Art & Photography Book: February 2009

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Internetworking with TCP IP Vol III or Information Systems Essentials with MISource 2007

Internetworking with TCP/IP, Vol. III: Client-Server Programming and Applications, Linux/Posix Sockets Version

Author: Douglas E Comer

This is the Linux/POSIX Sockets Version of Volume III from the most popular TCP/IP Internetworking series ever published. Volume III answers the question, "How does application software us TCP/IP to communicate over an Internet?" The Linux/POSIX Sockets Version is organized for easy reading. First the text explains the client-server paradigm and socket API that application programs use for network communication. It then discusses how the basic tools can be used to create servers, emphasizing practical designs and techniques that are important to programmers.

FEATURES

Practical client-server design principles and techniques are presented with the strengths and weaknesses of each approach.
The most complete coverage of server technology shows how to select among server algorithms and build an advanced server appropriate for each application.
A wide range of server designs applicable to the WWW and other applications are discussed.
Chapters on streaming technology and the Real-Time Transport Protocol explain how to transfer audio and video over the Internet.
Each client-server design is illustrated with a detailed example implementation that has been tested under Linus; all code from the book is available on a Web site.
The book examines powerful techniques such as application gateways and tunneling.
It includes the clearest explanation of remote procedure call (RCP) and how it can be used to construct distributed programs.

Book about: Last Campaign or Blueprint for Action

Information Systems Essentials with MISource 2007

Author: Stephen Haag

9 chapters plus 3 appendices cover the traditional core material of MIS. A comprehensive set of group projects and e-commerce projects support an applied component to the course. Consistent with Haag’s best-selling MIS for the Information Age, IS Essentials 2/e conveys the impact of IS on the individual with contemporary writing and lively examples.

Prologue

Chapter 1: The Information Age in which You Live

Chapter 2: Major Business Initiatives

Chapter 3: Databases and Data Warehouses

Chapter 4: Decision Support and Artificial Intelligence
Chapter 5: Electronic Commerce
Chapter 6: Systems Development
Chapter 7: Enterprise Infrastructure and Integration
Chapter 8: Protecting People and Information
Chapter 9: Emerging Trends and Technologies
Appendix A: Hardware and Software
Appendix B: Network Basics
Appendix C: MIS and Your Career
Appendix D: Projects

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Go with Word 2007 Comprehensive or 20 Questions to Ask before Selling on Ebay

Go! with Word 2007, Comprehensive

Author: Shelley Gaskin

The primary goal of the GO! Series, aside from teaching computer applications, is ease of implementation, with an approach that is based on clearly-defined projects for students and a one of a kind supplements package. GO!’s project-based approach clusters the learning objectives around the projects rather than around software features. Teaches students to solve real problems as they practice and learn the features. Ideal for students and individuals seeking an introduction to Internet Explorer.

20 Questions to Ask before Selling on Ebay

Author: Lissa McGrath

With over 80 million registered eBay users in the English speaking countries, consumers are empowered to buy just about anything at a price that's fair. And millions have used eBay to either sell some of the stuff lying around the house, or they make a living utilizing this unique online flea market. The two latest additions to the 20 Questions series break the subject of "eBaying" down into two distinct books for two distinct audiences: eBay buyers and eBay sellers. And if readers were to buy both books, they'd have the complete information on how eBay works and how they could make it work for them.

20 Questions To Ask Before Selling on eBay is designed to take anyone through the steps to sell successfully and profitably. Beginning with how to set up an eBay business and organizing it for success, the book proceeds through how to choose the best products, how to design an attractive and effective listing, getting paid, automating auctions, customer service, and more.

Both 20 Questions eBay books take readers step-by-step through the process, each chapter building on the information taught. The books are written as a fresh and lively narrative, with plenty of bullets, checklists and useful advice learned from the authors' experiences. It's all the information both buyers and sellers need to not only get started, but to do eBay their way!

About the Author:
Lissa McGrath has worked as the assistant to Skip McGrath, for over four years and is involved in all aspects of the transaction. When Skip is on vacation, Lissa keeps the auctions going and runs the business in his absence. She is the copy editor for The eBay Power Seller's Manual and How to Start and Run an eBay Consignment Business. Lissa also writes a bi-weekly column for AuctionBytes, the leading online auction news media company.

Skip McGrath (eBay screenname mcgrrrr) is an eBay Gold PowerSeller, hosting the store 'The Auction Seller's Resource' who has received 100% positive feedback on over 3,000 reviews.

Friday, February 20, 2009

How the Body Shapes the Way We Think or Access 2003 for Starters

How the Body Shapes the Way We Think: A New View of Intelligence

Author: Rolf Pfeifer

How could the body influence our thinking when it seems obvious that the brain controls the body? In How the Body Shapes the Way We Think, Rolf Pfeifer and Josh Bongard demonstrate that thought is not independent of the body but is tightly constrained, and at the same time enabled, by it. They argue that the kinds of thoughts we are capable of have their foundation in our embodiment--in our morphology and the material properties of our bodies.

This crucial notion of embodiment underlies fundamental changes in the field of artificial intelligence over the past two decades, and Pfeifer and Bongard use the basic methodology of artificial intelligence--"understanding by building"--to describe their insights. If we understand how to design and build intelligent systems, they reason, we will better understand intelligence in general. In accessible, nontechnical language, and using many examples, they introduce the basic concepts by building on recent developments in robotics, biology, neuroscience, and psychology to outline a possible theory of intelligence. They illustrate applications of such a theory in ubiquitous computing, business and management, and the psychology of human memory. Embodied intelligence, as described by Pfeifer and Bongard, has important implications for our understanding of both natural and artificial intelligence.

Book review: Perla Meyers Art of Seasonal Cooking or Feed a Crowd Southern Cook Book

Access 2003 for Starters: The Missing Manual

Author: Kate J Chas

Maybe you got Access as part of Microsoft Office and wonder what it can do for you and your household; maybe you're a small business manager and don't have a techie on staff to train the office in Microsoft Access. Regardless, you want to quickly get your feet wet--but not get in over your head--and Access 2003 for Starters: The Missing Manual is the book to make it happen.

Far more than a skimpy introduction but much less daunting than a weighty tech book, Access 2003 for Starters: The Missing Manual demystifies databases and explains how to design and create them with ease. It delivers everything you need--and nothing you don't--to use Access right away. It's your expert guide to the Access features that are most vital and most useful, and it's your trusted advisor on the more in-depth features that are best saved for developers and programmers.

Access is sophisticated and powerful enough for professional developers but easy and practical enough for everyday users like you. This Missing Manual explains all the major features of Access 2003, including designing and creating databases, organizing and filtering information, and generating effective forms and reports.

Bestselling authors, database designers, and programmers Scott Palmer, Ph.D., and Kate Chase are your guides for putting the world's most popular desktop data management program to work. Their clear explanations, step-by-step instructions, plenty of illustrations, and timesaving advice help you get up to speed quickly and painlessly.

Whether you're just starting out or you know you've been avoiding aspects of the program and missing out on much of what it can do, this friendly, witty book will gentlyimmerse you in Microsoft Access. Keep it handy, as you'll undoubtedly refer to it again and again.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Stored Procedure Programming in T SQL and Net or Pro JavaScript Design Patterns

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Stored Procedure Programming in T-SQL And . NET

Author: Dejan Sunderic

Create and Use Stored Procedures for Optimal Database Performance

Develop complex stored procedures to retrieve, manipulate, update, and delete data. Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Stored Procedure Programming in T-SQL & .NET identifies and describes the key concepts, techniques, and best practices you need to master in order to take full advantage of stored procedures using SQL Server's native Transact-SQL and .NET CLR languages. You'll learn to incorporate effective Transact-SQL stored procedures into client or middleware code, and produce CLR methods that will be compiled into CLR stored procedures. This is a must-have resource for all SQL Server 2005 developers.

Essential Skills for Database Professionals

Group and execute T-SQL statements using batches, scripts, and transactions
Create user-defined, system, extended, temporary, global temporary, and remote stored procedures
Develop and manage stored procedures using C# and Visual Basic .NET
Implement database access using ADO.NET
Create CLR user-defined functions and triggers
Implement reliable debugging and error handling techniques and security measures
Manage source code in a repository such as Visual SourceSafe
Create stored procedures for web search engines
Use system and extended storedprocedures to interact with the SQL Server environment

Dejan &Scaron;underi¿, MCDBA, is the principal consultant at Trigon Blue, Inc., and the president of the Toronto SQL Server User Group. He specializes in database and application development on the SQL Server platform.

Book review: Women and the National Experience or Social Welfare

Pro JavaScript Design Patterns

Author: Diaz

As a web developer, you’ll already know that JavaScript is a powerful language, allowing you to add an impressive array of dynamic functionality to otherwise static web sites. But there is more power waiting to be unlocked—JavaScript is capable of full object–oriented capabilities, and by applying OOP principles, best practices, and design patterns to your code, you can make it more powerful, more efficient, and easier to work with alone or as part of a team.

With Pro JavaScript Design Patterns, you’ll start with the basics of object–oriented programming in JavaScript applicable to design patterns, including making JavaScript more expressive, inheritance, encapsulation, information hiding, and more. With that covered, you can kick–start your JavaScript development in the second part of the book, where you’ll find detail on how to implement and take advantage of several design patterns in JavaScript, including composites, decorators, façades, adapters, and many more.

