Internet Books

Webs Of Innovation by Internet expert and global business consultant Alexander Loudon is a clearly forward-looking and progressive book about the future of business in the age of the Internet. A practical-minded approach to taking advantage of globalization and changing technology is the hallmark of this adventurous tour through the evolution of the Internet, the process of acquiring corporate venture capital, and generally gearing one's enterprise to make the most of today's changing and highly interdependent markets. Anecdotes and examples pepper this exciting and useful guide to taking charge of one's entrepreneurial destiny. Webs Of Innovation is highly recommended reading for entrepreneurs wanting to utilize the Internet and the World Wide Web in their mercantile and corporate ventures.

Whereas most management books tend to focus on US cases this book is different. Loudon uses cases from both Europe and the US. In addition to that he writes in a European clear and down to earth style. Thay way a very readable and convincing book.

Many books have been written about the importance of innovation. Think of Clayton Christensen's 'The Innovators Dilemma' or Gary Hamel's 'Leading the Revolution'. Where most of these book end with an understanding of the problem of established companies and innovation Loudon's book starts. He walks you through this problem in just one chapter and spends the rest of the seven chapters on how established companies can organize and structure for innovation. Each chapter has several questions at the end allowing you to apply the things learned to your company. A must read !

There are dozens of excellent books on this subject and Loudon has written one of the best. At a time when global initiatives continue to increase and expand as well as accelerate, it is especially significant that Loudon does not limit himself to national perspectives (such as those from the USA) which tend to exclude or subordinate all others. He carefully organizes his material within seven chapters, following an Introduction in which he observes: "There seem to be three strategies currently pursued by large companies. First, some are trying to enter webs of innovation by starting a separate -- often competitive division [e.g. Procter & Gamble and Wal-Mart]....The second strategy is mergers and acquisitions [e.g. Healtheon merged with WebMD and Ahold acquired Peapod]....The third way is venture capital." Loudon goes on to acknowledge that each of the three approaches can work "but it is critical to know which suits your company. This book will tell you." And it does.

These brief remarks correctly suggest that Loudon's book will be of greatest value to decision-makers in larger organizations; however, it can also be of substantial value to those who do business with those organizations (especially on an outsource basis) or who provide professional services to them such as financial and legal. Change remains the only constant in the contemporary marketplace. This is especially true of the technical environment within which webs of innovation are established and developed. Years ago, former president of Harvard University Derek Bok suggested that "If you think education is expensive, try ignorance." This is especially true of organizations (including the larger non-profits) now struggling to leverage their assets in the online world.

At some point during his tenure as CEO of GE, Jack Welch explained why he admires small, entrepreneurial companies:

"For one, they communicate better. Without the din and prattle of bureaucracy, people listen as well as talk; and since there are fewer of them they generally know and understand each other. Second, small companies move faster. They know the penalties for hesitation in the marketplace. Third, in small companies, with fewer layers and less camouflage, the leaders show up very clearly on the screen. Their performance and its impact are clear to everyone. And, finally, smaller companies waste less. They spend less time in endless reviews and approvals and politics and paper drills. They have fewer people; therefore they can only do the important things. Their people are free to direct their energy and attention toward the marketplace rather than fighting bureaucracy."

I include Welch's remarks for two reasons. First, they articulate the spirit of entrepreneurial innovation which Loudon insists is now absolutely essential to business success in the networked economy. Moreover, because in such a economy there are constant demands for newer and better innovations, there are simultaneously constant demands for newer and better ways to produce them. If I understand Loudon's book, these are among his most important points. They offer great encouragement to precisely the same companies which Welch admires so much and which the most innovative of larger organizations now work so hard to emulate.

Those who share my high regard for this brilliant book are urged to read Borgmann's Holding On to Reality, Nielsen's Designing Web Usability, Cairncross' recently published The Company of the Future, and Markides' All the Right Moves.

The book discusses how businesses must find new ways to innovate while maintaining the core business that is already successful. For established companies to get involved in the new technologies, they must either acquire start ups, introduce cooperatives efforts either partnering or investing in internal new departments, or uses corporate venture capital to invest in start ups.

Established companies are striving to become dotcorps via networked innovation. Loudon explains how each method works, the advantages and drawbacks, and the many reasons for doing this.

