Internet Books

Expertly written by IP storage expert Gary Orenstein especially for IP-based storage professionals in the business community, IP Storage Networking is an in-depth, comprehensive, superbly organized guide covering current options and future trends of enterprise storage; new storage strategies such as disaster recovery and operational agility; outsourcing storage and managing storage-related SLAs; maximizing ROI on enterprise storage investments, and more. Practical language, charts and diagrams, examples, recommendations, and more fill this useful, insightful, and confidently recommended instructional reference from cover to cover.

Excellent, well-rounded coverage of the future of IP-enabled storage networking. The book is filled with technical and financial insight that I found very helpful. Chapters 6, 7, and 8 were particularly useful with coverage for topics such as business continuity, outsourcing, SLAs, and deployment - all very relevant given today's business and political environment.

Gary Orenstein clearly articulates how the storage industry is experiencing profound change; existing standards are meshing with emerging technologies to provide new revolutionary capabilities. IP becomes the "core" of storage networking technologies. Gary shows how to take advantage of these changes, with offensive and defensive strategies.

Easy to understand with:
- Executive overview
- Terms and technology overview, with explanations

Gary Orenstein explains the world of storage and it does so from two perspectives: technical and business. He starts with the ins and outs of various storage technologies, and delves into why one should choose one over the other. He speaks to the technical folks that want to perhaps move their enterprise toward an IP storage technology, and he speaks to the buyers that need to convince their managers to plunge thousands of dollars on storage technology. Storage is becoming a multi-billion industry all into itself and it all has happened in over a decade. The vast amount of storage required in virtually any industry from finance to life sciences to the military, requires the storage industry to move at a rapid passé, and for the IT managers to keep up with a very fast moving industry.
It is not easy, however, to keep up without some help. Orenstein's IP Storage Networking does just that, which is to provide a detailed overview of the technology and the industry. After the overview and background on storage hardware and software, the author quickly goes into building effective storage network roadmaps. The reader quickly learns the differences between Direct Attached Storage (DAS), Network Attached Storage (NAS) and Storage Area Networks (SAN). The difference between file-based storage of NAS and block layer storage of SAN is discussed in detail, and the reader is made aware of the situations where one is preferred over the other. The author really pushing for IP based storage (SAN), where the core IP network infrastructure already in place can be used. The histories of these different technologies are also interesting. The intelligence of storage has moved from server platforms to disk subsystems and with IP storage, to within the network layer fabric. This allows the end systems to be rather dumb, and the already in place infrastructure to be utilized further. The problem arises when the current Fibre Channel protocol of NAS needs to be upgraded to an iSCSI or iFCP, which are IP-based protocols. Traditional NAS is more flexible because it is OS and file system type independent, but DAS is more optimized and faster because it is attached to the server. SAN fits into the sweet spot between the two, but a traditionally relies on a Fibre Channel protocol for communication. This is where the IP storage protocols come into play as they try to standardize on the communication backbone and infrastructure, and still be able to keep up with the demand. The good news is that Gigabit and 10Gig Ethernet are on the horizon, and are able to meet the needs of SAN storage. The issue then becomes migration paths and plans to IT managers, and the authors spends a great deal of time on that topic.

One of the key things that managers need to keep in mind is that their IP connectivity infrastructure goes hand in hand with their IP storage infrastructure in the future. The good advantage of this model is that administration and maintenance will be simpler goes forward, but the current state of the enterprise maybe far from that point. Fibre Channel protocols may already be in place, and ripping it out maybe costly. A phased approach is suggested throughout the book for such scenarios, and options such as gateways, routers, switches that can translate one to the other are explored in detail.
Let us not loose focus on why we are spending all this money on storage technology: we want to achieve business continuity. Well, there are six different patterns that the author explores in his book:
1. Simple backup of data
2. Disk redundancy where the data is stored more than once
3. Failover where there are at least two of everything
4. Point-in-time copy where check-pointing of data takes place as data changes
5. Wide-area replication where the entire data center can failover to another site upon a disaster
6. Wide-area replication and failover where the backup site can literally pickup where the primary left off.

