I think this book was written by a committee.

First, though generally well written, the text has its share of typos and several badly edited paragraphs. I had to read some particularly confusing passages way too manytimes to understand what the writers were getting at.

Second, there arequestion and answer sections after each section – that’s good – but theywere apparently written by a technical writer with limited knowledge of thematerial – that’s bad. Answering the fill-in-the-blank questions turns intolittle more than hunting for random sentences in the text.

Third, thebook is really out of date; does anybody on the Internet still use”Gopher?”

Despite these problems, I do recommend this book as a briefintroduction to network concepts. But I cannot recommend it as studymaterial for Microsoft’s Networking Essentials exam; it just isn’tcomplete.

Going by memory here, one question on the exam asked for thedefinitions of NDIS and ODI. These are briefly mentioned in the glossary atthe back of the book, but nowhere in the general text. Another ratherlengthy scenario question dealt with broadcast storms on a network thatcontains brouters. The text devotes exactly 11 small sentences to broutersand, of course, no mention of how to solve the particular problem given onthe exam (turn off bridging).

I feel sorry for those who would rely onthis book to pass the exam.

Product Description
Newly updated for Microsoft Windows NT 4.0, this kit is designed to provide a general understanding of the technical concepts and components of the network (LAN) environment. It also prepares readers to successfully complete the corresponding Microsoft Certified Professional exam on networking.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Networking Essentials: McSe Self-Paced Kit (Microsoft Training Product) (Paperback)

“The Practical Guide to Defect Prevention” was written for software developers and testers, but many techniques presented can be applied to improve quality in other products as well.I’m in the midst of a career change into software development after 2 decades of working with office automation hardware, and have referred to this book during a current project, as well as passed along suggestions straight from this book to former colleagues in a much different career field.When I saw the title of this book, I was afraid I’d be reading advice that wasn’t much more than common sense, or a rehash of material learned in programming or intro software testing.Wrong!Realizing how naïve I was, I picked up 2 other texts in the field of defect prevention and root cause analysis.I found this book to be more readable.The clear taxonomy, the complete explanations of various methods (with multiple examples and references) and the humor (!) held my interest enough to where I learned and understood the techniques presented, as well as broadened my understanding of what quality software development really entails.

As a previous reviewer pointed out, this book is useful to everyone from the tester who wants to catch errors, through the executive wanting a successful business.And, I suppose this sounds like I’m laying it on with a trowel, but I have to say it:Although I’m a voracious reader, I keep only a few dozen books on my shelves at home; this is one of them, and I suspect that I’ll continue referring to it for quite some time.Thanks to the authors Ross, Marc, Bob, Dan, David, Lori, and Josh for taking the time and putting forth such a great effort!

Product Description
This practical, hands-on guide captures, categorizes, and builds a process of best practices to avoid creating defects during the development process-rather than fixing them after extensive analysis. While there are various proprietary and competing standards for reducing software defects, these methods suffer from issues surrounding timeliness, effectiveness, or cost. What’s more, many other books focus on fixing errors after they’ve been introduced. This guide, however, presents practical methods for reducing defect introduction through prevention and immediate detection and by moving the detection of defects closer to their introduction. Written by experts with over a century of software development experience among them, this book is not an idealized academic book. Instead, it distills many hard-won lessons into a single, workable lifecycle process that will help deliver better quality software.

From the Publisher
Key Book Benefits:

- Distills best development practices upstream in the coding cycle by offering techniques and methods to eliminate bad code before a bug is released- Provides a full collection of tools and forms to enable immediate use of the techniques described- Features coverage of and integration with allied methodologies for organizations that use Six Sigma, Agile, Burton, and other similar quality tools

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Practical Guide to Defect Prevention (Best Practices) (Paperback)

When Windows 2003 was first released, if you were shopping for an Active Directory title, it was to solidify your administrative abilities with the emerging technology prior to implementing what at the time was a new platform.Today, if you’re looking for an AD book, you are probably looking more for a reference guide to facilitate either advanced configuration and troubleshooting, or to enhance your understanding of the more “behind the scenes” aspects of the AD.

In 2002 (when this book was published), I could have recommended this title.Without a doubt the book gives good historical information on where AD came from, and provides a solid foundation for the systems AD relies on (DNS), as well as planning your AD configuration, deployment in either a clean or migrated environment, security configuration, and AD object management.Much of the information presented in the domain design, deployment, and security sections however, are either direct reprints or consolidations of already posted (and free) Microsoft documentation, from such titles as Windows 2000 Server Domain Migration Cookbook, Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Domain Rename Tools, Step-by-Step Guide to Kerberos 5 (krb5 1.0) Interoperability, and several other cited Microsoft KB and “Step by Step” articles. These references are not hidden, but mentioned in side-bars throughout the text, and you are quite often encouraged to read those texts in addition to the information in this book.

The layout of this book lends itself well to those learning or solidifying the basic to intermediate points of the technology.Although the title would suggest that this is a good reference, references allow one to look at the index or table of contents for the information they need, and get the answers without having to cross-reference many other topics.Picking a topic, such as application partition creation and management, shows that the information on this is not in one location and in fact requires the reader to have read the preceding topics in order to get a clearer picture.This is not detractive to the value of the book, but a better classification for this would be textbook.

Today, the 2003 AD has been out for many years, more professionals have mastered the topic, and better books are available that provide a less Microsoft-centric take on the AD, as well as proven experience in management in more standard implementations.Instead of this title, look at ISBN 0321228480 “Inside Active Directory Second Edition”.