Each chapter is packed with real–world examples of how the design patterns are best used and expert advice on writing better code, as well as what to watch out for. Along the way you’ll discover how to create your own libraries and APIs for even more efficient coding.

Master the basics of object–oriented programming in JavaScript, as they apply to design patterns.

Apply design patterns to your kick–start your JavaScript development.

Work through several real–world examples.

What you’ll learn

How to apply object–oriented programming techniques inJavaScript

How to take advantage of inheritance, interfaces, and encapsulation and information hiding to kick–start your JavaScript development

How to implement several design patterns in your JavaScript projects, including factory, façade, bridge, composite, adapter, decorator, flyweight, proxy, command, observer, and chain of responsibility

How to make your code easier to manage in a team environment, as well as on your own

How to create your own libraries and APIs

Who is this book for?

This book will be an invaluable learning tool for any experienced JavaScript developer.

About the Apress Pro Series

The Apress Pro series books are practical, professional tutorials to keep you on and moving up the professional ladder.

You have gotten the job, now you need to hone your skills in these tough competitive times. The Apress Pro series expands your skills and expertise in exactly the areas you need. Master the content of a Pro book, and you will always be able to get the job done in a professional development project. Written by experts in their field, Pro series books from Apress give you the hard–won solutions to problems you will face in your professional programming career.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Web Portfolio Design and Applications or CaseGrader

Web Portfolio Design and Applications

Author: DiMarco

Scholars and students are searching for information on what a Web portfolio is, what it is not, what to put into a Web portfolio, and what technical skills are needed to succeed in the process. Web Portfolio Design and Applications provides a combination of theory, pedagogy, and practice to help enable faculty and students across disciplines to explore creating a Web portfolio. This book provides research conclusions, case studies, and hands-on technical processes, which allow people of all levels to develop a personal approach to creating a Web portfolio. Web Portfolio Design and Applications is designed for anyone who has an interest in Web portfolios and electronic portfolios.

About the Author:
John DiMarco is a professor, trainer, consultant, writer, and digital media expert who has 10 years experience in training and education. Professor DiMarco provides expertise in educational technology, digital art, design, marketing, continuing education, and professional development. John teaches courses in mass communications and animation at St. John's University. He also holds adjunct professorships at NYIT and Nassau Community College. He recently held the position of Assistant Professor of Digital Art and Design and Interactive Multimedia at Long Island University, C.W. Post in New York.

Books about: Microeconomics or The Encyclopaedic Dictionary of Marketing

CaseGrader: Microsoft Office Excel 2003 Casebook with Autograding Technolog

Author: Thad Crews

Save time developing and grading real-life, case-based assignments for your course with this integrated Web-based technology and workbook of Microsoft Excel case problems.

Project 1: Using Excel to Manage Data
Project 2: Working with Formulas and Functions
Project 3: Developing a Professional-Looking Worksheet
Project 4: Working with Charts and Graphics
Project 5: Working with Excel Lists
Project 6: Working with Multiple Worksheets and Workbooks
Project 7: Working with Excel's Editing and Web Tools
Project 8: Developing an Excel Application
Project 9: Data Tables and Scenario Management
Project 10: Using Solver for Complex Problems
Project 11: Importing Data Into Excel
Project 12: Enhancing Excel with Visual Basic for Applications

Monday, February 16, 2009

Itanium Architecture for Programmers or C GUI Programming with Qt 3

Itanium Architecture for Programmers: Understanding 64-Bit Processors and Epic Principles

Author: James S Evans

Step-by-step guide to assembly language for the 64-bit Itanium processors, with extensive examples
Details of Explicitly Parallel Instruction Computing (EPIC): Instruction set, addressing, register stack engine, predication, I/O, procedure calls, floating-point operations, and more
Learn how to comprehend and optimize open source, Intel, and HP-UX compiler output

Understand the full power of 64-bit Itanium EPIC processors

Itanium® Architecture for Programmers is a comprehensive introduction to the breakthrough capabilities of the new 64-bit Itanium architecture. Using standard command-line tools and extensive examples, the authors illuminate the Itanium design within the broader context of contemporary computer architecture via a step-by-step investigation of Itanium assembly language. Coverage includes:

The potential of Explicitly Parallel Instruction Computing (EPIC)
Itanium instruction formats and addressing modes
Innovations such as the register stack engine (RSE) and extensive predication
Procedure calls and procedure-calling mechanisms
Floating-point operations
I/O techniques, from simple debugging to the use of files
Optimization of output from open source, Intel, and HP-UX compilers

An essential resource for both computing professionals and students of architecture or assembly language, Itanium Architecture for Programmers includes extensive printed and Web-based references, plus many numeric, essay, and programming exercises for each chapter.

New interesting book: Fashion Reader or Mystic Christianity

C++ GUI Programming with Qt 3 (Bruce Perens' Open Source Series)

Author: Mark Summerfield

"...not only the best book on Qt I have ever seen, but also the best book presenting any programming framework. Every sentence appears to be carefully worded, and every chapter has a sound concept, and so does the work as a whole." --Matthias Ettrich, Trolltech's lead developer, founder of the KDE project

"The 'Tao of Qt'.... The Qt system is a beautiful example of object oriented design, and the authors take advantage of this.... The authors have done an excellent job of presenting the subject in an interesting and engaging way...." --Ron McCarty, Instructor and Chair of the Department of Computer Science, Penn State Erie, The Behrend College

The first official Trolltech guide to Qt 3.2 programming!

Straight from Trolltech, this book covers all you need to build industrial-strength applications with Qt 3.2.x and C++--applications that run natively on Windows, Linux/Unix, Mac OS X, and embedded Linux with no source code changes! The book teaches solid Qt programming practices; it is not a rehash of the documentation. You'll find start-to-finish coverage packed with examples, plus a CD with the Qt 3.2 toolset and Borland C++ compilers--including a non-commercial Qt 3.2 for Windows available nowhere else!

Build powerful C++ GUI applications quickly and easily

Design dialogs and main windows visually and in code

Learn Qt's innovative typesafe signals and slots mechanism

Use layouts to create forms that automatically size and scale

Create custom signals, slots, events, and controls

Program the "Qt way" with techniques for Qt 3.2 that'll work with Qt 4

Code applicationswith menus, toolbars, dialogs, and drag and drop

Utilize 2D and 3D graphics, multithreading, and networking

Write database and XML applications

Internationalize to reach foreign markets

Exploit platform-specific-features like ActiveX

Already using Qt or just starting out? Evaluating Qt or managing it? Building open source applications--or commercial applications? Want to develop for Windows without buying an expensive compiler? Whatever your goal, this is the only book you need!

CD-ROM: Everything you need to write great GUI programs!

Qt 3.2 Non-Commercial Edition for Windows

Borland C++ 5.5 Non-Commercial Edition

Borland C++ 6.0 Trial Edition

Qt 3.2 Free Editions for Unix/Linux/Mac OS X

SQLite database

The book's code examples

Slashdot.org
Jasmin Blanchette and Mark Summerfield's book can take a sufficiently clueless newbie with some C++ knowledge and guide him through the intricacies of GUI building, providing practical advice and some bits of experience on the way. ... The language of the book is simple to follow; there are plenty of code examples (with discussion following each), and when the authors make certain choices, they also explain why.

	Foreword
	Preface
	Acknowledgments
	A Brief History of Qt
Pt. I	Basic Qt
1	Getting Started	3
2	Creating Dialogs	11
3	Creating Main Windows	39
4	Implementing Application Functionality	69
5	Creating Custom Widgets	97
Pt. II	Intermediate Qt
6	Layout Management	135
7	Event Processing	163
8	2D and 3D Graphics	175
9	Drag and Drop	215
10	Input/Output	227
11	Container Classes	243
12	Databases	261
13	Networking	283
14	XML	307
15	Internationalization	319
16	Providing Online Help	339
17	Multithreading	349
18	Platform-Specific Features	367
	App. A: Installing Qt	393
	App. B: Qt's Class Hierarchy	399
	Index	403

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Microsoft Publisher 2002 or Mastering A Certification

Microsoft Publisher 2002

Author: Shelley Gaskin

This book provides a unique introduction to Microsoft Publisher that allows the reader to learn this software quickly with as little effort as possible. Featuring an easy-to-use text and excellent organization, Microsoft Publisher is about solving business problems, not about learning software features. It employs Microsoft-recommended “procedural syntax,” ensuring that the user does the right thing in the right place. Organized into “lessons”, this book covers such topics as getting started, working with text, working with graphics, design sets, tables and mail merge, and creating a website. For any reader that needs to utilize Microsoft Publisher to meet their business needs.

