5 comments about Microsoft Sams Teach Yourself SQL Server 2005 Express in 24 Hours (Sams Teach Yourself -- Hours).

1. The book is well organized. The depth and breadth in the book is appropriate for beginning DBAs, developers, and students. It covers installation, basic database concepts, T-SQL, management, security, and ADO.NET programming using VB.NET and C#. It is amazing that the author managed to cover so much material in a relatively thin book without skipping important topics. This is a very good introductory book. I will give the book 4 stars.
   
   One common problem of the step-by-step books is that you will get lost and do not know how to get to the next step. You are asked to click an icon but the book does not show you the shape of the icon, neither an arrow pointing the icon. What you can do is hover the mouse pointer around the icons slowly and look for pop-up messages to locate it. Most of the time, you should be able to figure out the minor missing links.
   
   When you are stuck, you can look up 'SQL Server Books Online.' You can also find more advanced topics and techniques there.
   
   The version of SQL server 2005 Express in the CD that comes with the book is old. You should download and install the following from Microsoft
   1. Current version of SQL server 2005 Express SP2.
   2. SQL Server 2005 Books Online.
   3. NorthWind sample database(instructions can be found in Appendix
   A)
   
   To download the source code,
   1. Go to samspublishing.com
   2. Look for 'Book Support & Downloads' under 'Quick Links.'
   3. Enter the ISBN to find the book.
   4. Click 'Source Code' link beneath 'More Information' portion.



2. I agree with the previous reviewer who said that this book does not reflect typical SAMS quality. I'm reading Ben Forta's "MySQL Crash Course" (also by SAMS) at the same time, and the difference is night and day. The first 100 pages of this "Teach Yourself" book do not even employ any actual databases... it's all just dry abstract instruction: "If you want to do this... then do this... if you want to do this... then do this..." Besides being unreadable from sheer bone dryness, without any examples it's almost impossible to figure out why or when you'd want to do any of these things. These first 100 pages literally read like they were copied out of Microsoft's online-help. In Chapter 6 the author first introduces a sample database (Northwind), so I'm hoping things will improve somewhat, but I'm not too optimistic with this one.



3. I would not recommend this book to anyone. It pontificates in a grandiose manner, assuming you'll be impressed by the big words even though they say nothing. If you are looking for a tutorial, this book does not walk you through the processes and sometimes even leads you astray without explaining or helping you through the errors. It doesn't even tell you when you're working in a different database or where to go to get that database so you can continue to follow along. It's not even useful as a reference book. It will tell you a command and if the command requires a code, it just says you need a code. When we did an internet search to find out more about the code, it was explained in one line. Would it have made the book too long to add one more sentence? As someone new to SQL, I found this book to be a complete waste of money and time.
   
   I agree with all the poor ratings listed here - I had not read them before because I bought the book as part of a group at work where we would all be learning together. We are all programmers in other disciplines and most dropped out of the class because this book is so bad. It's funny how some of the good ratings here have to explain how you get around the problems so you can learn from the book - DOES THAT TELL YOU SOMETHING???



4. I brought this book because my work wanted me to learn more about SQL server. The book started off quite well i thought for the first 3 hours but then about the 4th hour there where no examples. I would of thought they could of thrown a few exmaple databases on the CD to go along with.
   
   Unfortunately for me i am a hands-on person when it comes to learning, i have to walk along with a tutorial of some sort to understand what im doing rather than just reading about something. They give all the screenshots in the book but really I needed a real working database to work with.
   
   In the section on 'Adding and Modifying Indexes', it's almost like the author was teaching a different level. At one point it says select clustered to designate the index as clustered, but then doesn't even explain what a clustered index is.
   
   The other thing i noticed was that if you search in google under, 'Adding and Modifying Indexes', it pulls up a link to Alison Balter's Mastering Access 2002 Enterprise Development. The text for this section is identical to the section for this book. So it was not even re-written text, it was the same text copied from one of her previous books.
   
   Hopefully someone on here will recommend something a bit more suited for the beginner.
   
