Product Description

I loved A Reason to Teach. It challenged me to think about how to infuse democratic principals into the intellectually charged reading and writing workshops that thrive in our best schools. Every thoughtful educator needs this book.
- Stephanie Harvey, coauthor of The Comprehension Toolkit

Customer Reviews (1)

A narrow, unthoughtful, worthless book that is just another repackaging of progressive idealism in education.
Conclusion:
James Beane book assumes a very provincial, limited, uninformed, and biased view of education that is presented as though it is as brilliant as the invention of electricity. Instead of focusing on Beane, who doesn't even consider thoughtful criticisms of other educators or that reasonable people might disagree on an issue... I'd suggest learning from those who have come before us. John Milton said, "An education is that which fits a man to perform justly, skillfully, and magnimanously all of the offices of public and private life in the right way, whether in peace or at war." ... That one sentence by John Milton taught me more about education than did Beane's book on "democratic education."

Review:
There are fundamental problems that any serious student should have with this book; which was assigned as mandatory reading by Sidonia Alenuma and Deb Sandquist in their Gustavus' EDU-268 Career Orientation to Teaching designed to weed undesirable students out of the education program.

The emphasis in Beane's text is not on knowledge or learning; instead, the goal is the outcome of a re-engineered society and the imposition of a new way of life. The ideas he sets forth are simply John Dewey, repacked with more rhetoric; supposedly more swallowable because his secular humanism was swapped for the word "Democracy" (15).

It is apparent that the goal for the democratic method is not that it provides better learning; but because of the lifestyle/worldview that can be produced with it (16). It is quite sinister that we would undermine liberty and freedom for some supposedly greater good that results from participatory democracy.

This assumption that the author sets forth are extremely disingenuous, merely asserted, and border on blatant lies. The author has essentially assumed three things:

1) Democracy is good.
2) We ought live in a democratic society (or that we already do)
3) Schools are a place in which we can re-engineer the attitudes and impulses of students one generation at a time, so our society will become democratic.

The book further abounds with random and unmerited attacks against capitalism and cultural/political conservatism without evidence to substantiate the claim (41). Or, calling the simple freedom to exchange goods and ideas as a "vulgar" form of real democracy (10). When he adds on page 46 that equality is a standard of progress and empowerment, it becomes blatantly clear that we are reading a piece of neo-communist propaganda. In truth, there is nothing FAIR about EQUALITY. Can we call it fair to assign everybody in a class a C regardless of what they did? That would help us achieve equality, but nobody would claim that is the path to empowerment, or advances any form of real justice.

Real freedom and justice provides equal opportunities to people, but actually necessitates unequal outcomes in light of innate individual preferences, gifts, talents, and where people choose to invest their time and skills. True fairness and the author's form of equity do not work together at all.

Furthermore, he very dangerously assumes that all forms of collaboration and teamwork are "democracy" (13). In reality, teamwork has nothing to do with democracy; and actually makes it much more difficult to achieve. I recall playing football in high school, the team did not remotely resemble a democracy that Beane advocates yet teamwork was the foundation of everything that took place. Further, very early in the book (on page 4) he connects participation as democratic citizens as the path towards a better world. It was as though he disregarded 200 years of American history and the work our country has done to advance human liberty, freedom, justice, security, and prosperity - not as a democratic state, but as a constitutional republic with the rule of law enforced and maintained by the decentralization and separation of powers. The only way he could do such a thing was if he genuinely believed that America was not a force for good in the world. And we are expected to listen to this guy when he tries to tell us how to teach?

Further compounding the problem of the blatant lack of scholarship contained in this book, it is not assigned in conjunction with any form of opinion that would run contrary to it. Other readings for the course included Peggy McIntosh's "White Privilege" regarding invisible racism and the oppressiveness of White males.

What needs to be done is, if we are to read a book on progressive/democratic education that is as bad as this one; a teach also is going to need to extend her students the option of selecting books from other perspectives or critiques of this method of teaching. But this does not happen.

This book was assigned in a class I took to learn about education, but I was more so fed the doctrines to which I must adhere in order to graduate from the Gustavus Education Program.

If you're reading books like these with the purpose that it is class orthodoxy, realize yours too is course of "indoctrination" not one of "education" where you will analyze the merits of diverse viewpoints, determining individually the value of the perspectives of all sides of the story. This author, like many professors, assume their thoughts are valid and have an undebatable position in the marketplace of ideas.

It is sad that this book is written by an educator for an educator. Because those who read this will never be led to ask the important questions like "Are we going to begin understanding HOW to think and how to facilitate the learning process? Or will we continue to have unfounded assumptions shoved down our throats - presented as factual truth without mention of the existence of opposing ideas."

... Read more

Product Description

In just 24 lessons of one hour or less, you will be able to install and configure Microsoft Windows Server 2008 and its various services for any size network. Using a straightforward, step-by-step approach, each lesson builds on the previous ones, enabling you to learn the essentials of Windows Server® 2008 from the ground up.

Step-by-step instructions carefully walk you through the most common tasks.

Q&As at the end of each hour help you test your knowledge.

By the Way notes present interesting information related to the discussion.

Did You Know? tips offer advice or show you easier ways to do something.

Watch Out! cautions alert you to possible problems and give you advice on how to avoid them.

Joe Habraken is a computer technology professional and best-selling author with more than fifteen years of experience in the information technology field. He has written more than twenty computer and information technology publications including Home Wireless Networking in a Snap, Skinning Windows XP, and Sams Teach Yourself Networking in 24 Hours (with Matt Hayden). Joe, a Microsoft Certified Professional and Cisco Certified Network Associate, currently serves as an associate professor at the University of New England in Biddeford, ME, where he teaches a variety of new media and information technology-related courses.

Learn how to…

--Install the latest version of the Windows network operating system

--Design and implement Active Directory Forests, Trees, and Domains

--Configure Windows servers for a number of different roles including domain controller, remote access server, file server, print server, Web server, and much more

--Add users to your domain’s Active Directory and organize users in groups and organizational units

--Implement network services such as DNS, DHCP, Windows Deployment Services, and Routing and Remote Access

--Secure your servers with the Windows Firewall and IPSec and make your domain more secure using the Active Directory Certificate Services

Register your book at informit.com/sams/title/9780672330124 for convenient access to updates and corrections as they become available.

