Internet Books

This book has definitely provided me a solid background in H323.
In addition, it is a very useful reference, for example, I was
able to follow the call setup and media setup packet flow of an IP phone captured via a protocol analyzer(ethereal), thanks to the very clear illustrations. This is definitely a must for network administrators/managers considering a multimedia network implementation.

This book provides a highly-technical in-depth look at H.323. Aside from reading a few whitepapers on the Internet, this book was my first real introduction to H.323. The subject itself is rather complicated to a new-comer, but this book provided a high level of detail without losing the reader. While it is no "for dummies" book, it is clearly written so the person with the right background (i.e. with a firm grasp on networking and TCP/IP) can pick it up and follow along. So why 4 stars and not 5? It realy has to do with the architectural graphics. In some of the information on the Internet ... , there are some really good architectural graphics that depict H.323. I think the book could be even better if the authors included such an approach.

This is a treasure of H.323, VOIP information! Excellent protocol information. This is no paper weight, gathering dust! I use the book and I'm glad to have it on my shelf.

This is by far the most comprehensive book on the market. I agree with the previous review, IP Telephony with H.323 is for advanced uses and a great reference guide as well. I highly recommend it if you want a thorough understand H.323 and IP Telephony, however, if you wish to learn about a particular subject, for example QoS or MPLS, this book will not provide enough detailed information (check out Cisco Press).

Must buy!

We are in the middle of a project that uses H.323. Everyone in the group likes the book. We bought a couple of hardcopies.

I decided to try the electronic version, mainly because I could immediately have access to it. It was a mistake.

First, it required me to update my Acrobat Reader to 6.0 (AR6). Then, to read the book I had to register/activate AR6. Two problems right here: as far as I could tell, you can only register AR6 if you have a .Net Passport. If you don't, tough luck. Go to MSN and get one. I happen to have one (from my Hotmail account), so I thought "no big deal." It turned out to be a big deal. After you enter your Passport login/account, it asks for more personal information (name, email, etc.). I don't like to give out this information unless I have to. Reading a book is not a good reason IMHO.

After all that I decided to cancel the AR6 registration and to return the book. You cannot return the e-book (or I could not find a way to return it). I'm sure Amazon states that clearly, but I probably missed it in my rush to get the copy.

I would gladly recommend the hardcopy, but go for the e-book only if you don't mind all the hoops.

Six hundred ninety-two pages of information. But not for the novice. Web professionals and enthusiasts alike will appreciate a title that's as inclusive as this one. But, as the author points out on page three, you must be, "interested in learning Java". First, determine whether you're interested in Java and second, get your Visa/Mastercard out.

Finally a book that didn't assume I was coming from a C/C++ background. I have between eight and ten different books that looked like "the one" to teach me what I wanted to know in Java. I have little interest in learning applets or SWING based interfaces...my interest is in web based interfaces. This book spoke in terms I could understand easily based on a ColdFusion frame of reference. Eben Hewitt does a great job comparing and contrasting java data structures with ColdFusion ones and letting the CF developer know exactly what the pros and cons the different approaches entail. Th examples are good and applicable to the types of applications I would build. I strongly recommend this book.

I was not so happy to have to search for the code. I tried the website (where the book informs you to go) and discovered it's no longer there. I tried the publisher, who was no help. I performed searches, read forums, and then finally typed the authors name in as the web address and sure enough finally have the code. So, if you purchase this book first make sure you can actaully get your hands on the code. ...

When I began reading "Java for ColdFUsion Developers", I was excited to see how similar writing a Java program is to the syntax used to write CFScript or Action Script. This is an excellent time to learn all three!

The author has organized his information in a logical manner that builds from the basics and moves throught topics that include programming structures and object-oriented application design. Specific to CF developers is the chapter on "Extending ColdFusion with Java" to leverage ColdFusion use in J2EE environments.

Hewitt has an easy tone that makes you feel as though he's talking directly to you. He includes code for creating class files as he moves along to allow you to write and compile as you go. An experienced author with two other CF books behind him, he introduces Java to experienced CF developers who may come from a web background instead of hard-core programming. The book covers the basics thoroughly without breaking your back (unlike other books in my backpack!)

It's not a book for those new to ColdFusion or other types of programming, but it's an excellent resource for those of us who are overwhelmed by the current number of cryptic Java books available. As the introduction to Hal Helms reads, Eben Hewitt achieves his goal by "helping us leverage our ColdFusion knowledge into Java expertise."

