Simmons Books

Unless you're a complete and total desktop OS geek, there's a good chance that you'll run into things you want to do but can't figure out in Windows XP. I received a review copy of a book that would definitely assist in those cases... Windows XP MVP by John Barnett with Curt Simmons, Alan Simpson, and David Dalan.

Contents:
Part 1 - Configuring and Personalizing Windows XP: Configuring the Windows XP Interface; Managing Programs; Installing and Configuring Hardware; Managing Power Options; Customizing Startup and Shutdown; Customizing and Using Folders; Managing Files and File Type Associations; Compressing and Encrypting Folders and Files; Organizing Archiving and Remotely Storing Files and Folders; Personalizing and Managing User Accounts; Fun Tools for Customizing Windows XP
Part 2 - Internet and Networking with Windows XP: Creating Internet Connections; Configuring and Customizing Internet Explorer; Configuring and Customizing Outlook Express; Using Windows Manager; Wired Networking; Wireless Networking and Virtual Private Networking; Managing Network Security and Access; Sharing Resources; Configuring and Using Remote Desktop and Remote Assistance
Part 3 - Multimedia Solutions with Windows XP: Organizing and Managing Digital Photos and Video Files; Using Windows Media Player 10; Making Movies with Windows Movie Maker 2; Printing Digital Photos with Windows XP; Custom Projects and Fun Activities with Digital Photos
Part 4 - Hacking Windows XP: Hacking Your System; Expert Tips and Tricks; Scripting With Windows XP
Part 5 - Securing and Troubleshooting Windows XP: Managing Local Security; Keeping Your Computer Safe on the Internet; Managing Disks and Drives; Taking Care of Windows XP and Automating Tasks; Using Event Viewer and Performance Monitor; System Information, System Restore, and Windows Help; Tips and Tricks for Speeding Up Windows XP; Recovering from a Crash or Other Serious Problem;
Appendix: A Primer on Registry Editing; Index

As you can see from the contents, there's not a whole lot that's left uncovered. The book is packed with plenty of step by step instructions on how to accomplish whatever task you need to do, such as sharing folders and drives or learning how to make a video with Microsoft Movie Maker. In fact, I just played with that software this weekend, and I'm looking forward to digging into it a bit deeper with this material. If you've got even a smattering of computer savvy, there's not much in this book that should intimidate you. And if you're more into messing with areas not normally messed with, Part 4 (Hacking Windows XP) will give you plenty to enjoy.

Personally, this is the type of book I need with me when working with Windows XP. As a software developer, I just want my OS to work without having to worry about it. And since I don't spend a lot of time having to deal with things at that level, I don't get the day-to-day exposure and repetition to remember how to do some of this stuff. As a result, Windows XP MVP ends up getting a lot of use as my own personal guru.

This book is directed towards a sysadmin, or even a user, who only has a slight acquaintance with Microsoft Windows XP. It clearly explains a lot of the needs that many users might have.

For instance, they might desire to customise Internet Explorer. This has a slew of options for doing so. But many users could find these forbidding. So the text takes you into an understanding of what can be tweaked. You might want to pay close attention to the explanations of the security settings and the defaults. IE lets you customise numerous privacy options.

Ah, there is one option that I have to mention. The book shows how to tell IE to block pop-ups. If you have ever been aggravated by some website that gleefully chucks up an underending parade of these, then you will appreciate being able to cut these miserable entities off at first base.

Needless to say, the book discusses far more than just IE. But for many of you, IE is your access to the Web, so the above remarks should give you some idea of the book's efficacy.

Other popular usages explained include the playing of audio and video. Plus the handling of digital photos. Microsoft is heavily emphasising using XP as a media centre, and the text offers you an appreciation of what is available here.

This is a fine, answers-based book that covers a lot of the same ground as other Windows books, but boasts a superior focus on solutions. Maybe that's because the lead author is a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional specializing in Windows XP help. This book is very well organized, with all of the information oriented toward accomplishing a task. Most of the marginally useful fluff that you find in most XP book is absent here, and the information is of top quality throughout. I've already put this to good use in fine-tuning my networked small office setup. An added bonus in the book is a slew of great MVP tips and techniques from the author and his team of high-qualified pros. This is a worthy addition to any XP library. In fact, once you have this book I predict that you'l start going to it regularly, and certainly before any of the others.

