Web Books

Global Outsourcing with Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 Team System is an excellent book and informational resource. The format is easy to follow, intuitive, and simplifies gaining an understanding of both the concept of global outsourcing as well as the software.

Note: This review gives more importance to the processes than the other obvious benefits.

Who should read this book?
- On-site coordinators
- Off-shore managers
- Process managers/Product Managers
- Key people involved in distributed development/outsourcing.

Why this book is useful?
- This book can be used as a process guidance for outsourcing/distributed environment.
- This book clearly identifies the day to day issues of a distributed development environment and gives options on how to mitigate the risks.
- Explains all the possible options on how efficiently VSTS can be used.
- This is very useful not only for the teams using VSTS 2005, but also for any distributed development team as this clearly gives an idea of what processes should be in place. VSTS is an all-in-one tool which helps in making the life easier.
- For companies which do not prefer to use VSTS can also leverage from the processes clearly mentioned in the book and can achieve similar efficiency by using different free tools available in the market.
- The book has shown how to customize the VSTS to suit the specific need along with the code which is very handy and reduces a lot of effort in customizing.
- More importantly, this book is very handy and easily understood by techies and non-techies alike. Non-techies can understand the processes without getting into any technical details.
- Addresses the issues faced by bigger and smaller companies and bigger or smaller teams.

Jamil Azher's GLOBAL OUTSOURCING WITH MICROSOFT VISUAL STUDIO 2005 TEAM SYSTEM tells how to manage outsourced projects using Visual Studio 2005, which engages developers, project managers and team leads alike. GLOBAL OUTSOURCING takes it examples from the real world also: it examines typical outsource management issues, applications, and problem-solving in a fine technical overview programmers will relish.

This book is indeed about global outsourcing, but it deals with the outsourcing of software not athletic shoes or kitchen ware. Specifically, as you might guess from the title, it concentrates on the use of Microsoft's Team System version of Visual Studio 2005. Other Microsoft products such as Project and Excel from the Office suite are also shown as a part of an integrated management system.

There is little question tht outsourcing is here to stay. The cost savings are simply to great to be ignored. A programmer with a few years of experience in the US is paid an average of $55K, in India $15K, and in China $9K.

There is also no question that outsourcing brings its own problems in terms of management, control and especially communications. Many of these problems are specifically discussed in the book, and it goes on to show that the Microsoft tools can assist in these areas. The tools will not, of course, guarantee success but they may help to make a project a success.

The energy in this book could be contagious! The artist's concepts coincide so well with his work. The symbols have so many possibilites. I'm so glad someone has invested the time on this important area.

The information in this book is so uplifting that i had to read it twice. The symbolism in the artwork has brought me back to the use of meditation.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There were so many concepts that I had thought about, put into words I could understand. The art work was a great additions to the content of these books. Are they for sale?

This book could revolutionize viewpoints about spirituality. The symbolism in Dr. Lampert's art work was incredulous. I hope to meet him someday because I have so many questions to ask him.

Nancy Conner's GOOGLE APPS: THE MISSING MANUAL offers a free alternative to Microsoft Office, covering all of Google Apps' downloadable files, step-by-step coverage of Gmail, Docs, and Calendar, and tips on producing in Google anything you can do with Office: spreadsheets, slideshows, and word processing. Move the files back and forth between Google Apps and Office and learn how to create a Wiki website with this outstanding guide.

§

This Google apps book has more of a user focus and a bit more hand-holding than other Google app books I have taken a look at lately. (Google Apps Hacks)

The 13 chapters are divided into 4 parts:
1) Setting up with Google and using the word processing, spreadsheet and presentation creation software.

2) Using Google e-mail, communication and calendar applications.

3) Customizing the Google home page and creating Web pages without HTML knowledge with the new Page Creator.

4) Using Google applications within organizations. This last section went into administering users and facilitating team collaboration. This was interesting and something I had not seen in other books.

This "Missing Manual" is pretty thorough and has a good index. If your goal is to *use* Google applications (rather than program them), this book is an excellent reference and guide.

§

As a long time Google sycophant, pretty much anything this company puts out I love and the case is no different as it relates to the Google Apps suite of products. Released within the last couple of years these programs have quickly taken the world by storm and I rarely ever create a document or spreadsheet outside this environment any more. The Missing Manual line of books always does and incredible job of teaching regular joes and janes how to get around their computer and this book is no exception. Focusing on all the popular apps like Spreadsheets, Gmail, Talk, Calendar, iGoogle, Page Creator and more this book covers all the angles in 700+ pages of great writing and content.

