Microsoft Books

This must be one of the best - if not the best - development books I have invested in - hard earned UK £'ss (yep, that's a lot more than some of you yanks have to pay!!!)

Examples and explainations excellent. It certainly plugged some of the gaps I had.

I have been using this book as my primary reference for the past 2 years. Not only does Ms Balter present the basics in a clear and concise manner, the advanced topics included have allowed me to really exploit the power of Access 95. Our organization is migrating to Access 2000 within the year, and I am eagerly awaiting the release of the next edition of this excellent manual.

This is a great book for an individual who wants to learn more about developing applications for Access 95. The author is very concise and doesn't leave the reader guessing about what she is trying to accomplish in her examples. The book probably isn't for an absolute beginner, but you could learn the essentials from here even if you are a beginner. I found that this book is my most popular reference handbook. It doesn't collect dust on the shelf like others that I have. I just wish the author would write a book on Visual Basic 6.0 next.

5 Stars

A useful book, shipment very fast! in 9 days i received it...and i live in Italy.

Thanks Amazon

Creative
Clear
Consistent
Cost little

Most software "companions" (more than a manual...not quite a book) really do not do justice to the software. Quite the contrary for the AMPL guide. AMPL (the language) is a *very* powerful and *very* easy to use Optimization package. It interfaces with most of the major solvers. Users program in AMPL which is more or less pseudocode and then solve LP, nonlinear, combinatorial, integer, etc. programs. Unlike most software packages, it is both robust and easy to use. Likewise with the companion/book. There are many great, easy to follow examples, and it clearly explains the intrecacies of the language. A must use software and most own book for anyone doing any optimization work.

I purchased this book a year and a half ago, after it was recommended to me, but didn't read it until now. Boy was I pleased to have picked it up, though.

This was my first book on the practice of Penetration Testing, so the processes, methodologies and general underlying theories it presented were extremely valuable. In my day to day course as a Sys Admin, I found myself reanalyzing my network with newly gained perspectives. I found it to be very effective in turning the vague unknown threat into something visible and tangible -- instead of following what best practices I was aware of to create security, this book helped greatly in defining -why- those best practices created a secure front, and which would be more valuable to implement in my organization.

I also echo the others, that it was fairly dry in general, but the sidebars and real life stories, quenching that dryness, has created a very strong fondness in my memory. All in all, I would highly recommend this to anyone, particularly if they're entering the world of security from a Microsoft background.

Now, I've read some pretty bad books on penetration testing and nobody seemed to get this fun subject right! Good news - this time somebody did! This great tome ("Assessing Network Security") comes to us direct from the bunkers of Redmond. Written by three Microsoft security researchers, the book provides a great overview as well as in-depth coverage of assessing security via pen testing, scanning, IT audit and other means.

The books starts from a nice overview of key principles of security (definitely not news for industry practitioners, but nice anyway), and then goes on to defines vulnerability assessment, penetration testing and security audit. A critically important section on reporting the findings is also nicely written and shows that the authors are knowledgeable about the subject. The book then goes into developing and maintaining the pentesting skills, and descends into choosing the training and resources (nice for those starting in the field). The actual pentesting process is split into non-intrusive (combining the usual "intelligence gathering" with port scans, sweeps and various host queries) and intrusive tests (such as running a vulnerability scanner, brute-forcing passwords, DoS testing and others). Some entries seem to belong in both categories (such as sniffing) but are placed into the intrusive section, for whatever reason. All the host latest content (wireless, Bluetooth and web assessments) is well represented in the book. A fairly insightful social engineering testing section (that touched on dumpster diving and other non-network assessment methods) is also present. My favorite chapter was the one on 'case studies' - examples of specific threats/tests against web, email, VPN and domain controller systems.

Among other features that I liked were 'notes from the field' sidebars with fun stories related by authors and FAQs at the end of each section. On the down side, the book is somewhat Windows-focused (although it is amazingly vendor-neutral in most respects, considering the source). The book is also somewhat dry, although sidebars provide the needed relief when the text gets too process-oriented at times.

The book is largely about methodology, but I'd have preferred to see a bit more technical content, since it is a 600-page volume. I think checklists, present in the Appendix, are a great step in that direction.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and think it is both a great guide and a reference for most security professionals, especially for those starting to be involved with penetration testing.

Anton Chuvakin, Ph.D., GCIA, GCIH is a Security Strategist with a major security information management company. He is the author of the book "Security Warrior" (O'Reilly, 2004) and a contributor to "Known Your Enemy II (AWL, 2004). His areas of infosec expertise include intrusion detection, UNIX security, forensics, honeypots, etc. In his spare time, he maintains his security portal info-secure.org

Just the basic concept of this book is interesting. If anyone wanted to do a denial of service attack on my web site, or was really interested in coming in -- well, why would they care. But the Microsoft site, if you could bring it down you would certainly have bragging rights in certain circles.