As you can imagine, simply talking about business continuity is no longer enough. The 24/7 scenario takes an entire new meaning with each one of these architectural patterns, and the business mangers and IT architects need to balance the cost versus ROI at every step of way. As we move to the scenarios where Wide-area networking plays a role, the author shows a dramatic increase in cost and complexity. Now we have to calculate the Round Trip Time of data, and congestion on a connection between two sites, which we may have little or not control over.
I would recommend this book to any IT manager, architect and designer that need to come up to speed with the fast passé world of storage technology.

After taking a class from Phil, I went ahead and bought his book. I have found it to be one of the best resources for general Java matter, as well as in depth discussions on advanced technologies. A+ Phil.

This books introduces the more advanced Java topics, wich are mentioned in other books but never explained. This book explains these topics in clear and easy to understand way. If i see a Sybex book i mostly leave it in the bookstore, but this book is ok to pick up!

The book presents the relevant concepts of the likes of the delegation event model excellently, and even delineates the APIs quite succintly. But,somehow,it lacks sufficiently detailed, concrete examples for advanced topics like RMI and JDBC-ODBC bridges, et cetera. However, all taken into account, it most definitey can be considered eponymously as a ( package one.In.All && must.Buy() deskTop::Reference() && nice::bedSide.Read()) for solid Java developers in the market eg. guess who!!! -Apurba Krishna Sircar

This is definitely one of the better (a lot better!) books on Java I've bought so far(I've got about 10 others). Explains difficult topics well. I use a more general book on Java for a general view of the language/classes and I use this one for more difficult topics which a lot of books only mention but do not explain. The use of diagrams and figures together with easy to follow explanations gives a better understanding of Java topics like streams, threads and networking.

Although the book uses a specific JMS engine for the examples the details and the concepts were all right on and covered everything I needed for JMS. It literally saved my bacon, especially the peer to peer stuff over topics. Whew!

Super job.

Sam

Eric Bruno's JAVA MESSAGING explores different ways of messaging using Java software, from JavaBean events and JMS to SOAP. Web programmers receive all the basics to using these features, tips on how and why to use each feature and when to choose something else, how to combine features, and more. The basics of Java communication processes are revealed in chapters which form 'classes' to link related information in a logical progression. An excellent, basic foundation for Java users.

As we look at how much we use the web, it is sometimes hard to remember just how new this concept of worldwide packet switching really is. Java was started as a new language before a lot of the new concepts like XML and SOAP were conceived. But as a new language it has been able to move into using these new concepts faster than nearly any other language.

What I especially liked about this book was the first chapter. So often computer books start with programming. This one starts with a description of what we're trying to do here. He gives several examples of the types of communications that he is going to cover in the book. I had a particular application in mind when I got the book, but in reading the first chapter I began to see several other ways that messaging would help our system.

After the first chapter, I've go to say that it's a pretty regular computer software book. It tells you how to do the things that you want to do. It is quite clear on all the different software protocols, packages, and philosophies. Basically it is all that a Java programmer needs to implement messaging in Java.

The CD included with the book gives you all the sample code from the book, as well as the complete messaging toolkit and several open source tools.

Excellent introduction to messaging, including healthy portions on JMS and web services.

The writing style is clear, consistent, and to the point. Probably what I liked most was this no-nonsense writing style. If it's on a page, it's important to understand. The author doesn't waste your time with irrelevant discussions or out of scope topics.

Editing and code presentation are top notch, making it easy to follow, and build upon from one example to the next. The author also shares some gotchas and considerations that I wouldn't have expected to see in an introductory discussion which were particularly valuable.

Another great feature is one of the drawbacks of the book. The framework presented in the book is elegant, but in many of the examples, there is too much cognitive overhead involved in grokking the level of abstraction in the framework, and this takes away from actually learning the concepts. I would have liked to see more non-framework code for the introduction, which is then tied together with the framework.