This book WOULD have been an easy 5 stars but the lack of color really hurts this release, so much so I dropped a star off. I don't understand why some books that need color are denied this at pre-release time while other books that don't need it get the full treatment.

Great book, just could have been even THAT much better.

**** HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Thorough, well-written book that opens up new, er, vistas in Google. Not full of techie twaddle. Works for real people.

Read "The Retirement Nightmare" by Dr. Diane Armstrong. Get the real truth about the fraud and abuse of the elderly and not so elderly. To avoid a guardianship in the State of Florida, and other states, should be of paramount importance. Reports of guardians stealing from their wards' bank accounts and other wise abusing guardianship powers are surfacing with disturbing regularity. 'This problem is going to get bigger and bigger,' says E. Bentley Lipscomb, AARP's Florida state director and a former state secretary of elder affairs. - GUARDIANS DRAWING INCREASED SCRUTINY, AARP Bulletin.

I had bought this book as a gift for my mother-in-law (Gramma) and I loved it. I almost had to buy her another gift. I found it to be very informative. You do not have to a Grandma to read this book. I gave it to her and she loved it too! Thank you. PS

Grandma Online is Fabulous! Not only is it informative, but also highly entertaining. Ms. Shaputis' insite to the internet made me feel comfortable in an otherwise overwhelming world. I just bought 5 more copies to give to my favorite "grandma" friends. But please keep in mind, this book isn't just for grandmas. Everyone I know could use a copy. This one is a must have!

This book was outstanding, not only informative but entertaining as well. It will give the less computer savvy an easy tour through the internet. I great guide for anyone, but of special interest to grandparents, not only focusing on thier interests but on those of their grandchildren. It's a surefire way to bring generations together. A must buy for your parents or grandparents, and would make a great gift!

There is a lot more to the Internet than e-mail and Web sites. It can be an oasis of information and communication. It can also be a mine field filled with the wrong information and questionable people who want to take advantage of you. Sandy's book lays out the full spectrum of the good and the bad that's available through the Internet and e-mail. The information in this book will go far to keep me safe and expand my skills to get the most of what is good out there in cyberspace. I plan on keeping it right next to my computer.

Great book! Easy to read, very well organized, answers all your "dumb" questions that your kids are too impatient to deal with! The "Sandy's Tips" and "Blooper Alerts" are worth the price of the book all by themselves -- fount of info.

I have read several of Sandy's books over the years and I continue to enjoy everything that she writes. Great Age Guide to the Internet is no exception. Sandy's ease with words makes this book a pleasure to read and is so full of information. If you don't know how to get around on the Internet, or only know a little, read this book. Sandy will show you everything you need to know.

My mother is very smart, but she is still a newcomer to the Internet. Every time the family gets together we end up
spending a lot of time answering a zillion questions from her about surfing the web, downloading, firewalls and the like. This book will really help answer her questions without talking down to her. She's not a dummy. She's just newer to this technology than the rest of us 'kids.' I can't wait to give it to her as a present from her grand-daughter for xmas.

I went to school for video so a majority of the book was review. There were aspects I found useful. There are some differences in video production for the web. This book clearly identified them. Very useful tool to have beside the computer.

Do you ever published video online using Flash? Do you ever used Flash Media Server and don't know where to begin? Do you know how to make your videos look gorgeus online?

The response to all this questions (and much more) are beautifully explained in this book.

It covers from capturing video, creating a 3 point light studio for maximizing the quality and size of the compressed file, to the deployment of your solution using Flash Media Server. It's full of real world examples that you can use right out of the box.

Really really good book for starters. And if you want more, look for others titles of Focal Press.

This is an excellently mastered book. The writing style is clear. The step by step examples are appropriately illustrated. There is source video and a plentiful supply of links for needs. The illustrations are appropriate and carefully selected for the key points.

If you are a FMS (Flash Media Server) administrator or programmer, you will find answers to those user inquiries why their video looks poorly. You will have intelligent responses and tools to analyze the problems likely caused by the capture and prepartion of the video.

For videographers, this is your bible on how to capture video for Flash.

For video editors, this is your bible on how to prepare and compress the files.

For newbies to Flash video, you have the soup to nuts book that breaks it down into nice chunks with examples.

Very impressive part of the text is that many assertions are supported with research from many major video publishing entities.