Customer Reviews (1)

Bold title, but true
A bold quote, and one I have to say I can't claim it as mine.

This comes from Sams Publishing, and I have to say, the book does do exactly what it says on the cover (the back cover that is)

"In just 24 lessons of one hour or less, you will be able to install and configure Microsoft Windows Server 2008 and its various services for any size network. Using a straightforward, step-by-step approach, each lesson builds on the previous ones, enabling you to learn the essentials of Windows Server® 2008 from the ground up."

The book cover the basics of Windows Server 2008, using Standard edition as it's core for the step-by-steps, it walks through the key components to get anyone up and running. Aimed at anyone moving to Windows from an earlier version or new to Windows Server 2008, the lessons progress in the order you would go through. The 24 individual chapters are broken down into 4 main parts. These cover Installation and Configuration of a server up to the point where you have you server running. The next two parts cover Networking and Resources, these together set you on the road allowing access to your server. All the usual suspects are here, file and share permissions, TCP/IP, DNS, printing as well as Group Policy and NAP. The advanced part covers the network services, WINS, Routing, Remote Access and Terminal Services.

Once you've made it through these 3 parts you've completed 20 of the 24 hours and the finishing line is in sight. The last 4 hours cover security, IIS 7.0 and monitoring and tuning, so a nice gentle finish.

The 24 hour series are good for the audience they aim at. This is a good training guide for people coming in who need to get familiar with the main concepts. Given a DVD with the software and Virtual PC, they can easily do the exercises within that controlled environment.

If you are looking for a reference book for Windows Server 2008 however, this will not meet your needs. Look at the Administrator Companion from MS Press, or the Complete Reference from Pearson Technology Group
... Read more

Product Description
* This popular full-color guide is not only $5 less than the current edition, but it is now revised to cover Service Pack 2 changes to Windows XP, including new or updated tutorials on Windows Firewall, Media Player, MovieMaker, popup blocker, and more
* Step-by-step instructions, hundreds of full-color screen shots, and essential task coverage make this the ideal reference for beginning-to-intermediate visual learners
* Windows accounts for more than 90 percent of the OS market ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

"it's getting clearer"
Having had XP for 36 months or more, I felt I didn't really know the "bones" of it.
So, I bought this book..... brilliant.Its all become clearer to me.I can relate easily the terms, explanations to the pictures and then screen.I would recommend it to everyone, just starting, or even those who've skimmed across the system. Good luck!

windows XP
Pictures are very helpful, and the easy 1-2-3 steps to reach goal are excellent. I have had 2 previous books of "teach yourself visually" and they were much better than others; including book from manufacture that comes with new computers. pappoo

Great visual teachingassistance
Teach yourself visually was uncomplicated, clear in it's lessons and well worth buying.Thanks for your speedy delivery.

Good visual reference for visual people
Used this to teach a dingy hairdresser the basics of using a computer. She found the visual references extremely helpful and a good tool when I wasn't readily available to assist her.

Windows XP Manual.....First-Aid for Using This System
If you read through computer and peripheral advertisements, or if you are sent emails by any one of the major suppliers for such items, you will notice that there is a new Vista 7 operating system to upgrade the Vista (current) system.Searching [...] or google or yahoo, I am presented with a short video explaining that Vista 7 will speed response performance in my inquiries.Well, I am quite happy with Windows XP, and would like to continue using this OS (operating system).

Some merchandisers are also equipping new laptops and pcs with Windows XP, so maybe there a lot more people out there that prefer Windows XP than venturing off into Vista "Anything".I have used this manual for several years, to walk through some new techniques and skills that I need, such as copying files, moving files, installing a printer, and among others, adjusting various devices built into the computer system.

The main reason I recommend this manual is because it contains full color photos of the pc screen with whatever is being used; these are graphic presentations based on photos.It also contains step by step pictures of whatever process you plan to experiment with.That may be the major constraint for some people; they are concerned about "experimenting".

Before this manual becomes extinct, make sure to check your shelf for such resources, and "hold on to this manual" if you see it on your bookshelf.Perhaps, down the way, you will purchase a new computer, be it pc or laptop, and it will be equipped with the Vista System; once you feel the confidence of functioning on an XP platform, you, too, may venture to take on Vista 7.Good luck!








... Read more

Product Description

Sams Teach Yourself Microsoft Windows Server 2003 in 24 Hours is a straightforward, step-by-step introduction to Microsoft's newest network operating system.This book not only highlights the functions and capabilities of the software, but also provides a practical hands-on look at important server features and tools.After reading this book you will have all of the information you need to get a Windows domain up and running quickly and easily.

Customer Reviews (1)

Good Book, excelent and easy to read lessons
This book is highly recommended if you want to learn everyting you need to know about setup and install of win 2003 server ... Read more

Product Description
"What fantastic teaching books you have produced! Congratulations to you and your staff."
- Bruno Tonon
(Melbourne, Australia)

"I write to extend my thanks and appreciation for your books. They are clear, easy to follow, and straight to the point. Keep up the good work!"
- Seward Kollie
(Dakar, Senegal)

Are you a visual learner? Do you prefer instructions that show you how to do something - and skip the long-winded explanations? If so, then this book is for you. Open it up and you'll find clear, step-by-step screen shots that show you how to tackle more than 120 beyond-the-basics Windows XP tasks, from using remote desktop connection, playing DVDs, and adding music to home movies to putting Web content on your desktop, blocking instant messages, and using the program compatibility wizard.
* "Teach Yourself" sidebars offer practical tips and tricks
* Full-color screen shots demonstrate each task
* Succinct explanations walk you through step by step
* Two-page lessons break big topics into bite-sized modules ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Must for Discovering the Best of WIN XP!!
This book is like the Video Professor in print form. The graphics are exceptional and the step by step process is concise and complete! Truly, a must for you computer desk! Ruth Maran has taken the handbook to a new and better level. Amazon now sells TYV Win XP and TYV More Win XP as a set!Absolutly, no reason not to buy them NOW! ... Read more

Product Description

.NET Windows Forms are a new programming paradigm introduced with Microsoft's .NET initiative. Windows Forms are very similar to Web Forms, which allow programmers to build complex Web application interfaces easily, sharing the same underlying framework and programming concepts. Windows Forms, however, are used for the Win32 platform, instead of the Internet, and allow programmers to build traditional Windows desktop-based applications structured around .NET.