Lisa Wilson, Manager, Sacramento ColdFusion User Group

A common experience for someone who wants to learn Java is to end up buying too many books, each covering a different aspect (servlet, JSP, Jakarta Struts, ad nauseum), with overlapping topics, and at times even contradicting one another. Eben Hewitt, who has written extensively about ColdFusion and also authored a ColdFusion training course on CD-ROM, has probably written the only book book on Java that you'll need if you are a ColdFusion developer.

His writing is clear, concise, and he tries everywhere possible to relate Java to some aspect of what a ColdFusion developer does in CFML. His coverage of Java may not be as thorough as a Java purist (or fanatic) would want, but everything you need to know is really there within one book, instead of maybe ten. It is enough to wet your appetite, and if you then are still a glutton for punishment, you should seek more detailed and specific reference for the particular platform that you are working in, be it SUN's, IBM's, BEA's, or whatever vendor software your company happens to be using. But, Java is platform-independent, you say! Well, there is this bridge in Brooklyn...

wondrful read, great for children and adults alike, and it is an action packed story that will feed your interest to learn, and inspire prospective

Highly informative book about all the internet nuaissances you have ever pondered. Great for kids as well. Out of the ordinary plotline keeps the story flowing, and this is a must read for the information age.

This is an excellent book that is sure to amuse an computer user or avid internet fan. There is definitely more info in this book than Microsoft could ever provide. Wonderful, and rather short and easy to read and understand. Highly recommended.

This modern day journey lives up to its Jules Verne predecessor, and the book is a rollercoaster ride designed for a clientele of all ages curious to find out what exactly goes on every time you hop onto the internet. A must for anyone and everyone interested, especially kids in this technological age. Great!

Well, the book certainly is innovative! Aimed at a high school audience, or even younger, as evidenced by the youthful hero, Bert. The story is told by him, in first person.

The teaching is in the form of a journey experienced by Bert, as he plunges into the matrix of the Internet. Aided by the friendly, knowledgeable and older Dr F [sic]. In the spirit of the duo from "Back to the Future". Indeed, there is a bit of the adventurous ambience and charm of that movie.

Bert ends up comprehending a goodly amount in his wanderings. From HTML to the browsers to file compression ideas to the packet switching that is the core of the Internet. Many more ideas are also invoked. The amount of jargon, and the concepts behind these, that Bert now knows is impressive.

Would that other more "serious" books be as educational.

I read the book from cover to cover. I have all of Leo Laporte's books, listen to his podcast This Week in Tech (TWiT), and watch his cable TV show.

Leo Laporte does another great job. I wish he would continue producing these type of books.

If your interested in computers, PC or Mac, or just technology in general, this book is for you. Filled with great info and interesting facts you'll keep refering back to this book over and over.

We have TechTV no more, we no longer can watch The Screen Savers and see Leo, and I can not watch Call For Help anymore now that it is only shown in Canada. All of those things are sad but we still do have Leo's wisdom, teaching, and advice coming to us each day through the pages of his new almanac. Just like the past three almanacs...the information is clear, simple, and to the point. I enjoy getting my daily dose of help and technology with this book. Yes you can search the web for this info, but that is not the point. This is a daily one stop source for some everyday, useable information on computing. I own all the almanacs that have been produced and this new 2005 version holds true to it roots of teaching, humor, and just plain fun.

Mr. Laporte's style is always well written, informative and has a touch of humor. It's my opinion that this is a book for those new to tech or for those who just like to have some good miscellaneous tips and info at hand. After purchasing the very good 2002, 2003 and 2004 Tech Almanacs, it was a given to add this one to my collection.

It's written differently than the previous almanacs in that the old Tech TV crew is not involved as they were in the previous books. Each page is devoted to a day of the week covering a special download, software, gadget or web site along with lots of useful general information and trivia facts. Each week also has a special focus such as Computer Networks, Linux, Blogging, Web Design, Stopping Spam, etc. Mac's are covered also as well as Mac gadgets.

I enjoyed it, I'm glad I bought it and I recommend it!

I purchased this entertaining and well-written book a couple of years ago. It has served as a step-by-step guide as I have made the transition from the traditional classroom to online learning.

From basic learning principals and definitions to specific "how to" examples and checklists, this book has it all and delivers it with a sense of humor that will have you chuckling aloud and keep you engaged, interested, and wanting to learn more. I continue to use this book as a resource, returning to it again and again, whether in need of a reminder or looking for inspiration to help me move forward.

If you are considering making the journey to online learning, this book will provide the light to help you along your way.