This is the greatest book I have ever read (excluding Bert Silverman's "Bert's Eye View: Coping with Macular Degeneration. I can only find it coincidental that they are related and that both of them have great dedications to Dan Afergan.

This book has everything you need, just only a few description about every class of the java API, but enough to use it. besides it is cheap.

The book's title is somewhat misleading. It's not an extensive reference to Java as a whole. If you're looking for that in a small book, you might want to see David Flanagan's book, Java in a Nutshell instead. However, where Java Quick Reference really shines is in referencing the Java API. In contrast with Flanaga, Afergan tells more about what each method in each class actually does, and the values they return. All extensively indexed. Assuming you're generally familiar with the Java APIs, this is a hand book to keep handy while you're actually programming.

this book, released in 1996 was definately one of the BEST Java references available at the time. Java in a Nutshell gave some in depth discussions about Java topics, however this book was the perfect reference guide.

although old, it is a classic for JDK 1.0

Heave an egg out of an open window almost anywhere in the world today, and the odds of striking a Netscape user are in your favor. The odds are even better that this person either knows nothing of Java or believes that it is safe. Pick up almost any book on Java programming, and you will see the same superficial and misleading treatment of security issues. This important book is the first one to address the myriad problems raised by Java. It clearly and concisely explains past problems, current issues, and future risks. McGraw and Felten grab the high and mighty Java industry by the ear, and they offer sane and sensible advice to every level of Java programmer and user. One can only wish that this book had appeared a year earlier and had been widely read by Java's cheerleaders and hucksters. Perhaps then more of the problems would have been solved by now, and fewer risks would remain.

This book is wonderfully written and full of good information. It would be useful for anyone from novice users to managers to Java Programmers who are concerned about security. In fact, I strongly recommend them buying a copy to read as this is one of the best technical books I've read in a long time. The only audience I wouldn't recommend it for are the people who are doing very advanced Java Security work such as writing their own Security Manager, but they may even learn something from it.

I'm writing this review in April, 2002 when IE 6.0 became a standard browser and Netscape is RIP.
This book was written 6 years ago in the days of NN 2.0 and IE 3.0 .. Although it's more then
outdated by now it clearly explains what security risks exist for Java-enabled browsers
and answers my (and may be your) question "How the hell applets can break through Security Manager ?!"
It's main idea is to explain readers what harm applets can do, why is it possible at all
and what is done about the subject by the browser manufactures. Good work for 1996.

Note that it's not "Java security book" in the terms you may think today - in 1996 Java
was only understood as a flashy applets popping-up in the Web.

If you use a web browser that is Java enabled (versions greater than Netscape Navigator 2.0 and Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0) ,and are concerned about Java security, this book is required reading.

At under 160 pages of text (not counting the appendices), Java Security provides a superb overview of security issues involved with using Java. The authors are security veterans. Felton heads up the Princeton University Safe Internet Programming Team and is famous for discovering quite a few holes in the Java security model.

One might think that two security experts who know the depths and implications of Java security may come out with a reference with suggestions that are overly restrictive and perhaps paranoid. That is not the case here. The recommendations that the book suggests are rational and reasonable. Java Security provides commendable guidelines on how to use Java more safely and what the future holds for Java security features.

The 6 chapters of the book provide an excellent and comprehensive analysis to all aspects of Java security. Chapter 2 provides a significant amount of detail about the Java Security Model, with in-depth coverage of the 3 prongs (as they call it) of the security model, namely: the Byte Code Verifier, the Applet Class Loader and the Security Manager.

Chapter 3 follows with a discussion detailing serious holes in the security model. The authors consider a flaw to be serious when the breach has the potential to corrupt data, reveal private information, or infecting the workstation with a virus. They fittingly note that all of the flaws detailed in the chapter have been fixed by Netscape and Microsoft. The function of the chapter is to show what sort of things can go wrong. Chapter 3 concludes with a summary of 8 significant security problems that were discovered last year in implementations of Java.