This book will cover all the major aspects of Windows Forms necessary to build professional, functional applications. This book follows the tried-and-tested 21 Days tutorial model to guide readers through Windows Forms. It features code examples and tips for programmers migrating from pre-Windows Forms Microsoft technologies.

The reader will be introduced to the many controls available for .NET Windows Forms and how to build them, learn how to create events and event handlers, explore ADO.NET and methods to retrieve data from dynamic data sources, and learn how to take advantage of the Internet and Internet Explorer from their .NET Windows Forms applications.As readers advance through the tutorials, they progress toward more advanced topics and projects by creating simple graphical applications and enhancing existing ones, learn how to integrate with other .NET applications, use Web services, build Windows services, build Windows forms controls, create multi-threaded applications, work with COM and COM+, configure and deploy .NET Windows Forms, and how to de-bug .NET Windows Forms.

Customer Reviews (3)

Typos, Missing Code, Poor Author/Publisher Support
I'm currently working my way through Day 3 of this book. On the good side, I am producing working Windows Forms using the .NET Framework SDK and this book. I'm generally able to follow the text and the exercises. My forms are on the simple side, of course, and follow the book examples, but I feel I am progressing well.

On the bad side, the book has numerous typos to this point (Day 3). The downloaded code does not have some image files such as .ico and .bmp files crucial to one of the Day 3 exercises. Also some code written in vb.net in the book is provided as C# in the downloaded code. Some downloaded code seem missing entirely. A bad omen for the remaining days. I visited the author's web site and emailed him a question. So far he has not answered. I used the publisher's web site "Contact Us" page to let them know the downloaded code is missing some files, and got a response that must have been sent by an email robot -- it didn't at all speak to my concern. There is no published errata on either the publisher's or author's web sites.

I admit that I am getting some Windows Forms juice out of this particular fruit. I don't know how intelligible coming chapters will be. But the very poor product support means that if you buy this book and have a question or concern you are out of luck. Good technical writers are proud of their books and respond to reader questions. Some are also extremely active in mailing list forums. Good publishers like O'Reilly respond to readers with replies that speak to the questions being posed.

I have a tough time reccomending this book. You might do better elsewhere. Maybe that Windows Forms title offered by the Manning publishing house will be a help? I don't know.

Pretty good book
I'd like to offer a different perspective on this book than the previous reviewer.I think it's a pretty well written book and I still use it today as a reference in my job training MCSD candidates.One of the good things about the book is it's comprehensive coverage of so many topics (which is one reason I use it as a reference source).Also, Chris's writing style is enjoyable and he communicates well - his ASP.NET book is extremely popular and this book shares a lot of the same qualities.

Yes, it would have been better if it had covered using VS.NET instead of just using text files and the command line compilers but like many .NET books this book was written while VS.NET was still in beta.If you publish a book full of pictures and instructions dealing with the beta version of a tool and then the released version is significantly different, you have big problems.So most publishers produced books on the command line tools.Besides, to really understand something like .NET it's good to know how to code it by hand.Ideally you'd read two books, one like this that codes by hand and one that shows you how to use the power of the IDE.

As to having to download anything extra to compile and run the programs in the book, if you have VS.NET installed then you have the command line compilers.Duh!

If you like the "teach yourself in 21 day" style of learning topics by working with lots of example programs and if you want to know how to code .NET by hand (so you can understand the code the IDE is generating) this is a good book for you.

Don't buy this book
I often purchase based upon the reviews and am grateful people take the time to write them.

I'm writing this review to warn you NOT to buy this book. For me, it has been a waste of time and money.

There are two main problems:

1) The author for some reason I do not understand chose to NOT use Visual Studio .Net tools or the Form Designer to do the examples. Duh! Apparently, by only downloading the .Net runtime you can compile programs from the command line and run them. All the samples assume your going to do that. Perhaps his editor told him to do this to 'reach a larger market'.But first off, if you don't have the development tools you probably aren't serious about development and won't be buying many books. Second, learning windows forms IMHO is all about using the VS.Net Form Designer and if you don't have that there is little point. The fact is when you get a real job, they're going provide you with and want you to know how to use the VS.Net tools. I consider this a MAJOR flaw for this book. If you buy this book, you'll spend all your time cutting and pasting his sample code into a real project and setting up the compilation etc. Yup, he doesn't even include project files since there's no assumption you are using the de-facto tools! What a pain. You'll also spend hours and hours trying to figure out how to use the Forms Designer to do what he did manually. 21 days, right. More like 21 weeks.

2) The other problem with this book, though this is more a personal preference, is the author obviously focused on VB.Net and only seems to have added C# at the end of the process. Many examples are only given in VB and most of the text explains VB first and then makes a few comments about C#. As a professional C++ developer, I want to use C# and am disappointed about the VB focus. If you're learning VB, then great, you'll probably like this. If you're doing C#, then switching back and forth from the VB based text to your C# code can be annoying and time consuming.

If your a VB developer and don't have the tools, then maybe this book would be for you, but I think it silly to write a book called 'Teach Yourself .Net Windows Forms' and not use the obvious de-facto tools.

As for the content, it seems ok, but I'm having such trouble converting the projects and shifting from VB to C# that I honestly haven't gotten very far into the book (first 5 or 6 chapters) and have finally come to the conclusion I will have to find another book.

I have from time to time used this book as a reference because I have no other (yet), and have found it somewhat useful for that, but as a tutorial on learning forms forget it.

To be fair, there are a number of other books out there that don't provide samples with project files and don't assume the tools everyone will use (VS.NET), and I hate that too, but for a .net FORMS book, I think this a fatal flaw. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (1)

from the Yale University Press
After the vast destruction wrought by Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans faces a rare chance to rebuild, with an unprecedented opportunity to plan what gets built. As the city's director of planning from 1992 until 2000, Kristina Ford is uniquely placed to use these opportunities as a springboard for an eye-opening discussion of the intransigent problems and promising possibilities facing city planners across the nation and beyond.

In The Trouble with City Planning, Ford argues that almost no part of our usual understanding of the phrase "city planning" is accurate: not our conception of the plan itself, nor our sense of what city planners do or who plans are made for or how planners determine what citizens want. Most important, our conventional understanding does not tell us how a plan affects what gets built in any city in America.

