5 comments about Operating System Concepts (7th Edition).

1. I had to buy it for the course, but I really prefer Tanenbaum books, you can find more science. Pages reflect light so you should have indirect lighting, I had difficulties reading it.



2. This book is very informative if your interested in learning how operating systems work. Unfortunately, Im not really interested in it, I just have to read it for a required class. The material is very dry so its hard to focus on what your reading.



3. I have been using this book for my master in IT science and it has been a great help in my studies. I hardly have to go elsewhere for research; its content is very clear and very concrete. I have to say that this book has added a great value to my studies.



4. This book offers coverage of issues encountered in designing an operating system, but does this in a rather dry and uninteresting manner, using examples and diagrams which are somewhat contrived and confusing at times.
   
   Its code snippets are often incorrect and shows no sign it has ever been checked for correctness. I am basing this assumption on the fact this is the 7th edition and blatant errors still exists. Errors range from syntax to logic errors, both in the explanations and code provided.
   
   The book also does not explain certain algorithms, and merely prints them in pseudo code, then moves on with not insights into the how and why of it.
   
   If you have no other choice, then this book will suffice as long as you take what it says with a grain of salt, and apply your own logic rather than take what the authors say as gospel.
   
   Cheers,
   Steve



5. That uses this as it's text, be worried. The book is decent, but definitely just "concepts," no intensive knowledge is conveyed in it's pages. Oh well.

5 comments about Beginning C ++ Through Game Programming, Second Edition.

1. First of all you have to keep in mind that the purpose of this book is not to teach game programming, but C++ programming. With that in mind, don't expect to learn graphics, AI or anything like that (except for some extremelly basic concepts).
   
   However, in teaching C++ it succeeds. But it doesn't go much deep into anything and it is somewhat disjointed. If you can't be motivated by anything but game programming and can't stand to learn any other way, then pick this book - if you really want to learn pick another and this book to give you some (very basic) basics on game programming.



2. Seriously this book is the best I have read yet when I first started it I was a newbie programmer but the way micheal dawson explains the c++ fundamentals keeps things fun and exciting this is one of the only c++ books you can find that isnt dry or boring think of it like being in a game industry school he has you apply your new skills in projects by the end of the project you learn what you need to learn and quick you wont want to miss this book I guarantee it!



3. This book was nothing more than another poor purchase decision on my behalf. Written towards the audiance of those who ought not be reading it in the first place this book takes on an annoying simplistic tone. Reading it is like sitting through the basic trig review before taking multi var calculus, the most complex example is a cheap command line version of blackjack.
   
   If you have any computer knowledge at all and you purchase this book I can guarantee you that it will be one of the ones that just sit on the shelf and make you look smart, never to be opened.



4. (In reference to 1st Edition) As my title suggests this book is a pretty good introduction to C++ using basic games as the subject of the examples and exercises. Its main focus is on teaching the fundamental aspects of C++ for beginners and how to use the Standard Template Library (STL). Creating games is not really the focus as much as the the chosen subject of the examples and lessons. That said, what this book does, and does fairly well in my experience, is give a good overview and introduction to C++ and how it can be used to create the basic flow structure of a game program. Console text output is the focus, not windows programming. Those with more programming experience and looking for material on 2D or 3D graphics, or event scripting and control using C++, would be better served by another text as it does not address these subjects at all.
   
   I have used this book successfully to help teach teens fundamental C++ and the basics of game programming (within the limits described). It is an easy step from here to go to basic text adventures and RPGs, and a then onto adding graphics, etc. as a more advanced topic (using other texts). This is really a natural progression for someone who wants to learn programming and games, but perhaps not for someone who wants to design games from an art or interaction perspective. More advanced topics such as AI, graphics, and scripting can really only be learned after one understands basic programming (in C++ or another language) and the basic of how game programs are structured.
   
   I have found many students do not necessarily understand what it means to "program games" or how programming relates to game design and implementation. Beginning C++ Game Programming is a good text but if you are already a programmer and/or not interested in the basic code structure of games then perhaps you should find another book.
   