   
   



5. Like others who have reviewed this book, I also found it not to be the typical quality of SAMS books. Usually I can pick up a SAMS book on a subject without examining it thoroughly beforehand and while reading it, be satisfied that it provides me with what I wanted. This book is far from that.
   
   Attempting to decide if this book is for beginners or for experienced users was a dilemma. The book presents information as though it was intended for beginners, but during the discussions it uses terms and makes implied assumptions only a more advanced user would be aware of. The entire book follows this template. I could see how a true beginner would quickly become frustrated trying to learn the subjects presented in this book because there is little depth to the explanations. Difficult subjects such as SQL, Joins, Normalization, Relationships and others that may take a significant portions of chapters in a good book only occupy a few sentences or a small paragraph or two here. The reader would have to be already knowledgeable about many of the aspects of the information discussed to fully understand what is presented.
   
   As an experienced developer wanting to get acquainted with SQL Server Express, this book did have some value for me. Because I already understood the concepts, this book allowed me to see how they fit into SQL Server and allowed me to become acquainted with it. Even at this the book did less than well, but I would say this is the greatest value of the book. Much of what I learned to interface with the development environment I had to learn as a necessity by experimenting, not from the book. If I were a beginner I would have been lost.
   
   The book contains many full screen shots, which can be a plus. The screen shots reduce the reading material by about 25% from what it appears to be from looking at the size of the book.
   
   Again, beginners will be frustrated with this book and advanced users will find little if anything of value in it. The only audience I see finding value in this book will be those who have experience with some other database and wants to learn to apply their experience using SQL Server Express. Still the experienced reader will have to wade through the book's inadequate attempts to instruct the basics and the reader will be without in-depth explanations of using SQL Server Express.

4 comments about SQL for eServer i5 and iSeries.

1. This is a great book on the topic of SQL within the realm of IBM midrange platforms. It covers not only the obvious topics (interactive SQL, basic SELECTs etc.) but goes in depth on the topics of QM Manager, SQL within iSeries Navigator and interfacing SQL with MS Office. It is big on the practical aspects of SQL and is easy to read and understand.



2. This book has two aspects. Basically it's on the SQL programming language (Yes, Martha, it's a language).
   
   On the one hand it is aimed at the IBM i5/iSeries developers the tools they need to effectively use SQL in their applications.
   
   On the other hand it is equally aimed at the experienced SQL programmer that is now moving to the i5/iSeries who needs to know the particular twists and kinks in the implementation as well as the tools available on the system to support development.
   
   It's clear the future of data base interaction lies in SQL. It's also clear that without a book on the specific dialect of SQL spoken by the particular version you are running you can't write effective code. The structure of each data base engine is just a bit different. I don't believe that any of them meet the full standard.
   
   This is a novice to Intermediate level book. It starts with the simple SELECT statement and goes through JOINS, UNIONS, Sub-Selects, enough that the user can probably do what he wants. The book spends a good bit of time on converting from the older DDS/RPG based software.
   
   This book is an excellent start. It's hand's on enough to make sense, detailed enough to get you through the first through months of work before you're ready to tie into the details of advanced SQL -- Let alone the always coming next version.



3. Any programmer can copy and modify code to make a workable program. The real programmer creates code to meet the needs of the project. In order to stand out in todays world, it is absolutely essential that every available tool be brought to bear in order to hone the skills of the programmer. This book is written to help every level of programmer to use SQL in order to take full advantage of todays Systems and todays and tomorrows data needs. Kevin writes in an easy to read and understand style so even the novice programmer can find it useful. He also provides plenty of technical information to expand the edge of the programmer who already knows everything and doesn't usually use references. This book is a must have for the programmer working in this environment.



4. We are new to SQL and have found this book to be invaluable. Especially when added to some other books we have. Kevin has gone out of his way to answer questions and help. This is a must have book for any iSeries Shop that is using SQL and Embedded SQL.

5 comments about Microsoft SQL Server(TM) 2000 Administrator's Pocket Consultant (It-Administrator's Pocket Consultant).