The book is well organized, easy to read and follow. Key points are emphasized with questions at the end of each chapter, which provide a guide for companies dealing with innovation with its use of shades of gray and statements of key points. Case studies from Europe and the US provide examples of the different strategies and how they work. It focuses more on problem solving than on the problems offering detailed methods for companies to organize for innovation.

While VC (venture capital) was the catch phrase of the late `90s, the authors explores the different types and ways of using VC. What companies did right. What companies did wrong.

The index lists all of the companies covered in the book to help the reader immediately find those that interest her. Boo.com's failure is mentioned, of course, as a first mover that did not become a prover. There are examples of everything including partnerships, buy-outs, corporate venture capital, B2C, B2B, and more.

While this book is aimed at companies and purports to be a road map to follow in pursuit of innovation and in preparation for what's next on the Internet, it's good reading for individuals interested in business tactics, in plotting change that keeps coming, and in investing in the companies that show the most creativity and openness to deal with the future.

Loudon reminds the reader that everything doesn't happen overnight. While the Internet has become the wave of the future, its present is no yet what it was hoped for. Sound business practices, profitability, ability to attract and keep good employees still remain watchwords for success along with creativity and innovation.

Susan Shankle and Barbara Melton have written a book that all parents, teachers, and other persons working with children should read! What sets this book apart from the rest is its ability to inform parents as to the "evil" and the good of the internet. As therapists who have worked with children affected by the internet, the authors are able to give powerful insight into the negative and positive impacts of our new cyber world. The list of meanings of internet slang is quite useful! This is a must read...

As a social worker, this book has been an excellent resource to assist foster parents and parents with the many mysteries of the electronic world. We must keep our kids safe and healthy - great book to help in this journey.

This is a fantastic guide to help parents and educators alike. When it comes to technology, parents are often a giant step behind their kids, and this book helps bridge that gap. It's a must have to help keep kids safe, savvy and connected!

This book is easy to read and is a great guide for parents. I highly recommed it for parents and teachers who are interested in making sure their children know how to navigate technology in a healthy way.

This book is a real parenting guide which gives you lots of tips for parenting kids of different ages and abilities. Includes a section on special needs kids, cyberbullying, and more. What in the World Are Your Kids Doing Online?: How to Understand the Electronic World Your Children Live In

I found this book to be the most informative financial book that I have every read. If you are only going to read one book to help you manage your finances, this is the one. I consider myself well informed and this book gave me ideas and methods of handing my finances that I had never heard of. I regularly recommend this book, it is great!

I saw Jennifer Openshaw on Oprah just a few days ago and was so impressed that I picked this book the very next day. Great information about how women can take charge of their financial futures. On the TV show Jennifer seemed to really understand the kinds of obstacles that stand between women and their financial goals, and after reading the book I think she has given us all a clear path to achieving them! Once you finish reading What's Your Net Worth? pass it on to your sister, your daughter, your mom, or your best friend.

Openshaw writes this book for women, but the advice is right on the money and can be used by everyone. An excellent feature of the book is the list of internet links at the end of each chapter. These references easily allow the reader to find additional information of any specific topic. For example, her brief discussion of options opens the door to using those investment tools to produce additional income. This is a topic often overlooked in books of this type. To learn how to use options, I also recommend THE SHORT BOOK ON OPTIONS.

This book was fabulous! I loved the personal accounts of all the different women and their financial stories. It really spoke to me in particular because I was divorced several years ago, and all of our joint assets were in my husband's name. It was incredibly difficult to start all over again, trying to build credit, and get loans. I was forced to become financially independent, but learned everything the hard way. If only I had known earlier what I know now! I would recommend this book to any woman who is looking to build wealth or secure her financial future. A great resource no matter what your age, marital status, or career!

Fear of our own finances can literally leave us shaking when it comes to taking control of our financial lives. I travel on business, so I take Jennifer Openshaw's book with me on the road! I surf the Web sites she recommends when I have free time, and I read the antecdotes from women she's interviewed on the plane. I have bought numerous copies of the book for co-workers, and will be giving it to friends as well. It's a book that can be read quickly - but then re-read it, mark it up and make notes in the margin....above all, follow Jennifer's advice. She writes from the heart and experience.