Ford advances several planning innovations that, if adopted, could be crucial for restoring New Orleans, but also transformative wherever citizens are troubled by the results of their city's plan. This keenly intelligent book is destined to become a classic for planners and citizens alike.

Kristina Ford is one of America's best known urban planners and writers on planning. In the immediate aftermath of Katrina, Ford's thoughtful assessments--heard on CNN, the BBC, and National Public Radio--became the first public voice of reason to mediate the great storm's human and civic consequences. Her highly regarded study, Planning Small Town America, is used as a text in many graduate urban planning programs. She lives in New Orleans.
"A thoughtful, engaging, and cautionary account of the interaction of professional planners, politicians, developers, and citizens in contemporary American cities. The message that planning can and must do better with respect to daily decision making, as well as big and recalcitrant but now urgent problems, and that informed citizens are crucial to this, is timely and important."--Alan Plattus, Yale University

"Kristina Ford makes sense out of the misguided planning efforts that have bedevilled post-Katrina New Orleans, and provides valuable suggestions for how our cities should be planned in the future--more democratically and more effectively."--Witold Rybczynski, author of Last Harvest. ... Read more

Product Description
This practical workbook’s strategies, proven activities, reflective questions, staff development activities, and facilitator’s guide will teach how to effectively reach culturally and ethnically diverse students. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

A REAL resource
some books claim to be a resource and really never give any solid ideas. This book is full of solid help and really helpful research citations. Fabulous resource!!

Just what I was looking for
As an administrator in a culturally diverse school district, I was looking for something for my faculty members that was practical and direct.Much like Ruby Payne's work with Poverty, this book examines the cultural differences that may exist in many places and offers suggestions for how to bridge the cultural divides between teacher and student.Short, easy to read and practical.

Becoming Culturally Proficient
How to Teach Students Who Don't Look Like You provides a thorough look into how to create a culturally proficient classroom that is full of diverse learners.Davis explains to readers how all individuals view the world through a unique cultural lens reflective upon how culture impacts our daily lives.This book provides a powerful message to educators to believe in all students and hold high expectations to overcome and close cultural achievement gaps.How to Teach Students Who Don't Look Like You is a commanding and inspiring book for teachers and school staff who find themselves new to, unfamiliar with, or searching for more answers in a culturally diverse classroom setting.It describes the importance of getting to know the culture and communication styles of students and families in order to provide the best possible education.Davis encourages reflection and group study throughout this book by providing thought provoking questions and a guide for leading discussion groups.It is well researched, and she has provided many additional sources of information on this topic.This book left me re-energized and dedicated to providing my students with a community based classroom environment.In this environment I will strive to be devoted to presenting the most optimal research based teaching strategies to ensure high student achievement, self-confidence, and success for all learners.

Practical Strategies for the Multicultural Classroom
Like so many good how-to books, _How to Teach Students Who Don't Look Like You: Culturally Relevant Teaching Strategies_ delivers more than it promises. While it does indeed include many strategies for teaching students whose background and culture differ from the teacher's, many of the strategies -- such as building relationships with students and creating an environment where students interact positively with each other -- are beneficial in *any* classroom.

Author Bonnie M. Davis has given us something all too rare: a book that is thoroughly researched (with a bibliography of 8 1/2 pages) yet easily readable. No doubt this follows naturally from Davis's own experience: Her Ph.D. in English is complemented by thirty-seven years teaching in a variety of classrooms.

_How to Teach Students Who Don't Look Like You_ is a valuable resource for any teacher. It provides opportunities for readers to reflect and respond, to examine their own thoughts and feelings, to set goals. The book can be used by one person, by a school group for professional development, or by a class of preservice teachers. In the Facilitator's Guide at the end of the book Davis suggests particular chapters that would be appropriate for 60- or 90-minute workshops with various groups. Using the book with a group (even a group of two) including people from different cultures adds a new dimension to the study.

Davis gently leads her audience, first inviting readers to examine themselves and their own culture. Once we recognize that we look at the world through a "unique lens," we are more likely to recognize that others do, too. The better we understand people's culture, the better we can understand and relate to (and teach) them.

Davis includes many practical, concrete suggestions for valuing other cultures. She challenges educators to consider how far into their school students must walk before they find someone who "looks like them" or find other evidence of their culture. If a student is not validated by his or her academic environment, is it realistic to expect that student to succeed academically?

About one third of _How to Teach Students Who Don't Look Like You_ includes specific teaching strategies, indicating appropriate levels and subjects for each. Davis devotes several chapters to the development of literacy skills, collaborative projects, and multidisciplinary experiences.

_How to Teach Students Who Don't Look Like You_ is likely to encourage and inspire teachers who are frustrated or overwhelmed. Its practical, concrete approach provides educators with suggestions they can implement immediately so that they begin to see a difference in their students.

A singularly valuable resource especially for teachers struggling to close "achievement gaps" in the classroom
Written by a professional who has successfully trained hundreds of teachers, Bonnie Davis' How To Teach Students Who Don't Look Like You: Culturally Relevant Teaching Strategies is a straightforward guide especially for schoolteachers instructing classes with students whose ethnic and cultural background may predispose them to see the world in an entirely different way. Chapters cover how improve one's background knowledge about different cultures and learning styles, how to create an environment that supports diverse learners, researched-based teaching strategies including how to inspire a love of reading and writing in diverse learners, and much more. Written in plain terms, often concentrating its key ideas into easy-to-follow bullet points, How to Teach Students Who Don't Look Like You is a singularly valuable resource especially for teachers struggling to close "achievement gaps" in the classroom.
... Read more

Product Description

• An invaluable resource for visually oriented PC users who want to make the most of Windows XP's multimedia features
• Jam-packed with information that provides the basics and beyond, this full-color tutorial offers clear, concise, jargon-free instructions using more than 500 color screen shots
• The book presents full, focused coverage of the multimedia features of Windows XP, including the My Pictures digital image organizer; the My Music digital music organizer; Movie Maker; and Media Player 8, which plays video, DVD, and music

Customer Reviews (3)

I found it invaluable
If you have any interest in using the multimedia features of Windows XP, then this book is for you. Even if you are an expert user of computers, the increased speed with which you will learn how to exploit the myriad of features is worth the price. Every feature is demonstrated using high quality color images that shows precisely what you will see and directs you to the next action.
There are sixteen chapters and the titles are:

*) Getting started with Windows XP multimedia
*) Working with digital cameras and scanners in Windows XP
*) Working with images in the My Pictures folder.
*) Putting images to work in Windows XP.
*) Viewing photos with the Windows picture and FAX viewer.
*) Setting up Windows Media Player.
*) Playing audio files with Windows Media Player.
*) Playing music from the My Music folder.
*) Downloading and recording audio files.
*) Listening to Internet radio.
*) Playing DVDs with Windows Media Player.
*) Setting up Windows Movie Maker.
*) Working with video clips in Windows Movie Maker.
*) Adding extra effects to video clips in Windows Movie Maker.
*) Downloading and recording video files.
*) Playing Windows XP games.