In 150 pages, the authors lay out the key information both HR/training practitioners and web-geeks need to work together successfully.

Written for the non-technical HR practitioner who needs to understand both the training concepts and the technology choices she will be faced with, this book also provides a technical reader (me) with the language and central concepts used by training professionals to develop their courses.

I could see this text being used as the starting point for an project team comprised of HR professionals, trainers, and web designers to build on -- each member of the team required to read it to establish a common framework and language. A few hours spent reading this up front would save countless hours of 'churn' later on in the project.

Very few of us have the time or the patience to read a non-fiction book front to back. We want current information, solutions to the problems we are experiencing today, and answers to questions we can not answer ourselves. We want to find these golden nuggets of information quickly and easily and, we do not want a lot of theoretical or academic fluff.

"Making Sense of Online Learning" meets those requirements. The Shank and Sitze book and companion website are perfect "just-in-time" resources for anyone involved in online learning. Whatever your level of experience and expertise with online learning, I am sure you will find lots of useful and insightful information in the book and the website. While I have designed, developed, and taught various online courses, I still found the book and the website valuable. I know it will help me, my clients, and my students. Thanks, Patti and Amy!

Jackie Dobrovolny, Ph.D.
Instructional technology consultant & IT faculty at University of Colorado at Denver.

The audience for this book is the person who wants to take their first step into traditional online learning. And by traditional, I mean self-contained courses and the management systems that support them (as opposed to deeper simulations or integration with knowledge management or ERP or CRM systems, etc., etc.,) For these people, the tone, the content, and the sympathy are dead on. Before going to a conference, or reading any deeper books, or subscribing to any of the current magazines, or meeting with your boss or advisor, this should be required reading.

Like many instructional design professionals, I struggle to stay abreast of the lighting-fast developments in online learning. Replacing the comfortable and relatively stable vocabularies and design considerations of yesteryear are rapidly evolving media, terms, technologies, and standards.

Both veterans and novices alike may now know a great deal about some things and very little about others. We need resources that can help us fill the gaps in our understanding and enable us to speak intelligently to our clients, colleagues, and employers. We also need simplified ways of explaining these topics to our audiences.

Patti and Amy have provided just such a resource. By peeling away the jargon and complexity in an even-handed and measured way, they have clarified many mind-numbing subjects. Along the way, they have taken care to point out universal considerations, such as the importance of designing for usability and building training around real-world challenges. They have also provided excellent checklists to use when considering the acquisition of expensive technologies, such as learning management and content management systems. These tools alone can help organizations avoid costly and frustrating blunders.

Patti and Amy have successfully blended sensible guidance; classic learning theories; online learning terms, definitions, and applications; and many excellent resources into a "must read" book and companion Web site. Readers will hardly realize the plane has left the ground by the time they touch down gently but firmly at the end of a smooth and delightful journey.

This is a good book.

Business Intelligence is a broad and many times an incorrectly used term. My opinion is that in essence, Business Intelligence is all about getting information into the hands of business users so they can make decisions.

This book is written for the business user. Microsoft is the fastest growing player in the Business Intelligence world. Their strategy is to leverage Microsoft Office to get the information into the hands of the business users. For example, think of how many people use Excel in the business place. That is a huge number of people to tap into who will already know how to use their Business Intelligence tools.

The book uses a diagram to show the Microsoft Business Intelligence platform. Each chapter then focuses in on a section of the diagram. It gives you a "you are here" pointer in the diagram. It gives you and explanation and then an example of how to do the important and common tasks. Each chapter is also independent of the other chapter, so you focus in on what you need to know with no worries that you missed something important in a previous chapter.

I am a Senior Business Intelligence Developer. I build the Data Warehouse and Data Cubes and develop the ETL. I have enough on my plate to keep me busy, but I still need to know all aspects of the platform. If you are a developer, I recommend this book because it gives you enough information to get you up to speed with Office 2007 as it relates to BI quickly. It shows you how to get your KPI's into SharePoint, for example. I recommend the book for developers as well.

While I have considered myself reasonably good with Office, this book dramatically increased my understanding of the power hidden in Excel and the new possibilities of presentation. I would highly recommend the book to any government contractor, even if you haven't upgraded to Office 2007 as the descriptive text and easy to follow examples have direct application to earlier versions as well. I've cut my production time dramatically and, more importantly, can 'slice and dice' the data quicker and with better insight than ever before.

My eyes have been opened to the amazing potential of Microsoft Office 2007 for Business Intelligence. This book is a resource I will use again and again.