William D. Rutherford's "Who Shot Goldilocks?: How Alan Greenspan Did in Our Jobs, Savings, and Retirement Plans" is an intelligent and well-researched analysis of the economy of the United States.

The United States economy in the nineteen nineties was efficient and productive, and economists said it was ideal. The public and governments from all over the world looked up to the U.S. economy with admiration mingled with envy. The U.S. economy did not encourage inflation, as the growth was steady. At the same time because of the stable state of affairs, it created a congenial atmosphere for production. In other words, the economy was "just right!" and hence was called the Goldilocks economy.

However, by the end of the decade, the economy faltered and stopped growing. The stock market crashed. Some businesses were closed down. Many people lost their jobs and savings. There was no hint or warning that this type of crash could happen to the economy, and the economists and government were caught unawares. They did not even realize what had happened, and hence were not in a position to try and set it right.

Rutherford explores the downturn of the economy, searching for who is responsible for the current state of the economy. He then scathingly criticizes the responsible parties for their role in the economic downswing. He also demonstrates that the implosion of the economy could have been prevented.

Despite the focus of the book being what went wrong in the economy, he ends on a note of hope, saying that the American economy will still prosper due to the efforts of industrialists who are innovative risk takers. Rutherford concludes that the world economy could be better. However, he also feels that the economy of Europe will falter because of European industries' lack of insight into the intricacies of the economy. Rutherford presents the difficult topic, the U.S. economy, in a simple manner, explaining how economies function. His simple language allows him to present his ideas lucidly to laymen. An engrossing read, "Who Shot Goldilocks?: How Alan Greenspan Did in Our Jobs, Savings, and Retirement Plans" will surely be appreciated by economists and anyone who wants to know the reason why the U.S. economy faltered.

- BookWire Review, May 19, 2005

This book has answers for anyone who got crushed in the dot.com bust. An impassioned and efficient analysis of 20 years of American financial history. Of significant interest to anyone with money in the market or with concerns about the concentration of economic power in the Federal Reserve Bank.

This book is a great way to look at Alan Greenspan's effect on the federal reserve, stock markets, interest rates and inflation. It is well-written and easily accessible for someone wanting to learn about how these entities interact. The perspective on Alan Greenspan is interesting and left me wanting to learn more. It would also be helpful for anyone interested in learning about the stock market or bond market as Greenspan has had such a dramatic effect in both these areas.

This book is very well written and easily understood. For someone like me who is not a well versed on the matters of the various factors affecting the financial markets, it provided a number of new insights. I do not profess to offer an opinion on the matter of Greenspan's success or failure, but this book does offer a different perspective from what is generally portrayed in the media. Worth reading.

Shocking! Mr. Rutherford has done his homework. Who shot Goldilocks? will give you new insight into the internal workings of the Federal Reserve, Mr. Greenspan's seriously flawed decision making techniques and the unbelievable amount of power wielded by so few. In fact, this book will leave you with grave concern for the current economy and longing for answers to a much needed money-system overhaul. A great read!
S. Miller

I stumbled on this book and gave it a read. I was surprised that to find it a great intro to HTML. It's balanced between discussion and examples.

The book is a little dated. The HTML tag section references 3.2 Some of the software links no longer work, but that happens with time.

However, the examples are simple and easy to understand.

The chapters are: Introduction, tools of the trade, HTML Standard, the Next plane, Frames and forms, advanced webbing, upload, wrap-up.

The appendixes give you a Tag Compendium, Color names and Hex equivalents and the ever present Glossary.

Some of the stuff can be "glanced" as there is a small discussion about CGI, DHTML, XML, and java.

Probably the only concern is there are a few references to Matt's script archive and I have heard many people say "it's good to find out who not to do things."

Overall, this is a decent introduction for people how haven't done HTML before. The book doesn't patronize and it doesn't bury with detail as with the dummies HTML book.

Mr. Howard outdid himself with this one. I cant say that I've ever read a better text on the subject of HTML. THe approach is subtle yet engaging on the most intellectual levels.

This book is a conversation between two users (one novice, one expert) and this gives us a great perspective. Howard proves that programmers shouldn't be writing books anymore than mechanics should be selling cars. There's only room for one more HTML book and this is it.