Mastering A+ Certification

Author: James L Antonakos

This comprehensive book contains numerous hands-on activities to present a step-by-step approach to learning the details of microcomputer hardware and software maintenance and repair, as well as troubleshooting methods. It prepares users for the A+ certification exam and emphasizes the development of skills needed by computer technicians in today's marketplace—diagnosing problems, installing new software applications or operating systems, replacing/upgrading motherboards, and more. The book is divided into two main parts containing 25 exercises each. Part I covers microcomputer hardware—from motherboards, to Plug-and-Play adapters, disk drives, memory, and networking hardware. Part II provides extensive coverage of the suite of Windows operating systems—from Windows 95 up through Windows 2000. Software installation, virus protection, and performance enhancements are some of the many topics presented. For computer technicians and network technicians.

Booknews

Students with no prior knowledge of computers or electronics can prepare to pass the A+ Certification Exam with this text/laboratory manual/CD-ROM package. Focus is on troubleshooting and maintenance skills, with material on microcomputer and networking hardware and the suite of Windows operating systems. Coverage progresses from power supplies and Intel microprocessor architecture to e-mail, network design, and telecommunications. Learning features of the text include quizes, questions, and activities. The accompanying laboratory manual demonstrates the differences and similarities of Windows versions with 50 activities, each containing an introduction, directions, and discussion. Two CD-ROMs contain a practice exam with 500 questions, and a demonstration version of system utilities. The authors are affiliated with Broome Community College. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Thursday, February 12, 2009

The Project Managers Guide to Software Engineerings Best Practices or XML and PHP

The Project Manager's Guide to Software Engineering's Best Practices

Author: Mark Christensen

Since the earliest days of the computer industry, managing a software project has been a complex and demanding activity. While the technical content of software products and the technical methods used to build them have changed over time, the fundamental issues that determine the success or failure of software projects have remain fairly constant. That is, the same fundamental management mistakes continue to be made. To cite a few examples; requirements are unclear at the beginning of projects and are not managed during the project, the product is not tested adequately, schedules are misestimated or not tracked in sufficient detail. The contents of this book, together with the underlying IEEE Standards, are dedicated to helping the reader in their work: The continuing quest to produce quality software products in a predictable manner.

This book, containing all original material, is based on the proposition that the IEEE Software Engineering Standards capture many of the fundamental 'best practices' of software project management. It is written to assist the reader in applying those standards to their projects and company. To meet this goal, the authors discuss and elaborate the standards that bear on the three key management areas of: Software systems engineering, Processes for developing software products, Planning and control of software project activities.

The body of the book is correspondingly organized into three parts. Software Systems Engineering, which argues that software development projects are most successful when developed using a systems level viewpoint. Process Management and Control, which describes the key activities needed to define,support, and manage a project's software development processes. Project Planning and Management completes the book, integrating the elements of cost and schedule estimation and control, risk management, and the role metrics play in performing those tasks.

Interesting textbook: O Poder de Eventos:uma Introdução para Processamento de Evento Complexo em Sistemas de Empresa Distribuídos

XML and PHP

Author: Vikram Vaswani

XML and PHP is designed to introduce PHP developers to the synergies that become visible when their favorite web-scripting language is combined with one of the most talked about technologies of recent times, XML. XML and PHP teaches PHP developers how to use PHP's XML functions to develop and maintain XML-based web applications and sites, and it demonstrates the power inherent in the XML/PHP combination. This book provides information on all hte major XML technologies supported in PHP, demonstrating how the XML/PHP combination can be used to deliver cutting-edge web applications through practical examples and real-world case studies. XML and PHP serves as both an implementation guide to the topic and a handy desktop reference for quick lookups-combining all the information that developers need into a single, focused package.

Booknews

This book introduces PHP developers to the synergies that become visible when PHP is combined with XML. It teaches PHP developers how to use PHP's XML functions to develop and maintain XML-based web applications and sites, and demonstrates the power inherent in the XML/PHP combination. The book provides information on all major XML technologies supported in PHP, showing how the XML/PHP combination can be used to deliver web applications through examples and case studies. Vaswani is the founder and CEO of a company specializing in content creation and syndication services. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

1	XML and PHP Basics	1
2	PHP and the Simple API for XML (SAX)	19
3	PHP and the Document Object Model (DOM)	69
4	PHP and Extensible Stylesheet Language Transformations (XSLT)	105
5	PHP and Web Distributed Data eXchange (WDDX)	133
6	PHP and XML-Based Remote Procedure Calls (RPC)	159
7	PHP, XML, and Databases	205
8	Open Source PHP/XML Alternatives	241
9	Case Studies	271
A	Recompiling PHP to Add XML Support	301
B	Open Source Licenses	311
	C: Glossary	337
	Index	341

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Robo Sapiens or Zoo Tycoon 2

Robo sapiens: Evolution of a New Species

Author: Peter Menzel

Winner, Science Category in the 2001 Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPYs) presented by Independent Publisher Magazine.

Around the world, scientists and engineers are participating in a high-stakes race to build the first intelligent robot. Many robots already exist -- automobile factories are full of them. But the new generation of robots will be something else: smart machines that act like living creatures. When they are brought into existence, science fiction will have become fact.

What will happen then? With our prosthetic limbs, titanium hips, and artificial eyes, we are already beginning to resemble our machines. Equally important, our machines are beginning to resemble us. Robots already walk, talk, and dance; they can react to our facial expressions and obey verbal commands. When they take the next step and become fully autonomous, what will they do? Will we be partners or rivals? Could we meld into a single species -- Robo sapiens?

In Robo sapiens, Peter Menzel and Faith D'Aluisio present the next generation of intelligent robots and their makers. Accompanying brilliant photographs of more than one hundred robots is an account of the little-known, yet vitally important scientific competition to build an autonomous robot. Containing extensive interviews with robotics pioneers, anecdotal "field notes" with behind-the-scenes information, and easy-to-understand technical data about the machines, Robo sapiens is a field guide to our mechanical future.

Publishers Weekly

"Today's robots... are explorers, space laborers, surgeons, maids, actors, pets." What do they look like? How do they work? And what's next? Tech photographer Menzel and journalist D'Aluisio worked together on Material World and Man Eating Bugs. Their latest collaboration joins terrific photos of robots--176 color pictures of them--to short essays, sidebars and interviews explaining what each robot can do, how it works and what problems it was designed to solve. Several researchers tell D'Aluisio that true artificial intelligence (AI) is coming soon--a couple even believe that smart machines will someday wipe out humans. But this volume doesn't really add up to an argument about our mechanoid future: instead, it's an informative--and handsome--view of some current work in robotics, from out-there AI research to practical (and profitable) surgical technology. Menzel and D'Aluisio divide the machines they chronicle into six groups: the first two sets try to copy human abilities, while other sorts of 'bots function more like machines in industry or in science education. Many gizmos have special abilities of obvious, even lifesaving, practical use: "Ariel the crab-robot... walks pretty well underwater"; eventually, it will detect and clear mines. "Rosie," a remote boom crane robot, can help control damage from a reactor meltdown. Other constructions simulate human and animal actions, like running and walking--a field called "biomimicry." More impressive yet are robots designed to investigate psychology and cognition; some of these are learning--and teaching their creators--what it means to be human. MIT researcher Cynthia Breazel introduces us to Kismet, a Kermit-the-Frog-esque 'droid whose big-eyed, goofy "facial expressions" (in her words) "tune the human's behavior so that it is appropriate for the robot--not too much, not too little, just right." (Sept.) Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.|

Library Journal

Robo sapiens will be a new generation of robots--the first intelligent robots: smart machines that act like living creatures. The authors of such award-winning works of photojournalism as Material World: A Global Family Portrait and Women in the Material World, photojournalist Menzel and D'Alusio, a former TV documentary producer, here collect interviews, essays, illustrations, and numerous photographs of all aspects of current research and actual production locations using robots, some of which approach the "intelligent" level. The coverage includes more than 100 different researchers and developers with their robots. Although the actual color photographs were not included, a sample indicates that Menzel's background as a photojournalist stood him in good stead. The interviews are interesting, and the range of applications areas is fascinating; from medicine to housecleaning, from game playing to dancing robots, there is something for everyone in this collection. While some of the resource and source material appendixes were unavailable at the time of review, the authors appear to try to provide enough information so that readers interested in following up a certain avenue will be able to do so. For most sci/tech collections.--Hilary Burton, Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.

The Standard

By some credible estimates, 90 percent of all the scientists who have ever paced the world's laboratories are alive today, and the proportion must be as high for writers of popular science. Which is as it should be. From the decoding of the human genome, to the discovery of water on Mars, to the invention of computer chips the size of molecules, there's a host of modern marvels whose stories beg to be told.

But as they take on these new subjects, science writers must assume a certain responsibility. Though technology has always had its dark side, today the darkness threatens as never before; with the incalculable opportunities of the PC and the Internet come not only sore wrists and fat behinds, but also fraud and vandalism on a colossal scale; with emission-free nuclear power comes ageless nuclear waste; with industrial prosperity comes global warming; and on and on. It is no longer enough to be an advocate of a new technology, or even an explicator of it. Writers must think through the full spectrum of future possibilities, no matter how happy or dire.

Wherein lies another, almost opposite, hazard: The pace of technology is so fast that authors can be made the fool before their books reach store shelves. Think back to less than 20 years ago, when you unpacked your first XT computer. If you had been asked to guess how it would change the world, how preposterously wrong would you have been? Do you bother to guess about the future of science any longer?