Executives don't have time to read technical manuals or head off to training for a week - we need something that quickly validates our current understanding and then jumps right in to explain what's useful and how to use it. Brief definitions and hints were good. A real step-by-step manual for using Excel 2007.

This book provided a great, easy to understand review of the features of Office 2007. Touched upon pivot tables, performance point, dashboards and scorecards. Plenty of examples were provided. This will definitely help me with implementing executive dashboards at my company.

Geetesh Bajaj and Echo Swinford are both Microsoft PowerPoint MVPs. Both have written excellent books detailing how to get the most out of PowerPoint. Now they've joined forces to show you how to give your presentations a makeover. PowerPoint 2007 Complete Makeover Kit contains eight case studies of presentations that need some help. Each presentation is OK as it has been done, but Bajaj and Swinford show how, in just a few steps, each presentation can be made better.

The book starts off with a section detailing how PowerPoint 2007 differs from previous versions. There are a lot of changes that have been made, especially the Ribbon menu interface, and it's important for people who have used previous versions of PowerPoint to understand how these changes affect how you use PowerPoint 2007.

Once the basics have been covered, the case studies start. Bland corporate presentations, basic and boring school project presentations, kiosk displays -- they're all covered, and all made over. The addition of Themes in PP 2007 helps designers a lot -- you can give a consistent look to your PowerPoint and other Office documents, and Bajaj and Swinford use Themes to great advantage in this book.

Of course, the book includes a CD-ROM. Each makeover, both before and after slides, is included, as well as many templates and themes, images, and PowerPoint tools. The CD content is valued at over $100, so it's certainly worth the price of the book just to get the CD!

But the book is valuable in itself. You can read and read instructions on how to do something, but sometimes it doesn't really sink in until you actually do something on your own. You can sit down with the 'before' slides in this book and follow along step-by-step with the book, or you can try your hand at doing it yourself, using the techniques you learn in the book. And then you can get to work on all the dull presentations you've got on your hard drive, kicking them up a few notches.

Obviously, PowerPoint 2007 Complete Makeover Kit assumes you know how to use PowerPoint, and that you have a copy of PP 2007 of your own. But PowerPoint users of all skill levels can learn something from Bajaj and Swinford.

As a program director for a university that presents conferences and seminars, it is my responsibility to review powerpoint presentations given by our speakers. To be perfectly frank, the majority of the presentations are "borrrrrrrrrring". This kit is the perfect tool needed to turn the presentations into presentations that are not only easier to read, but much more interesting to view. The easy to follow exercises make even a "newbie" to powerpoint look like a pro. It's "hands-on" approach is by far the best teaching tool I have encountered. Kudo's to the authors - GREAT JOB!

Where Cutting Edge PowerPoint 2007 For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech)) ends PowerPoint 2007 Complete Makeover Kit begins. This book is a wonderful addition to any library for those who want to quickly design exceptional PowerPoint presentational slides. Each section is thorough and complete in its content and detail. The authors show both before and after images and instructions to enable the novice to easily gain the talent to completely revamp their own projects.

Whether you envision a simple presentation or a complex Trade Show Loop with all the capabilities PowerPoint has to offer you will find the tools you are looking for within the contents of this edition.

This is a excellent compliment to my own, Presentational Skills for the Next Generation, self-help book.

I own and operate a presentation design and training company. With my responsibilities, it never hurts to stay up to speed with anything related to PowerPoint. This is an excellent resource and I have recommended it to my entire team. In addition, the CD which is included is a great value added item. Overall, this is a great read and resource.

I have read, reviewed and edited many books on the topic of software and design. This is one of the most engaging and practical software books I've read on the specific subject of a specific application.

Bajaj and Swinford have used an engaging "makeover" approach to demonstrate the features of PowerPoint. This gives the reader an unusually (and welcome) practical application of the concepts--much more useful than reading a technical manual.

The ideas and lessons in the book are not limited to PowerPoint 2007! The design concepts are sound. (Just because you have a design tool doesn't mean you design well, so learn about both!)

If you use PowerPoint to communicate, influence or entertain, get this book.