Finally there is a thread throughout the book that provides the market and industry information to help you assess your choice of Flash video as a web video platform.

You will learn the specific steps in major digital video software packages such as Adobe Premier and Final Cut to fix issues.

You can learn how to set-up a recording set with the correct lighting that will be best for Flash video format.

You can learn to install the Flash Media Server (free) and use it and not be a programmer, but willing to download example files needed. Or if you are interested in programming FMS, this gets you started.

The Hands-On Guide to Flash Video if full of good information for anyone interested in streaming video on the Web. For those interested in using streaming video for anything from professional level videos to those who just want to get something on YouTube, this book is a gem. Ranging from those who know absolutely nothing about Web video to those, like myself who need to learn more about taking videos and some of the technical characteristics of digital video, such as interlacing, you'll find this book invaluable.

The 19 chapters are written in a friendly and accessible style covering 1) Creating video, 2) Preparing video for the Web, and 3) working with Flash, including a clear introduction to Flash Media Server. Having worked with Flash Media Server (FMS) since it's inception, I have found that one of the best tricks for saving on bandwidth is good lighting and good sound, both of which are covered in this book. Likewise, for those new to streaming video, you will find how to set up a progressive download that you can set up on your hosting server without having to use FMS if you choose.

Among the many other topics I found revealing are the following:
1. Chroma keying - removing parts of a background so that any background can be inserted. Best known for weather reports on TV.
2. Cue points - adding triggers in the video that can be used as events. Cue points are very useful for adding information,
3. Interlacing and Deinterlacing in video files
4. Decision-making in setting video parameters
5. Optimizing light and sound for streaming video

An area that is in need of serious help is provided by the introduction to Flash Media Server. This will help in developing FMS2 applications for those who are new to open socket server technology. So for newbies to FMS, this will come as a welcome addition.

One of the interesting (and I think correct) decisions the authors made was to use the Flash CS3 platform with ActionScript 2.0 instead of ActionScript 3.0. Here's why. It will be at least a year or so before a significant number of users will have the Flash 9 plug-in for their browsers. Yesterday I bought a new iMac, and the Safari browser that comes with the Flash plug-in is still using Flash 8. (I found that out when I tried to play one of my apps built with AS 3.0.) What's important is that On2's VP6 technology started in Flash 8. So, no one is missing a significant video element using ActionScript 2.0 as would be the case with Flash 7 or earlier. [...]

Honestly ... out of all the computer books I've purchased (and I've purchased a lot) this is by far the most useful ... I know my way around HTML pretty well and I still use it constantly. This book is great for those starting out and advanced users as well. Excellent!

I use this book quite a bit. In fact, I'm on my second copy (my first having fallen apart). My brother, who is also an HTML programmer, is on his fifth copy. This book never fails to teach me something new just by browsing through it. I love the fact that it is just a straight reference, and not a how-to book.

Outstanding reference guide. Everything in one place, and easy to find.

I use this book constantly while I'm working on HTML. I recommend it for all HTML users from beginners to experts. I'm a self-taught HTML author and I've learned as much from this reference as from actual tutorials. I particularly like that it has an "index" of HTML tags printed on the inside covers, because usually I just need to check the syntax for a specific tag and this list makes it very convenient to find what I'm looking for. For each tag, the book provides a definition of how it's used, a list of the attributes with brief descriptions, context (other tags within which the tag can be used), suggested usage, and -- best of all -- examples.

This book might also be titled "Wikipedia in Context". It tells in detail what Wikipedia is and what it is not; it even has a history of encyclopedias and talks about how Wikipedia fits into this tradition. It goes into detail on the culture and motivations of the people who work on Wikipedia. It covers the mission of the project and speculates on the global impact it will have someday.

There is an especially valuable chapter on "Understanding and Evaluating an Article" with a lot of good tips. Traditional encyclopedias are written by authorities in the field, but Wikipedia is written by a wide variety of authors, some experts, some amateurs, some fanatics, and some vandals. The appeal to authority doesn't work for Wikipedia.

There are real-life case studies scattered through the book about the internal workings of Wikipedia and its interaction with the real world. The most startling and sobering is the story of Turkish scholar Taner Akçam, who was detained at Montreal's Trudeau Airport by Canadian officials who had read in Wikipedia an incorrect report that he was a terrorist.

