5 comments about Murach's Visual Basic 2008.

1. This book is easy to read and follow and doesn't induce sleep even after lunch. One way this is possible is the unique layout of the book: facing pages contain narrative on the left and examples on the right. This makes it easy to glance back and forth between the text explaining some subject on the left page and the example illustrating it on the right. I was a bit suspect of this layout at first, but before the 1st chapter was out I found myself liking it a lot. Another layout difference that I appreciated is the physical size of the book. At 8 inches wide by 10 inches tall, it's a bit bigger than most technical books. This helps get the examples on the page without squeezing the font down to unreadable sizes.
   
   Beginning programmers will find the first two sections (the first 12 chapters) ready for immediate consumption. These chapters begin with an overview of the IDE, move on to basic Windows Forms concepts and then cover VB language basics. More advanced programmers can either skip or skim these chapters: the engaging writing-style (almost tutorial without talking down to the reader) and unique layout (the facing-pages) will hold your attention. You might even learn something you didn't already know.
   
   Later chapters cover Database programming (including bound controls, data sources and datat sets, and ADO.Net), Object Oriented Programming (with copious examples of VB syntax), File IO, XML, and a brief explanation of LINQ.
   
   Note that this book DOES NOT cover asp.net web programming using VB.Net. That topic is covered in other books by Murach books (Murach's ASP.NET 2.0 Web Programming with VB 2005 for one). This is probably a good thing, since - at 797 pages - this book is long (and heavy) enough.
   
   Overall, I really liked this book. It was easy to read, easy to understand and held my attention through its explanations and examples.



2. Not a bad book, but it could be a lot better. There are too many places where the really interesting material is dismissed as being beyond the scope of the book, not enough attention is paid to the transition from VB6, and the author flip-flops from "I" to "We".
   
   On the other hand, it does contain a lot of good information.
   
   I certainly plan to keep my copy, but I shall be looking around for another book or two on the subject.



3. I really can't add much to what has already been commented buy others here. The relevant thing I have to say is that out of 3 kids (1 intermediate & 2 beginners with little experience in programming) working on a same project (at High School) bought this book and came up with results and - more importantly - with solid concepts, within less than 4 weeks, after unsuccessfully trying 2 other authors.
   
   After browsing the book myself I would say that if you can't learn to program in MS VBE2008 from Murach's then programming is probably not something for you.



4. I've used Murach's books -- in particular, this author's -- for several years, through VB.Net, VB'03, VB'05, and now VB2'08. My students applaud its readability and the comprehensive coverage, without mind-numbing detail on how to perform common trivial tasks!
   
   These Murach books provide a thorough guide to using the VB language, using the Visual Studio IDE, and producing a robust, professional product, while they remain accessible to undergraduates within the CIS major and without.



5. this book is good on most applications, but its lacking a reference point to variables. you have to hunt around for a specific function. but over all its better than the vb 2005 book for beginners in VB programming.

5 comments about Agile Web Development with Rails, 2nd Edition.

1. I love the framework, the Agile philosophy and I love how the book is structured: straightforward, practical, easy to follow, programmer-oriented.
   I truly recommend it for anyone willing to begin in the Rails universe.



2. This book is a great intro to Rails, very readable and easy to understand. It also seems fairly comprehensive. The only downside to this book is that it's not Rails 2.0, so a number of the examples are outdated or don't work with the latest versions of Rails (there were significant changes). I was taking a class in Ruby on Rails, and since we were using Rails 2.0, we had to get "The Rails Way" which covers Rails 2.0 but sucks in comparison to this book. "The Rails Way" is a good book for learning Rails if you already know Rails.



3. Not only is there a great framework to this textbook will introduce you to, but this is written in the perfect balance of interesting style and serious technical content along with compelling example that I've ever seen in any book. I give this book my very highest recommendation and I give the rails framework five stars as well for being an excellent easy to use and very functional framework.
   