Product Description
This detailed technical reference is ideal for anyone who is implementing Active Directory in Microsoft Windows .NET Server. Written by two experts on Active Directory, this book’s primary focus is using Active Directory to solve directory services issues for enterprise clients. It’s brimming with concrete, real-world design and implementation information-including answers to all the typical questions a network architect, engineer, or administrator might have about Active Directory in Windows .NET Server.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Active Directory® for Microsoft® Windows® Server 2003 Technical Reference (Pro-Technical References) (Hardcover)

Microsoft Press added the following books to the Safari Books Online library:

	Windows Essential Business Server 2008: Administrator’s Companion By: J. C. Mackin. Charlie Russel. Publisher: Microsoft Press
	Windows® Internals, Fifth Edition By: Mark E. Russinovich. David A. Solomon. Alex Ionescu. Publisher: Microsoft Press
	Windows® PowerShell™ 2.0: Administrator’s Pocket Consultant By: William Stanek. Publisher: Microsoft Press
	Microsoft® SQL Server® 2008 MDX Step by Step By: Bryan C. Smith. C. Ryan Clay Hitachi Consulting. Publisher: Microsoft Press
	Programming for Unified Communications with Microsoft® Office Communications Server 2007 R2 By: Rui Maximo. Kurt De Ding. Vishwa Ranjan. Chris Mayo. Oscar Newkerk. Albert Kooiman. Mark Parker Microsoft Office Communications Server Team . Publisher: Microsoft Press
	Building Web Applications with Microsoft® Office SharePoint® Designer 2007 Step by Step By: John Jansen. Publisher: Microsoft Press
	Inside Microsoft Dynamics® AX 2009 By: Lars Dragheim Olsen. Michael Fruegaard Pontoppidan. Hans Jørgen Skovgaard. Tomasz Kaminski. Deepak Kumar. Mey Meenakshisundaram. Michael Merz. Karl Tolgu. Kirill Val. Publisher: Microsoft Press

This book is worth the cost. I have not taken the test yet (I do plan on it), but it has been heavily useful as far as better understanding the server(s) I work with every day. It also refreshed my mind on the A+/ network+ objectives that are included in the Server+ exam as outlined by Comptia.

The book’s CD also contains a full copy of the book, so if you and your laptop want to leave this heavy little tome behind, just download and go! Also, the A-Z network encyclopedia E-book was pretty impressive (it includes several diagrams and a heckuva lot of information).

The only reason I give this book four stars is the simple fact I wish they would have included an interactive, sample test on the CD. Sample tests are usually pretty helpful, and doing them on the computer sets the feel for the actual exam. Otherwise, an excellent book!

Product Description
The Server+ credential is the newest certification developed by CompTIA, the Computing Technology Industry Association, and this self-paced training kit provides in-depth exam preparation for IT professionals moving up from entry-level or A+ status. The SERVER+ CERTIFICATION TRAININGKIT delivers a thorough, vendor-neutral study of hardware-related issues in the networked environment, including RAID, SCSI, multiple CPUs, and hot swapping. Service managers, system engineers/administrators, help desk staff, and other mid-level and upper-level technicians can use the kit to build real-world expertise-as they prepare for the corresponding skill areas of the Server+ exam. Topics include installation, configuration, upgrading, proactive maintenance, environment, troubleshooting, and disaster recovery. The kit is modular and self-paced, with hands-on, skill-building exercises. And the entire book, as well as the Microsoft Encyclopedia of Netowrking is featured on CD-ROM for easy searches and reference.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Server+ Certification Training Kit (Pro Technical Refere) (Paperback)

The following books, rough cuts, and videos were recently added to the Safari Books Online library:

