, other than that, the book was hard to follow because there were so many errors.
Some of the screen shots from the exercises were incorrect.
I would suggest learning SQL, this book does not cover this subject adequately enough for you to pass the test; 16 of my test questions were related to SQL.
Overall, this is not a very good book, I'm surprised Sybex let this one leave the editing room!
If there was a 0 star rating, I would have used it.

Product Description
The perfect book for Oracle and Oracle-partner training classes! Mapped directly to the official exam objectives, with all the enhanced features of the new best-selling Sybex Study Guides, including a self-assessment test, hundreds of sample questions, a bonus sample exam, and an enhanced CD with additional questions.

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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 Oracle9i Application Server Portal Handbook (Osborne ORACLE Press Series) [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

Oracle Portal allows you to "Webify" a database, as well as to create a general-purpose portal for your users.The ideas and techniques from this book helped me get a database of mine onto the Web quickly and efficiently.Everything you'll need is there, from the initial installation of the product, to on-going administration of your portal(s).In between is a thorough treatment of what should be done to facilitate browser-based access to your data.

The book doesn't just dump syntax on you.It explains what portals are, and how to plan for one before building it.Key features of the Oracle product are explained clearly, first at a high level, so that you will later understand what you're doing when it gets to "click here, and type there."And, when it does get down to the lowest-level details, the book reflects the care that the authors must have taken to ensure accuracy.

All-in-all, a thorough treatment that should be indispensable to new Portal developers, while still offering value to all but the most advanced and experienced ones.

Product Description
From the official publishers of Oracle Press books, here is an essential handbook for DBAs working with Oracle Portal. The book explains how to build and deploy portal-driven Web sites using Oracle Portal and demonstrates methods for rapidly creating forms, reports, and graphics applications. Written by a member of the Oracle Portal Customer Advisory Board (CAB), this Oracle-authorized resource includes Oracle Portal 3.0 on CD-ROM.

From the Back Cover
Build and Maintain Self-Service, Integrated Enterprise Portals

Leverage the power of the Internet and Oracle9i Application Server Portal to organize and enable access to critical business information--and gain strategic competitive advantages for your organization. Officially authorized by Oracle Corporation, Oracle9i Application Server Portal Handbook explains how to use all the features of this powerful product to build enterprise information portals for integrated and personalized access to business information, Web content, and legacy applications. You'll learn to seamlessly publish content on an intranet, develop robust Web applications, implement security features, and maintain peak performance.

• Install and configure Oracle9i Application Server Portal
• Define user, system, and architectural requirements
• Design an enterprise information portal (EIP)
• Enable distributed administration, user-generated content, and flexible searching with Portal Content Areas
• Use the built-in portlets for granular, secure, and standardized access
• Develop Enterprise Forms and Reports
• Use the built-in graphical display features, such as Charts, Calendars, and Hierarchies
• Tune, monitor, and maintain the Portal

3 CD-ROMs include official Oracle9i Application Server Portal -- a $50 value!

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