Mr. Howard and his sidekick Kate provide an introduction to HTML unlike any I've seen. Through common sense examples and real world techniques that will have the reader coding pages in hours instead of days, they use the Teacher/Student metaphor to guide the reader through the lessons. Mr. Howard never talks down to the reader or assumes too much, and the casual, conversational banter between he and Kate fosters a comfortable environment for learning about HTML. Highly recommended!

...second only to Catcher In The Rye is Todd M. Howard's funny yet poignant book about life and love in the world of HTML. This book moved me in ways I can only attempt to describe, it's protagonist was familiar yet distant, a recluse iconoclast, a stranger in a strange land, always pursued by the wolves in his own mind, whilst wrangling with the predators in his own, very real existence. As the book progressed, and I learned better how to spell URL and FTP, I immersed myself deeper into the mind of this terrifyingly sublime character. Would he ever tear his gaze away from Windows 98 to the windows right behind him, would he ever be free of those shackles of conformity that held him captive? Would the tender succubus of his own youth and naivate consume him whole? Would I ever figure out how to plug in a table to my homepage? Link up to this classic, folks, our boy Howard has talent, charm, charisma... he is a credit to our race. He is a force to be reckoned with in a galaxy of wolves and sheep. He weaves the written word with the skill of a surgeon and implements lines of code like a crazed Kabuki chef on New Year's Eve at BeniHana's. I only pray that, unlike Salinger, Howard lives to put pen to paper once again. They say lightning only strikes once, but baby, I'm praying for rain. Until then, I remain his loyal subject, like a master to an apprentice.

I recommend this book to anyone who works with Windows Servers. This book gives you everything you need to know about Windows Server 2008. This book is great for people who have never used Windows Server 2008 and those that have used it. I have never been disappointed with the Administrator's Pocket Consultant series of books. I always learn something new even when I already know the product.

I've received my books on time in perfect condition
Keep up the good work!

Pocket Consultants have always proved invaluable, and the Windows Server 2008 Pocket Consultant is no different. It's 650 pages, clearly written and packed with useful information while focussing on the core features of the operating system. This book starts things off right with in-depth information that is easy to find and easy to understand. A must have for administrators. I can't wait to pick up Stanek's Windows Server 2008 Inside Out as well.

Author William Stanek is well known for his excellent "Pocket Consultant" series from Microsoft. This book like his others is very well written and contains in depth information you can use immediately. This important book is designed to accommodate system administrators and developers at every experience level. I use it as a reference and it is always near at hand when I am on the computer.

This isn't meant to be an all in one, but I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of information this book provides. Author Stanek really knows how to pack in useful details in a way that's always clear, precise and helpful. A bonus is it fits nicely in a backpack even though its 647 pages!

Stanek's books are my go-to resources for learning new technologies. Whenever Microsoft releases a new product I look to see if he has a book on it so when Microsoft finally released Windows Server 2008 I was happy to see he'd written not only one book but two: Windows Server 2008 Administrator's Pocket Consultant and Windows Server 2008 Inside Out. I ordered both and have been using the pocket consultant for several weeks now.

Windows Server 2008 Administrator's Pocket Consultant zeroes in on core support and administrative tasks. The book is focused and precise, covering in 650 pages more than most books do in 800 or 900 pages. I've learned a lot and every section clears up something or gives expert insights in ways I wouldn't have thought of myself.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone upgrading from previous versions and any current administrators. For day to day work it can't be beat. Great work, William!

I bought this book back in April to help me learn Windows Server 2008. At first I was somewhat overwhelmed as this is a monster book at nearly 1500 pages. I hung in there and read through Chapters 1, 2 and 3. Those chapters introduce new features, provide advice for planning and give specific instructions for installing Windows Server 2008. They are so well organized and so well presented that I felt better about making the move to Windows Server 2008.

In the acknowledgements, William states he has been working with Windows Server 2008 for six years (since 2002). After reading almost every chapter and page in the book over the past 4 months, it is clear that he knows Windows inside and out --- and probably better than anyone else in IT.

With what I learned from this book, I was able to help plan the migration of our network and directory services to Windows Server 2008. My manager selected me to perform the migration in our test lab. This was such a success I was selected to lead the deployment team, and our deployment is proceeding without a hitch!

The book is so packed with useful information I feel I got my money's worth and then some. I've bought several of Stanek's books in the past and they've never let me down. His writing style is top notch --- clear, concise and no nonsense.