My teacher for this class was really confusing, so when I went back home I read the book and...voila!!! Everything was understood right away. It's a great help for students...and teachers!!!

This text is well constructed to be user friendly and simplistic in terms. The foundations in respiratory care are drugs and the effects of their use, primarily the use of bronchodilators. This text was well rounded for the beginner, but also went into the realms of cellular biology, general physiology, along with biochemistry. The understanding of basic chemistry is essential for productive readers. The overall structure and concepts of this book are defined and analyzed in appropriate order and in great detail. The overall concepts are conveyed and specific in description, this text is an excellent addition to the the multi-skilled RRT or the beginner CRTT. -MJW

Very detailed and to the point, sure beats hauling around the CPS!

My only complaint is that this is very obviously an American printed book, so if you're living in Canada or Europe, know now that some of the names are different and some of the drugs approved there but not yet approved in the USA will not be included (like Spiriva and Symbicort.)

My family loves Zuccinni and this has a great cake recicpe that is very moist. that I use for birthdays now. I first borrowed this from our library. can't believe i found it on here for a penny. if you like the vegetable you'll love the book.

This book is full of wonderfully simple yet absolutely delicious recipes! Great way to use all that extra zucchini from the garden, as well as lots of great recipes that the very large zucchinis can be used.

My all-time favorite recipe, Chocolate Zucchini Cake, is on page 22. This cake is so moist that it needs no frosting and is a great way to squeeze those veggies, especially for children.

My book is so well loved it requires a large amount of tape to hold it together!

If you grow this oddly spelt vegetable, at some time you are going to wonder what to do with it. This cookbook is the answer.
IF YOU DO NOTHING ELSE IN YOUR ZUCCHINI-LADEN LIFE,turn to page 47 for the "Cheese Steaks with Zucchini and Sour Cream" recipe.

By the Lord God, this is Heaven itself. After one season the book will fall open to page 47!!!

Very good reference in today's chaotic world. An eye opener for the dangers lurking in modern society. It teaches us to be more careful and vigilant against prospective criminals. It also reminds us of the great responsibility of raising children to be strong and responsible adults.

For any parent in the 21st century, this is an essential read about the subject from a Sociology professor and criminologist (and father of two), Dr. Simmons has founded two counseling centers, and this book speaks in a friendly and useful way about treating your children with respect, and showing them (and yourself) how to keep your family safe. Some things are common sense, and some are things you will go "ooooooh....yeah...." which will pay for the cover price. It doesn't cover things related to the Internet, but things in the real world. You will feel much more secure in letting your kids "out of the house" once you read and apply the ideas in this valuable book.

Dr. J.L. Simmons, PhD passed away April 1, 2003; he will be remembered as an influential teacher, author, and inspiration.

American Cookery is a book of firsts. First book of "receipts" written by an American, published in America, and containing uniquely American food options. First published recipe for cakey gingerbread, first publication of the word "cookie", first documented use of pearlash as a leavening agent. Printed in 18th century format, with the use of the long s (f) and with original spelling, it provides the reader with a peek into the daily life of the early American housewife. Many recipes call for immense amounts of flour and sugar, sometimes more than 5 lbs., with measures such as "a teacup full" and "a slow oven". Author Simmons helpfully provides instructions about how to decide whether to acquire beef from oxen or dairy cattle, and how to "dress" a turtle. The amount of information contained in this brief little volume is amazing. Worth a careful perusal even if none of the recipes catches your fancy.

This is a great, fun little look at the past of American cooking. But, boy, were they not worried about cholesterol and calories like we are now! If you do attempt making any of the recipes found in the book, I would just recommend reducing the amount of sugar and the amount of butter (especially in the 'pudding' recipes). It is great fun to experiment with to see what our ancestors ate.