	The Leadership Mystique: Leading Behavior in the Human Enterprise, Second Edition By: Manfred F. R. Kets de Vries. Publisher: FT Press
	The Manager’s Coaching Toolkit: Fast and Simple Solutions for Busy Managers By: Dr David Allamby. Publisher: FT Press
	The Coaching Manual: The Definitive Guide to the Process, Principles and Skills of Personal Coaching, Second edition By: Julie Starr. Publisher: FT Press
	Giant Steps in Management: Innovations That Change the Way We Work By: Michael J. Mol. Julian Birkinshaw. Publisher: FT Press
	How to Make an IMPACT: Influence, inform and impress with your reports, presentations and business documents By: Jon Moon. Publisher: FT Press
	Inspirational Manager: How to Build Relationships that Deliver Results By: Judith Leary-Joyce. Publisher: FT Press
	The Secrets of Selling: How to win in any sales situation By: Geoff King. Publisher: FT Press
	Simply Strategy: The shortest route to the best strategy By: Richard Koch. Peter Nieuwenhuizen. Publisher: FT Press
	Smarter Execution: Seven steps to getting results By: Xavier Gilbert. Bettina Büchel. Rhoda Davidson. Publisher: FT Press
	Smarter Outsourcing: An executive guide to understanding, planning and exploiting successful outsourcing relationships By: Jean-Louis Bravard. Robert Morgan. Publisher: FT Press
	Five Star Service, One Star Budget: How to create magic moments for your customers that get you noticed, remembered and referred By: Michael Heppell. Publisher: FT Press
	NLP Business Masterclass: Driving peak performance with NLP, Second edition By: David Molden. Publisher: FT Press
	Smarter Consulting: How to start up and succeed as an independent consultant By: Mike Johnson. Publisher: FT Press
	The Charisma Effect: How to Make a Powerful and Lasting Impression By: Andrew Leigh. Publisher: FT Press
	Negotiating Partnerships: Increase profits and reduce risks By: Keld Jensen. Iwar Unt. Publisher: FT Press
	Executive Corporate Finance: The Business of enhancing shareholder value By: Samir Asaf. Publisher: FT Press
	Strategy Moves: 14 complete attack and defense strategies for competitive advantage By: Jorge Alberto Souza De Vasconcellos e Sá. Publisher: FT Press
	Smarter Selling: Next generation sales strategies to meet your buyer’s needs – every time By: Keith Dugdale. David Lambert. Publisher: FT Press
	The Definitive Guide to Business Finance: What smart managers do with the numbers, Second Edition By: Richard Stutely. Publisher: FT Press
	The Highly Effective Marketing Plan (HEMP): A proven, practical, planning process for companies of all sizes By: Peter Knight. Publisher: FT Press
	Managing for Performance: Delivering Results Through Others By: Pam Jones. Publisher: FT Press
	Managing with the Power of NLP: Neurolinguistic Programming; A Model for Better Management, Second Edition By: David Molden. Publisher: FT Press
	Lessons in Radical Innovation: Out of the box — straight to the bottom line By: Wolfgang Grulke. Gus Silber. Publisher: FT Press
	Sumantra Ghoshal on Management: A Force for Good By: Julian Birkinshaw. Gita Piramal. Publisher: FT Press
	Mastering Credit Derivatives: A step-by-step guide to credit derivatives and structured credit, Second Edition By: Andrew Kasapis. Publisher: FT Press
	Smart Big Moves: The Story Behind Strategic Breakthroughs By: Paul Strebel. Anne-Valérie Ohlsson. Publisher: FT Press
	Asset and Liability Management: The Banker’s Guide to Value Creation and Risk Control, Second Edition By: Jean Dermine. Youssef F. Bissada. Publisher: FT Press
	ASP.NET MVC in Action with MvcContrib, NHibernate, and More By: Jeffrey Palermo. Ben Scheirman. Jimmy Bogard. Publisher: Manning Publications
	Solid Code: Optimizing the Software Development Life Cycle By: Donis Marshall. John Bruno. Publisher: Microsoft Press
	In the Trenches with Microsoft® Office Project 2007 By: Elaine J. Marmel. Publisher: Microsoft Press
	Microsoft® ASP.NET and AJAX: Architecting Web Applications By: Dino Esposito. Publisher: Microsoft Press
	Inside the Microsoft® Build Engine: Using MSBuild and Team Foundation Build By: Sayed Ibrahim Hashimi. William Bartholomew. Publisher: Microsoft Press
	Active Directory®: Administrator’s Pocket Consultant By: William Stanek. Publisher: Microsoft Press
	Windows® Group Policy: Administrator’s Pocket Consultant By: William Stanek. Publisher: Microsoft Press
	Windows® Small Business Server 2008: Administrator’s Companion By: Charlie Russel. Sharon Crawford. Publisher: Microsoft Press
	Smart Business Intelligence Solutions with Microsoft® SQL Server® 2008 By: Lynn Langit. Kevin S. Goff. Davide Mauri. Sahil Malik. John Welch. Publisher: Microsoft Press
	Microsoft® Office Communications Server 2007 R2 Resource Kit By: Rui Maximo. Rick Kingslan. Rajesh Ramanathan. Nirav Kamdar Microsoft Office Communications Server Team. Publisher: Microsoft Press
	Head First iPhone Development By: Dan Pilone. Tracey Pilone. Publisher: O’Reilly Media, Inc.
	Real World Image Sharpening with Adobe Photoshop, Camera Raw, and Lightroom, Second Edition By: Bruce Fraser. Jeff Schewe. Publisher: Peachpit Press
	The Little Mac Book, Snow Leopard Edition By: Robin Williams. Publisher: Peachpit Press
	Apple Pro Training Series: Final Cut Pro 7 By: Diana Weynand. Publisher: Peachpit Press
	Easy Creating CDs and DVDs, Second Edition By: Tom Bunzel. Publisher: Que
	Easy Adobe® Photoshop® Elements By: Gerald Everett Jones. Publisher: Que
	Mastering the Nikon D700 By: Darrell Young. James Johnson. Publisher: Rocky Nook
	SAS/STAT 9.2 User’s Guide: Statistical Graphics Using ODS (Book Excerpt) By: Publisher: SAS Publishing
	Programming in Python 3: A Complete Introduction to the Python Language, Second Edition By: Mark Summerfield. Publisher: Addison-Wesley Professional
	Core Data for iPhone: Building Data-Driven Applications for the iPhone and iPod Touch By: Tim Isted. Publisher: Addison-Wesley Professional
	Cisco ASA: All-in-One Firewall, IPS, Anti-X, and VPN Adaptive Security Appliance By: Jazib Frahim. Omar Santos. Publisher: Cisco Press
	Audience, Relevance, and Search: Targeting Web Audiences with Relevant Content By: James Mathewson. Frank Donatone. Cynthia Fishel. Publisher: IBM Press
	Microformats Made Simple By: Emily P. Lewis. Publisher: New Riders
	Developing with Web Standards By: John Allsopp. Publisher: New Riders
	Cloud Security and Privacy, 1st Edition By: Tim Mather. Subra Kumaraswamy. Shahed Latif. Publisher: O’Reilly Media, Inc.
	Mac OS X Snow Leopard Pocket Guide, 1st Edition By: Chris Seibold. Publisher: O’Reilly Media, Inc.
	Learning Python, 4th Edition By: Mark Lutz. Publisher: O’Reilly Media, Inc.
	Building Social Web Applications, 1st Edition By: Gavin Bell. Publisher: O’Reilly Media, Inc.
	Oracle PL/SQL Programming, 5th Edition By: Steven Feuerstein. Bill Pribyl. Publisher: O’Reilly Media, Inc.
	Cocoa and Objective-C: Up and Running, 1st Edition By: Scott Stevenson. Publisher: O’Reilly Media, Inc.
	Linux in a Nutshell, 6th Edition By: Ellen Siever. Stephen Figgins. Robert Love. Arnold Robbins. Publisher: O’Reilly Media, Inc.
	The New How, 1st Edition By: SPRY, Inc.. Terry Allen. Richard Peck. Jon Young. Jon Young. Josh Blackman. O’Reilly Media, Inc.. Curtis Frye. Publisher: O’Reilly Media, Inc.
	Automator for Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard: Visual QuickStart Guide By: Ben Waldie. Publisher: Peachpit Press
	CompTIA A+ Practice Questions Exam Cram, Third Edition By: Patrick Regan. Publisher: Pearson Certification
	iPhone for Programmers: An App-Driven Approach By: Paul J. Deitel. Harvey M. Deitel. Publisher: Prentice Hall
	Social Media Marketing: Publicity Through Viral Marketing By: Liana Evans. Publisher: Que
	Take Control of Exploring & Customizing Snow Leopard, 1st Edition By: Matt Neuburg. Publisher: TidBITS Publishing, Inc.
	Cisco LAN Switching Video Mentor By: David Hucaby. Publisher: Cisco Press
	Designing with Microformats for a Beautiful Web, Video By: Andy Clarke. Publisher: New Riders
	Designing with CSS for a Beautiful Web, Video By: Andy Clarke. Publisher: New Riders
	O’Reilly Webcast: How to Build a Project Project Management Dashboard with SharePoint By: Dux Raymond Sy. Publisher: O’Reilly Media, Inc.
	O’Reilly Webcast: 5 Ways to Enhance SharePoint Site Usability By: Dux Raymond Sy. Publisher: O’Reilly Media, Inc.
	O’Reilly Webcast: SharePoint for ARRA Transparency By: Dux Raymond Sy. Publisher: O’Reilly Media, Inc.
	O’Reilly Webcast: 7 Ways to Leverage SharePoint for Project Management Success By: Dux Raymond Sy. Publisher: O’Reilly Media, Inc.
	Objective-C for Rubyists By: Geoffrey Grosenbach. Publisher: PeepCode
	SQL Fundamentals LiveLessons (Video Training Sneak Peek) By: Arie D. Jones. Publisher: Sams