The book also goes into great detail on what developers and end-users can do to make Java much more secure. Their six guidelines for Safer Java use are:

1. Know what web sites you are visiting 2. Know your Java environment 3. Use up-to-date browsers with the latest security updates 4. Keep a lookout for security alerts 5. Apply drastic measures if your information is truly critical 6. Access your risks

Fenton has his doctorate in computer science, nonetheless, the book is written in a very clear and coherent manner. Add this to your bookshelf.

Easy to follow, very concise examples, wide variety of topics

Firstly, this book does a great job of introducing the javascript core language in a thorough and engaging way. The author goes to great lengths on topics that will concern real-world developers and discusses in depth the right and wrong way to write code.

This leads on to a more general reference on the language. It is here that the book really shines. As well as lots of examples, the fundamental principles behind the langauge and any associated technologies are mentioned. All this is done in a very avuncular style and I must admit I enjoyed reading the book, and trying out some of the examples/topics on my PC.

There are some caveats:

This is not a book for pure novices. Previous exposure to other languages is inferred and the author(s) point out similarities with Java and C++.

Netscape is the preferred browser here, but unlike some other tomes, at least IE gets a mention and differences are noted, though the writing does favour the NS browser.

These are small gripes with what is otherwise a much needed and well scripted (sic) resource.

This review is based only on a quick glimpse of the book, so read this with some reservation. I might follow up with a more thorough review later.

This book looks very comprehensive, and seem to be very much up-to-date with latest browsers and W3C standards, including DOM 1 and DOM 2.

But more than a 1000 pages probably makes it very difficult to read in bed ! ;-)

Giving 5 stars might seem a bit optimistic without further investigation, but I'm pretty sure it is a at least a 4-star book.

I wanted to learn JavaScript, up and rearing to go. So I got David Flanagan's book "The Definative Guide". But the concepts flew over my head. Its the best book on JavaScript, without a shadow of a doubt, but simply fearful to the poor old newbie like myself. Don't get me wrong, its well written, but if he had written it the way I needed it to be, it would have taken up 100000 pages. Shipping would be a nightmare!

Anyway, about this book.

It's a good book, great for newbies. I don't know why the other author review mentions that you need to have prior experiance with a programming language. That's rubbish IMO. Sure he mentions Javascript having a simularlity to C/C++/Java, but its not like you gotta learn those languages, its just a mention, thats all.

He explains basics, like what a token is, how if/else/for statements work. You know, basic stuff for a newbie to learn. If you are a programmer already, just skip the first five chapters, and you'll be in the meat of the book about JavaScript, so its just as relevant for experienced programmers too.

Anyhow, once you are finished (and applied the concepts with a mock up webpages) you are no longer a newb. Then move on to that gem which is David Flanagan's Definative Guide. After going through that and applying it, you'll be well on your way to becoming a "good" JavaScript Programmer.

P.S: Becoming actually Good is no mean feat. Take JavaScript seriously folks!

P.P.S: You MUST learn HTML and CSS before reading these books. JavaScript is almost entirely based in the real world on manipulating markup and style sheets. To attempt to learn JavaScript without knowing them properly (I do mean properly) would be a major folly.

Excellent reading material written in a format that kids can relate to. I highly recommend Callie Gregory's "Jeeves, I'm Bored" to individuals with kids interested in adventures on the internet.

Even if you aren't a parent, odds are you have children in your life. How refreshing to find things my nieces and nephew and I can do together on the web besides raid tombs and kill centipedes! I am internet savvy, but have never had any need or time to see what is available for children. I found this guide to be a handy and valuable resource. The best part is, the children and I found things to do that we both enjoyed.

Excellent idea and outstanding presentation. Callie Gregory is right on target with this book! I recommend it to all of us that have kids with curious thoughts about what do do on a rainy day!

As a teacher and a mother, I highly recommend this book. It is an excellent way for kids to have fun while learning at the same time. Great idea by Callie Gregory!