I like this book, but what's with the draft-mode printing? The text is so light compared to my other "Inside Out" books, I wonder if this is Microsoft's way of trying to save some money by printing in what looks like draft mode? I study late at night by a lamp, and I have to strain sometimes to continue reading hours at a time with this light print.

My other issue is the ebook, the font doesn't really resemble the book. It seems like the book is printed in Times New Roman (I could be wrong), but the ebook is printed in...something else that's not too easy on the eyes.

However, the content is excellent, and other than the printing of the book and ebook, I'm glad I made this purchase.

This manual is awesome for all your WinSvr08 needs and it's all delivered in William Stanek's extremely friendly, to-the-point prose. No stand-up routines and asides to wade through to get what you need, but with clarity and intelligence throughout that keeps you reading. Yes, even though it's a computer manual.

Throughout, you'll be rewarded with tons of practical tips and how-tos that make such a difference. For example, I've been using Windows since before WinNT, and I got a bunch of excellent tips in the very first chapters!

WinSvr08's a whole new os, and while the obviously new features are covered, there are major improvements and tweaks to almost everything, and this is a Really Great Guide for pointing out the new way of doing things (even for those things you think you know already.)

If you're going to get one book on WinSvr08, get this one. It's accessible so you can get what you need quickly if you're looking for specific help, while having substantial depth to make a more comprehensive reading of it rewarding. Certainly do recommend it.

Stanek's Windows Server 2008 Inside Out is the definitive resource for network administrators who are deploying and using Windows Server 2008. I've never found a single server book that tells you everything you will ever need to know about any edition of Windows Server, but this one comes close and it digs in much deeper into the most relevant topics than any other Windows Server 2008 book I've used.

I have my MCSE, CCNE, CompTIA Security+ certifications, and I have enjoyed reading Stanek's books for years. He writes everything in friendly easy to understand language, so that you don't get lost in computer jargon. He also has a very organized and very clear style and his details are never off topic. He truly understands Windows and his sense of what's important and what's not makes it possible to read the whole book and get the most information out of it.

I feel that Windows Server 2008 Inside Out is the greatest book for me. I have tried many others and can find more answers in this than any other.

My copy of this book has so many highlights, dog ears, and sticky notes it looks like a porcupine. I'm definitely glad I have it. You will be too.

On a different note, the book is so big it's difficult to lug around. I bought a second copy so I have one at home without having to lug my work copy home.

Stanek once again is able to take technical topics and make them understandable. I have been running WinServer08 since beta one, and this book is an excellent reference for those of us already familiar with the Windows operating systems and newcomers alike.

It's written like all Stanek's others to deliver what I needed. It's so good I read the first few chapters straight through.

I have enjoyed reading Stanek's books for years. My understanding always has increased while reading his books. He understands practical IT in the real world and writes from experience and with a goal to increase our understanding.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone upgrading from previous versions and any current administrators.

Definitely the best comprehensive guide book on the planet.

This book guides step by step from Setup & Start up to Advanced System Management. You really cannot go wrong with this book.

The diagrams & figures are perfectly designed and explained.

To added all it includes a CD which you find downloadable gadgets and tools for the customizing your desktop. Links to troubleshooting tools, security updates, and product demos. Fully searchable e-Book and other e-Books.

For the big volume book like this, accompanied E-book CD is a very good convenience to have it all the time with your notebook or else.

These guys were my first and best resource for Windows XP and they haven't failed me with Vista.

I have 15 pounds of Vista documentation on my book shelf, and one e-book on my hard drive. Guess which one?

No one source can hold all information about Vista. I search the electronic version of this book first for my Vista questions and if the perfect solution is not there, I have still learned enough to get to quickly get to the heart of the topic without doing countless fruitless web searches.
Windows Vista Inside Out, Deluxe Edition

First, for most of you, this is a great book. Ed Bott is among the best writers about Windows out there, and the book has great indices and layout. It answers 95-99% of my questions well.

I haven't really read a lot of it, but referred to it here and there. I've generally found the answer to what I need (and I do some work in software testing). I haven't been able to find a good resolution to a problem plaguing my home system about waking up USB devices in sleep mode. (Apparently this is a known issue and well documented on the MS site). This book is good at explaining how things are supposed to work, not as good at explaining why they don't always function the way they're supposed to.