1. A lot of SQL Server books give you the same information included already in Books Online. SQL Server 2000 Administrator's Pocket Consultant is an excellent complement for Books Online, TechNet and MSDN. It covers similar topics, but it digs in where necessary, provides best practices, tips to the internal operations, explaining how SQL Server actually works, with unique information only available in this book.
   
   I always want to know how things work because it helps me to understand the behaviour of a system. In many cases if you don't know how things work it could drive you to some misunderstandings. Here is where SQL Server Pocket Consultant helps out and Stanek has excellent teaching skills.
   
   The book is very compact and full of information. It's all in the details. Chapter 2 "Configuring and Tuning" is a real gem. It helped so much with server and database tuning. Chapter 5 "SQL Server Security" is excellent on the security details. Chapter 7 provides deep detail of DTS and BCP. The final part of the book is the best, in my opinion. It covers performance, maintenance and optimization.
   
   The book's small size makes it easy to take with you where ever you go and its good enough that you'll want to. Overall excellent guide ot sql server.



2. I haven't found a better book for sql admins. This book is extremely informative. I worked for a year with SQL 7 and have been studying and working with SQL Server 2000 for a year and a half. I passed Exam 70-228 in large part due to what I learned from this book. If you are looking for a how-to book that shows just exactly how to accomplish tasks associated with creating and maintaining SQL 2000 this book is for you. This is an excellent book if you want to understand how SQL Server 2000 works as well.



3. This good and concise sqlserver administration reference manual has a complete online version on microsoft.com/technet.



4. It is a very good book to have for reference. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is looking for answers to SQL Server 2000. It gives good detail on configuration and tuning and it also explains how to set up SQL Mail, which I couldn't find in some books I have read. I pretty much use this book every day on the job.



5. If you work in SQL 2000 and do any administration then you are going to love this book. It does not get in depth as some other books but everything is easy to find and you do not have to search hundreds of pages to figure out what you need to find.
   
   Although I've been working in SQL since 6.5 this book still comes in handy when I need to do something that I haven't done in awhile or need to confirm something.

5 comments about OCA/OCP: Introduction to Oracle9i SQL Study Guide.

1. Good book, very thorough, equally useful for study-reading and reference.
   My one complaint was the end-of-chapter tests and practice tests, which were much more detailed and more difficult then the exam itself. I wasted time trying to perfect my knowledge until I purchased an 'Exam-Prep' software kit and found I was getting 90%+ on tests, instead of the 40 and 50%+ with the Sybex tests.
   When I took the exam - sure enough 90%+
   For the next exam I'm buying the Sybex book and 'Exam-Prep' software kit together!



2. 
   I just passed the 1z0-007 exam yesterday. I dont have a lot of experience with oracle, but this book helped me learn all the important concepts for the exam and helped me pass it in my first attempt.
   
   I recommend this book to anyone who is looking to pass the exam. However, the usefulness of this book ends there. It is not very useful and the explanations are not detailed enough for learning more about the technology itself.



3. I bought this book and i am still preparing for the certification. So can't really say how useful it will be for the exam. But while reading it, i think it has a great style and really pertinent information.
   I am confident this book will help me successfully complete the exam.



4. I just passed 1Z0-007 a few hours ago making 90% (47 of 52) first try. Trust me, If I ONLY studied this book, I would have failed. This book has so many mistakes that it will make you go crazy. It's completely outdated. It doesn't have the current exam objectives. The wording and content placement of this book is terrible. I should have bought the oracle 9i OCP: sql studyguide by Oracle Press.
   
   Get the Self Test Software. It will save you a retake.
   
   I'm studying Oracle's 10g PL/SQL book and Self Test for the next test.
   
   I can't wait to be an OCA!



5. è arrivato un pò oltre i tempi di stima della spedizione, ma nel complesso tutto bene

No comments about Microsoft SQL Server 2008 All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech)).

5 comments about OCP Developer PL/SQL Program Units Exam Guide.