   Bottom Line: Good choice for a real beginner, who is really interested in learning programming because of games, but not a good choice if you are an experienced programmer or want to make your own 2D or 3D video game "right now".



5. A friend bought me a copy of this book through amazon.
   Both of us (my friend and I) started to learn C++ together through the internet before having this book.
   
   The book is amazingly good, very good structure for teaching the programming language, C++.
   Everything is done in a very interactive way, giving you concepts on how game developers do it, how stuff run in more advanced program.
   And what use every function has.
   
   While it doesn't go into deep details of every possible library and function in C++, it teaches you enough to get on your own and go from there.
   
   After finishing this book, it was very easy to go on and move to DirectX, Allegro and SDL libraries.
   
   Very recommanded!

5 comments about C++ for Dummies.

1. this book was a great book for learning c++ and a wonderfull refrence for experenced programers. also this book did not start off with the stupid "helo world" program. it was nice to start of with somthing a little more complex that would chaleng you a little more. the code in the book was writen perfectly. also unlike most programing books every single pice of code compiled. their was not a single pice of code that did'ent work. i would recomend thiss to anyone who whant's to learn C++



2. The explainations are just plain bad. When I stated reading this, I had a little experience with the Python programming language. I still had trouble reading this. Pay more and get a better text.



3. Well written, fairly priced book that helped me get through a college class. I recommend it for any beginners doing C++ programming.



4. --BUYER BEWARE! This book is a near replica of Mr. Davis' other book, "C++ Weekend Crash Course 2nd Ed." Don't do what I did and buy both of these hoping for a 1-2 punch into breaking into C++. When I say near replica, I mean word for word. Link Below.
   
   C++ Weekend Crash Course
   
   
   
   This book was something I was sure I could delve into when I saw it. It was one of those promisingly titled "...For Dummies" books. I bought this and dug right in. I have no programming experience. What I did have was a thirst for knowledge of C++ and an open mind. It got me through (roughly) half the book before I just couldn't take it anymore. Reading this book was like listening to an old codger tell you how he mowed his grass with fixed blades powered by his own two feet. Mr. Davis explained the concepts well enough for a basic understanding, but it was by no means built for a "Dummy." Some of the variables could have three or more characters before them. Following his naming convention, I was getting confused of what the variable did before I even got to the actual name of it! This review is short and to the point. Mr. Davis' book didn't make learning the language easy, fun, and even made me dreading looking forward to finding out more. I would not recommend it to anyone.



5. this book was fine, but simply not good enough. as a beginning programmer i found this book tremendously useful as it introduced me to the basic functions of c++ and how to do normal programming. however the object oriented programming section was nothing short of a disaster. in the beginning he clearly explained every necessary lined of coding and in the object-oriented section he basically cut the explanations way too much. this book is a begginers guide and everything should be clearly explained, he would used some algorithms like: (strimcp(maxnamesize-1) - that was for a system that the max character limit was 100, as you type in your name it subtracts after every character, i know what strimcp is but how am i supposed to understand why it's needed for that function. he uses maxnamesize in the beggining of the program to intitialize it and it's something in brackets like (maxnamesize, char* something i don't remember) and how am i supposed to know why it's there? he thinks everyone thinks like him

5 comments about Absolute Beginner's Guide to C (2nd Edition) (Other Sams).

1. As an IT professional I have read many programming books. Many of which in their attempt to teach you something about their topic end in more confusion than clarity. Not so with this text. This is one of the only texts I have encountered that actually reads as it was described, assuming no programming experience yet having the ability to teach you practical implementations of the language. I found this text to be a fun read, not overly technical (it is a beginning level text) and very much worth my time and effort. I would highly recomend this text to anyone just starting out with C, it will give you the core understanding of concepts you will need to advance your C programming abilities. Nice work Mr. Perry.



2. The author did a great job of explaining in this book. It was very easy to understand and enjoyable to read. I highly recommend this book for a true beginner. Also, the author includes a helpful and handy "Crib Notes," which is a tear out reference sheet of Functions and Statements covered in the book. No doubt, I rate this book 5 stars!