I only have a couple of gripes about this book. The screen shots highlight the relevant parts by graying everything else, which I like, but the gray is so dark it's hard to see the screen clearly and tell where you are. The index is lengthy but it was hard to find things in it; it seems to index only the main discussion of each topic and not any other references to it.

Compared to John Broughton's Wikipedia: The Missing Manual, this book is much broader and shallower. The Missing Manual is aimed at people who want to edit (add material and articles to) Wikipedia, and goes into great detail on both the mechanics of changing Wikipedia and the policies and customs that govern these changes. The present book has much useful material on these subjects, but it has just enough to get you started editing (roughly the middle third of the book deals with this). I have found both books extremely valuable, but they are aimed at different audiences and don't compete directly with each other. If you have a casual interest in Wikipedia, or are just getting started as an editor, "How Wikipedia Works" is the book for you. Beginning editors can also benefit from "Wikipedia: The Missing Manual" but may find the level of detail overwhelming; it is better for experienced editors.

I was skeptical when Wikipedia first launched. I was convinced it could never rival the Encyclopedia Britannica, to pick a not-so-random candidate for comparison. But over the ensuing years, I've been increasingly impressed at what this effort has produced. The coverage is truly amazing, and the depth of many articles is nothing short of astounding. Caveat lector still applies, of course -- but it applies to *any* book or reference you might purchase here on Amazon.

I have edited a handful of Wikipedia entries, but always with some trepidation, a little voice in my head going, "You're not doing it right!" All the rules and templates and syntax and unique cultural guidelines are all included in Wikipedia itself, but it can be a daunting task finding what you need at any given moment. I remember having many browser windows open into multiple Wikipedia pages -- all so I could make sure I *was* doing it right. I often wished I had an offline reference I could flip through to find what I needed without leaving the page I was editing.

And now I do. This is a very fine book indeed, extremely thorough on every topic I can imagine needing to know more about. Highly recommended.

~ Chris Locke, co-author of The Cluetrain Manifesto: The End of Business as Usual

The publication date of this book was delayed for some months but on arrival it proves well worth the wait in terms of both content and design.

The authors adopt precisely the tone of authority required without being too simplistic - the book is thoroughly crafted and sincere but always engaging and never overbearing. The layout is minimalist and attractive, while incorporated within the text are subtle primers for those getting to grips with Wikipedia's mark-up conventions.

The book is not in any way a hasty Wiki-mania cash in and covers with fairness and neutrality the controversies which have been associated with Wikipedia. It is obvious that the authors genuinely believe in the Wikipedia project and have extensive experience as both editors and readers. It is superior to John Broughton's Wikipedia: The Missing Manual in both its depth and its clarity.

Sections on licensing and copyright are crisp and useful while introductory matter on Wikipedia's heritage (from printed encyclopaedias to Open Source communities) and its underlying philosophy will ensure that readers understand what Wikipedia is really all about.

The book includes a useful Glossary, Appendices (such as Edit Summaries Jargon), a comprehensive Index and even a guide for teachers on how they might use Wikipedia in the class-room.

For fans of the old-fashioned printed book, the real boon of 'How Wikipedia Works' is the satisfaction that comes from sitting it firmly on your desk as you begin to boldly edit your first Wikipedia article!

I have been waiting for an excellent primer on *using* Wikipedia for many years. As a vocal fan of Wikipedia, I am used to my friends and relatives asking me questions about the site (this was more common when it was still unusual to use it as a daily reference). Now I have a book to send them!

How Wikipedia Works covers the most important parts of Wikipedia : the culture and process of contribution. It describes helpful tools and extensions for searching and using the site, and quickly evaluating articles. It helps you set up your own user account, get feedback from article authors, and contribute knowledge to topics you care about.
The authors balance simple language with comprehensive coverage, providing the best bibliography I've seen of links to further information on Wikipedia itself.

Best of all, it maintains a steady sense of humor about the encyclopedia, its editors, and the project's unusual history.

This is two books in one. The least interesting of the two is a brief tutorial on HTML and Javascript with descriptions of content development packages such as Dreamweaver and Flash. While the explanations of HTML, Javascript and the software are fine, there is nothing that cannot be found in greater detail in many other books. What makes this book stand out is the second of the two books. It includes interviews with some of the leading and most creative builders of web content. Their answers and explanations of their creative strategies are inspirational and should be required reading of all students of graphic arts.
By far, the most outstanding part of the book is the pictures. The publishers spared no expense in the quality of the pictures and they are clear, plentiful and demonstrate the design points made by the interviewees. They demonstrate how good graphic design is done and give all designers a goal to aspire to.
There are two parts to quality graphic design, the ability to code and the ability to push the right aesthetic buttons. The second is the hardest, but not to these people. These are some of the best examples of graphic design that I have ever seen.

