5 comments about Waite Group's Visual Basic Source Code Library (The Waite Group).

1. For a beginner or a intermediate user this book is definitely a must have. It contains a lot of useful codes that are commented and easy to understand. For the advanced user there isn't much to get. If you consider the fact that there are 11 authors to this book then the book seems to be a bit thin. I had hoped for much more code. The language can sometimes be a bit confusing: The code analasys is sometimes more difficult to understand than the code itself.



2. While building my own comprehensive Visual Basic library (inproc DLL), I found that I had to browse the web for hours looking for a particular routine that I needed for my newest programming projects. I came across this book while browsing the VB library at a book store, and found that it contained a lot of the code I was looking for to complement my growing library.

   What really sold me was the ZIP compression code included with the book. The code as presented is based on the freeware Info-Zip DLL library, and the example was not done well. The author didn't spend any time developing the ZIP routines other than showing how to access the DLL. So I took the sample and built a wrapper for the code, which gave me access to individual files inside the ZIP. I can now add and delete any file stored in a ZIP using my new wrapper. But it was based on the code and hints included with this book.

   There are just TONS of routines in this book that I have found very useful, including a number of network API functions that are very difficult to come by without a reference like this.

   If you are building a Visual Basic library of your own, then this book is a great asset, and I believe provides more functionality than many of the "commercial" Visual Basic libraries out there. The benefit is that you can see the code for yourself and make use of it in any way you see fit.




3. I'm not going to babble on meaninglessly, I just want to say simply "Great Book" within 2 minutes of opening it I was able to look up a procedure as well as find several others of interest on the way to the page I wanted. Within 10 minutes I had the concise code typed into a program and succesfully ran it - that is what I got the book for! Money well spent!



4. I will say upfront that I have only just started using this book.
   But it doesn't take long to realise that at least some of the code has NOT been bug tested (or tested to see if it even works).
   Specifically (so far) the Thayer encryption routine (doesn't work - had to download an alternative) and the Getfile routine (locks up after multiple uses).
   Will post a further review if matters change for better (or worse).
   The book still has a good layout and has lots of useful routines for everyone just dont expect them to work without a little 'tweaking'.



5. There are some issues with the code in this book, and it is obvious that the files on the CD were NOT bug tested. For example, the Zip32.dll file is an outdated version and does not work with the code given and the website for the new .dll file is gone. Even though there are some issues I HIGHLY RECCOMEND THIS BOOK! It is the best resource out there for small problems that you would otherwise need to go to a forum and post a question. If you are new to VB or are semi-experienced, GET THIS BOOK!

5 comments about Visual Basic 6 for Dummies Deluxe Compiler Kit.

1. This product is learner's manual for VB6 combined with a cd-rom allegedly containing a learner's version of the software. Good idea, problematic execution. After a few chapters into the book, I am less than impressed. The accompanying cd-rom of Visual Basic is a scaled down version that does not have all the bells and whistles that are talked about in the book itself. For example, an early exercise directs the reader to put certain icons in a program. According to the book, these icons come loaded with Visual Basic 6. Maybe, but they don't come loaded on the scaled-down, companion CD version. Additionally, the book identifies a particular basic portion of the VB 6 interface called the Immediate Window, characterized as a debugging tool. This tool also does not come with the scaled down version. I am considering returning the product, purchasing the book alone for approx. half the price, and then getting a copy of the software.



2. They say it takes an honorable person to admit an error. I'm not necessarily honorable, but I was wrong about some facts in my previous review, and I'd like to correct the situation now. 1) I found the Icons folder I couldn't find earlier. It doesn't install automatically, but if you put the installation CD back in and search, you'll find it. 2) I found the portion of VB6 I couldn't find earlier -- it was just hidden from view. So the product isn't problematic, just the user. I'm still reading the book and using the application, and I am actually, in a truly basic sense, programming. And now, because I have not yet finshed the book, and becuase I don't want to have to apologize again, I resolve to say nothing more.