This is a very neat book that gets you started with broad knowledge
about what you can do with the overwhelming World Wide Web.
If you are curious about what are behind those search engines and
how can these "things" get you stuck in front of
your computer around the clock, this is the book for you.
It not only tells you how these "things" work,
but also calms you a little bit by telling you that
those guys who developed these "things" REALLY tried hard to
get you what you want and in the meantime save you some time :)
The best part is that you don't need to know many theories and
you still get some sense about the devils who drive these engines.
If you are a professional who wants to know where to read about the
"know how", this book could be a good starting point.
It not only gives you a good survey of what is going on,
but also provides you with 286 references that guide you
to what you need to know next.
If you are a graduate student who wants to start a project
on the subject, this book could save you some time.
It takes you only couples of hours to scan through it.
By the end, you would probably know where to dig deeper or
you might get burnt and choose a different subject.
One thing I was wondering was that the authors didn't go further
in many aspects. Some subsections have only four to five sentences.
These could be spaces to extend.

The fields of Data Mining and Information Retrieval are incredibly complex and deep subject areas even when they are divorced from the structure of the world wide web. If the world wide web is viewed as a giant data base, it is without a doubt the most complex data base which has ever existed.

A major problem is getting a grasp on the synthesis of these three fields, DM, IR, and WWW technology. Even current research in DM is distributed among gropus of people with such diverse backgrounds effective communication of research results across groups is extremely difficult.

This book has taken the major concepts from these three fields and organized them in outline form. The outline cuts just deep enough to be meaningful and never too deeply to "lose" the reader. For the serious student, this book provides a Christmas tree on which other books can hang like ornaments.

Obviously, I think very highly of this book. It is not the "be all and the end all", but it fills an important niche. ... Almost limits it to library and other institutional purchases. Which is a shmae because I'm sure every worker in WWWIR&DM would like to have a copy on their shelves.

BTW, the bibliography isn't bad either, and, includes many www URLs, a must for any truly useful bibliography in todays environment. The search engines just aren't good enough yet to give you all the URLs you need. But, then, improving them is part of why there is so much active research in WWWDM&IR.

Feel free to write the author of this review (Dr. John Aiken, PhD)...

This is a very neat book that gets you started with broad knowledge
about what you can do with the overwhelming World Wide Web.
If you are curious about what are behind those search engines and
how can these "things" get you stuck in front of
your computer around the clock, this is the book for you.
It not only tells you how these "things" work,
but also calms you a little bit by telling you that
those guys who developed these "things" REALLY tried hard to
get you what you want and in the meantime save you some time :)
The best part is that you don't need to know many theories and
you still get some sense about the devils who drive these engines.
If you are a professional who wants to know where to read about the
"know how", this book could be a good starting point.
It not only gives you a good survey of what is going on,
but also provides you with 286 references that guide you
to what you need to know next.
If you are a graduate student who wants to start a project
on the subject, this book could save you some time.
It takes you only couples of hours to scan through it.
By the end, you would probably know where to dig deeper or
you might get burnt and choose a different subject.
One thing I was wondering was that the authors didn't go further
in many aspects. Some subsections have only four to five sentences.
These could be spaces to extend.

This is a very neat book that gets you started with broad knowledge
about what you can do with the overwhelming World Wide Web.
If you are curious about what are behind those search engines and
how can these "things" get you stuck in front of
your computer around the clock, this is the book for you.
It not only tells you how these "things" work,
but also calms you a little bit by telling you that
those guys who developed these "things" REALLY tried hard to
get you what you want and in the meantime save you some time :)
The best part is that you don't need to know many theories and
you still get some sense about the devils who drive these engines.
If you are a professional who wants to know where to read about the
"know how", this book could be a good starting point.
It not only gives you a good survey of what is going on,
but also provides you with 286 references that guide you
to what you need to know next.
If you are a graduate student who wants to start a project
on the subject, this book could save you some time.
It takes you only couples of hours to scan through it.
By the end, you would probably know where to dig deeper or
you might get burnt and choose a different subject.
One thing I was wondering was that the authors didn't go further
in many aspects. Some subsections have only four to five sentences.
These could be spaces to extend.

This is a nice introductory book, short and well written. Don't expect any details, it is only an outline. It does a good job of covering terminology, and suggesting additional reading, but it isn't a primary resource itself.

The book is divided into 3 sections. The first is on 'information retrieval' (IR), the second on data mining, and the third describes a 'case study.'

According to the authors, IR is engaged in storage, retrieval, organization and display of unstructured or ambiguous file structures. Research is currently engaged in classifying, filtering, modeling, query design and user interface issues. The key question for IR is 'relevance' assessment. Each topic gets at least a few paragraphs, some a few pages.

The authors differentiate data mining from IR in terms of focus. A data mining project is designed specifically for finding hidden structure (whatever that means), while IR might be characterized as the 'quick and dirty query.' This is a bit confusing, but the emphasis on terminology makes it unimportant. Most of the data mining section is a review of various measures used to determine the existence of associations. This includes some simple formulas. Also, there is a section on webcrawlers and text mining.