So if you really want to know about security, who better to read than people responsible for keeping the Microsoft site up and running.

The book has four major sections:

Planning and Performing Security assessments
Penetration Testing for Nonintrusive Attacks
Penetration Testing for Instrusive Attacks
Security Assessment Case Studies.

One thing I really appreciate in this book is the little stories from the real world. In between the description and tutorials (this is computer stuff, it's pretty dry) there are little notes of what really happened in a situation where this particular area was being tested. It gives the book the ring of truth, the sound of experience.

Highly Recommended.

Once you have been initialized into the world of Delphi, it is time to move on to the realm of developers. When that point is reached, there is no better source of educational exercises than this book. It is split into 123 different problems, each with statement, purpose, list of required GUI objects and properties; source code and complete explanation. Many of the exercises include Windows API calls, which are a must for serious developers. It is sometimes easy to forget that our programming efforts are a collaborative one with Windows. And there are times when it is best to skip the translation and go directly to the source.
Split into twelve chapters:

1. Forms,
2. Standard Components,
3. Document and Text,
4. Mouse and Menu,
5. Graphics,
6. Multimedia,
7. Environment and System,
8. Peripherals,
9. Database,
10. OLE and DDE,
11. The Polished Application, and
12. Tips and Tricks

All of the fundamentals are covered. I found it to be an excellent source of exercises for a course in Delphi. While they may not be exactly what you want, all are very easy to tweak to your tastes.
Although it is not as popular as some other tools, Delphi is an excellent developmental environmental. If you are teaching a course or just want to learn it on your own, this is a superb resource

Published in Journal of Recreational Mathematics, reprinted with permission.

Once in a while you'll come across a book that you can't put down. Well, this is it. It doesn't matter if you're using Delphi 1 or Delphi 5, this book has enough tricks and how to's to pay for itself 10x over. It's well organized, concise, plenty of code snippets, and lots of working programs on the CD-Rom. If you want a fun read and like magical code, this How To book will put a smile on your face and add a shine to your programs!

Once in a while you'll stumble across a gem of a book that you can't put down. This is it! If you ever get to a point in your program that you think you need to put some pizzazz in it, this book might be just what you're looking for.

It has something for everyone. It's chaulked full of usefull tidbits that you can add to any application. I'll list a few entries from the table of contents so you know what I mean:
"Size a form's control automatically"
"Add search and replace to my editor"
"Remember the sizes and locations of my forms"
"Make the ENTER key act like the TAB key..."
"Determine system resouces and display them"
"Modify menus at run time"
"Create a readme file viewer"
"Fade one picture into another"
"Play wave and midi files"
"Make a customizable toolbar like Delphi's"

It has 103 of these "How To's" do make your application really shine. Two or three of these features would pay for the book. That's like getting the other 100 for free!

Even though this book is written for Delphi 1, the majority of these tricks will also work for Delphi 2. All of the sample code is on the CD-Rom so you can easily see it working before you install it into your application.

If you want to spruce up your application, I definitely recommend this book. You'll also improve your Delphi techniques by learning how some of these "tricks" are performed. This book is a keeper. Don't leave the bookstore without it!

Remember back when you programmed for fun rather than for profit? That is what this book is all about. You won't find the solution to some problem you're having in your commercial apps. Instead you'll find several small, fun projects you can work on with tangible results.

The book covers several different areas from XNA to Wii so everybody is likely to find at least one project that they can do. Each project is self contained and relatively small. The book does an execellent job of walking you through each one.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who is getting a little bored with programming on a regular basis.

Love the projects, they are great for learning and impressing everyone around you. I have had a lot of fun implementing them.

Mr. Fernandez and Mr. Peek have done a great job in putting togehter these 10 projects. The code samples are concise and the projects are alot of fun. My son is learning to code and he loves the Lego Soldier and Alien Attack projects. For me its a nice diversion from business application programming and is a great reminder of why I got interested in software to begin with.

I tried the Microsoft Press, returned it. Tried the Sybex, returned it. Finally found this gem written by Curt Simmons from a publisher (Prentice Hall) not known for their Certification books. This book has all that you need to pass the exam and none of the junk that waste your time. This author has done what Sybex and Microsoft couldn't, write an easy to understand book with the material you need to help you achieve a great passing score in minimal time. I'd give this book a 6 stars if it was possible.

Like to book claims, 'Pass Microsoft's Active directory exam with flying colors!'. This book is well-organized, containing only relevant information that you need. The book is only 300 pages and the content is written in a easy to understand format(short chapters). Curt Simmons knows his exams, he stresses design considerations rather than 'how-to configure the OS' stuff which is not on the exam and justs wastes your time. The 5 case studies included (although not as complex as the real thing) gets you familiar with the format and helps you identify the info that is important for answering the question(s). Also comes with a Training CBT and companion website. I highly recommend this book for preparing for 70-219, if you can find it as availability is scarce.