   This book seems to cover everything that I'm interested in and is able to adapt to different levels of knowledge that I'm able to arrive at in programming in Ruby language. The book does not insult the reader and while it challenges the reader doesn't over challenge or overwhelm any point. I can only recommend it for my particular demographic of rails newbies, but I think this book will work very well for anyone else who might be more familiar with Ruby and the rails framework.



4. This is THE book for Rails. Top notch...only WAIT to buy it. As others have said, there is a new edition coming out soon that covers Rails 2.0. Of course...if you can't wait, go to the publisher's web page. They are selling copies of this edition for 50% off, while supplies last. But, some of the code in this book will not work anymore in Rails 2.0. Still, a great book and well worth it even for a quick introduction to the Rails world while you wait for the new edition. Once it's updated, though, for sure, GO FOR IT!



5. OK, I'm coming to rails late. I've played with Ruby on and off for about a year. I though it was a bit of a "kitchen sink" language until I got a good kick in the head by Neil Ford.
   
   So this week I picked up this book (version 2) and I started reading it. It is, as far as technical books go, a page turner.
   
   It gives a basic overview and the walks through an example as a tutorial.
   
   I recommend you learn a little Ruby first (not necessary but makes working through the examples more focused on Rails rather than Ruby and Rails).
   
   If you want to learn about Ruby on Rails and get an idea of what web development should be, read this book. THEN, the next time you need to start working on a site for a customer, sit down with them and start developing the site in real-time.
   
   If they don't like Ruby, call it an "executable requirements description". Eventually, they might even think that the solution is good as is. If not, you still have a better explanation of where to go.
   
   After Rails, I'm going back to RSpec and story tests and examine the maturity of developing a Ruby solution using TDD. I'm pretty sure it's already being done, so I just need to get on that learning curve.
   
   This is a GREAT book. Get it, read it, TYPE in the examples - ok maybe download the CSS's and the style-sheet.
   
   WARNING: the material related to OS X installation is a bit out of date. Use macports and install mysql, rb-mysql, rails, ruby (and I'm probably forgetting something), change your path to point to where that stuff got installed (probably /opt/local/bin/) and you'll be good to go - once you get mysql setup. There are some chicken scratchings here: http://schuchert.wikispaces.com/Ruby.RailsConfiguration.OSX, or do a google search. It'll be October 2008 before I actually put up good details, but it'll happen.

2 comments about Pro VB 2008 and the .NET 3.5 Platform (Windows.Net).

1. I cannot over-rate this book. I've been developing systems for 40 years, and I've never seen a better book of this type. The author, Andrew Troelsen, really knows his stuff, and knows how to teach it. I only wish I'd had his VB 2005/.NET 2.0 book two years ago when I started trying to learn .NET! There's a lot of advanced material in this book, but it's good for any experienced programmer who wants to really learn .NET and VB 2008. It explains not only the what, but the why and how. If you need a book on this material, this is absolutely the one to get, period.



2. I, for one, miss the days of large reference manuals as opposed to help files and Google searches. For me this book is a throwback in terms of its completeness and scope. If you program in VB.net I feel this is a must-have reference. I've given it to 2 of my developer friends already and plan to give it again. Do yourself and your career a favor. God bless.

5 comments about HTML and XHTML Pocket Reference (Pocket Reference (O'Reilly)).

1. This is an excellent text and well illustrated. I am sure an updated edition will come out soon.



2. What kind of a reference book doesn't have an index? Sure, the tag reference is in alphabetical order, but that only helps if you remember what the tag is. Also, I had a brain fart this morning and couldn't remember the exact syntax for a comment (I work with way too many languages)- couldn't find it. That's what a pocket reference is supposed to be for, the little things you can't remember!



3. After I figured out there structure of displaying information, this tool has become a valuable asset. Definately recommend.



4. The product got there 2 days earlier than other items I ordered the same day. The condition was good.



5. Una GRAN pequeña guía de referencia. A lo mejor se echan en falta algunas palabras reservadas pero por lo general es una maravilla poder consultar de forma rápida y ordenada la duda que buscas.

2 comments about Head First Ajax (Head First).