Though the book is titled 'mining the www', the largest section is IR, what most would call 'search engines.' Mining itself gets only about 1/4 of the book.

The case study is fairly brief, but outlines a way to structure a simple project.

The book contains a nice bibliography.

I've always liked O'Reilly books, and this is no different. It's a small no-fluff reference that makes for a good read as well. The book is physically small enough to fit unobtrusively in your laptop bag without causing too much of a bulge.

Since it is written as a pocket reference, it of course doesn't have all the commands or even all the variants/options for commands. What is does have are the commands and syntax that you are likely to use the most with some good examples.

Just know what you are and are NOT getting. It's not a bible, a step-by-step, or a cookbook. It is (as it is labeled) a pocket reference, at which it excels. Highly recommended.

George Reese's MY SQL POCKET REFERENCE 2ND EDITION covers Version 5.1 and provides SQL statements, functions, and insights into its variations and utilities. Explanations are accompanied by tables and examples for maximum efficiency.

MySQL has gained a lot of functionality after this book was done, but if you are a infrequent developer and like to have a quick reference into basic MySQL functions this book is great.

Reese hits a solid triple to start the inning off and scores easily on the wild pitch thrown by the reader who says that the GRANT section is wrong. This book works easily and appropriately at your deskside. I found the book to be a very simple, easy-to-navigate reference text that presents the most important aspects of MySQL in the quickest, most logical manner. It is very easy to thumb through with every possible random page landing at a topic of interest. In a way, it was like working with a familiar dictionary, you know the kind, where you just kind of naturally crack it open near the word you're accessing and flip a couple of pages either direction to arrive at the exact reference location. In that vein, I'd perhaps recommend that the margins contain "bread crumbs" telling us where we are in the book, but it isn't necessary since thicker sections often obviate themselves with just another page turn. Each page does have the chapter title in the margin, so my point is really one of nit-pickieness rather than a true critique. To its credit, the layout of the book presents the content in a manner that follows the O'Reilly "risen bar" standard. It is easy to scan through the entire reference flipping pages as quickly as possible so that you are able to arrive at your sought information within as much as a second or two. The bold text draws your eye to the page and the size of the page allows one to capture everything in a single glance. In my usage of the book, I found it very accurate and useful. I am a regular MySQL user and the formatting is very familiar to me. I highly recommend this book. If you are already familiar with SQL and the basics of database schema design, this is the perfect reference. I found it amazingly faster than loading the MySQL PDF manual and searching through potentially dozens of hits for the keywords sought. Even at the full cover price, this book is a value-added service at my side. The sections on operators, functions, stored procedures and triggers make this book an invaluable tool for the DBA or programmer who knows the material, but fails to remember every single aspect about the syntax AND who is tired of seeing that familiar: "You have an error in your SQL syntax; check the manual that corresponds to your MySQL server version for the right syntax to use near..." The text also finds welcomed complement from the numerous examples of using commands and SQL keywords. They are invaluable for immediately deciphering the sometimes too-numerous options of a command. I don't know that the book has taught me anything new at this point, but it certainly makes finding the details of what I already know much easier. Because of its brevity and its ease-of-use, it has made me want to play around with some of the various features of MySQL that I do not regularly use. That alone is going to teach me something new sooner or later! If your budget is constrained to a single reference item on MySQL, you can't go wrong with this very portable pocket reference. The back cover says: "When you reach a sticking point, but have to get to a solution quickly, MySQL Pocket Reference is the book you need." I agree completely.

It's handy, but a little old and too brief with important parts left out. It needs to be updated and improved. Ie: The admin commands are poorly covered. Do not use this book to help you use Grant or Revoke. The Grant All section is simply wrong.

The second and updated edition of the Old Fart's Guide To The Macintosh caters to the new senior citizen computer user and the retiree who wants to get a quick handle on the Mac. The basics become as plain as where to buy one, whether to consider a new or used one, and how to turn on/off the machine. Don't expect this to be a slim handbook of quick reference: it's best used on a step-by-step basis for new learners and is packed with the building blocks of computer knowledge.

This book is written by a young man named Aaron Rosenzweig who has a keen understanding of how to explain the essentials of computers in ways that people born before the era of computers can understand.

Macintosh users, of which I am one, have been quite well provided for by helpful manuals (the iMac for Dummies and How to do Everything with your iMac spring to mind). But there's always room for more, if they add something new to our knowledge of these user-friendly and constantly evolving computers.