3. Hi, my name is Adrian Mowrey, and I'm a computer programming student. I always wanted to learn C, but I couldn't because I wasn't able to find a good reference for beginners until I found this book. Another thing that made it harder for me to understand other books is that English was not my first language, and many other books talk too technical for me to understand. This book is much easier for someone, like myself, whose first language is not English. After I read this book, I decided to move forward and order "The C Programming Language" by Brian W. Kernighan and Dennis M. Ritchie. I hope I will advance to a respectable level from where I can build my personal ideas with C, and I'm sure I won't have any problems since I have these two books.



4. This book is extremely simple and by far too verbose.
   
   Book is about 360 pages which could easily be fit in 90 page none-verbose version. Still good start if you are absoutely new to C.
   
   To be more specific, this book doesa good job to defining compplecated C terms like Stack/Hip and dynamic memory allocation.



5. Greg Perry has a way of teaching complex subjects to absolute beginners. This book is easy to follow even if you've never programmed before.

5 comments about Applied Cryptography: Protocols, Algorithms, and Source Code in C, Second Edition.

1. This book is now in the thirteenth reprinting of it's second edition with more than a hundred thousand copies sold. It is the definitive book on cryptography from the standpoint of a general overview of what sending secret messages is all about. It is not specifically oriented to the developer, but is more general in nature. There is not enough here for the mathematically inclined to seriously research the background of all the various systems.
   
   As such consider this to be an introductory book on cryptography in general with a bit of history, a bit of story telling, an analysis of various cryptographic protocols and systems. There is source code provided for nine common protocols, and an invitation to order a three disk system that has source code for several more algorithms, functions, systems and additional text on various subjects. This disk set can only be sent to US and Canada addresses because of export rules on cryptographic information.
   
   This is the definitive book on the subject. The only complaint I have is that it could stand to be done over in a third edition that would bring it more up to date.



2. Great Book! The author's style makes this very easy to follow, and he frequently clarifies on topics which are difficult to grasp. Most importantly, he writes from a practical point of view; the material is very grounded and applicable instead of being a math textbook. That being said, he cites over 1600 sources; the book is riddled with leads to sources with more complete coverage for those interested in the fine details. Though I have some programming experience, I don't intend to write any programs; but it is interesting to read the logic in code. It was my goal to learn about modern cryptography and I have achieved that and much more.



3. This book is extremely complete. It briefly covers the history of cryptography. It describes the political implications of cryptography and finally it shows how cryptography can be used in applications and presents the different cryptographic algorithms.
   
   The algorithm section starts with a number theory primer.Honestly, I have found it a little bit too thin to learn all the needed background to fully understand the algorithms but on the other side, you cannot expect a simple 600 pages book to provide that background in the latest mathematical research number theories. It has at least the merit that it did stimulate my curiosity about number theory when I have read the first edition of this book.
   
   Another point that makes this book interesting is that at the end of each chapter presenting the various algorithms in a given category, you will get Bruce Schneier opinion on which algorithm is the best. Of course, this type of information usually become outdated real fast but it is interesting to follow his thought process and test his predictions as the book grow older.
   
   So, if you are looking for your first cryptography book, it should be this one.



4. Sadly, this book is more than a few years old. That said, it is still the finest single volume introduction to data security in the modern age. For clarity of description, for illustration, and for its success at communicating essential concepts and ideas without resorting entirely to mathematics, it is without peer.
   
   Every so often I look on Amazon and hope that I'll find Schneier has penned a third edition, updating this work with the results of the AES selection process and all the other recent developments in this suddenly fast paced field. Alas, I don't think that's going to happen. But I'm not sure that it would really make any difference -- the field now evolves so swiftly that any detailed, thorough volume would be obsolete by the time it reaches the shelves.
   
   So instead of looking for something more recent, pick up Applied Cryptography. Read it and keep it close at hand as a reference (mine is almost falling apart from years of loving use). Nothing presents the fundamentals as well. If you need to know about a new cipher, a new hash, a new encryption mode or protocol, that's what the Internet is for.
   
   But to really understand the underlying ideas, techniques, challenges, risks, and rewards of cryptography, nothing finer exists.