One other hilarious thing. The appendix contains about 30-40 pages that list bugs which were fixed. Talk about padding!

This is a comprehensive book. I do not believe there is better place to go if you really want to know and understand what's included in the Vista version of the Windows Operating Systems.

Winning the net game is an excellent book for small businesses trying to develop strategies on the Internet. What I found interesting is how she used a story of a family business in an effort to apply examples to the real world. The information relates well to anyone that may not have a clear understanding of how the Internet can enhance their business. Winning the net game in my opinion is a must read. I'm going to contact Caroline Howard and see if she would like to consult my organization.

Harvey Sutton, CEO
Blayze Interactive

Winning the net game is an excellent book for small businesses trying to develop strategies on the web. What I found interesting is how she used a story of a family business in an effort to apply it to the real world. The information relates well to anyone that may not have a clear understanding of how the web can enhance a business' operations. Winning the net game in my opinion is a must read. I'm going to contact Caroline Howard is see if she can help my business.

This book is a "must read" for anyone thinking about starting a Web-based business. It is also good for those who currently have a Web-based business and want it to be more successful. Caroline Howard writes in a clear and concise style - and deftly covers such topics as choosing your domain name, competitive market analyses, developing an e-commerce business plan, e-tailing, peer-to-peer computing, the value chain, marketing and customer convenience. I highly recommend it!
Suzanne H. Montgomery, Ph.D.
President, Montgomery-Copley & Associates

Caroline Howard has managed to capture the absolute essence of on-line business in "Winning the Net Game". Her delightful, easy to read format packs tons of useful examples and tools into a comprehensive guide. As an entrepreneur and venture investor, this is highly recommended reading for everyone from neophytes to those seasoned at E-commerce.

I agree with the cover testimonial provided by Jim Amos:
"Winning the Net Game is an invaluable tool for the experienced or novice entrepreneur. Finally a book that presents the complexities of the Web in a comprehensive and easy-to-understand format."
I concur- this is an essential and enjoyable book for those doing or thinking about doing business on the Web.

A new publishing medium comes around only once every five centuries or so, and it's no wonder people are confused by the Internet. Gary Gach investigates the new world of publishing on the Net and provides great literary finds and useful information for established writers, beginners, and all lovers of words

Writers.net ups the ante in printed guides to the Net. Neophyte writers in cyberspace will find it as valuable as magellan found his compass. Experienced voyagers can use it to find whole continents they never knew existed

Finally, all the information in one easily-accessible place! Gach has delivered an invaluable resource for writers, whether you're a Net newbie or an e-zine publisher. Any writer considering publishing on-line needs to read this.

Writers.net is probably the most "reader-friendly" of all the specialized Internet guides on the market; each of the nineteen chapters of Writers.net is devoted to a particular genre of writing. Writers of mysteries, romances, science fiction, screenplays, and other styles need not burrow through endless pages to get to the sections that interest them most--each chapter is well-structured and organized to give the writer the resources s/he needs before logging onto the Internet and searching blindly for a paying e-publication or research database.

Gach catalogs URLs by the gigabyte, offering links to poetry and fiction mega-link lists, authors' and agents' homepages, research resources, and more. Most URLs listed are followed by a brief description of the site, while some chapters have the look of a printed "bookmark" file from a writer's web browser.

All writers will especially want to study the book's final chapter, which is devoted to Internet censorship and copyright issues, a sticky subject for writers on and off the computer. URLs and descriptions of the more affluent writers' unions and leagues are profiled here, as is information essential to any writer confused about her/his rights.

As with any printed directory of Websites, there is no guarantee that every URL listed in Gach's book will still be valid once you bring Writers.net home from the bookstore (this book is three years old, mind you). To combat the ever-changing climate of the Internet, Gach maintains a Webpage of book updates on his personal homepage, where one may find additions, URL changes, and even a sample chapter from the book.

Gary Gach has written the essential guide for using the World Wide Web to further a writing career. Because anyone can publish on the Web, writers can use the Internet to promote and publish their work as well as for research. Gach's book tells how to use your computer connections to get published online or in print in any of several genres, and there are dozen of ideas that will enrich a writers soul, mind, and pocketbook. It is an essential tool for computer-literate writers. --Mason West