McConnell immediately differentiates between software estimation as a science and software estimation as an art within the first pages of the introduction to this work – he explains that while software estimation research is currently focused on improving estimation techniques so that project results are achieved within +/- 5% of esimated results, the techniques of which are best included in commerical software estimation tools that are used to pursue the science of estimation for very large projects, the typical software organization struggles to avoid estimates that are incorrect by 100% or more, and Software Estimation discusses the estimation techniques comprising, although not limited to, the art of estimation that will reduce estimation error to about 25% or less, which is what the vast majority of software projects need. This book is absolutely the best software estimation text I have read to date. As Joel Spolsky mentions on the back cover of the book, the vast majority of software project managers still think that estimates are based on multiples of a gut feel. This philosophy completely ignores the vast body of research and hands-on experience of the last few decades. McConnell explains with sufficient depth all of the ways to create “ball park” estimates, and if there is one chapter of this book that you read, Chapter 4 “Where Does Estimation Error Come From?” is the one that I recommend – the explanation of the Cone of Uncertainty is so well explained that anyone can understand it. Although I have never read Code Complete by the same author, I did purchase Rapid Development several years ago – and I must say that McConnell (or at least his editors) has vastly improved his writing skills. This book is less than half the size of Rapid Development, and while I fell asleep while reading that book I was able to conduct a cursory reading of over half of Software Estimation in one evening and immediately apply some of its concepts on a work project the following day. A great modern follow-up to The Mythical Man-Month by Brooks and an excellent primer to reading SEI’s Estimating Software-Intensive Systems by Stutzke on the science of estimation.

Product Description
Often referred to as the “black art” because of its complexity and uncertainty, software estimation is not as hard or mysterious as people think. However, the art of how to create effective cost and schedule estimates has not been very well publicized. While the average software organization can struggle with project costs that run double their original estimates, some of the more sophisticated organizations achieve results with estimation errors as low as 5-10%. These best-in-class organizations use scientific techniques that are not cost-effective, however, making them of limited use to most software development organizations. To address these issues, Software Estimation focuses on the art of software estimation and provides a proven set of procedures and heuristics that software developers, technical leads, and project managers can apply to their projects. Instead of arcane treatises and rigid modeling techniques, award-winning author Steve McConnell gives practical guidance to help organizations achieve basic estimation proficiency and lay the groundwork to continue improving project cost estimates. This book is organized from simple tips to more advanced ideas; it does not avoid the more hairy mathematical estimation approaches, but the non-mathematical reader will find plenty of useful guidelines without getting bogged down in complex formulas.