5. Applied Cryptography is a classic book on how and why cryptography works. It is written very clearly and explains in detail how various aspects of cryptography work.
   
   Some math-based sections are included, but overall math knowledge is assumed to be minimal. Overall, the book is very consitent in how much it expects the reader to know, few sections are much more advanced than others.
   
   While not up-to-date with the latest algorithms and available computing specifications, it focuses as much as possible on the timeless aspects of cryptography. A recommended read to all aspiring cryptographers.

5 comments about Agile Principles, Patterns, and Practices in C# (Robert C. Martin Series).

1. Simply the best treatment of object oriented design, patterns and practices I have ever read. Extremely well organized and easy to read. Should be in every software engineer's library.



2. This book pretty much stinks. There is nothing C# about it. It doesn't leverage any of the advanced features, the examples are weak. Reviewers and some programmers who are so turned on by words like "agile, patterns, etc.." will find to be "cool" or an intellectual" this is a must have.
   
   Oh brother, I read this and I was like "this is the same Robert Martin rehashed junk just translated into C#" [Not even a decent translation]. You'll find them also telling Microsoft developers how they shouldn't name interfaces with a capital I.
   
   On the contrary, I am glad they did, I like to peruse my object browser and easily see the differences, it helps me a lot. Their pompous attitude is displayed in the preface trying to diss C# developers.
   
   Don't get me wrong, I respect Java developers like Martin Fowler, Kent Beck, etc.. But they have intelligent things to say in their books and are not condescending. This book has nothing of real importance that can't be found in my much better books by better authors and who know and leverage the power of C#. These authors simply don't know C#.
   
   I realize the premise was on agile pracices, patterns, etc...while just using C#. Wouldn't you rather learn these things from real professional .NET developers like Francesco Balena, Trey Nash?
   
   I know I sound harsh [and will take a lot of flack I'm sure by some newbie or even perhaps a few skilled] but this book does not deserve the praise it has been getting, plain and simple. It's not quite as bad as C# Design Patterns by james Cooper [which is pathetic, to say the least], but it is not good enough to buy from the lowest seller from Amazon.
   
   My top recommended books:
   1. "Accelerated C#" by Trey Nash
   2. "Programming .NET Components" by Juval Lowy
   3. "Test Driven Development in Microsoft .NET"
   4. "Head First Design Patterns" [in Java but good]
   5. "CLR Via C#" by Jeffrey Richter
   6. "Code Complete" [Much better on practices then this book]
   7. "Pro C# 2008 and the .NET 3.5 Platform" [Excellent]
   8. "Framework Design Guidelines"
   9. "WCF" by Juvy Lowy [Advanced stuff, but excellent]
   10. "Pro LINQ Language Integrated Query in C# 2008"



3. I have purchased and read alot of books on software design and development over the years and I cannot think of a single one of them that I would rate higher than this one.



4. Very readable, entertaining, useful. One of the few books that has been easy to follow and enjoyable to read. Very good general coverage.



5. Agile practices and design patterns written in a clear, concise way. Granted there are a handful of mistakes throughout the book, and the occasional awkward reference to a pattern that won't be covered for another 5 chapters, but they're easy to spot.
   
   The information is presented just right - a little background info, succinct descriptions, and simplified code examples. Outstanding.

5 comments about C Primer Plus (5th Edition).

1. I tried couple of C books but, never worked.
   C Primer start from the scratch and go through
   all the topics which a beginner should know
   very well.
   The book is thick and has lot of assignments.
   It helps new C student to grasp the language
   easily.
   I recommend "C Primer" for the beginners of
   'C'.



2. I have just started reading this book the day before yesterday and I'm only on pg.124 in ch.4 but I already know that this book is a must have for any beginner in C and with their index in the back of the book tells me that it is a great reference guide for veterans of C. I have read other programming books like Teach Yourself Visual Basic 2005 in 24 Hours (which is bad book-doesn't teach very well) and I have to say that this is one of the best programming books out there and it is a must own for any C programmer!



3. This is simply put the best beginner book I've found on C.
   
   I've been reading it for over a year, and have yet to finish it all of it.
   