3. The title of this package is outright wrong. I've been programming for over ten years and when something says "COMPILER" I expect a compiler. The working model included in this package lets you build programs that run in the IDE but does not compile to EXE's. As for the book, no great shakes. It spends a great deal of time on the RAD but if you want to learn useful VB code, better look elsewhere.



4. While the book will get you started, alot is asummed. Previous programming experience is helpful.



5. If you are serious about learning V.B. 6.0, this book is not for you. The software that comes with the book contains no online help and does NOT compile. Spend a few extra dollars and buy "Visual Basic 6.0 Deluxe Learning Edition". It has the complete online MSDN library for all the help you need, and you can compile your projects into actual executable files.

1 comments about Quickbasic and Qbasic Using Modular Structure Alternate Edition With Visual Basic.

1. The price is not cheaper elsewhere. unfortunately, the reviewer who made this claim was neglegent in making sure it was correct. i have checked the other two "biggie" online bookstores, ..., and the price is the same. ...P>I thought this needed clearing up. Amazon.com provides a needed service and is very good at what they do.

   Thank You

1 comments about OpenOffice.org Base (Basic Star Office Series) (Basic Star Office Series).

1. I am coming to Base from MS Access. I have certain expectations from having used Access, and I find Base different enough that it presents problems simply to import and export files and stuff like that that should be very simple. This book hasn't helped much in that respect, although it does provide the basics for someone new to databases.
   
   I sort of wish I had just laid out $50-$60 and bought Solveig Haugland's book which, from the reviews, sounds like it handles non-conventional situations and problems which I mostly deal with. I may still do that.

No comments about Advanced Programming with Microsoft Visual Basic .NET: A Case-Based Approach.

5 comments about From Photoshop to Dreamweaver.

1. I thought the book could be done a little better. If I wasn't familiar w/ Photoshop 7, then I would have been lost on several occasions while following the examples in the book.



2. Yes, I did learn how to use Photoshop, Image Ready, and Dreamweaver in about a week. So the book must be O.K. However, I found it to creatively uninspiring and utterly lacking in basic make-up. Often there were there sections devoid of real instructions on how to get things done. I would say that if you want to learn the meat and potatoes of making web sites, you will be out of luck on this one. And please, "Footprint Design"? that is ridiculously lame.
   Thanks--David Bowie



3. This book is a great book. It will show you how to use Photoshop to create your design and how to ultimately bring it into Dreamweaver. However, there is a reason I didn't give the book 5 stars.
   First of all, I think the book presumes that you are more than just a novice in Photoshop. So if you know nothing about PS, then you could get frustrated. Also, as another reviewer mentioned, the book is not designed with creativity in mind. That is, I don't think anyone would create a masterpiece using this book. What I did was use a Photoshop template already designed and started from there. The book eventually tells you how to create slices and import them to Dreamweaver.
   As for Dreamweaver, it will tell you how to set things up in DW after you've sliced things up in PS. Again, its pretty much basic stuff. Although if you don't know much about DW, the book does a good job in pointing the reader in the right direction. However, again, I think the books lacks a bit of creativity because it doesn't tell you how to do a lot once you've got it in DW. I'm proficient in DW and so was able to do what I wanted to do. That is, add forms, hotspots, etc. However, for the person that doesn't know much HTML or no HTML at all, they will probably be left with the empty feeling that they haven't accomplished much because you may be wondering what to do next once you've got your slices in DW.
   Overall, its a good book. I think I know a lot more about PS than I did before reading this book.