1. Excellent product. Head First is a different type of technical writing. If you are looking for books with a lot of code examples this is not the one. But if you are looking for a book that will help you learn the actually concept, how AJAX works, then this is the one. I own multiple titles. They helped me learn C# when I was having trouble. Excellent in teaching. There are code examples such not a ton like other publishers.



2. This book is for people who already know HTML very well and are familiar - but not necessarily experts - with CSS and Javascript. If you are not in that category you should probably check out "Head First HTML and CSS" first. This is not a reference book, but a book for understanding and, more importantly remembering Ajax via an unusual presentation style. That unusual presentation style includes fake interviews, lots of illustrations, and question and answer sessions. You are also presented several designs and shown the right and wrong ways to approach problems. Ajax requires a non-traditional approach to web application design, and head first books are always good at adjusting your thought process as painlessly as possible.
   
   The topics covered include designing Ajax applications, Javascript events, multiple event handlers, asynchronous applications, the document object model and its manipulation, frameworks and toolkits, XML requests and responses, Javascript Standard Object Notation, forms and validations, post requests, leftovers, and utility functions.
   
   I liked this book not only for its casual and fun presentation style, but because it starts explaining Ajax at the beginning and does not get confusing as you go forward. The author knows how to ramp up the difficulty level without you really noticing. Plus, you don't feel like you need half a dozen other books to understand what's going on. The author is clear in her explanation of what the book's limitations are.

5 comments about JavaScript: The Missing Manual.

1. I'm a self-taught, hobbyist web developer. Therefore, I appreciate lively and, most of all, clear explanations and examples in books that teach HTML, CSS and related technologies. As should be evident from my review's title, books by David McFarland are among the best at teaching someone like me.
   
   I've read the author's Missing Manual books on CSS and Dreamweaver CS3 and have enjoyed their clarity, helpful tips and step-by-step approach. Having gotten half-way through the new Missing Manual for Javacript, I'm delighted to say that David McFarland has "kept up the good work." Having singled, doubled and tripled with these three Missing Manuals, I hope he "completes the circuit" with a PHP/MySQL book next.
   
   Buy, read it and enjoy one of the best writers in the field.



2. I had to wait for this book to be published, then chase it down when it was mis-delivered, but it was well worth the hassle. This book is well written, covers the material clearly and the tutorials allow you to practice the material that was covered in the chapter.
   Once again, well done!
   The book also covers jQuery in detail, so now I will be updating my resume with jQuery as well. Thanks for the wonderful resource.



3. §
   
   I thought the author's other "Missing Manual" on CSS was very good and said so. ( CSS: The Missing Manual ) I am not so sure about this one.
   
   This book is meant to be a beginner book and it certainly does treat certain aspects of JavaScript well from that perspective. My problem is that the author has chosen to integrate a particular JavaScript framework, jQuery, into the examples, starting with the introductory chapter.
   
   I have used jQuery and have a high opinion of it, esp. of its CSS-like selector syntax. However, I don't think I ever could have learned the basics of JavaScript using jQuery. jQuery has its own syntax and its own ways of doing things that are different from other JavaScript frameworks and certainly *much* different from generic JavaScript.
   
   A true beginner is going to find it difficult separating what is applicable to the wide world of JavaScript from what will only be applicable in one particular circumstance.
   
   Perhaps the book may be better labeled as a getting started with JavaScript and jQuery text.
   
   §



4. I have David's CSS book and was waiting for this book to come out. I can understand one of the author's reservations about this book being jQuery specific, but if you stop to think of it, is also one of its strengths. There are "n" number of Javascript books out there which are pretty good, but do not take you beyond beginning/inermediate Javascript programming.
   
   Realistically and practically, in order to get anything useful done in a reasonable amount of time, you have to use one of the frameworks. It could be jQuery, Prototype/Scripty, Dojo, Yahoo, any of these frameworks will do. The author has chosen to use jQuery which is an excellent choice.
   