In Robo Sapiens, an overview of the present and future of robotics, photojournalist Peter Menzel and documentarian Faith D'Aluisio face both challenges by letting the inventors of various robots speak of their ambitions, expectations and fears. The excellent photography and design - Menzel is the creator of the photo-essay Material World - brings the robot, and the dialogues, vividly to life.

Robots are already superior to humans in many ways. They are more accurate than people, require no lights, work 24 hours a day, and they never get sick, go to the bathroom or form unions. As one inventor says in the book, robots are saints.

Today's great spark-spewing industrial robots are only the beginning, though. The Grail is the intelligent, autonomous robot. All of the inventors here assume that robots eventually will be able to assess unforeseen situations and learn from their experience. They will be able to care for themselves on distant planets and assume tasks of profound difficulty on earth. Though roboticists differ on the way such machines will come into being - and on exactly what intelligence is - the hope is that this research will also provide new insights into the human mind (and what can go wrong with it).

But intelligence is also the rub, as the authors make clear. Many scientists see robots far surpassing human intelligence within the first half of this century. Some think robots will also develop consciousness - which will impel them to replicate in huge numbers, presenting a grave danger to our species.

This raises a basic question about the nature of human intelligence: How is it possible that these scientists devote their every living breath to the development of what could be the agents of our demise? We might applaud the scientists' ingenuity, their imagination - but their intelligence? Or perhaps we should take this as an important clue to what they will impart to robots.

In any case, the scientists in Robo Sapiens are divided over what kind of emotional states their creations might be capable of, if any. Some say that since robots will be born into a society created by people, that social consciousness will naturally integrate itself into the machines' make-up. Others say it is impossible for us to foresee the emotional composition of robots because of the abyss between their nature and ours. Still others say that the sheer intellectual capability of the machines will make their provenance almost irrelevant. Instead, the robots may well become indignant at their subservient roles and dispense with us altogether.

As robots evolve toward the human, humans, with our corneal implants, artificial limbs and, someday, brain chips, are also assuming robotic characteristics. The authors coined the phrase "Robo sapiens," meaning both "a hybrid species of human and robot with vastly superior intelligence to purely biological mankind," and "the dominant species in the solar system of Earth" by the end of the century. Their hope is that as robots become more socialized and people become more technologically enhanced, the two will peacefully meet.

It is an interesting dream, but one that is difficult to share. We humans will certainly have an increasing need for robots, just as we have rapidly developed an addiction to computer chips. But by most accounts in this book, robots will have a diminishing need for us. They have been brought into the world specifically for toil; when they free themselves of it, what would be the source of any altruistic impulse toward humans?

Some scientists answer - or avoid - the question by claiming that robots will be such fast studies they will not only develop their own culture, but in the process they will subsume ours as well; thus they will remain, so to speak, humane. But knowledge does not imply influence. Studies of prairie dog colonies, for example, have not much changed our approach to urban planning. The engines of human evolution have been reproductive and self-preservatory instincts and their concomitants, many of them unsavory and bloody; what could possibly compel intelligent robots to assume the complex of contradictory characteristics that have been the outcome (so far) of that long and painful process?

Our culture is a several-thousand-year-long attempt to come to terms with our human frailties. Robots will never write the equivalent of the Bible or a Shakespearean play; they would never feel the impulse. Robot culture will be based on robot history and robot struggles (if robots ever come to struggle) - which will be very different.

Consider the billions of people, the millions of years and the innumerable interactions and accidents that have made us what we are; there is no algorithm that could reproduce or simulate our species. There will always be a profound gap between our species and the robot, whatever our common features.

Even if we share the authors' hope that robots will retain warm memories of their early years in our labs, that is hardly a secure basis for an indefinite happy cohabitation. And what if by accident some of the nastier human frailties - a propensity for genocide, say - make their way into the robots' code? How much more difficult might they be, and how great their resentment?

The authors tell us that the word "robot" was coined in a 1920 play R.U.R, which ends in a robot uprising that wipes out the human race. In the April 2000 issue of Wired magazine, Bill Joy, cofounder and chief scientist of Sun Microsystems, wrote a much-discussed article titled "Why the Future Doesn't Need Us," which warned that commercial forces are compelling us to develop systems that will bring calamity. If we are not convinced by R.U.R's visionary playwright, Karel Capek, it is more difficult to ignore Joy, who not only has helped forge our technological lives, but whose warnings run contrary to his vast interests.

Menzel and D'Aluisio conclude that "with good luck, we might lose some of the poverty, fear and desperation that has always been the human lot. With bad luck, we may eventually destroy ourselves." In other words, we don't know what the hell is going to happen.

After reading some of the more frightening testimony in this book, one hopes that we are wise enough to leave as little to luck as possible. Still, the authors should be applauded for their refusal to be false and foolish prophets.

Scientific American - Vernor Vinge

It is very difficult to write clearly and simply about such things and still remain faithful to the underlying technology. Menzel and D'Alusio accomplish this feat. The interviews and sidebars are consistently intriguing...Menzel's color photos are essential to understanding the projects described. The photos are beautiful and, for the most part, extremely effective.

What People Are Saying

Arthur C. Clarke
This is one of the most mind-stretching -- and frightening -- books I've ever read. It's also a tour de force of photography: The images reveal a whole new order of creation about to come into existence.

Zoo Tycoon 2 (Sybex Official Strategies and Secrets Series)

Author: Michael Rymaszewski

Building and ruling the best zoo in the world sure isn't easy--but this in-depth strategy guide gives you all the info you need to build and maintain the world's best zoo. Are you eager to win five-star fame for your zoo? Want to know how to lay out, build, and expand your zoo? Need advice on handling exotic animals and picky guests? It's all in here, along with full info on caring for the game's 30 animals, acquiring special zoo objects, and making your guests so happy they'll be throwing money at you. Written with full developer input, this guide covers every aspect of Zoo Tycoon 2 so that you can become the ultimate tycoon.
* Inside info on how to keep 30 animals species and several kinds of guests ecstatic
* Practical advice on zoo layout and exhibit design
* Comprehensive walkthroughs for campaign scenarios with insider advice from the game's developers
* Tips and tricks for winning photo challenge games

Introduction.

Chapter 1 Getting to Know the New Tycoon.

Chapter 2 How to become rich and famous.

Chapter 3 Making people happy.

Chapter 4 caring for animals.

Chapter 5 The animals within.

Chapter 6 Freeform and challenge games.

Chapter 7 Campaign games.

Appendix A Animal, Biome Object, and Biome Compatibility Data.

Appendix B Buildings, Structures, and Objects by Fame.

Appendix C Challenges.

Appendix D: Developer Tips.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Search Engine Optimization or Teach Yourself VISUALLY Digital Photography

Search Engine Optimization: An Hour a Day

Author: Grappon

Influence search engine results and bring targeted traffic to your website in just an hour day with the second edition of this bestselling SEO guide, Search Engine Optimization: An Hour a Day. Drawing on years of experience as successful SEO consultants, Jennifer Grappone and Gradiva Couzin provide detailed, practical, and often surprisingly simple techniques for increasing your online visibitlity and delivering stellar results. Their easy-to-follow strategies include setting SEO goals, optimizing your site for, search engines, blogs and social media, developing and implementing a strategy including both free and paid efforts, and using the latest tools to monitor trends, measure the competition, and track your results. Bracing as a shot of espresso, Search Engine Optimization: An Hour a Day is your step-by-step guide to putting your website in the spotlight.

Book about: Direction de Bureau de Devant d'Hôtel

Teach Yourself VISUALLY Digital Photography

Author: Dave Huss

* Helpful sidebars that offer practical tips and tricks
* Succinct explanations that walk you through step by step
* Full-color screen shots that demonstrate each task
* Two-page lessons that break big topics into bite-sized modules

Learn How To:
* Choose a digital camera and photo printer
* Compose pictures using professional techniques
* Mix and match focus and lens settings
* Crop, resize, and sharpen your photos
* Enhance your photos with photo-editing software
* Create a custom greeting card

Chapter 1: Understanding Digital Photography.

Why Go Digital?

Discover Digital Cameras.

From Start to Finish: The Digital Workflow.

Chapter 2: What You Need to Get Started.

Choose a Digital Camera.

Consider Digital Camera Accessories.

Build a Digital Darkroom.

Choose a Photo Printer.

Chapter 3: Understanding Light.

Learn About the Color of Light.

Measure and Correct Light for Color.

Photograph in Varied Lighting.

Use a Flash.

Chapter 4: Controlling Exposure and Focal Length.

Learn About ISO.

Learn About Aperture.

Control Depth of Field.

Understanding Shutter Speed.

Discover Exposure Modes.

Learn About Focal Length.

Use a Wide-Angle Lens.

Use a Telephoto Lens.

Use a Zoom Lens.

Learn About Digital Camera Lenses.

Chapter 5: Learning About Focus.

Understanding Focus Systems.

Focus on a Still Subject.

Use Focus Modes.

Discover Focus Techniques.

Chapter 6: Composing Pictures Like a Pro.

Visualize Composition.

Consider Design Principles.

Discover Rules of Composition.

Learn to Control Composition.

Chapter 7: Putting It All Together.

Experiment with Depth of Field.

Mix and Match Settings.