From the Publisher
Unlike other books that focus exclusively on the science of estimation-including rigid modeling techniques and continuous feedback loops that are not cost effective to most organizations-this unique guide offers practical, tested, hands-on advice for estimating software development costs in the real world. It is written by the award-winning author of Code Complete.

Key Book Benefits:

Delivers practical insights about a critical subject too-often obscured by academic jargonTwo-color graphics present mathematical information in an easy-to-understand formatProvides specific practices that can be used immediately by any software development organizationFeatures numerous, to-the-point tips about the estimation process, as well as individual steps to creating successful estimates

Click Here to see more reviews about: Software Estimation: Demystifying the Black Art (Best Practices (Microsoft)) (Paperback)

McGraw-Hill Professional 

iPhone & iPod touch QuickSteps

Authors: Spivey, Dwight
ISBN-13: 978-0-07-163485-4
ISBN-10: 0071634851
©2010 | 1st Edition | 240 pages , Softcover
Status: October 2009
Price: US$ 19.99

Step-by-step, full-color graphics!

This visually oriented guide shows you how get the most out of the games, accessories, add-ons, applications, and multimedia functions of your iPhone or iPod touch. Nearly every page includes screen shots with numbered callouts that show and explain how to use all of the fun and powerful features.

Follow along and learn how to make calls, send and receive emails and text messages, surf the Web, use applications, and download and play multimedia files, including music, movies, and games. iPhone & iPod touch QuickSteps makes it easy to find the information you need using color-coded tabs. Have fun on day one with your iPhone or iPod touch!

Learn More 

Windows 7 QuickSteps

Authors: Matthews, Marty
ISBN-13: 978-0-07-163569-1
ISBN-10: 0071635696
©2010 | 1st Edition | 272 pages , Softcover
Status: October 2009
Price: US$ 19.99

Step-by-Step, Full-Color Graphics!

Get started using Windows 7 right away–the QuickSteps way. Color screenshots with streamlined explanations show you how to use all the new and improved features of this sleek operating system. You’ll find tips for customizing your desktop, managing files, connecting to the Internet, using email, adding hardware and software, and enjoying photos, music, and video. Learn how to set up a wired or wireless network and secure your entire system too. Get the book that gets you up-and-running on Windows 7 in no time.

Use these handy guideposts:

• Shortcuts for accomplishing common tasks
• Need-to-know facts in concise narrative
• Helpful reminders or alternate ways of doing things
• Bonus information related to the topic being covered
• Errors and pitfalls to avoid

Learn More

Microsoft Press

Windows® 7 Resource Kit 
Authors:Mitch Tulloch, Tony Northrup, Jerry Honeycutt, Ed Wilson, and the Windows 7 Team at Microsoft
ISBN-13: 9780735627000
ISBN-10: 0735627002
©2010 | 1st Edition | 1,760 pages , Softcover with CD
Status: October 2009
Price: US$ 69.99

In-depth and comprehensive, this RESOURCE KIT delivers the information you need to administer your Windows 7 system. You get authoritative technical guidance from those who know the technology best—Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals (MVPs) and the Windows 7 product team—along with essential scripts and resources. In addition, “Direct from the Source” sidebars offer deep insights and troubleshooting tips from the Windows 7 team.Get expert guidance on how to:

•  Use Microsoft Deployment Toolkit best practices and tools.
•  Plan user-state migration and test application compatibility.
•  Exploit new Group Policy features, settings, and ADMX templates.
•  Configure software updates and client-security technologies.
•  Administer disks, file systems, file sharing, search, and Windows Internet Explorer® 8.
•  Install and troubleshoot printers, devices, and services.
•  Manage IPsec, IPv6, wireless, and remote connectivity.
•  Use performance monitoring and diagnostic tools to manage desktop health.
•  Resolve common startup, hardware, and networking issues.CD features:
•  Sample VBScript scripts and Windows PowerShell™ scripts
•  Troubleshooting tools
•  Links to toolkits, documentation, and white papers
•  Fully searchable eBook of this guide
•  Complete eBook of INTRODUCING WINDOWS SERVER® 2008
•  Sample chapters from related Microsoft Press® books

 Introducing Windows® 7 for Developers 

Authors: Yochay Kiriaty, Laurence Moroney and Sasha Goldshtein
ISBN-13: 9780735626829
ISBN-10: 0735626820
©2009 | 1st Edition | 352 pages , Softcover
Status: October 2009
Price: US$ 39.99

Get your first look at Windows 7—and see how much more productive and efficient the development life cycle can be. Guided by Windows programming experts, you’ll examine new Windows 7 capabilities and get a head start exploiting them to build better user experiences and applications. Topics include multi-touch gesture support, graphics and video enhancements, the Ribbon user interface (including the difference between Windows 7 Ribbon and Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) Ribbon), federated search, the Libraries feature, Taskbar functionality, the new Windows Sensor and Location platform, and more.

Most (but not all) information in “Software Project Survival Guide” was also presented in “Rapid Development” by the same author.

The value of this book is not in the amount of information,because “Rapid Development” provides much more information andmany different best practices.

The value of this book is the clear roadmap it gives you for running a project according to the “stageddelivery” model. The checklists in the book are invaluable.