Well, Aaron Rosenzweig has done just that, in a very thorough, clear and logical way, especially when explaining AppleWorks, which he describes as the greatest single piece of software ever created because it is easy to use and can do so many things.

Aaron's manual assumes no knowledge of computers, and starts from scratch with a comprehensive run-down of what computers are (not just Macs), their software, hardware, viruses and gadgets, such as mice. He then leaps straight into a discussion about Operating Systems, and a thorough exposition of the Macintosh itself. A description of the Internet follows, then AppleWorks, printing, information and storage, software categories, digital hubs, user groups, computer problems, advanced topics and, right up to date, what's new in OS 10.3 (Panther). The book concludes with a description of some useful web sites and a comprehensive glossary.

I would recommend this book-part manual and part commentary-to any Mac user, though I must warn that it's primarily aimed at the US market and to those who are using OS X. As one who is in neither category, I would yet argue that this is a small price to pay for a well-written, comprehensive, easy to read and understand guide. And if it's any consolation, Aaron is prepared to write a specifically Australian version, if he can find a co-author. Any takers?

When categorizing books, it would be easy to say that the technical genera is something that one "has" to read, rather than "gets" to read. There is good reason for that. Technical books are too long, too boring and don't give any perspective. Thankfully for Mac users, there is one glowing exception: Aaron Rosenzweig's Old Fart's Guide to the Macintosh.

Now in its second edition, this ultra up-to-date book stands out for its ability to gather and feed a sea of Mac information in a different way-with personality and luster. Although the title may be a put-off to those who don't consider themselves an "old fart," let me assure you, this book is for anyone who wants to learn more about the Mac.

Aaron's keen sense of direction plots a well-defined path through the jungle of computer literacy. Starting right from the beginning, he uses these great analogies to relate confusing digital ideas to everyday life. Whether talking about New York chefs and operating systems or small towns and passwords, the most confusing ideas are brought down to level that can be understood and related to by all.

Although it might sound like this book is geared just to Mac tyros, it provides a wealth of information and background that even seasoned users will appreciate. From typing letters to creating your own internet radio station, the number of plausible solutions to accomplish almost anything on the Mac is impressive. What's taken me over a decade of trial and error to figure out, Aaron has put on the table for anyone to utilize in only minutes. Many other Mac resources, computer classes, and even personal tutors give you the "how," but not the "why." Aaron makes sure the reader understands how to do something by backing up a few steps and explaining the underlying reason for why it needs to be done. This applies an incredible mental adhesive to the information in the book.

The first chapter, "What is a Computer?," starts with the basic idea of a computer, and why people need one. Those of us new to computers, or the Mac, will appreciate this the most. The basic parts of a computer and what they do are explained in this chapter. Fundamental terms such as hardware and software are also defined along with examples. Adjusted users might wish to skip ahead, but this chapter provides an easy first step for those with no prior computer knowledge.

Gradually getting deeper into the Mac, the second chapter is dedicated to operating systems. It's only fitting that this is a unique chapter for a unique OS. It starts by explaining why an OS is a vital part of a computer, and how it directly affects the user. After the basic concept of an OS is established, the chapter segues into the differences of Mac OS 9 and X. An informative synopsis of the NeXT evolution tells how it played a major role in fabricating today's Mac OS. Additionally, the concepts of Mac "system software" and "OS" are differentiated in addition to some tips on when to use Mac OS 9 and "Classic mode."

Chapter three pulls concepts from the first two chapters and uses them to explain why Mac is the superior computing platform. If you're not a Mac fan, this chapter should pull you over from the Dark Side. For the rest, it points out why PCs are substandard computers. After establishing that concept, the different models of both Mac desktops and portables are compared and contrasted. This provides a nice guide for people who want a new Mac, but aren't sure which model serves their needs best. If a new Mac isn't your thing, don't worry. There are also tips for getting a used system, and what to watch out for.

The next chapter gets into working with the Mac through the desktop. Basic concepts such as clicking, drag and drop, windows and the Finder are explained with very helpful screen shots for reference.

Chapter eight is a whopper of a chapter that covers almost everything about using the internet, and then some. Keeping with style, it explains what the internet is, how it works and why it affects you. The chapter covers how to get online, what email is and how to use it, different ways to browse the web, using Sherlock, video conferencing and instant messaging... just to name a few. Each topic is nicely broken down by concept followed up with suggestions of good software to use.