Change Shutter Speed for Effect.

Focus Selectively.

Compose Creatively.

ExploreDifferent Lighting Options.

Try Creative Techniques.

Chapter 8: Taking Your First Digital Photo.

Set Up a Digital Camera.

Take Test Pictures.

Troubleshoot Problems.

Transfer Pictures to Your Computer.

Evaluate Your Photos.

Fine-Tune Camera Settings.

Chapter 9: Avoiding Digital Photography Pitfalls.

Avoid Taking Unfixable Pictures.

What Is a Histogram?

Use a Histogram as You Take Pictures.

Compensate for Shutter Lag.

Avoid Blowouts.

Keep Your Camera Steady.

Avoid Undesirable Color Casts.

Never Use Digital Zoom.

Reduce Digital Noise.

Avoid In-Camera Adjustments.

Become Comfortable with Your Digital Camera’s Settings.

Chapter 10: Capturing Unique Photo Opportunities.

Photograph Products to Sell on eBay.

Take Great Close-Up Photos.

Take Photos at Night without a Flash.

Capture Firework Displays.

Chapter 11: Organizing Photos in Photoshop Elements.

Why Use Image Editing Programs?

What Is a Digital Editing Workflow?

The Welcome Screen Choices in Photoshop Elements.

Understanding the Organizer Workspace.

Understanding Metadata in Your Photos.

What Are Raw Digital Photos?

Create a New Catalog and Import Photos.

Review, Compare, and Sort Your Photos.

Organize with Tags.

Organize with Collections.

Chapter 12: Fixing Photos.

Why Calibrate and Profile Your Monitor?

Calibrate and Profile with Adobe Gamma.

Open the Photoshop Elements Quick Fix Workspace.

Get Familiar with the Quick Fix Workspace.

Open a Photo to Fix.

Open a Raw Photo File.

Zoom In and Out .

Move Around the Image.

Rotate an Image.

Select a Comparative View.

Improve Composition by Cropping.

Use the Quick Fix Auto Buttons.

Try an Auto Fix for a Quick Improvement.

Remove Red Eye with One Click.

Undo Changes.

Convert a Color Photo to Black and White.

Add a Colored Filter Effect to Any Photo.

Chapter 13: Enhancing Photos.

What Are Layers and Why Use Them?

Find Your Way Around the Layers Palette.

Straighten a Crooked Photo.

Add a Quick Colored Matte.

Make a Creative Crop.

Select an Area of a Photo.

Whiten Teeth Digitally.

What Are Photoshop Elements Filters?

Duplicate the Background Layer.

Reduce Digital Noise.

Use Special Effect Lighting.

Liquify a Photo for Effect.

Add Motion Blur.

Colorize a Black-and-White Photo.

Create a Sepia-Toned Photo.

Understanding Styles and Effects.

Customize the Palette View.

Add a Quick Vignette.

Add Digital Photo Corners.

Turn a Photo into a Drawing.

Frame a Photo with a Background Layer.

Remove Blemishes with One Click.

Fix Skin Tone.

Chapter 14: Getting Creative with Photoshop Elements.

Create a Digital Photo Collage.

What Is the Filter Gallery?

Adjust a Photo Before Applying Filters for Artistic Effects.

Convert a Photo into a Sketch.

Convert a Photo into a Painting.

Finish a Painting with an Artistic Border.

Understanding a Type Layer.

Add and Edit Text.

Move and Resize Type to Fit.

Add Text and Match the Color to the Photo.

Rotate Text.

Warp Text.

Stylize Text.

Simplify a Type Layer.

Put Text into Perspective.

Make a Photo-Filled Text Title.

Create a Digital Panorama.

Chapter 15: Printing Photos and Other Projects.

Archive Your Photos to CD or DVD Media.

Print a Contact Sheet .

Understanding Resolution.

Digital Photo Printing Options.

Get the Best Prints.

Choose a Photo Printer.

Match Prints to Monitor Display.

Optimize Printer Settings and Print a Photo.

Print One Photo as a Traditional Picture Package.

Print a Package with Multiple Photos.

Create a Greeting Card.

Print to an Online Photo Service.

Chapter 16: Sharing Photos Electronically.

Add a Personal Copyright to Protect a Photo.

Save a JPEG for the Web.

Save a GIF for the Web.

Preview an Image in a Browser.

Create a Web Photo Gallery.

Send an Image with E-mail.

Export Images.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Maya for Games or Applied Security Visualization

Maya for Games: Modeling and Texturing Techniques with Maya and Mudbox

Author: Michael Ingrassia

Well-known Maya professional, Michael Ingrassia, takes readers through his unique style of modeling: "Image Based Modeling" where efficient, realistic models can be created very quickly. Ingrassia's techniques allow modelers to create exact replicas of their concept characters or objects. The techniques presented are very efficient and allow game modelers to quickly build out stand alone props to populate environments and game levels.

Presented are tried and true techniques that the author has used successfully in game production for the past 10 years. Most, if not all 3D books, focus on basic "box" modeling techniques, which are the basis for proper 3D modeling but not the complete solution. In the author's experience, students who have learned through the Image Based Modeling brand, have quickly excelled into effective modelers.

One of the hardest things for any modeler to do is match their model EXACTLY to the concept art or photos they are provided. The insider tips in this book walk artists through this process. Artists begin with basic modeling and advance to a creating a complete scene and set design/game level. Rather than including sporadic models with zero association from to one another, each model in the book becomes an integral part of an overall theme realistic in game development today.

The accompanying DVD includes 8 exclusive video tutorials on advanced Maya techniques as bonus tracks for artists providing invaluable modeling, rigging and texturing samples. Also, an in-depth video on assembling a "Killer Demo Reel" showing simple but effective video editing techniques used by the author so that artists can learn how to get their workseen. The book not only teaches effective methodology, but provides the user with impressive content for producing effective demo reels and portfolios. Pros and cons of demo reel, website and artist representation are given, along with insights into the expectations of game studios today. The video tutorials show users the finished product, and then run through the process of step by step creation of that particular technique.

--Author Ingrassia is a veteran artist and instructor (Senior Artist on several XBox game projects; and Senior Maya Instructor for Escape Studios in London, considered the top training academy in Europe; with game credits including Shadowrun (2007), Azurik: Rise of Perathia (2001), Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001), Electronic Arts, Inc.) He provides insider secrets, tips, and tricks so that artists can learn a wide variety of cutting-edge modeling and texturing techniques.

--The latest Next-Gen modeling techniques combined with "tried and true" processes provide a leg up for artists new to game work so that they can "hit the ground running" with professional results. + DVD with bonus videos on advanced modeling techniques.

--Game Industry professionals speak about their experiences and advice providing artists with candid, unique insights into the game industry (how they broke in, and how they stayed in).

--Coverage of Autodesk's newly acquired MUDBOX software, so that artists can learn quick and effective sculpting techniques to make use of this exciting and powerful tool that can add a professional look to their models. (Ingrassia has been working with Mudbox for years - he recently gave a lecture on the tool at an animation festival in Prague. His expertise will come through in the book.)

Applied Security Visualization

Author: Raffael Marty

APPLIED SECURITY VISUALIZATION

"Collecting log data is one thing, having relevant information is something else. The art to transform all kinds of log data into meaningful security information is the core of this book. Raffy illustrates in a straight forward way, and with hands-on examples, how such a challenge can be mastered. Let's get inspired."—Andreas Wuchner, Head of Global IT Security, Novartis

Use Visualization to Secure Your Network Against the Toughest, Best-Hidden Threats

As networks become ever more complex, securing them becomes more and more difficult. The solution is visualization. Using today's state-of-the-art data visualization techniques, you can gain a far deeper understanding of what's happening on your network right now. You can uncover hidden patterns of data, identify emerging vulnerabilities and attacks, and respond decisively with countermeasures that are far more likely to succeed than conventional methods.

In Applied Security Visualization, leading network security visualization expert Raffael Marty introduces all the concepts, techniques, and tools you need to use visualization on your network. You'll learn how to identify and utilize the right data sources, then transform your data into visuals that reveal what you really need to know. Next, Marty shows how to use visualization to perform broad network security analyses, assess specific threats, and even improve business compliance.

He concludes with an introduction to a broad set of visualization tools. The book's CD also includes DAVIX, a compilation of freely available tools for security visualization.

You'll learn how to:

• Intimately understand the data sources that are essential for effective visualization

• Choose the most appropriate graphs and techniques for your IT data

• Transform complex data into crystal-clear visual representations

• Iterate your graphs to deliver even better insight for taking action

• Assess threats to your network perimeter, as well as threats imposed by insiders

• Use visualization to manage risks and compliance mandates more successfully

• Visually audit both the technical and organizational aspects of information and network security

• Compare and master today's most useful tools for security visualization

Contains the live CD Data Analysis and Visualization Linux (DAVIX). DAVIX is a compilation of powerful tools for visualizing networks and assessing their security. DAVIX runs directly from the CD-ROM, without installation.