4. This is my third book from Friends of ED (Apress). I also own Flash MX Most Wanted and Photoshop 7 Professional Photographic Techniques. Each friendsof Ed book is packed with useful, easy to understand information and links to download support files. All their books are well organized with easy to follow steps and plenty of screenshots/illustrations.
   The book takes you through the steps of building and publishing a complete web site. From initial planning to uploading and updating the completed site.
   The first chapter gives you tips on how to plan for your site, such as deciding who your target audience will be and layout/navigation of the site. You'll then start to build a site using Photoshop and Imageready. Some of the things you'll do is create a textured background with some filtered effects like motion blur. You then start blocking out the main areas of your site. They also show you how to use layer styles and custom shapes to enhance your website.
   One of the most important steps when building a web site is slicing and optimizing your site. Photoshop to Dreamweaver does an excellent job explaining and demonstrating how to slice your page properly. They go into great detail to make sure the reader understands how and why optimizing your images is important.
   The chapter(s) on Dreamweaver was awesome. They do a great job at taking a novice designer and explaining how to define your site. The screenshots of different palettes in Dreamweaver was very helpful too. I especially liked the fact they dedicated several pages to CSS.
   To finish out the book, friendsof Ed leave you with some useful advanced tips for both Photoshop and Dreamweaver.
   I would have liked to seen some different looks/situations when slicing the site and a chapter for troubleshooting when things don't quite go as planned. Overall the book is very good. I really like how you have the exercise files so you can work along with each chapter. I give the book a strong 4 out of 5 stars and suggest anyone who isn't quite sure of how to tie the two programs together; Photoshop to Dreamweaver is for you. Even those who have used the two programs would find this book helpful. It's well worth the time to read this book.
   
   Ernest Phillips
   Member, D-MAG.org



5. This is my third book from Friends of ED (Apress). I also own Flash MX Most Wanted and Photoshop 7 Professional Photographic Techniques. Each friendsof Ed book is packed with useful, easy to understand information and links to download support files. All their books are well organized with easy to follow steps and plenty of screenshots/illustrations.
   The book takes you through the steps of building and publishing a complete web site. From initial planning to uploading and updating the completed site.
   The first chapter gives you tips on how to plan for your site, such as deciding who your target audience will be and layout/navigation of the site. You'll then start to build a site using Photoshop and Imageready. Some of the things you'll do is create a textured background with some filtered effects like motion blur. You then start blocking out the main areas of your site. They also show you how to use layer styles and custom shapes to enhance your website.
   One of the most important steps when building a web site is slicing and optimizing your site. Photoshop to Dreamweaver does an excellent job explaining and demonstrating how to slice your page properly. They go into great detail to make sure the reader understands how and why optimizing your images is important.
   The chapter(s) on Dreamweaver was awesome. They do a great job at taking a novice designer and explaining how to define your site. The screenshots of different palettes in Dreamweaver was very helpful too. I especially liked the fact they dedicated several pages to CSS.
   To finish out the book, friendsof Ed leave you with some useful advanced tips for both Photoshop and Dreamweaver.
   I would have liked to seen some different looks/situations when slicing the site and a chapter for troubleshooting when things don't quite go as planned. Overall the book is very good. I really like how you have the exercise files so you can work along with each chapter. I give the book a strong 4 out of 5 stars and suggest anyone who isn't quite sure of how to tie the two programs together; Photoshop to Dreamweaver is for you. Even those who have used the two programs would find this book helpful. It's well worth the time to read this book.
   
   Ernest Phillips
   Member, D-MAG.org

1 comments about Novells Nds Basics (Novell Press).

1. This is a small and handy book about NDS the Novell Directory Service. It is fun, fast and easy to read. I found it trustworthy and helpful.

4 comments about The Complete Visual Basic 6 Training Course (Complete Training Course Series).

1. This is an absolutely great book on Visual Basic 6. It covers the subject well and it has lots of useful code examples and exercises and stuff to help you learn. The problem I have with this package that includes the cdrom Multimedia Cyber Classroom is that it is nothing more than reading the book on screen. I find it punishing to sit in front of a computer screen to read for long periods and would much rather just read the book lying around on the couch or something. The presentation of the multimedia CD is great and it's a powerful presentation that lets you walk through the code examples on screen and even download them to disk. However, you can download the code from their website or even better, type it in yourself (I prefer this because it gets you in the habit of doing things because of the repetition) and run in with the book in front of you. Save some money and just buy the book alone and don't be so lazy...



2. After reading the book through twice, I have found it not only confusing but positivly frustrating. There is no way to follow the code examples straight out of the book and expect them to run in the normal compiler. You MUST use the CD which is poorly laid out and a simulation of a vb enviornment. Code Explaination was cryptic, and Examples although ample were useless because they would not compile. This is the second Deitel book I have read in the past 6 months and both were a poor experience. Even the instructor sent us out to find a better book.