   It covers all the C language aspects (and also the C99 extensions) and provides lots of exercises to train your skills.



4. Over the years, as I've flirted with the idea of really sitting down to learn C, I've looked at a variety of intro-to-C type books; I've even bought a couple - only to set them aside to collect dust. This book (C Primer Plus, 5th ed.) is, frankly, one of the best intro books I've seen. I've read the first 13 chapters thus far and have been very pleased with the content. Topics are presented logically, explained well, and include numerous sample programs in the text body to reinforce newly introduced ideas. If you take the time to walk through the sample programs, look at the review questions, and work on the end-chapter programming exercises, you'll be in good shape. This book is worth every bit of the purchase price; it will stay in my personal library for years to come and I will highly recommend it to friends and colleagues looking to learn core C programming skills.
   
   Note: I do have basic programming skills in other languages, but I think this book would be fine for any "true" novice as long as they gave themselves time and diligently worked through the exercises.



5. This would be a great book if not for the fact that the first 100 pages are about printf() and scanf(). The beginner does not need to read technical specs on these two functions. That's what the C99 spec is for. It just goes on and on and on. What the author should have done is very gradually introduce these important functions over the course of several chapters, mix it in with control statements, expressions, operators, etc. with a more complete and in-depth coverage saved for an advanced chapter on functions.

5 comments about Regular Expression Pocket Reference: Regular Expressions for Perl, Ruby, PHP, Python, C, Java and .NET (Pocket Reference (O'Reilly)).

1. From the back cover of the Regular Expression Pocket Reference: "Ideal as a quick reference..." and "... makes an ideal on-the-job companion." All this is true if you are well-versed in regular expressions and use multiple programming languages (and confuse the syntax).
   
   I like the use of the same examples across programming languages (where applicable).
   
   The recipes in the cookbook section are great, although I would have liked to see additional recipes (like stripping HTML tags, matching credit card numbers etc...). Of course the examples are endless and over time one builds his/her own recipe collection. At least this is a good place to start.



2. Pocket references are not meant to teach you anything from the beginning, but to be everyday references in known and new environments. In other words, if you don't know regular expressions, then go to "Mastering Regular Expressions". If you're still here, then you'll get a cheat sheet on steroids for languages ranging from bug-prone JavaScript to the King and Queen of robustness, Perl and Python. Although everything claims to be PCRE these days, particular examples in every language available is a plus for anyone. A must for any type of user input validation.



3. You know those times when you know what you want to do, but are not sure of the correct form, this is the book to grab. It has been my book to grab as a reference rather than trying to find the right language book. This is not the book to learn the language from, however. You will find your copy will be well worn if you do lots of coding.



4. Most developers know how to write regular expressions, almost none of them can read them. And if you are saying that you can. Well congratulations to you. You are one of the 0.1% of developers that can or you are one of those who think they can.
   
   The books physical appearance is so compact that it has become a permanent item on my working desk. And is often used.



5. I'm scared of regular expressions. They vex me constantly at work whether trying to figure out someone else's Apache RewriteRules or Perl or just trying myself to do mildly clever things in vi and sed. They are a headache.
   
   A coworker let me browse his copy of this wonderful little book and I was hooked. I actually tried to buy one that day on the way home, but they were out of stock and so I permitted Amazon to ship me one.
   
   In addition to brief explanations of the different types of regexes in the wild (based on the comprehensive Mastering title, also from ORA), there are detailed quick references to all of the different implementations including several common languages (Perl, PHP, C#, and several others) and software packages (including sed, Apache, vi and many others). All of their various quicks and "features" are explained briefly and there are some examples.
   
   No one hacking around in Unix or doing much programming should be without this book, unless they are already a regex wizard, and I think even they'd find it handy.

1 comments about Essentials of Investments with S&P bind-in card (Mcgraw-Hill/Irwin Series in Finance, Insurance and Real Estate).

1. I received the textbook in a timely fashion, so I could use it for my class. It's not the best textbook I've used, but it was required, hence the 3 stars.

No comments about Programming in Objective-C 2.0 (2nd Edition) (Developer's Library).