Raffael Marty is chief security strategist and senior product manager for Splunk, the leading provider of large-scale, high-speed indexing and search technology for IT infrastructures. As customer advocate and guardian, he focuses on using his skills in data visualization, log management, intrusion detection, and compliance. An active participant on industry standards committees such as CEE (Common Event Expression) and OVAL (Open Vulnerability and Assessment Language), Marty created the Thor and AfterGlow automation tools, and founded the security visualization portal secviz.org. Before joining Splunk, he managed the solutions team at ArcSight, served as IT security consultant for PriceWaterhouseCoopers, and was a member of the IBM Research Global Security Analysis Lab.

Preface     xiii
Acknowledgments     xix
About the Author     xxiii
Visualization     1
What Is Visualization?     2
Why Visualization?     3
Visualization Benefits     5
Security Visualization     6
Security Visualization's Dichotomy     7
Visualization Theory     8
Perception     9
Expressive and Effective Graphs     11
Graph Design Principles     13
Information Seeking Mantra     18
Summary     19
Data Sources     21
Terminology     22
Security Data     23
Common Problems     24
Incomplete Information     25
Source/Destination Confusion     26
Packet Captures     27
Traffic Flows     30
Collecting Traffic Flows     32
Aggregating Traffic Flows     35
Clustering Traffic Flows     36
Anonymizing Traffic Flows     36
Firewalls     37
Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems     40
Passive Network Analysis     43
Operating Systems     45
Real-Time Operating System Information     46
Operating System State Information     49
Operating System Log Problems     53
Applications     55
Web Proxy     56
Mail     58
Databases     60
Configurations     62
Summary     64
VisuallyRepresenting Data     65
Graph Properties     66
Data Types     66
Color     68
Size, Shape, and Orientation     69
Chart Axes     69
Simple Charts     70
Pie Chart     71
Bar Chart     72
Line Chart     73
3D Bar Charts     74
Stacked Charts     75
Stacked Pie Chart     76
Stacked Bar Chart     77
Stacked Line Chart     78
Histograms     78
Box Plots     80
Scatter Plots     82
Parallel Coordinates     85
Link Graphs     87
Maps     93
Treemaps     96
Three-Dimensional Views     100
Three-Dimensional Scatter Plots     101
Three-Dimensional Link Graphs     103
Interaction and Animation     104
Interaction     104
Animation     105
Choosing the Right Graph     109
Challenges     115
Summary     117
From Data to Graphs     119
Information Visualization Process     119
Define the Problem     121
Assess Available Data     122
Process Information     124
Adding Additional Data     126
Filtering Log Entries     127
Aggregation     128
Data Processing Challenges     129
Visual Transformation     132
Data Mapping     132
Size and Shape     137
Color     140
View Transformation     143
Aggregation     144
Interpret and Decide     146
Tools for Data Processing     150
Excel, OpenOffice, and Text Editors     151
Regular Expressions     151
UNIX tools     152
Perl     155
Parsers     157
Other Tools     158
Summary     158
Visual Security Analysis     161
Reporting     162
Reporting Tools     164
Issues and Problems     165
Reporting Machine Access-An Example     165
Historical Analysis     169
Time-Series Visualization     169
Correlation Graphs     189
Interactive Analysis     192
Forensic Analysis     197
Real-Time Monitoring and Analysis     228
Dashboards     228
Situational Awareness     236
Summary     237
Perimeter Threat     239
Traffic-Flow Monitoring and Analysis     240
Service Characteristics     240
Service Anomalies     245
Worm Detection     250
Denial of Service     254
Botnets     257
Policy-Based Traffic-Flow Analysis     264
Firewall Log Analysis     268
Firewall Visualization Process     268
Firewall Ruleset Analysis     272
Intrusion Detection System Signature Tuning     278
Wireless Sniffing     286
Email Data Analysis     290
Email Server Analysis     291
Social Network Analysis     298
Vulnerability Data Visualization     302
Risk-Posture Visualization     304
Vulnerability-Posture Changes     310
Summary     312
Compliance     315
Policies, Objectives, and Controls     316
Regulations and Industry Mandates     318
IT Control Frameworks     322
Logging Requirements     324
Audit     328
Audit Data Visualization     332
Business Process Monitoring     333
Compliance Monitoring     338
Risk Management     343
Control Objective Prioritization     345
Risk Visualization     346
Separation of Duties     356
An Example of Applying Visualization to an SoD Audit     357
Generating SoD Graphs     360
Database Monitoring     362
Summary     370
Insider Threat     373
Insider Threat Visualization     374
What Is a Malicious Insider?     374
Three Types of Insider Crimes     375
Information Theft     376
Fraud     382
Sabotage     387
Who Are the Malicious Insiders?     390
Information Theft     390
Fraudster      391
Saboteur     391
A Detection Framework for Malicious Insiders     392
Precursors     392
Assigning Scores to Precursors     394
Insider-Detection Process     396
Summary of Insider-Detection Process     408
Insider-Detection Process at Work     409
Improved Insider-Detection Process     414
Watch Lists     415
Adding Watch Lists to the Insider-Detection Process     419
Grouping Precursors into Buckets     420
Candidate Graph Based on Precursor Buckets     422
Improved Insider-Detection Process Summary     424
Extended Insider-Detection Process at Work     424
Challenges     431
Proactive Mitigation     432
Sample Precursors     433
Summary     444
Data Visualization Tools     445
Data Inputs     446
Comma Separated Values     446
TM3     447
DOT     448
GML     449
Freely Available Visualization Tools     450
Static Data Graphs     451
Stand-Alone Applications     464
Open Source Visualization Libraries      492
Java Libraries     493
Non-Java Libraries     494
Charting Libraries     495
Libraries Summary     496
Online Tools     497
Swivel     498
Many Eyes     499
Google Maps and Google Earth     499
Google Chart API     501
Commercial Visualization Tools     502
Advizor     502
Other Commercial Visualization Tools     504
Summary     505
Index     507

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Linux System Programming or Amp Your MySpace Page

Linux System Programming

Author: Robert Lov

This book is about writing software that makes the most effective use of the system you're running on -- code that interfaces directly with the kernel and core system libraries, including the shell, text editor, compiler, debugger, core utilities, and system daemons. The majority of both Unix and Linux code is still written at the system level, and Linux System Programming focuses on everything above the kernel, where applications such as Apache, bash, cp, vim, Emacs, gcc, gdb, glibc, ls, mv, and X exist. Written primarily for engineers looking to program (better) at the low level, this book is an ideal teaching tool for any programmer. Even with the trend toward high-level development, either through web software (such as PHP) or managed code (C#), someone still has to write the PHP interpreter and the C# virtual machine. Linux System Programming gives you an understanding of core internals that makes for better code, no matter where it appears in the stack. Debugging high-level code often requires you to understand the system calls and kernel behavior of your operating system, too. Key topics include: An overview of Linux, the kernel, the C library, and the C compiler Reading from and writing to files, along with other basic file I/O operations, including how the Linux kernel implements and manages file I/O Buffer size management, including the Standard I/O library Advanced I/O interfaces, memory mappings, and optimization techniques The family of system calls for basic process management Advanced process management, including real-time processes File and directories-creating, moving, copying, deleting, and managing them Memory management -- interfaces for allocating memory,managingthe memory you have, and optimizing your memory access Signals and their role on a Unix system, plus basic and advanced signal interfaces Time, sleeping, and clock management, starting with the basics and continuing through POSIX clocks and high resolution timers With Linux System Programming, you will be able to take an in-depth look at Linux from both a theoretical and an applied perspective as you cover a wide range of programming topics.

Interesting textbook: Yoga and Psychology or Yoga for Living

Amp Your MySpace Page: Essential Tools for Giving Your Profile an Extreme Makeover

Author: Eric Butow

Hot new ways for adding spark--and creating a buzz--on the world's most popular social networking site

With more than 54 million unique monthly visitors, MySpace.com is a worldwide phenomenon. Amp Your MySpace Page teaches you how to harness the power of this versatile site and make the most of MySpace for both personal and professional goals.

By taking you beyond the limited templates provided by MySpace, Amp Your MySpace Page shows you how to effectively exploit third-party tools and tricks to enhance and maximize the impact of a MySpace page. You will learn to create backgrounds, incorporate graphics and custom fonts, include animation and video, and much more. The book also includes tips on blogging, podcasting, using a MySpace page as an effective promotional tool, and creating an extended online community.

Eric Butow is the CEO of Butow Communications Group, a technical writing and Web design firm. He has authored or coauthored more than 10 books and is an online course developer and instructor.

Michael Bellomo is the coauthor of eBay Your Business and How to Sell Anything on Amazon . . . and Make a Fortune.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Evolved Packet System or iPhone

Evolved Packet System (EPS): The LTE and SAE Evolution of 3G UMTS

Author: Pierre Lescuyer

2G/GSM and 3G/UMTS are key mobile communication technologies, chosen by more than 2 billion people around the world. In order to adapt to new services, increasing demand for user bandwidth, quality of service and requirements for network convergence, major evolutions are introduced in 3G network standard.

Evolved Packet System (EPS) presents the EPS evolution of the 3G/UMTS standard introduced by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standard committee. This new topic is looked at from a system perspective, from the radio interface to network and service architecture. Hundreds of documents being issued by Standard organisations are summarised in one book to allow the reader to get an accessible comprehensive view of EPS evolution.