Thisbook is a blessing for everyone who is overwhelmed by the amount ofinformation in “Rapid Development”.

I think this book is theperfect companion to “Rapid Development”. “RapidDevelopment” is the authoritative reference for a lot of goodpractices. “Software Project Survival Guide” provides thechecklists and road maps to keep the project on track in every phase of theproject.

Product Description
The author of the classics “Code Complete” and “Rapid Development” throws a lifeline to the industry’s huge and indispensable population of rookie managers and technical leads. This book is a roadmap to how an effective software project works–understandable even for those with limited project experience.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Software Project Survival Guide (Pro — Best Practices) (Paperback)

This book delivers great insight into what goes on in software development.Although presented in the context of work performed on Microsoft Visual C++ 1.0, the author does a good job of generalizing specific experience.McCarthy gives us an honest look into the ups and downs without sugar coating or promising silver bullets.

Presented in a format similar to Meyers’ “Effective C++” books, the text flows very well and is a pleasure to read.When you read many of the pitfals presented, you may think “Duh!”.However, these are things that I see happen regularly.Here are some of the highlights.

Rule #2 “Get Their Heads Into The Game”.This sounds like a very simple rule.Everyone on the team needs to be contributing ideas toward creating intellectual property.However, most people know this is easier said than done.McCarthy goes on to explain the barriers to the flow of ideas.

Rule #4 “Don’t Flip The Bozo Bit”.This rule is necessary to keep #2 working.The author deals with the natural tendency that people have to become defensive when criticism is offered of their ideas.This can actually cause both the critic and the one being criticized to tune each other out.The author suggests that team members call each other on it when the Bozo Bit is being flipped.

Rule #25 “Don’t Accept Dictation”.This topic is addressed in many other texts, but that fact should tell us that we aren’t getting it.McCarthy reminds us that it is foolish to accept dictation of scheudle, features, and resources.The “Holy Triangle” has to be balanced and tradeoffs are required when changing any one of these three.Managers are encouraged to be strong and take a stand when they find themselves in this situation.Eight years after this book was published, I still see this very thing happening.Until something changes, we will continue to see this issue addressed in software management texts.

Rule #31 “Beware Of A Guy In A Room”.Software development is a collaborative effort.Don’t let people isolate themselves.There is no opportunity for feedback or help when problems arise, and this can derail the project.

The appendix on “Hiring And Keeping Good People” is also very helpful.If you are like most managers, you didn’t get to hire most of the people that work for you.Here you will find practical advice for letting your superstars reach their potential and getting something out of everyone.

Product Description
In 1995, Jim McCarthy captured the attention of the software development industry with DYNAMICS OF SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT offering thought-provoking ideas, techniques, and strategies for delivering great software on time in the real world. Now, this classic book is back complete with new insights and additional material. You get the 54 original Rules including new commentary for the 2006 Edition with realistic guidance for organizing, managing, and working on any software development team. Adding to these insights, the McCarthys meditate on three new Rules exploring the balance of critical relationships among team members. You ll also briefly examine The Core. A system of protocols stemming from The Rules, The Core helps teams reach a shared vision and work together more effectively to deliver great software. To complete the McCarthystapestry, this 2006 Edition includes a CD with the original video presentation that sparked this book s first edition and helped influence an entire generation s approach to software development. CD features: Video of Jim s popular presentation: 23 Rules of Thumb (For Shipping Great Software on Time) Four episodes of The McCarthy Show

Click Here to see more reviews about: Dynamics of Software Development (Best Practices) (Paperback)

I frequently document software that uses Windows GUI elements.So I’ve been using the WinHELP and HTMLHelp versions of the MS MOS for several years: Those earlieronline versions of Microsoft’s Style Guide made it easier and faster to take a quick look at a GUI naming or usage convention.

Lamentably the CD-ROM that accompanies the new version 3 of the MS MOS is a giant step backwards in usability. That’s because the two PDF “e-books” (MOS and Networking Encyclopedia) on the CD-ROM are entirely static — they contain NO clickable links WHATSOEVER.

What this means is that if you locate an entry in the on-line version’s TOC or Index, you must use the “go to page” tool in Adobe Acrobat Reader to go to the page.This is an especially silly situation given that the PDFs meta-properties indicate that Microsoft used Adobe FrameMaker 7.0 (not Word) to produce the Style Guide: FrameMaker creates clickable cross-references by default, meaning that Microsoft manually disabled them as part of producing the Style Guide’s PDF!(The third item on the CD-ROM, the Computer Dictionary comes as an HTMLHelp .chm file, so there are no problems with navigation there…)

If you intend to buy the print version of the MS MOS you’ll be satisfied.If you intend to buy this book because you want the latest, greatest *on-line* version of the Style Guide, FORGET IT.

——
08 July, 2008 UPDATE.After using the PDF for about three years, I’m even more frustrated by Microsoft’s incomptence.In the name of “intellectual property” (one of Microsoft’s favorite words), the company has created a nearly-useless PDF while failing to truly achieve its misguided security aims.

As I said in my original review, the lack of clickable cross-references means you must instead manually go to a page listed in the TOC or Index.But wait — the geniuses at Microsoft didn’t bother to correlate the PDFs logical and physical page numbers.Yes, if we have full-featured Acrobat we can manually number the pages so that when we tell Acrobat or Reader to go page “x” it actually displays the desired page and not page “x-4″ or thereabouts.But why should we have to do that?