If you are designing (or want to begin designing) dynamic, media rich web pages using DHTML, Dreamweaver or Macromedia Flash this book will give you technical tips and a plethora of design ideas.

Be aware that the material is focused on aesthetics, usability and effective use of multimedia more than on the technical aspects. For the accomplished designer and coder this book will provide enough examples of well thought out design from which you can create sites with your own spin. The less technical reader may be frustrated by the emphasis on design instead of detailed instructions on how to develop and implement the ideas and examples in the book. However, even for that audience this book offers valuable information. Specifically, it's easier to learn how to code and perform technical tricks than it is to make a usable web site that uses advanced tools to their best advantage.

What I like about the book is the blend of art and technology in the subject matter. For example, the chapters on color and type opened my eyes to just how significant these can be (I am a more technical reader). I also learned much about user interface design and navigation, even though I've always paid attention to these for the web sites that I've developed.

Overall, for accomplished technical users this book will give insights into the interface design aspects of web sites, and for the accomplished designers it will provide useful technical information about Flash, Dreamweaver and popular multimedia formats. It will not, however, teach web development in the technical sense, and may overwhelm beginners who are more concerned with learning the basics.

HTML & WEB ARTISTRY 2
AUTHOR: Natalie Zee/Susan Harris
PUBLISHER: New Riders
REVIEWED BY: Barbara Rhoades

BOOK REVIEW: After three days of reading and re-reading HTML & Web Artistry 2, the sections that contained the most useful information were the HTML Quick Reference List found on page 322 and Style Sheet & JavaScript Reference List found on page 332. Coming in a close second, are ones called Case Studies that also contain very useful information such as web-safe palette, style sheets. Quick Time, page loading, Flash, sound loops seamless transitions and pre-loading and layers. The Case Studies Chapters end with a Summary of the chapter and URLS used.

The format of the book has highlighted boxes with tips and notes, the same as many web specific book formats are using. There are graphics through out the book to show examples of those subjects being discussed.

Many of the chapters were done in a question and answer format and were specific to the people being interviewed. It seemed more like a promotional piece for their shop than an instructional book on HTML and Web Artistry. Granted, you can always get a bit of information by reading what others have done but this wasn't what the title of this book lead one to believe it would be.

The two reference chapters and these Case Studies make this a viable book from which to learn something.

Well, I may not be THAT seasoned in web design business, but after 7 years of pushing the boundaries of HTML, sometimes succeeding, sometimes screaming, it is refreshing to know similar struggles are out there and that things are coming around for designers.

Susan and Natalie have presented a beautifully illustrated, sometimes humorous, and informative look into the latest offerings for Web Designers. Taking real life examples they weave throughout the fine lines between designer and developer settling in a cozy spot where one person can wear both hats.

Tips that may seem obvious at first, are useful and tested, and offer insight for both novice and seasoned designer. (for example, I love the idea of taking snapshots of the world around us to create new color palettes)

Simple enough to understand, but spiked with fancy flourishes, HTML & Web Artistry 2 is an inspiring read that offers plenty of jumping off points for those with enough hunger to do so.

I've had this book for 3 years and still pull it off the shelf for occasional reference. My copy has been beaten to death from having loaned it to so many beginners because it gives a perfect walk through of the three main aspects of web programming: design, layout, and interactivity.

The CDROM itself is packed with useful tools and examples, and the writing style is at times way too entertaining for a technical book.

I owe my career to this book: this is how I took the step up from making simple home pages to planning & building professional web sites.

Thanks guys...

Excellent, well written in English, for the non-programmer. I don't have the time nor desire to "learn it all." This book was a great deal of help to me.... brought my basic site to the "next level" without having to spend thousands of dollars for a programmer.

Clearly written in plain English, a rarity in computer books. Aside from teaching design, the writers have some sense of site usability - another rarity in computer books. It was the first HTML book I read, and I have no regrets in buying it.

I think that Ian Bell very aptly describes how to use the tools of H.T.M.L. The descriptions even without viewing the cd are very concise and enable you to visualise how to. The cd helps to see how the code is written but I found Mr. Bell's writing to not need the cd to understand. Good for all levels. An enjoyable book