Word processing nowadays may seem much more complicated than punching keys on a typewriter. But with a little help, anyone can reap the benefits of modern word processing. "Typing Letters with AppleWorks" is a whole chapter dedicated to getting the most out of Apple's free productivity software. From setting margins to checking spelling, you'll be whipping out letters in no time.

The final and most in-depth chapter truly adds the icing to the cake. Whereas most of the book up until now has been geared for people new to the Mac, this chapter rips loose and lets comfortable users really get their hands dirty. The chapter goes into many aspects of UNIX, including the terminal, X Window systems and GNU. There's even a section on how to get started with computer programming. If you're the artistic type, don't pass up the "Computer artwork and graphics" section, which goes into 3D and video effects software. If words or melody are your thing, don't feel left out. There's section on desktop publishing and a great music section that includes how to create your own recorded music as well as an internet radio station.

This book is well worth reading and is something to keep around by the Mac for those times when it seems like you can do no right. In addition to Aaron's great voice, I also enjoyed this book for its completeness, accuracy and clarity.

It's Christmas time. A very special time of the year, when family and friends just seem more important. It's a time when you sit back and think about how good life is, and how much you really love the people around you. Your family, your friends, that weird guy who always walks around town wearing the top half of a superman costume, screaming things about the Bible. And most importantly, Christmas time is a time of giving. I'm talking gifts, baby. Some of you may be giving the gift of a Macintosh to a loved one, and that may be the first computer for some of those loved ones. Handing them, perhaps, the greatest gift you could give. A doorway into the information super-highway. The means to express their ideas and creativity in ways other gifts could never provide. The ability to be entertained with music, movies, reading, and more!

Well, if you are giving the gift of a Mac to someone who isn't familiar with Macintosh, or if you know someone who has a Mac, and doesn't really understand how to use the computer effectively, then I have the perfect book for them: "Old Fart's Guide to the Macintosh" by Aaron Rosenzweig.

As the book states on the front cover, "A book for those who recognize the word 'computer' but do not know exactly what they can do". It does a good job of that. Aaron Rosenzweig took great care to explain not only how to use the software on the Mac, but also how to use things that seem so trivial to an "advanced user". There is a whole section on how to use a mouse, another just on how to turn the computer on. Also, the author doesn't just tell you how to use these things, he explains them, along with alternatives, and even the history of them. For instance, he explains the differences between a mouse, a trackball, a trackpad, and a tablet. He not only explains the differences, but the advantages and disadvantages to each, along with suggestions on which would be best for what type of person.

Another really nice feature of this book is that it has the definitions of "technical words" throughout the book on the side of the pages that the word is used. And it continues to put those definitions there, so that you don't have to flip back if you forget a word. These side areas also have pictures, for instance, a picture of the "command" key on the keyboard for when he mentions a keyboard command using the "command" key.

The book doesn't stop at the basics. It teaches how to use the Finder, how to change the way your computer behaves with System Preferences, how to save things to disks, (hard drive, CD, DVD-R, etc.) and all the things a person would need to know to use a Mac on a regular basis. There is even a 60-page section on the Internet, including some helpful links (2 Guys was mysteriously missing for some reason). The book even goes on to teach how to use AppleWorks, and all the iLife applications. (iTunes, iPhoto, iChat, iMovie, iDVD)

At the end is an advanced topics "for the curious", that delves in to things like .Mac, UNIX, Computer Artwork, Different Processors, etc.. And there is even an entire section on Panther at the end that discusses the differences between it, and previous versions of OS X.

Throughout the entire book, you can tell that the author really has a love for the Macintosh, and really knows not only how to use a Mac, but also the history of the Mac. He explains why things are the way they are and how it got that way, but does it in a way that doesn't seem like it would be too much information or become boring for a beginner. He also does a very good job of explaining alternatives. He talks about Windows and Linux, and explains why he thinks the Macintosh is the best choice. He talks about the different models Apple offers, and which model would be the right model for what type of person. He talks about software alternatives, and more.

While the book is designed for an older person who is new to computers, I would suggest it for a beginner of any age. It is enjoyable to read and very informative. Even though I know the Mac pretty well, I enjoyed reading it and never felt bored. Aaron Rosenzweig has put together a great book, and is a valuable asset to anyone who wants to "Learn how one computer will unleash your unlimited creative potential".

"Old Fart's Guide to the Macintosh" is available for $29.99US from Cocoa Nuts website and I give it 4 out of 5 pants.

-iKen
http://www.2guysamacandawebsite.com