I found this invaluable on several occasions when I wanted to use a multimedia feature of Windows XP.

A glorified "Dummies" book...
If you are looking for a juvenille picture book to explain how to use certain components in Windows XP, then this is the book for you. If you are looking for something with substance, DO NOT buy this book.

Visually Stunning
If you're looking for a book that combines excellent step by step tutorials with very crisp, clear four-color visuals, then this is the book for you. You may wonder why the world needs another XP book, but the contents and design make this one worth grabbing. ... Read more

Product Description

Printed entirely in color, with helpful figures and syntax coloring to make code samples appear as they do in Visual Studio.

In just 24 sessions of one hour or less, you will be able to begin effectively using WPF to solve real-world problems, developing rich user interfaces in less time than you thought possible.

Using a straightforward, step-by-step approach, each lesson builds on a real-world foundation forged in both technology and business matters, allowing you to learn the essentials of WPF from the ground up.

Step-by-step instructions carefully walk you through the most common questions, issues, and tasks.

The Q&A sections, quizzes, and exercises help you build and test your knowledge.

By the Way notes present interesting pieces of information.

Did You Know? tips offer advice or teach an easier way to do something.

Watch Out! cautions advise you about potential problems and help you steer clear of disaster.

Learn how to...

• Use XAML to build user interfaces
• Leverage data binding to minimize tedious code
• Create visually engaging applications
• Architect and design WPF applications using proven patterns such as MVP
• Incorporate audio and video into your applications
• Customize controls with styles, templates, and animation
• Apply best practices for developing software with WPF
• Deploy WPF applications to the desktop and Web
• Take advantage of WPF’s advanced printing capabilities
• Grow as a developer by improving your overall software design skills

Introduction 1

Part I                   Getting Started

1      What WPF Is and Isn’t 5

2      Understanding XAML 17

3      Introducing the Font Viewer 27

4      Handling Application Layout 41

5      Using Basic Controls 59

6      Introducing Data Binding 75

Part II        Reaching the User

7      Designing an Application 93

8      Building a Text Document Editor 107

9      Getting a Handle on Events 121

10    Commands 145

11    Output 157

Part III      Visualizing Data

12    Building a Contact Manager 177

13    Presenters and Views 193

14    Resources and Styles 211

15    Digging Deeper into Data Binding 229

16    Visualizing Lists 251

Part IV       Creating Rich Experiences

17    Building a Media Viewer 267

18    Drawing with Shapes 291

19    Colors and Brushes 315

20    Transforms and Effects 331

21    Using Control Templates 347

22    Triggers 369

23    Animation 383

24    Best Practices 407

Part V         Appendixes

Appendix A: Tools and Resources 423

Appendix B: 3D Tutorial Using ZAM 3D 427

Appendix C: Project Source (downloadable) 437

Index 439

Customer Reviews (14)

Excellent book!
For the begginers, this is an excellent book! If you want to learn and write WPF apps this is an option. Authors explain things through clear examples, using good techinics.

Examples in this book are state of the art.
Yes, it is true, you probably cannot learn WPF in 24 hours (especially if you still have a lot to learn) or even the entire technology of WPF from this book alone. I personally use many sources of information when trying to learn a technology. I don't think you can expect too much from a single book. However, this book is about as good as it gets for what it is. You can learn an extreme amount in a short period of time. Technology wise, the code examples in this book are extremely well done, applicable, and I'm impressed with how much functionality they cover. I've done the first 3 of 4 major examples as they apply more to me for my type of work. I plan on doing the 4th example because I think there is a lot to learn but it's not priority now.
As you progress through the book from beginning to end the code gets more complex and there is a separation between the documentation and explanations vs. code examples. Before you are finished, you feel like you are at the 10K foot level looking down and you are so far abstracted from the details. The book is good but again, I think there is too much material to cover and that is all you expect before you just have to dig into the code for yourself. If you take the time implement and figure out the code, what it does and understand the details, you will be well rewarded. It is really good clean code that demonstrates leading edge applications with rich functionality. While reading it, I sometimes wonder if these guys are just good coders that made a book. I buy 2 to 6 technical books a year and for what I do, this is possible the best one I've read in last 20 years (partly because WPF technology delivers a lot for me as well).

Quickly Learn WPF
This book does a great job of quickly teaching WPF. I tend to read shorter books that just give me the information using simple examples - I can figure out the rest. The book does carry a few examples across multiple chapters, which I generally don't like, but they made it quick and understandable.

Not a good book
This is not a good book. The coverage of the concepts is shallow and confusing. Especially when he tries to incorporate the Model-View-Presenter paradigm, all hell breaks loose.
WPF is not a piece of cake and can't be learned in 24 hours like this book claims. And no, coloring the code won't cut it.
If you are really serious and want to use WPF into your applications, then be serious and choose a professional book.

2/5 stars

good intro
I liked themvp implementation
The only book out there which introduces it. ... Read more

Product Description
Packed with clear, step-by-step screen shots, this visual guide shows you how to tackle more than 130 Windows Home Server tasks. You’ll see how to configure Windows Home Server, connect to computers remotely, add and remove user accounts, use Windows Home Server storage, work with shared folders, restore files from backups, and much more! Helpful sidebars offer practical tips and tricks, and two-page lessons break big topics into bite-sized modules. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Easy read
This books is very easy to use.Covers many aspects (though not all) of the Windows Home Server.I found it to be very helpful. ... Read more

Product Description
Sams Teach Yourself Windows Networking in 24 Hours is the only introductorynetworking book on the market to focus on connectivity issues regarding all releases of Windows-95, 98, and NT.The book requires no previous knowledge of networking. In just 24 one-hour lessons, learn to understand network interface cards and drivers; the strengths and limitations of various cabling schemes; the intricacies of TCP/IP addressing, sub-netting and routing; the choices available in transport protocols, their strengths and weaknesses; and how and where to implement security measures to protect the network and its dataAmazon.com Review
In recent years, Windows has adapted to the networkedworkplace. All versions of the Microsoft operating system can connectto other computers, both locally and remotely. Teach YourselfWindows Networking in 24 Hours tells you what you need to know tomake Windows machines work in concert, plus it includes additionalinformation.