Proposes a system view of Evolved UMTS, from the radio to Core and service architecture

Gives a comprehensive and global view of the system that technical specifications do not provide

Describes the new system as well as the inheritance and migration from 2G/GSM and 3G/UMTS

Written by experts in the field who specialise in two complementary but very different technical domains (i.e. "radio interface" and "network architecture")

Contains many figures and examples for better understanding.

This book is essential for industry professionals in the telecommunication business, telecommunication system architects and designers, product manufacturers and operators and postgraduate students.

iPhone (Quamut)

Author: Quamut

Quamut is the fastest, most convenient way to learn how to do almost anything. From tasting wine to managing your retirement accounts, Quamut gives you reliable information in a concise chart format that you can take anywhere. Quamut charts are:

Authoritative: Written by experts in their field so you have the most reliable information available.
Clear: Our explanations take you step-by-step through everything from performing CPR to threading a needle.
Concise: You’ll learn just what you need to know—no more, no less.
Precise: Quamut charts include detailed text, photos, and illustrations to show you exactly how to do just about anything.
Portable: Your know-how goes with you wherever your projects lead.

Make iPhone your phone.

It’s the most buzzed-about gadget since the iPod, but Apple’s iPhone is much more than just hype. This smart, stylish device puts all your multimedia needs (and wants!) at your fingertips. Stay connected 24/7 by understanding how to:

Navigate and control the iPhone’s touchscreen interface
Use your iPhone as a cell phone, iPod, digital camera, and portable computer
Surf the web, sync contacts and calendars, and send and receive messages

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Excel for Auditors or Audience Response Systems in Higher Education

Excel for Auditors

Author: Bill Jelen

Providing the tools and techniques necessary for finding errors and fraud in audits, this guide for auditors looking to better validate their Microsoft Excel spreadsheets provides techniques for performing a risk assessment and gathering spreadsheet and other data from company systems. Performing audit data analysis using data and analytical management functions and pinpointing the common errors in spreadsheets with focused Excel tests is discussed, as are the best practices for error and fraud prevention when developing spreadsheets. This reference is fully updated to reflect Excel 12.

Look this: When Its Cancer or Renewed Each Day Genesis and Exodus

Audience Response Systems in Higher Education: Applications and Cases

Author: Banks

Taking advantage of user-friendly technology, audience response systems (ARS) facilitates greater interaction with participants engaged in a variety of group activities. Each participant has an input device that permits them to express a view in complete anonymity, and the composite view of the total group appears on a public screen. ARS can then be used to support summative and formative activities with groups ranging in size from as small as five through to large groups of several hundred. The data can be used to help the facilitator adjust the pace of teaching to match the requirements of the learners, gauge understanding, or trigger discussion and debate.

Audience Response Systems in Higher Education: Applications and Cases reveals some of the history behind these systems, explores current theory and practice, and indicates where technology may move in the future. Cases are used to present the work of educators in a wide range of subject areas and with differing levels of experience with these systems.

About the Author:
David A Banks is a lecturer in information systems at the University of South Australia. He has taught in the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore.

His first career was with British Telecom in the UK, where he dealt with the first-line maintenance of business data networks, broadcast television networks and video conferencing systems. He holds a Master's Degree of Philosophy from the University of Leeds, UK, and has presented a number of radio programs, produced over 30 journal papers and book chapters, has co-authored a text-book, and has presented papers at international peer-reviewed conferences. He serves on theeditorial review boards of three journals.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

80211 Wireless Network Site Surveying and Installation or Understanding Operating Systems Fifth Edition

802.11 Wireless Network Site Surveying and Installation

Author: Bruce Alexander

The definitive guide to performing wireless network site surveys, selecting the right wireless equipment, and installing 802.11 wireless LANs

Prepare for a WLAN installation with this definitive guide
Perform a proper site survey to ensure the maximum performance of your 802.11 WLAN
Compare and choose the right WLAN technologies to match application and users needs
Install WLAN products properly taking the unique needs of the users and environment into account

Performing a wireless LAN (WLAN) site survey before installing a wireless network is the key to any successful WLAN deployment. Yet each location and company have unique needs that must be taken into account. 802.11 Wireless Network Site Surveying and Installation helps you understand the challenges associated with any site survey, including multipath mitigation, reflection, absorption, and radio wave interference, plus the added complexity of user and application demands. This book helps you identify obstacles to a successful deployment and guides your equipment decisions to ensure that your WLAN reaches its maximum potential. Use this complete guide to understand the following components of any thorough site survey:

The architecture of the access points, cable routes, and electrical needs
The proper site survey technique and usage of appropriate utilities
The structural and installation obstacles, including building construction, transmission coverage area, building contents, present cable configuration, area regulations, and building codes
The documentation that outlines the necessary parts and equipment, and diagrams exhibiting theproper placement of the equipment

802.11 Wireless Network Site Surveying and Installation begins with an introduction to WLAN architectures and definitions and then moves on to site survey methodologies, helping you assess and address your site's specific needs. The book delves into the installation process for WLAN equipment, including the rules and regulations to which WLANs must adhere, various obstacles that arise when installing WLAN equipment, and ways to connect WLAN products to the wired network.

802.11 Wireless Network Site Surveying and Installation is your complete guide to performing a WLAN site survey and successfully installing your 802.11 wireless network.

This book is part of the Networking Technology Series from Cisco Press, which offers networking professionals valuable information for constructing efficient networks, understanding new technologies, and building successful careers.

Interesting book: Etica di funzionamento

Understanding Operating Systems, Fifth Edition

Author: Ann McHoes

With the same straightforward and clear writing style that has made previous editions so successful, Understanding Operating Systems, Fifth Edition, provides the ideal blend of operating theory and practice. Coverage includes the fundamentals of operating systems: what they are, what they do, how they function, how they can be evaluated, and how they compare to one another.Part One describes the management of memory, processors, devices, files, and networks as well as system security, ethics, and overall system management. The second part of the book focuses on four specific operating systems (UNIX, MS-DOS, Windows, and Linux) and how they apply the theory explained in the first part of the text. Updates include discussions of new technologies that affect operating system design, including multi-core chips and virtualization, making this edition a current and relevant resource.

Booknews

This book provides a basic understanding of operating systems while avoiding technical discussion of the design and programming issues covered in traditional operating systems textbooks. Individual sections focus on issues common to all operating systems, and on specific operating systems. The later part contains a description of the technical and operational tradeoffs inherent in each system under review. Flynn teaches at the U. of Pittsburgh; McHoes, at Carlow College. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Part One: Operating Systems Theory Chapter 1: Introducing Operating Systems Chapter 2: Memory Management: Early Systems Chapter 3: Memory Management: Virtual Memory Chapter 4: Processor Management Chapter 5: Process Management Chapter 6: Concurrent Processes Chapter 7: Device Management Chapter 8: File Management Chapter 9: Network Organization Concepts Chapter 10: Management of Network Functions Chapter 11: Security and Ethics Chapter 12: System Management Part Two: Operating Systems in Practice Chapter 13: UNIX Operating System Chapter 14: MS-DOS Operating System Chapter 15: Windows Operating Systems Chapter 16: Linux Operating System Appendixes Appendix A: Command Translation Table Appendix B: Guide to Microsoft Acronyms Appendix C: Guide to Graphical User Interfaces Appendix D: ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct Glossary Bibliography Index

Monday, February 2, 2009

Understanding Your Users or Developing Web Services for Web Applications

Understanding Your Users: A Practical Guide to User Requirements Methods, Tools, and Techniques

Author: Catherine Courag

Today many companies are employing a user-centered design (UCD) process, but for most companies, usability begins and ends with the usability test. Although usability testing is a critical part of an effective user-centered life cycle, it is only one component of the UCD process. This book is focused on the requirements gathering stage, which often receives less attention than usability testing, but is equally as important. Understanding user requirements is critical to the development of a successful product.

Understanding Users is an easy to read, easy to implement, how-to guide on usability in the real world. It focuses on the "user requirements gathering" stage of product development and it provides a variety of techniques, many of which may be new to usability professionals. For each technique, readers will learn how to prepare for and conduct the activity, as well as analyze and present the data -all in a practical and hands-on way. In addition, each method presented provides different information about the user and their requirements (e.g., functional requirements, information architecture, task flows). The techniques can be used together to form a complete picture of the users' requirements or they can be used separately to address specific product questions. These techniques have helped product teams understand the value of user requirements gathering by providing insight into how users work and what they need to be successful at their tasks. Case studies from industry-leading companies demonstrate each method in action. In addition, readers are provided with the foundation to conduct any usability activity (e.g., getting buy-in from management, legal and ethical considerations, setting up your facilities, recruiting, moderating activities) and to ensure the incorporation of the results into their products.

Pt. 1	What you need to know before choosing an activity	1
1	Introduction to user requirements	2
2	Before you choose an activity : learning about your product and users	28
3	Ethical and legal considerations	94
4	Setting up facilities for your user requirements activity	106
Pt. 2	Get up and running	143
5	Preparing for your user requirements activity	144
6	During your user requirements activity	208
Pt. 3	The methods	245
7	Interviews	246
8	Surveys	312
9	Wants and needs analysis	370
10	Card sorting	414
11	Group task analysis	458
12	Focus groups	514
13	Field studies	562
Pt. 4	Wrapping up	635
Pt. 5	Appendices	677

Read also Microéconomie pour Aujourd'hui

Developing Web Services for Web Applications: A Guided Tour for Rational Application Developer and WebSphere Application Server

Author: Colette Burrus

This book shows you how easy it is to create and use Web Services with IBM® Rational Application Developer or Web Developer, and WebSphere Application Server.