1. Amazing...great..those are the words for this book which i recently used for 1z0-147 exam which i passed with score 63/66.
   After lot of research i used this book for 1z0-147 and i happily confirm that i made great choice.
   
   Most of the topics required for exam are covered except LargeObjects(LOB).
   
   Thanks a lot Steve for wonderful job.!!!!!!!



2. The book is fine and covers almost 80% of the topics of OCP 9i as well. So far little upgradation is required to make it effective for 9i exam papers. The book is wonderfully organized even a novice user can start with the book and take a hold.



3. Although this book is a guide for the 1Z0-101 exam, I got it to prepare myself for the 1Z0-147 exam, which I just passed. It covered everything but LOBs and the use of CALL for triggers (topics not supposed to be in the 1Z0-101). So, it is a great book: easy format, very realistic practice exams. The only reason I give it 4 starts instead of 5 is because the CD that cames with it is horrible. The software has a lot of bugs, so it's a waste of time using it. To give you an example, some questions that are intended to have multiple answers, just don't let you chose more than one. Ridiculous!



4. This book is good for preparing 1Z0-147,which is 2nd paper of OCA.It covers almost 90% of the course.



5. I took the test last week but failed with a score of 26.Looks like you need to prepare thoroughly and in depth to clear this test. I took by word the other reviews which claimed after studying this book,the test would a cakewalk. It doest seem so and the questions were more tricky and difficult. If you are planning to take ,prepare in depth and be prepared to expect tougher questions than in this book.

No comments about Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Bible.

No comments about Programming Entity Framework.

No comments about Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Analysis Services Step by Step (Step By Step (Microsoft)).

5 comments about Professional SQL Server 2005 XML (Programmer to Programmer).

1. The web was designed for people to read what was stored at a computer somewhere else. After the web was set up, it wasn't long before people wanted to extract information from one system to incorporate into their own web page.
   
   For a quick example, go to www.books-on-line.com. At the upper left is a little box for you to enter an ISBN number. Put in a number and click on Get Prices. Then what happens is that the Books-On-Line web site goes to Amazon and gets up to the minute information and displays it back to you in a simple format.
   
   As part of their ASP.NET design effort, Microsoft has added a new datatype called XML to their SQL Server database. This book is on using this new feature. It describes the data type. Talks about constraints, schemas, all the things you would expect. It then talks about the integrated features to facilitate the generation of XML code that can be sent out over the web.
   
   XML is a major new concept in distributed computing. The book covers this aspect of the Microsoft approach and does so very well. It is complete and thorough and very well written.



2. If you are considering using XML in SQL Server 2005, this book will pay for itself quickly. The clear examples of creating XML Schema collections, altering them, etc. are very helpful.
   
   The only problem with this book is that SQL Server 2005 does not fully support XML Schemas. Because this book was written using a beta product (I believe) perhaps the author could not have know exactly how the final version would shake out. However, partial support of standards is important to any developer. You often find out only by trial and error what is supported and what isn't. The Wrox web site offers nothing of the kind for this book. So buy this book, but be aware if you are using complex XML Schemas there may be some surprises (e.g., notation not supported).



3. Just been thru Chapter 1 - what is in the book and the snippets of the code that follow do not correlate. This is just like a developer code, wrote something and threw it across the wall for testing, never matters if the code matches requirements or not.



4. I didn't read all of it but the code samples in the first 3 chapters has a terrible mismatch with variables names. Some of the chapter's paragraphs are repeating them self.
   I got the feeling they get to rush in this edition.
   But you should take into account that i'm very pedantic.
   Search inside before you make your decision.



5. I bought this book several months ago and was disappointed. One of the problem is that I am consistently debugging the codes. I am at Chapter 5 now and have spent numerous times googling to try to understand what is the correct syntex for some codes, such as using xml method for column-level contraints, which was demonstated in the book, but does not work. The other thing I don't like is the lack of explanation about the code examples. Many times, a code was throw out without clear explantion, such as how cross apply, outer apply works.