The authors begin with the most basic network of all:the direct cable connection. From there, they move on through theprocess of configuring peer-to-peer and client/server networks for allsorts of resource-sharing purposes. Then they show--with lots ofstep-by-step procedures and screen shots--how to set up long-distanceconnections with dial-up networking. There's also a fine introductionto network troubleshooting. Throughout, the authors pay adequateattention to both Windows 98 and Windows NT. They distinguish theirwork with excellent NetWare coverage--a valuable inclusion, since somany existing networks are based on Novell technology.

However,several segments of this book aren't specific to Windows networking atall. Rather, they provide background information about networkingtechnologies that, while worth knowing, isn't part of the essentialhow-to information many buyers of this book are likely towant. However, this extra information makes this book a fine study aidfor the Microsoft Networking Essentials certification exam(70-058). In fact, it's better than many books specifically publishedfor that purpose. --David Wall ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

A good starter
The book provides an excellent foundation for anyone wishing to learn networking.It doesn't go into too much depth but it teaches enough so that someone can make a decision about what to move onto next, such as a choice between a Windows or Unix server.Also, the information here provides explanations for terminologies that you might encounter in the future, so it's a good place to start.

Good Book to Start Learn
I found this book very intersting and analogies were good. A good 101 book to just know how things work.

Windows Networking Review
I liked this book and the topics it covered.I used this book to teach a Networking class and I think it touches on the basics of most topics.I think it was well written and written at a level that most everyone can understand.

Needs More
From what i have read of this book it is very good, networking topics are very clear and in depth. Only problems i see with this book is that it talks about 10Mbps networks, but the standard is more and more going to100Mbps, and soon to be 1000Mbps. And the second problem is that it doesn'tcover Windows NT 4.0 Workstation, which like NT Server it is not exactlythe same, OS. But all in all this a very good book very informative. Irecommended it to anyone trying to get into networking, and even if youknow networking, like my self this book is very good, but if you do notknow NT Server this is the book to start with. Very Good Book in the end

A good introduction to networking
This is a good introduction to networking for someone with little or no knowledge. It is easy to read and understand. It is written from the point of view of building a business-related network. ... Read more

Product Description
Windows XP can be a great tool, but it is all too easy to trip over Windows XP's annoying traits more often than you leverage its productivity. Windows XP power-users troll online resources, documentation, and the expertise (or lucky finds) of friends for valuable tips and tricks--a keyboard shortcut here, an undocumented double-click there--to eliminate annoyances, save time, and take control of their Windows XP.But what if there was an easier way?

This new book presents literally hundreds of problems and solutions, amazing power tips, cool tricks, and clever workarounds in one clearly organized, easy to use, and portable resource. Truly insightful and amusing, Windows XP Power Hound gives Windows XP users practical hints for everything from the desktop to Office programs to the registry, and includes documented (but little-known) tips as well as previously undocumented tricks. Windows XP Power Hound moves far beyond mere productivity and explores what s possible with Windows XP--including cool things you probably never thought of doing.

An understanding of Windows XP basics will get the job done. But discovering the most usefulI didn t know that!tips and shortcuts will make using Windows XP a far richer and less frustrating experience.The practical, concise format of Windows XP Power Hound makes it easy to dip into for a quick tip from time to time; the warm, jargon-free tone makes it easy to read cover to cover.

Anyone who wants to smooth out Windows XP's speed bumps and get some serious speed to accelerate through the bottlenecks will find that even a handful of these useful, to-the-point tips will make Windows XP Power Hound worth its weight in chocolate. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

OK for a beginner...
I picked this up from the library thinking it was going to show me, well, what it claimed: "underused features and powerful tricks and shortcuts that few people have taken the time to probe". I guess I was seduced by the word "power". What I got was a beginner's guide to XP.

PROS:
-Easy to read and find information
-Includes screenshots for visual learners
-Decent start covering the basics for those who know little about XP or the Windows environment

CONS:
-Little information for those who are computer literate and have used XP
-Some of the information is outdated
-Full of plugs for pay-for web services/downloads [...]
The copy I read was copyrighted in 2005, a lot has changed since then...

Required reading for new to intermediate users
This book is well worth the price just for the section in the first chapter on how to speedup startup and shutdown and resolve problems with both of them.Most of this information is available on the Internet but why not have it at hand instead of spending hours looking for it?

For the novice to intermediate user this is an excellent way to get things Windows XP under control and operating the way it is supposed to.Well-written, easy to follow, with everything explained in plain English, Windows XP Power Hound is recommended for the average user who wants to learn more and customize their system but will contain little new information for someone who is already a power user.

A Good Start
Every book has its target readers. Power Hound's target audience is beginner with little to no knowledge or experience with previous windows version. It also contains a lot of marketing material which may or may not relate directly to XP. For example, it recommends www.efax.com which is a web based fax service and is not tied to just XP.
That said, this book does provide some information that both experts and beginners will find useful
Positives:
1) A single source for all your windows XP tips and tricks
2) Contains examples and screen shots making it very easy to understand the topic.
3) It introduced Firefox, the best browser out there. I have now switched completely to firefox because it is faster, more user friendly and much more secured when compared to Microsoft IE.

Negatives:
1) Too Expensive.
2) Too wordy
3) Too many ads buried in the text.

CONCLUSION: Not worth $25 that I paid for it. Try to get it from a library or read it in a book store before you buy it.