3. Too many books on vb concetrate too much on the interface, rather than on decent code. There is no use in fancy, flashy gui's with poor code behind it. The first half of the book gives you the foundation you need to write good vb code. There are also challenging excercises, too many books stay with "easy" excercises and thereby give the illusion that you master the material, this book keeps you modest.The second part of the book covers subjects to more advanced topics of vb, but not in depth. A negative point is the terrible color used in the book.



4. Pretty good introduction to VB, but programming experience is recommended before attempting VB. Like others have said, the CD is unnecessary and basically is the same as the examples and text in the book. The only nice thing about the CD is you can run the example programs from the book, but it's not that big of a deal. Sometimes there is too much detail, and at other times there is too little, warranting the 4 star rating. Deitel hasn't failed me yet with programming scripture.

3 comments about Professional ASP.NET Web Services with VB.NET.

1. I reviewed the orginal version of this book which was in C#. I've been lucky enought ot get my hands on the new VB.NET edition and it is even better than the original. I am more used to VB as it is, and I spent quite a lot of time translating some of the code snippets in the original, but now I don't have to! The book has changed a bit, it looks better than the first edition, and it is now completely 1.0 compliant. I've used the first book a lot, it's told me more or less everything I've needed to know. If you need to know about web services and you prefer VB then this is the only book you'll need!



2. I'm always hesitant buying books written by multiple authors. I often find the writing annoyingly inconsistent and the overall structure lacking in cohesiveness. I'm happy to report that this book does not suffer from these conditions. It is a pretty smooth read and provides some insight into the ASP.NET world not provided by standard MSDN documentation. I realize this book is quite old at this stage, but for those still working in that environment it is still worth considering. Overall, I had few complaints with the book. Let's hope a second edition will be made available with .NET 2.0.



3. Since the book has moved to Apres, the link to download the code for the book has moved to http://support.apress.com/books.asp?s=0&bID=1861007752

4 comments about Programming Visual Basic for the Palm OS (O'Reilly Palm).

1. This book was VERY well written. Especially it gives great examples of building and debugging conduits. Unfortunately, it completely bypasses talking about how to build as installer for the conduit.

   I bought the book specifically to build conduits and this left me only 50% satisfied.




2. This book is directed at users of AppForge for VB6. AppForge is an excellent VB add-in that lets you quickly develop Palm apps in VB. You don't need a book to help you develop in App Forge.
   AppForge is very weak, however, in the Conduit and installer areas since it offers no help unless you buy the Professional version for [price] which includes the Universal Conduit. Again, if you've got that, you don't need this book to develop the conduit.
   Writing a Conduit on your own is tough and I was hoping this OReilly book would help. Sadly, all the relevant conduit info. from chapter 4 is available for free on the OReilly web site [URL]. Chapter 4 is poorly written and organized, has typos and errors and the sample code you download from the web site will not load or compile in VB6.
   I was hoping the book had much more than the sample chapter I saw on the web site. I was disappointed. If you're looking for help with Palm Conduit development in VB6, look elsehwere.



3. Collaboratively written by computer experts Matthew Holmes, Patrick Burton, and Roger Knoell, Programming Visual Basic for Palm OS is a solid and reliable programmer's guide to designing effective applications, transferring data to the PDA, building security through data encryption, and much more. Focusing especially on using AppForge to write programs, Visual Basic for Palm OS also covers SQL databases, Piedmont, and a great deal more. Step-by-step instructions, sample programs, excellent diagrams and comprehensible flowcharts make Programming Visual Basic for Palm OS a first-class reference and a highly recommended self-teaching tool.



4. Good book from two perspectives: if you use AppForge for Palm development then this is a complete (slightly dated) book, or if you use MS VB6 for conduits or Palm-flavored web applications with IIS. Almost everything in the book is backed up with running code.

   As an aside, I am not sure if the previous reviewer actually read the book or tried to run the code. There are very few typos in the chapter mentioned (which is online) and I didn't see any errors. For me, the code worked fine; the book specifically mentions VB6 and service pack 3.