This book is very easy to read and is very focused on the content I saw on the exam. There are 5 case study questions that look like the exam format and they really tested my knowledge of AD design issues. I recommend it!

Of all the Visual QuickStart books that I've read, this book is by far the best. It explains how to use all of CorelDRAW 7's features in easy to follow steps that even a novice like myself can understand. Also, although it's not its purpose, it does a very good job in teaching the user about the software, beyond just merely how to use it. It gives the user an overview about what makes the software tick, without the overkill that one can find in other books about CorelDRAW 7. It has been a lifesaver for me, for it enabled me to teach myself the software, which is what "QuickStart" is all about.

I like the Visual Quick Start range of books a lot as they help me to get started with the minimum pain. I wanted a quick-in to Corel Draw (7) and this handy book summarises all the main functions of Corel Draw. It's entirely in black and white but is written in manageable sections that helped me to get started pretty quickly before I felt the need to look out for a more comprehensive manual. Well written, good value.

This book has the step-by-step guidance that I need when I work through a program as complex as CorelDraw 7! In addition, it is really visually awesome. The graphic design in this book puts it way above most computer software books. Using it, you'll find yourself opening whole new creative worlds

If you are a seasoned Visual Basic developer with no familiarity with .NET, C#, or Web services, this book will get you where you need to go with a minimum of theoretical explanations and examples that are straightforward and to the point. It provides a quick overview of key concepts and then plunges into practical instruction that brings VB 6 experts up to the latest rev. You don't have to learn a new language to take advantage of .NET services. I work with Deon and have worked with Eric, and they not only have the understanding but the technical chops to back up what they are saying here. Buy the book, don't wait for the movie.

If you are like me, you may have thought that the only good Web service support for ASP.NET was offered through C#. The three guys who wrote this book show that this just isn't true.

The book doesn't spend too much time on the protocols-- instead it explains how to use them from VB. If you need to understand the SOAP and WSDL real deeply, get a different book like Seely's SOAP book from PH-PTR. This book is about writing Web services, nothing more or less. The chapter on SOAP, WSDL, and UDDI is nothing other than an overview. Hey, you've been warned.

I just got this book and more or less tore through it. The book does a great job explaining the ins and outs of creating Web services with VB.NET. I especially appreciated the great coverage of using attributes to shape the WSDL and data used in the Web service. The book really helped me out a lot. Highly recommended.

Very reasonably priced and very informative. brilliant for VB programmers and quite good for other languages too.

This book is well worth the price just for the executable controls you get. The source code is even included. All controls are explained in great detail and even suggestions for enhancing them are included. Most of the controls mimic commerically available controls costing hundreds of dollars each. And with this book and cd-rom, you can even change the way they work without having to wait on a vendor to add the functionality for you!

Excellent book on ActiveX creation. The 101 controls included on the CD alone justify the price, not to mention that they all come with source code so that they can be extended. As an added bonus you'll not only learn about creating ActiveX; the controls included cover topics like image processing, data display and manipulation, buttons, text manipulation and much more. While not a book for the complete novice, this book is something I think you'll want to add to your library; if I could have I would have given this a 20 instead of a 10!

All I can say is WOW, Geetesh has once again done a bang-up job of presenting his "cutting edge" techniques, this time for PowerPoint 2007. And also, once again, he's included an amazing CD with all kinds of helpful software on it. Because I've been using and teaching PowerPoint for a long, long time, when I opened this book I immediately looked for a "What's New in PowerPoint 2007" section, but I couldn't find it and was disappointed, but not for long. Once I opened PowerPoint 2007 on my computer and started playing around, every time I couldn't find something in the new interface, a quick glance at the index of this book and I found it immediately. And, don't let the "for Dummies" title fool you ... this book is an excellent addition to any PowerPoint user's library, from beginner through advanced user. Geetesh presents everything in a very readable fashion; it feels like he's right at the computer with you, looking over your shoulder. If you have his 2003 version of this book, this one is very similar but gets you used to using the new 2007 interface with ease.
I highly recommend this as a great reference to keep right beside your computer whenever you are working in PowerPoint 2007.

I own the PowerPoint 2003 edition of this book, and this is even better. I like the fact that the author goes so much out of his way to include coordinated material on the attached CD.

As a presentation designer and author of Presentational Skills for the Next Generation even I found inspiration within the contents of this delightful book. Yes, delightful is the operative word. Geetesh Bajaj's sense of humor sprinkled throughout was a refreshing change from ordinary skills books. His mix of clear explanations and helpful hints prove his credentials and expertise with PowerPoint are solidly established. If you are looking to add to your knowledge quickly or are just learning how to add the power of PowerPoint presentations to your marketing program this is the book you will want to read from cover to cover. And don't miss the free CD with Bonus Chapter, tools and resources too.