Practical and helpful advice for Windows users
This is an excellent book. Well worth the money for Windows users. There are a wide variety of helpful hints that will help you get the most out of your machine, and tell you a little about the fundamentals along the way. In particular I found the explanation of how to get laptops to go to sleep very rewarding, probably worth the price of the book alone, because it saved me from reinstalling the OS on what was otherwise a well behaved machine. Other notable helpful hints included information on how to clean up your desktop, speed up networking, fix wireless problems and to block popups.

bundles of hacks
Microsoft rules the desktop. And on that desktop, the most common of its operating systems is XP. Hence this book. Gralla offers a set of tricks, or hacks, as another O'Reilly series would term these, if you want to go deeper into your machine than most of your peers. As he points out in the introduction, the book is random access. Not necessary to read sequentially.

Instead, try perusing the detailed contents pages. From these, you may be able to find a brief title that addresses a need or concern of yours. Like smarter surfing of the Web, cleaning out your browser cache, or finding wireless hotspots.

Hence, if a trick uses Microsoft Word, say, you don't get a full description of all that Word can do. Instead, only enough for your situation. Even in principle, this is not a reference manual. Rather, it complements those. ... Read more

Product Description
Designed specifically for the small network user, and updated to cover the Gold version of MS Windows 2000 Server, this book presents a set of tutorials that instruct readers how to install or upgrade Windows 2000. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A great general guide
I read the reviews for "SAMS Teach yourself Windows 2000 server in 21 days" after I had already bought this one. I'm glad I went with this choice, as the material is updated and makes the needed comparisons between W2K server and Windows NT server. Jeremy Moskowitz(Sosinsky only writes 5 chapters) outlines all the important features and processes using easy to follow real-world examples. Myself being an NT guru, but not knowing a thing about 2000, found the comparisons especially helpful. If you need a book to read over the weekend to go start setting up a W2K network on Monday, this is the book. Loads of information, easy to follow.

My job was made simple.
Extremely well written and helpful.Worth it's weight in gold.

Really Helpful Book!
I purchased this book after my company asked me about the pros and cons of upgrading our small company to Windows 2000.The examples in the book were very helpful and the writing was very clear.The book is very readable,and doesn't put you to sleep!Since the book is made for people (like me)who need a crash course in the topic, the book obviously can't delve intoall the minutia of W2K.But it covered a whole lot and gave me much moreinformation than I thought I'd get.It's a great beginner tointermediate-level book on the topic, and I definitely recommend it! ... Read more

Product Description

In Full Color

Code samples are syntax highlighted as in Xcode!!

In just 24 sessions of one hour or less, learn how to build powerful mobile applications with Apple’s Cocoa Touch technology for the iPhone and iPod touch! Using this book’s straightforward, step-by-step approach, you’ll master every skill and technology you need, from handling user interaction and building effective user interfaces to accessing the Internet, playing media, and using the iPhone and iPod touch’s incredible sensing capabilities. Each lesson builds on what you’ve already learned, giving you a rock-solid foundation for real-world success!

Step-by-step instructions carefully walk you through the most common Cocoa Touch programming tasks.

Quizzes and Exercises at the end of each chapter help you test your knowledge.

By the Way notes present interesting information related to the discussion.

Did You Know? tips offer advice or show you easier ways to perform tasks.

Watch Out! cautions alert you to possible problems and give you advice on how to avoid them.

• Write simple, efficient code that reflects a clear understanding of how Cocoa Touch works and why it works that way
• Build great iPhone/iPod touch user interfaces from the ground up
• Display tables and provide for clear navigation
• Access the Internet and networks and show web pages
• Save and retrieve data, including user preferences
• Understand how the Cocoa Touch runtime loop interacts with your application
• Draw and manipulate images
• Create complex animations such as Cover Flow
• Build applications that play and record media
• Use the iPhone’s built-in accelerometer, GPS capabilities, and WiFi support
• Share data via custom URLs, emails, and other techniques
• Find and fix common Cocoa Touch software bugs, fast
• Avoid the performance bottlenecks that affect Cocoa Touch code

Customer Reviews (4)

Definitely a must have if your are starting up.
This booked amazed me. Very simple and direct.
Starts building apps from chapter one.
I'd recommend that the reader is comfortable with OO programming tough.
If you're confortable with programming on Mac you'll read this book in a weekend.

Regards,
Daniel

Exceptionally lucid writing
I have only read portions of Cocoa Touch Programming, but so far have found the writing to be exceptionally clear and concise. I might have suggested a few more pictures, but careful readers should have no trouble.Touch programming is hardly a topic for beginning programmers, yet even the adventuresome should benefit from this thoughtful treatment of the subject.

Very useful book : Helps you if you're stuck, by explaining how Cocoa works
The Good: A very useful book, invaluable for debugging. It assumes you know how to program (says "assumes readers know C" on the back) but teaches you how Cocoa Touch is architected and works. Lots of books simply repeat Apple documentation. This one doesn't and instead focuses on what Apple left out. Because it's comprehensive, if you're lost you can usually find it in here. Also, unlike other books that hold your hand as long as you stay within the confines of their examples, but are unhelpful as you try to strike out onyour own, this one teaches you how stuff works, so you can figure out why your app's not working. It's also very practical, disucssing how to avoid getting your app rejected, and how to optimize your code. I've learnt how to use new tools from it, including some free third party ones Apple doesn't ship. It also comes with a good appendix about solving Xcode issues. Rather than using trivial examples, it uses real programs which is rare for a book.

The Bad: It's deep, it's short, so you have to be awake when reading it.

Overall: It's a 24 Hour introduction for people who know how to program, and want to learn Cocoa Touch in depth. If you are learning to program, get this and another book.You'll find this one useful when you try to make your own App.If you know Cocoa Touch, but are stuck, read this book. Highly recommended for any one interesting in becoming a real developer. Normally I don't like 24 hour books, but this one's good!

Rollercoaster ride. Not for beginners. Where was the editor?
I was intrigued that Sams brought out two similar books together. I think they may be cannibalizing their own market share. There is no well known difference that I'm aware of between iPhone App Development and Cocoa Touch - one implies the other. So which one would you buy?

This books covers a lot of the same ground as their "iPhone Application Development" book, though now I see huge differences. Despite the back cover saying "Beginning-Intermediate" there is no way I would ever recommend this book to a beginner. In marked contrast to the other Sams book this seems to have been given a free editorial rein, such that it wanders all over, goes from beginner to very deep in the same chapter, and doesn't seem to have a cohesive aim for each chapter.