   Actually, my nitpicking is on the other side, i.e., the author should have left beginning Javascript material to any one of the other books and simply focused on Javascript with jQuery. His presentation style is very effective and he obviously knows CSS/Javascript world very well. Even better, he can communicate it equally well.
   
   If you are beyond the introductory phase in CSS/Javascript world and are looking to build something useful beyond the toy pages, this book along with his CSS book becomes very useful.
   
   jQuery, without a doubt, is a superior framework. I prefer it to Prototype and Scriptaculous. I do not know Yahoo or Dojo so I cannot comment on them.
   
   I would buy other books from David again. In fact, I would love to see an "advanced" book where he brings together all of his knowledge and communication skills for creating "professional" web front-ends. Keep the same tutorial format though.



5. I've been saying for years that The Missing Manual line of books is one of the best publishing lines and 'JavaScript: The Missing Manual' keeps the tradition going. The thing that jumps out at me instantly is how RELEVANT this book is the Web 2.0 world. With heavy emphasis on AJAX, JQuery, interacting with Web 2.0 sites like Google Maps and the like, this book is fantastic for any and all JavaScript developers new and old. Packed with 500+ pages of material, the chapter listing is as follows:
   
   01. Intro
   02. Javascript 101
   03. Logic & Control
   04. Words, Numbers, Dates
   05. Dynamically Modifying Web Pages
   06. Events
   07. Images
   08. Navigation
   09. Web Forms
   10. Interface expansion
   11. AJAX
   12. Basic AJAX
   13. Troubleshooting & Debugging
   14. Javascripts next steps
   
   My only complaint with this book is that I wish they had decided to publish this in COLOR. Many of TMM books are published in color and some don't require it but I think this one should have been.
   
   Overall an exceptional book for JavaScript developers today and in the future.
   
   AWESOME!
   
   ***** HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

5 comments about ActionScript 3.0 Game Programming University.

1. Lets face it. There are a lot of Actionscript game books out there. This one is good because 1) It is entertaining and readable & 2) It's the first game book I have found that works for the new actionscript 3.0.
   
   The code itself isn't exactly as object oriented as I would like, but thats true of all the other game books out there too. It does have enough object oriented content to show some amazingly different, and simple methods for making game characters, detecting collisions, and managing objects that are possible with actionscript 3.0. I value this book as a 'how to upgrade' from 2.0 to 3.0.
   
   The games themselves are pretty good and there is a nice variety of game styles to appeal to a wide audience. For a basic game programming book, it omits or glosses over a few important topics such as caching vector objects as bitmaps, pseudo 3-D and optimization in general.
   
   All in all, I suggest this book if you are upgrading skills to actionscript 3.0 or want to write flash games. If you get this book, I also recommend Foundation Actionscript 3.0 Animation: Making Things Move! to round out your collection.



2. I got interested in this book after discovering Gary Rosenzweig's AS3 tutorials on his Flash Game University Website. I was impressed by his ability to explain things clearly and simply. As other reviews have already stated "AS3 Game Programming University" is an excellent and highly readable book for learning AS3. In practice I find it much more helpful than Colin Moock's book "Essential ActionScript 3.0", which is a little too academic for me (although I'm glad I have it!). I'm also finding that code snippets in Gary's book are just as useful to me as those in Joey Lott's "ActionScript 3.0 Cookbook" (which covers more topics). It's helpful to me that Gary writes from a Flash authoring perspective rather than Flex. He doesn't hesitate to include timeline based assets and code when it makes sense to do so, rather than use the Flex style of generating everything in code.
   
   The actual games are surprisingly varied and complete, but not so complex that they become difficult to understand. The code that I downloaded from the website works well. It is written in a practical concise manner with proper use of classes and other object-oriented techniques as required by AS3. However, as other reviews have noted, this book is not for advanced programmers that prefer a pure object-oriented style.
   
   I recommend this book if you are moving from AS2 to AS3, even if you are not interested in writing games. Gary does not claim it is suitable for beginners without any programming experience but it is more suitable than Moock's "Essential ActionScript 3.0" (which does make such a claim). However it is not for web designers that don't want to learn programming and it is not for advanced programmers that appreciate Moock's AS3 book.