I have 3 children who all use the technology binders and they are so useful. You know what each lesson is and what they are learning. You also have the homework in there so everything you need is in one binder (which prevents lost sheets of paper). Definitely recommend this product.

This workbook is a great tool for helping your primary school student learn hands on skills for the computer. Typing exercises, key hardware terms and other activities are included and can be used pretty independently by the student. It's been a great tool for our 3rd grader and supplements the activities given in class. Would definitely recommend!

My daughter is using this as a text in her computer class at school. The lessons are easy to follow and informative. She has learned a lot so far this year.

My daughter is using this book at the school she attends and loves it. It makes learning technology so easy for children. It organizes learning so that each lesson builds on what came before, and nothing's presented that children aren't ready for.

This is the first of six--through fifth grade. I've seen the work of fifth graders who have used this since kindergarten. They edit photos in Photoshop and make movies using Pinnacle Studio. They do PowerPoint slideshows that look great. I'd recommend this series to anyone.

I like the way Ms. Lemay wrote the book, She makes it easy for a beginner like me in VBscript easier to understand the language. It is like one of her Teach Yourself books! I highly recommend this as a good reference!

If you want to learn vbscript quickly (and correctly), pick up this book. Vbscript is rapidly becoming a great scripting language for MS internet web sites. This book gives tons of great examples that actually work when you type it in! And there's several thorough programming references in the appendices

Excellent step by step lessons on using ActiveX and VBscript. This book cleared up alot of questions I had. I just bought this book a week ago (May 1999) and I wish I had bought it a long time ago. Although this book was published in 1997, it is unbelievably useful today!

This book does a very good job of getting you right into ActiveX, and then slowly adds the VBScript. While the examples on the CD are well documented, I couldn't get a few of them to work (SelectedIndex) for one. However, I would recommend this book as both a good reference and usuable tool. Note that you should have a pretty good understanding of HTML. If you don't, you'll have problems, but the CD has an HTML book on it that is easily indexed. It helped me out greatly.

Excellent book about L2 VPNs in its modern implementations. Especially good for those moving into SP area from R/S.

I used this book as one of my reference books for CCIE service provider written exam. This book covers basics of Layer 2 VPNs especially AToM, L2TPv3, VPLS, and Local Switching.

The examples along with the testing methodology, and the overall layout of the topics flow very nicely. This is a must read for anyone considering Layer 2 MPLS, or L2TPv3 Architecures.

For any person involved with designing or maintaining L2 VPNS "Layer 2 VPN Architectures" is a must. While I must admit that I use most of my books as reference, this book is an easy read for those persons who are trying to learn the various L2 VPNS options available. The book begins with a background of VPN architectures and follows with a background and overview of the different Layer 2 protocols. An in depth discussion of AtoM, Anything over MPLS, L2TPv3 and VPLS are presented to the reader.

The authors use case studies to fully explain the technology to the reader. Each case study builds on the other making for a very logical flow of each technology, including configuration examples and screen shots for a clearer explanation. The configuration examples and illustrations are numerous making this a great reference book as well as a learning tool.

Each of the three parts starts with a basic configuration and then slowly builds to a more complex example. As mentioned, the screen shots and the configuration snippets make it very easy to go from one case study to the next. The authors go to great links to explain all the command options and parameters. This assists the reader in obtaining a clearer understanding of the objective.

For the discussions on AToM and L2TPv3 the authors include the LAN and WAN protocols that can be transported over the two technologies. They give the reader an in-depth understanding of the command options available as well as why they should be used.

As a Cisco instructor this book has been very valuable in adding to the Service Provider oriented classes I teach. Anyone involved with MetroEthernet should read this book, as it will present all the technological options available. It will also help them in tuning their network. If you have aspirations on achieving a CCIE in the Service Provider space this book is a definite read for the Service Provider MES Written.

Overall I would rate this book a 5. I have a bookshelf full of Cisco Press books and this is one of the better ones I have.