This full size book is yet another wonderful addition to the growing body of literature on this naturalist and classically-trained artist from the Gulf Coast. The large size allows nice display of many of his paintings, drawings, and other pieces. The essays are a good introduction to his life and contributions. Those who love nature and are fascinated by the relationship of people and wild things will treasure Anderson. If this is your first contact, your next stop will be the Anderson Museum in Ocean Springs, MS -- and bring your camping gear and binocs because you're going to want to go to Horn Island (now part of Gulf Islands National Seashore) and see it for yourself.

I purchased this book in 2004 after the big Anderson exhibit came through Memphis. As a sometime Mississippian, I gave his alphabet block prints to my wedding attendants and my child had a Walter Anderson nursery. Now, in 2007, I am especially glad to have this since Hurricane Katrina devastated Ocean Springs and the Anderson family's repository of his work. The New Orleans Museum of Art, Mississippi Museum of Art, and collectors still have many of the pieces, but for me, this book is a record of many pieces that I'll never be able to see again.

I own all of the Bag Ladies books and was thrilled to purchase this DVD. I do a lot of professional development for my school and this is a great resource for teachers to get started on hands-on projects. The easy step-by-step instructions takes the mystery out of doing these projects with your students. They also include uses for each project acorss the curriculum. I have also used the DVD to instruct my class in how to do these projects. It helps to show the video in stages to the class and then have them follow. Great for promoting listening and following directions skills. This is a must have for all schools.

The Bag Ladies Videobag DVD is a great addition to their already amazing library of books. The DVD is a super way to do staff development or small group instruction for students! I love this video and recommend it to anyone looking for fun and creative ways to teach many activities!

After using the first book , The Best of the Bag Ladies by these two very creative teachers I had to have this one as well. They never disappoint and continue to have great projects for all areas of the curriculum in this book too. I found this a wonderful resource to keep my students engaged in whatever lessons I was teaching using these projects. They are easy to follow and the materials are low cost. Kudos to these two for keeping me energized and my students very happy through these creative projects. Keep the ideas flowing in new books.

This book is awesome for getting the students to do hands on activities in all subject areas. The kids love to do these extraordinary activites with everyday objects. I would recommend every teacher have this book in their classroom!

This is a must have resource for any teacher. The projects are easy to follow and extremely useful in the classroom. These projects have brought the life back into my classroom as well as helping to keep my students organized and engaged. Each project has a picture in the book to show you what the finished project should look like. I found this very helpful. The materials you need for the projects are very reasonable to purchase or can be gotten for free from local vendors. Not only are these great for the curriculum but they are also "green" in that these clever teachers have used recycled cd cases, bags, etc. to make these wonderful additions to your classroom. I highly recommend this book for all teachers whether they have just started teaching or are veterans. The children love the projects and you will too. I hope they write many more books to keep teachers and students stimulated.

One of the most truly useful books to come along in a long time. This book needs to be in the hands of every elementary teacher. The ideas are useful, practical and easy to implement. Once more, all of the suggestions that I have used in both my elementary class and my masters college classes have been met with success. They show ways to bring the joy back into learning in this test concious atmosphere. As adjunct faculty to Nova Southeastren University in Ft. Lauderdale, I recommend this book to all of my college students as a source they must have. It is always wonderful to see a book by real teachers for teachers. My thanks to them for sharing some of their "tricks of the trade" that make them such successful teachers. Education needs more like them.

Jerry and Elaine Heuring's E.C. Simmons Keen Kutter provides an excellent guide to identification and values of this brand's cutlery and tools, with color photos aiding in the process. This manufacturer produced a range of pocket knives, hand tools, catalogs and squares: all are surveyed and given current values here.

This volume (copyright, 2000) contains 192 pages and more than 750 full color, large, sharp photos. You'll find information about thousands of Keen Kutter items here. The book discusses Keen Kutter history, tradmarks and motto, reproductions, fakes and clubs. Price ranges are provided for each item. Major topics cover Advertising, Calendars, Catalogs, and Kitchen, Paper Goods, Saws, to Tool Boxes, Wrenches and Yard and Garden. A must have volume for collectors of this popular collectible.