3. This book is a good as they come. It is well written, well organized and well supported with demo files. I have a wide variety of programming experience, but not much experience at all with Flash. Rosenzweig gives enough general Flash instruction to give the reader enough general Flash understanding to do this type of programming. I think the book is perfect for readers with some programming experience and perhaps less Flash experience. I am not sure it would work as well in the other direction, but the author is clear, concise and easy to follow. I think most anyone with sufficient motivation can find this book a usefull guide into basic game building with the latests versions of Flash.



4. The book is in excellent condition and I got it before the deadline,
   It was great!



5. Before buying this book, I searched Amazon.com reviews for the best rated intermediate level AS3 books that address AS3 via examples of AS3 being applied to useful tasks from an Object Oriented approach. With an instructional design/development background, some Java, C and looong ago even BASIC, some history developing with MacroMedia Director, Authorware, and Flash, I needed more than a basic intro, but not just a dry syntax dictionary or another abstract OOP lecture.
   
   His concrete examples illustrating the application of OOP within Flash are really helpful to crystalize working with the object oriented syntax of AS3 in a more dynamic, OO code based approach (and less attaching of scripts and functions to objects and frames).
   
   I tend to look up syntax or search help files for specific function info as I need it, rather than reading entire reference manuals which are typically too vast and tedious for trying to stuff all the syntax in your head at once. Structuring this material around applied, concrete examples is a wonderful, pallatable approach for helping learners who have some knowledge base to extend their knowlege via a meaningful, applied context.
   
   Gary did this beautifully with his use of examples that started very simply and increased to more complex in a pallatable, easy to follow progression.
   
   I thought his tip/background sections throughout were full of info I found interesting as well. I am glad he didn't assume any prior mastery of the use of OOP with Flash though, because there were a few very key holes in my knowledge that his book covers that I had not previously realized.
   
   Anyway, my compliments to Gary on his excellent book, logical progression of concept difficulty, and this book's fun, applied examples. I appreciated his time, expertise and presentation strategy. This was one book that I really felt was well worth its price and time spent reading it.

1 comments about Python for Unix and Linux System Administration.

1. As a sys-admin who has used Python, I couldn't wait for this text to come out. It certainly fills a need and contains useful insights on how to get the job done faster.
   
   The writing could be better though. The conversational writing style causes the book to take a while to say simple things. It also rambles a bit. I've noticed a couple times that it introduces a topic, goes off on one or two tangents and then gets back to the original topic. I've also noticed more than a few grammar and spelling errors.
   
   Because of the value of the material covered, it is still well worth reading.

5 comments about C++ Programming: From Problem Analysis to Program Design, Fourth Edition.

1. I took an introductory c++ class a few years ago and the textbook for that class was much more difficult to follow. Malik does a great job going over things so that difficult concepts are easily understood. If you are a beginner you may have a hard time understanding some of the concepts in this book. However, learning to program takes effort to learn well and the lengthy code examples in this book are an excellent way to see overall programs instead of just snippets. Some reviewers complain about the math in the book. There is actually very little and what there is fairly basic algebra. You can skip through most of the math problems and be fine. A good use of color as well.



2. This book presents C++ programming in a fairly rigorous fashion. Many of the examples are somewhat long, however, this is what happens when you need to move beyond simple stuff like finding the maximum number in an array, counting a series of numbers with a loop, printing a triangle of asterisks, and so on. Such problems are examined in this book but the author doesn't stop there. This is one of the few books that actually demonstrates the kind of programming skills that the "real world" demands.



3. Whenever I go to learn a new language, I always look to see whether there is a book from Thompson's, 'From Problem Analysis to Program Design' series available on that language. This style of textbook always seems to get it right when it comes to academic learning.
   
   After trying a couple of C++ texts, I found that with this particular book, I could understand those niggly bits of the language that can be very hard to explain/learn. This book has brought me much further than I was able to go with other texts. Clear explanations and useful case studies make for the best way to learn a language. Especially the case studies, as they show you how you can use what you have learnt constructively.
   