But wait, it gets worse.We can’t use full-featured Adobe Acrobat (as opposed to reader) to extract pages from the PDF and save them as a separate PDF. BUT we can — and here’s the absurdity — delete all pages we don’t want to extract and save the result of that as a PDF.So we can extract pages, but not directly…

We also can’t print *any part* of the PDF.So if we want to print, say, four pages about heading usages we can’t do that.The style guidelines are in some way “proprietary” I guess, and so simply must be protected against unauthorized sharing…

Then, too, while looking for a way to print a few pages, I discovered that I couldn’t export the PDF as a Postscript or encapsulated Postscript, but I could export it as a Word or Word RTF file.So we can save the contents in some unlocked formats but not others.Brilliant…

In the end, Microsoft’s preoccupation with “locking up” the online version of its Style Guide has only succeeded in wrecking the Guide’s usability while only partially achieving the desired level of security.How like Microsoft to get it wrong that way…

Product Description
Get the reference that defines standards and best practices for technical writers, editors, and content managers who work with Microsoft technologies. Developed by the Microsoft Editorial Standards Group, the newest edition of the computer industry’s leading manual of style has been fully updated, expanded, and optimized for usability. You get coverage on the latest developments-from accessibility and globalization issues to mobile computing, XML, and other emerging standards-as well as Microsoft-specific products, technologies, and initiatives. You’ll find expertly articulated and organized information about general usage, grammar, punctuation, formatting and layout, front matter, and indexing and attributing, as well as focused guidelines for topics such as creating specific document types, including Readme files and case studies; writing for software developers; documenting the user interface; and developing bias-free communications. Comprehensive, easy-to-use, and thoroughly up-to-date, the MICROSOFT MANUAL OF STYLE FOR TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS, Third Edition, can help you maximize the impact and precision of your technical communications.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Microsoft Manual of Style for Technical Publications (Paperback)

Microsoft is famous for having the most popular operating system in the world and rightly so. They are also the leading manufacturer of application suite software with Microsoft Office 2000. Now Microsoft Press gives you the ability to pass exam 70-090 with this training kit.

This combinationbook and cd-rom is simply one of the best study guides for Office 2000going today. The complete and detail book, which is also on the cd rom,gives the information you need in order to support Office 2000 and also topass the exam and obtain your MCP.

You find information on planning yourdeployment and upgrading software, customizing Office 2000, setting up andmaintaining Web Server services, increasing productivity and alsoinformation on the applications as well.

Like other Microsoft TrainingKits, this is certainly a winner. Whether you are the Application supporttechnician or the Network Manager there is something in this kit for you.Why spend thousands of dollars on formalized training when ………… you can have all the information at your fingertips.

Product Description
The OFFICE 2000 TECHNICAL SUPPORT TRAINING KIT addresses the objectives for a new MCP exam, Exam 70-090: Implementing and Supporting Office 2000 on Windows NT(r) 4.0.The Kit covers the installation, deployment, and collaboration support of the various Office applications, as well as upgrading, web support, supporting remote users, and customizing Help. The OFFICE 2000 TECHNICAL SUPPORT TRAINING KIT is designed both to train professionals in the skills they need to do their job and to assist them in passing the exam.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Microsoft Office 2000 Technical Support Training Kit [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

This is an excellent training kit. It is not only simple to follow, but it covers all the basics that a Network Administrator needs to know in the field of Windows NT Technical Support. I recommend this book for allbeginners who want to develop their carrier in the field of NetworkAdministration and Support, but definitely purchase the book “Windows NTNetwork Administration” before you purchase it. I really appreciate boththese books and CDs.

Product Description
This complete self-paced training program is for those who favor self-training over classroom training and those who want to supplement their classroom work. This kit, successor to the bestselling kit for version 3.x, is designed for computer professionals responsible for the administration and support of Windows NT. COVER TITLE.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Microsoft Windows Nt Technical Support Training (Microsoft Certified Professional) [CD-ROM] (Paperback)

McGraw-Hill Professional

 
iPhone SDK Programming: A Beginner’s Guide
Author: Brannan, James
ISBN-13: 978-0-07-162649-1
ISBN-10: 0071626492
©2009 | 1st Edition | 480 pages , Softcover
Status: August 2009
Price: US$ 39.99

Essential Skills–Made Easy!

Now you can create your own iPhone and iPod touch applications in no time. iPhone SDK Programming: A Beginner’s Guide shows you how to use Cocoa Touch, the Objective-C programming language, and the Xcode development tools. This hands-on guide features several self-contained projects, with the corresponding Xcode available for download and modification. By the end of the book you’ll be able to build, test, and debug custom iPhone and iPod touch applications with ease.

Designed for Easy Learning

• Key Skills & Concepts–Chapter-opening lists of specific skills covered in the chapter
• Ask the Expert–Q&A sections filled with bonus information and helpful tips
• Try This–Hands-on exercises that show you how to apply your skills
• Notes–Extra information related to the topic being covered
• Tips–Helpful reminders or alternate ways of doing things
• Cautions–Errors and pitfalls to avoid
• Annotated Syntax–Example code with commentary that describes the programming techniques being illustrated

SQL The Complete Reference
Authors: Groff, James; Weinberg, Paul
ISBN-13: 978-0-07-159255-0
ISBN-10: 0071592555
©2010 | 3rd Edition | 912 pages , Softcover
Status: August 2009
Price: US$ 59.99

The Definitive Guide to SQL

Get comprehensive coverage of every aspect of SQL from three leading industry experts. Revised with coverage of the latest RDBMS software versions, this one-stop guide explains how to build, populate, and administer high-performance databases and develop robust SQL-based applications. 