Intended for novice to intermediate Java programmers, Developing Web Services for Web Applications teaches users how to create Web Services, deploy Web Services to a server, and create client applications that use Web Services. Each chapter of the book teaches a key Web Service concept and takes you on a detailed, guided tour for creating or using a particular Web Service. Even if you're completely new to Web Services, by the time you finish the lessons in this book, you'll have all the skills needed to create useful Java programs with Web Services.

Using the "guided tour" approach, the book comes with practical step-by-step instructions and numerous screen captures, making it easy to follow along. While most books teach how to use either a development tool or a particular technology, Developing Web Services for Web Applications combines learning about Web Services with using Rational Developer tools. Each chapter develops a complete Web Service and/or application, with sample code and solution files provided on the accompanying CD-ROM. Also included in each chapter are additional exercises to help reinforce the concepts covered in that chapter.

By the end of the tour, you'll be able to use Rational Developer tools to build your own Web Services, and you'll understand why Web Services are gaining popularity as a way to provide services across the Internet.

Developing Web Services for Web Applications:
   * Is perfect for all skill levels, from those taking their first steps to those looking to explore more advanced topics
   * Teaches you Web Services concepts and terminology as you learn how to use the Rational Developer tools
   * Shows you how to create, deploy, publish, and use Web Services
   * Explores troubleshooting, using relational databases, using JavaServer Faces Web applications, adding security features, and much more

Sunday, February 1, 2009

We the Media or LDAP Directrories Explained

We the Media

Author: Dan Gillmor

Grassroots journalists are dismantling Big Media's monopolyon the news, transforming it from a lecture to a conversation. Not content to accept the news as reported, these readers-turned-reporters are publishing in real time to a worldwide audience via the Internet. The impact of their work is just beginning to be felt by professional journalists and the newsmakers they cover. In We the Media: Grassroots Journalism by the People, for the People, nationally known business and technology columnist Dan Gillmor tells the story of this emerging phenomenon, and sheds light on this deep shift in how we make and consume the news.

We the Media is essential reading for all participants in the news cycle:

Consumers learn how they can become producers of the news. Gillmor lays out the tools of the grassroots journalist's trade, including personal Web journals (called weblogs or blogs), Internet chat groups, email, and cell phones. He also illustrates how, in this age of media consolidation and diminished reporting, to roll your own news, drawing from the array of sources available online and even over the phone.

Newsmakers politicians, business executives, celebrities get a wake-up call. The control that newsmakers enjoyed in the top-down world of Big Media is seriously undermined in the Internet Age. Gillmor shows newsmakers how to successfully play by the new rules and shift from control to engagement.

Journalists discover that the new grassroots journalism presents opportunity as well as challenge to their profession. One of the first mainstream journalists to have a blog, Gillmor says, "My readers know more than I do, and that's a good thing." In We the Media, he makes the case to his colleagues that, in the face of a plethora of Internet-fueled news vehicles, they must change or become irrelevant.

At its core, We the Media is a book about people. People like Glenn Reynolds, a law professor whose blog postings on the intersection of technology and liberty garnered him enough readers and influence that he became a source for professional journalists. Or Ben Chandler, whose upset Congressional victory was fueled by contributions that came in response to ads on a handful of political blogs. Or Iraqi blogger Zayed, whose Healing Irag blog (healingiraq.blogspot.com) scooped Big Media. Or acridrabbit, who inspired an online community to become investigative reporters and discover that the dying Kaycee Nichols sad tale was a hoax. Give the people tools to make the news, We the Media asserts, and they will.

Journalism in the 21st century will be fundamentally different from the Big Media that prevails today. We the Media casts light on the future of journalism, and invites us all to be part of it.

	Introduction	IX
1.	From Tom Paine to Blogs and Beyond	1
2.	The Read-Write Web	23
3.	The Gates Come Down	44
4.	Newsmakers Turn the Tables	66
5.	The Consent of the Governed	88
6.	Professional Journalists Join the Conversation	110
7.	The Former Audience Joins the Party	136
8.	Next Steps	158
9.	Trolls, Spin, and the Boundaries of Trust	174
10.	Here Come the Judges (and Lawyers)	191
11.	The Empires Strike Back	209
12.	Making Our Own News	236
	Epilogue and Acknowledgments	243
	Web Site Directory	251
	Glossary	259
	Notes	261
	Index	281

Books about: Nuttin but Pecans or Festive Feasts Cookbook

LDAP Directrories Explained: An Introduction and Analysis

Author: Brian Arkills

Directory technology promises to solve the problem of decentralized information that has arisen with the explosion of distributed computing. Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) is a set of protocols that has become the Internet standard for accessing information directories. Until now, however, those curious about LDAP had no introductory source to learn how the technology can help them centrally manage information and reduce the cost of computing services.

LDAP Directories Explained provides technical managers and those new to directory services with a fundamental introduction to LDAP. This concise guide examines how the technology works and gives an overview of the most successful directory products in an easy-to-reference format.

Key topics include:

An overview of LDAP, including how directories differ from databases

The LDAP namespace, with an overview of DNS, LDAP object structure, and LDAP object naming

Client LDAP operations, including directory-enabled services and applications, searches, and the LDAP protocol

LDAP schema, including object classes, attributes, syntaxes, matching rules, and more

Directory management, including directory integration strategies, metadirectories, security, and more

LDAP vendors OpenLDAP, Microsoft Active Directory, and Directory Server

A case study of Stanford University's directory architecture, which illustrates how integral an LDAP directory can become to a business

If you are an information technology manager, LDAP Directories Explained will provide the technical foundation you need to make soundbusiness decisions about LDAP. If you're a developer, this straightforward reference will bring you quickly up to speed on LDAP and directories.
020178792XB01292003

	Introduction
Lesson 1	Getting Started With Publisher 2002	1
Lesson 2	Working With Text in a Publication	47
Lesson 3	Working With Graphics in a Publication	109
Lesson 4	Starting With a Blank Publication	177
Lesson 5	Design Sets, Tables, and Mail Merge	249
Lesson 6	Using Publisher for the Web	303
	Glossary	367
	Index	373

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Blog Archive

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Internetworking with TCP/IP, Vol. III: Client-Server Programming and Applications, Linux/Posix Sockets Version

Information Systems Essentials with MISource 2007

Table of Contents:

Prologue

Chapter 1: The Information Age in which You Live

Chapter 2: Major Business Initiatives

Chapter 3: Databases and Data Warehouses

Chapter 5: Electronic Commerce

Chapter 6: Systems Development

Chapter 7: Enterprise Infrastructure and Integration

Chapter 8: Protecting People and Information

Chapter 9: Emerging Trends and Technologies

Appendix A: Hardware and Software

Appendix B: Network Basics

Appendix C: MIS and Your Career

Appendix D: Projects

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Go! with Word 2007, Comprehensive

Table of Contents:

20 Questions to Ask before Selling on Ebay

Friday, February 20, 2009

How the Body Shapes the Way We Think: A New View of Intelligence

Access 2003 for Starters: The Missing Manual

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Stored Procedure Programming in T-SQL And . NET

Pro JavaScript Design Patterns

What you’ll learn

Who is this book for?

About the Apress Pro Series

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Web Portfolio Design and Applications

CaseGrader: Microsoft Office Excel 2003 Casebook with Autograding Technolog

Table of Contents:

Monday, February 16, 2009

Itanium Architecture for Programmers: Understanding 64-Bit Processors and Epic Principles

C++ GUI Programming with Qt 3 (Bruce Perens' Open Source Series)

Table of Contents:

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Microsoft Publisher 2002

Table of Contents:

Mastering A+ Certification

Booknews

Thursday, February 12, 2009

The Project Manager's Guide to Software Engineering's Best Practices

XML and PHP

Booknews

Table of Contents:

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Robo sapiens: Evolution of a New Species

Publishers Weekly

Library Journal

The Standard

Scientific American - Vernor Vinge

What People Are Saying

Zoo Tycoon 2 (Sybex Official Strategies and Secrets Series)

Table of Contents:

Monday, February 9, 2009

Search Engine Optimization: An Hour a Day

Teach Yourself VISUALLY Digital Photography

Table of Contents:

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Maya for Games: Modeling and Texturing Techniques with Maya and Mudbox

Applied Security Visualization

Table of Contents:

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Linux System Programming

Amp Your MySpace Page: Essential Tools for Giving Your Profile an Extreme Makeover

Friday, February 6, 2009

Evolved Packet System (EPS): The LTE and SAE Evolution of 3G UMTS

Table of Contents:

iPhone (Quamut)

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Excel for Auditors

Audience Response Systems in Higher Education: Applications and Cases

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

802.11 Wireless Network Site Surveying and Installation

Understanding Operating Systems, Fifth Edition