   My advice: learn C++ with this book, and use C++ Primer Plus (5th Edition) as a reference companion.



4. this isn't worth the price. it's comprehensive, but often belaboredly so. there are concepts that are introduced too early in the book and might not be of immediate use to the beginner. this book could be more concise, physically lighter, and cheaper.



5. this was sold at a great price, due to the fact there is a more recent edition, but it worked just fine. great way to save like 80 to 100

5 comments about Systems Analysis and Design, Seventh Edition (Shelly Cashman).

1. Ok, firstly this book has excellent presentation and pedagogy. Somebody took some serious care to ensure this book is visually pleasing and well organized. It contains a CD-rom with summaries of each chapter as well as well as weblinks, glossaries of each chapter and chapter outlines. There are no design tools CASE tools however.

   Content: This book is a very good introduction to systems analysis and design: the operative word being INTRODUCTION. It paints a very broad picture in reasonable detail. There are enough examples and explanation to be able to extrapolate how to do very basic structured systems analysis. Object oriented analysis on the other hand while covered, is done so in a fairly rudimentary manner (in a toolkit- ie. appendix- rather than in the body of the book). This book is less about the mechanics of how and more about the why and why not and what you're likely to need before you do do some systems analysis. Personally I think the book by WHitten (isbn 0072552360) provides more bang for your buck in that it covers functional decomposition, functional primitives, decision tables, databases, ERDs, prototyping, OO analysis and design in greater depth and with more reality and for significantly less money. WHitten is far less accessible though, the price of being far more technical than this one- and it is fairly old now. This book is very accessible, but that comes at the cost of content. If you want deeper how-to, try Whitten...if you want a easier overview then try this. However the price is quite significant for this book.

   Pedagogy wise, this book is very good. Lots of pratical examples and expositions of real life situations, review questions (no answers) directions to a web site to chase down further understanding and knowledge. A case study permeates the book which makes it very accessible because the case study I found was interesting and quite 'likely'. The toolkits (ie. appendices) are quite interesting, if somewhat 'lite'. To me, they seemed more of a checklist and point of reference than a substantive learning source.

   So, in all, a nice, neat book, if rather expensive though. Look at it if you're looking for a broad overview and/or a jumping off point for systems analysis and design. ELsewhere may provide you with work of a more concrete, down to brass-tacks (leveling) nature. It can also serve as a reasonable adjunct to a more technical text, to clarify concepts and provide a philosophical overview of systems analysis and design as well as clarifying some concepts in a clear, concise way. It probably won't teach you 'deep thought' systems analysis and design however.




2. For beginners to Systems Analysis & Design I would recommend this textbook, however do not rely on this for a serious study of Systems Analysis & Design. This book is easy to read, but the "This technique is so great, note - there are some disadvantages" can get annoying at times. Maybe this book could be used as an overview of SAD for managers. Also, the Student Study Guide provided on CD-ROM with the text is not useful for quick review of the text for an exam as each chapter takes up 80 slides and each review of each chapter takes a while to read.



3. The item was shipped promptly and arrived in great condition. Thanks so much for the timely shipping, as the text was used for spring semester at school.



4. This book does contain some good information. The problem, however, is that it is not easy to read or follow. This book contains too many non useful graphics and not enough detailed examples. In other words it's real pretty. At the end of each chapter there are Case Studies for the students. In many cases the book did not give enough information on how to complete them properly. I often found myself searching the internet to find answers. This book might be good for someone that has worked as an IT professional. As a new comer, however, I wouldn't recommend it. I'm going to search for a better book.



5. It's a textbook. As textbooks go, it's pretty good. Very few textbooks are really worth the prices that are demanded.
   
   As is typical with textbooks having to do with technology, there are many errors. Most glaring are the online audio files that do not match up with the text. Presumably, the textbook has changed, but the audio files have not.
   
   All textbooks, especially those in engineering and technology concentrations, should be made available on the Internet at significantly reduced prices.