SQL: The Complete Reference, Third Edition shows you how to work with SQL commands and statements, set up relational databases, load and modify database objects, perform powerful queries, tune performance, and implement reliable security policies. Learn how to employ DDL statements and APIs, integrate XML and Java scripts, use SQL objects, build web servers, handle remote access, and perform distributed transactions. Techniques for managing in-memory, stream, and embedded databases that run on today’s mobile, handheld, and wireless devices are included in this in-depth volume.

• Build SQL-based relational databases and applications
• Create, load, and modify database objects using SQL
• Construct and execute simple, multitable, and summary queries
• Implement security measures with authentication, privileges, roles, and views
• Handle database optimization, backup, recovery, and replication
• Work with stored procedures, functions, extensions, triggers, and objects
• Extend functionality using APIs, dynamic SQL, and embedded SQL
• Explore advanced topics such as DBMS transactions, locking mechanisms, materialized views, and two-phase commit protocol
• Understand the latest market trends and the future of SQL

Hacking Exposed Malware and Rootkits
Authors: Davis, Michael; Bodmer, Sean; LeMasters, Aaron
ISBN-13: 978-0-07-159118-8
ISBN-10: 0071591184
©2010 | 1st Edition | 400 pages , Softcover
Status: Not Yet Published
Price: US$ 49.99

The bestselling series now covers these dangerous and evolving computer security threats

Providing real-world attacks and detailed countermeasures, this new volume is a comprehensive guide to the “black art” of malware and rootkits. You will learn how to identify and defend against malicious software and dangerous hidden scripts. The book includes practical examples, case studies, and risk ratings–all in the bestselling Hacking Exposed format.

Hacking Exposed: Malware & Rootkits walks you through the processes of analyzing malicious software from start to finish. The book covers different kinds of malware and rootkits, methods of infection, and the latest detection and prevention technologies.

Book Review

Microsoft Press

Windows® 7 Plain & Simple 
Authors: Jerry Joyce, Marianne Moon
ISBN-13: 9780735626669
ISBN-10: 0735626669
©2009 | 1st Edition | 400 pages , Softcover
Status: September 2009
Price: US$ 21.99

Get the fast facts that make learning Windows 7 plain and simple!

This no-nonsense guide uses easy, numbered steps and concise, straightforward language to show the most expedient way to perform tasks and solve problems in Windows 7.

Here’s what you’ll learn to do:

• Run programs, control gadgets, play games.
• Send e-mail, browse the Web, and share your files.
• Organize your digital media, including photos, music, and videos.
• Burn CDs and DVDs; make your own movies.
• Set up your printer and a simple home network.
• Manage security settings and perform easy tune-ups and fixes.

Here’s how you’ll learn it:

• Jump in wherever you need answers.
• Easy-to-follow steps and screenshots show you exactly what to do.
• Handy tips teach you new techniques and shortcuts.
• Quick TRY THIS! exercises help you apply what you’ve learned right away.

Windows® 7 Step by Step 
Authors: Joan Preppernau, Joyce Cox, Online Training Solutions, Inc.
ISBN-13: 9780735626676
ISBN-10: 0735626677
©2009 | 1st Edition | 544 pages , Softcover with CD
Status: September 2009
Price: US$ 24.99

Experience learning made easy—and quickly teach yourself the essentials of working with Windows 7.

With STEP BY STEP, you set the pace—building and practicing the skills you need, just when you need them! Learn to manage windows and folders, sort and filter files, create an efficient Windows working environment, and safely access the Internet. You’ll learn how to install and manage software and hardware, create and manage homegroups, share content with other computers and computer users, and instantly locate content stored on your PC or network. You’ll also learn how to fine-tune your PC’s performance and resolve common problems. Plus, the supplied practice files give you a chance to hone your skills and put the book’s lessons to work.

 
Windows® 7 Inside Out 
Authors: Ed Bott, Carl Siechert, Craig Stinson
ISBN-13: 9780735626652
ISBN-10: 0735626650
©2009 | 1st Edition | 1056 pages , Softcover with CD
Status: September 2009
Price: US$ 49.99

You’re beyond the basics, so now dive in and really put your PC to work!

This supremely organized reference is packed with hundreds of timesaving solutions, troubleshooting tips, and workarounds. It’s all muscle and no fluff. Discover how the experts tackle Windows 7—and challenge yourself to new levels of mastery!

• Compare features and capabilities in each edition of Windows 7.
• Configure and customize your system with advanced setup options.
• Manage files, folders, and media libraries.
• Set up a wired or wireless network and manage shared resources.
• Administer accounts, passwords, and logons—and help control access to resources.
• Configure Internet Explorer® 8 settings and security zones.
• Master security essentials to help protect against viruses, worms, and spyware.
• Troubleshoot errors and fine-tune performance.
• Automate routine maintenance with scripts and other tools.

CD includes:

• Fully searchable eBook
• Downloadable gadgets and other tools for customizing Windows 7
• Insights direct from the product team on the official Windows 7 blog
• Links to the latest security updates and products, demos, blogs, and user communities