I have no problem with deeper material but a lot of it is not covered very well. For Cocoa design patterns see Buck and Yacktman; for Cocoa at a more basic level see Hillegass; for iPhone app dev in a more structured way see Ray/Johnson (Sams), Mark/LaMarche (Apress), or the Pragmatic Programmers book; for Obj-C see Kochan or the Apress title; for advanced iPhone apps see the Apress iPhone Cool Projects book.

For the intermediate or advanced developer there are some nuggets in here that I'm sure will be quite useful. There is no doubt the author is a knowledgeable person and he's covered a lot of material, some of which may not be covered elsewhere (notwithstanding my comments above). It's a book to dip into when you have a reasonably thorough knowledge of Obj-C and the Cocoa Touch frameworks, but as for teaching yourself in 24, cohesive, programmed, well thought out chapters then go to the other Sams book by Ray and Johnson.

(I don't know if it's coincidence but nearly all the best iPhone dev books seem to be co-authored. Perhaps the authors keep each other on track...) ... Read more

Product Description
Beginning with the basic aspects of the MFC classes, Robert Shaw then jumps into the more advanced usage and operation of the classes. Each of the chapters includes real-world programming examples that demonstrate the simple and advanced aspects of the selected MFC classes. Disk includes all source code from the book for both Visual C++ and Zortech C++. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

doesn't work with visual studio 6.0
A coworker of mine had a really good MFC book that had the words "21 days" in the title.

This is not it.It may very well be a decent book, but it seems to have been written for users of a much earlier version of visual studio than I have.None of the instructions in Chapter 1 work at all, all the wizard dialogs in visual studio seem to have completely changed since this was published.

A good primer on MFC.
This book is a good start on basic MFC programming.Recommended if you are just starting out with MFC.Found myself wanting more in depth discussion of some of the MFC concepts such as MDI.

The style of writing is (for me, anyway) a bit much.The book is filled with lots of cutesy little jokes, and plays on words that I found really annoying.I prefer strait facts without the warm fuzzy stuff.

Having said that, I DO recommend this book as a very useful first volume in your MFC/VC++ reference library.

Good book
This book can help to learn MFC and it justifies its price but be prepared to learn genealogy just to understand some of the slightly lenghly examples. ... Read more

Product Description
Nowadays, the script of life is for a large part written by architects and designers. Urban planning decides how we spread our activities geographical. The design of modern residential districts determines for a large part how we communicate with each other. The design of shopping centers determines how we acquire our food. Designers for means of transport decide how we move ourselves and kitchen designers decide how we cook. All this has to do with the mechanisms of technology diffusion which will be elaborated on in this publication. The main issues discussed are the contemporary inter-relationship of industrial design and architecture and a confrontation of contemporary design practice in both domains with academic theory and education. The cases used for this publication provide several examples of the various characters of design processes. The subjects of the cases discussed in Design Processes are design processes in general, visualization as a design tool, project management, social complexity collaboration, decision making and technology diffusion.

IOS Press is an international science, technical and medical publisher of high-quality books for academics, scientists, and professionals in all fields.

Some of the areas we publish in:

-Biomedicine
-Oncology
-Artificial intelligence
-Databases and information systems
-Maritime engineering
-Nanotechnology
-Geoengineering
-All aspects of physics
-E-governance
-E-commerce
-The knowledge economy
-Urban studies
-Arms control
-Understanding and responding to terrorism
-Medical informatics
-Computer Sciences ... Read more

Product Description
Sams Teach Yourself Windows 2000 Server in 21 Days teaches you about the new features of Microsoft's next generation of server technology. Learn about the comprehensive set of distributed infrastructure services based on the Active Directory, the first multipurpose directory service that is scalable, built from the ground up using Internet-standard technologies, and fully integrated at the operating system level. Includes coverage of enhanced features such as Active Setup, administration, new management console, security, file and print services, multimedia support, Universal Driver model, and Windows Terminal Server. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Avoid this book
I agree completely with one of the other reviewers: the authors of thisbook took a decent book about Windows NT Server 4 and butchered it by justdoing a search for 'Windows NT' and replacing with 'Windows 2000'. Too badthat they didn't proof read it afterwards, as it left obvious gaffs like'Windows 2000, version 3.51' and the like; by about the tenth one of theseI just had to put the book down. There is very little new material in thisbook even though W2K has a number of totally new topics. It would appearthat it was rushed to press based on a Beta version of Windows 2000 so thatthey could cash in on the W2K craze. Sams: please have your books proofread by someone that is knowledgeable in the industry before you publishthem. This could have been a useful book. Hopefully they will tune it upand republish it after fixing the problems.

A great instructional book!
I would have to also disagree with the bad review this book received. Sure it was written based on the Pre Release of Windows 2000 Server however I have found the book very useful and helpful. Saved me a lot of time. Iwould also recommend using the "Mastering Advance Server 2000"book to go along with this one for more in depth details.

A good book for the collection!
I would have to alsodisagree with the bad review this book received.Sure it was written based on the Pre Release of Windows 2000 Server howeverI have found the book very useful and helpful. It Saved me a lot of time. Iwould also recommend using the "Mastering Advance Server 2000"book to go along with this one for more in depth details.

Advice is no good if you ignore it!
In spite of the poor review from our friend from down under, I bought this book (the only W2K Server book my local CompUSA had), while I waited for my Amazon order to arrive.I should have just waited or else opted for NextBusiness Day shipping!

This appears to be the old NT4 Server book withnew material, but far too much just updated with "Find [Win NT] andReplace [Win 2000]" on a word processor, as evidenced by thereferences to Windows 2000 Server 4 and Windows 2000 3.51.

A book on W2KServer cries out for some comparisons like, "If you did THIS with NT4,the counterpart in W2K is THIS".You won't find them in this book. It was not only not helpful, it was downright discouraging!It almostmakes me want to just stay with NT4 Server!

not that bad but could be better...
It is amazing that anyone would rate this book so low. While it is true that this will not be the only book on Windows 2000 you will need, it is safe to say that there is much to gain from this book. For one, it is easyto read, is well organized, and is good value for money, IMHO. That thecontents look similar to a book on NT 4.0 holds no water: Windows 2000 ISNT 5.0, which resembles NT 4.0 in many ways. So far, I've had no regrets.This book is definitely not as bad as is being portrayed. ... Read more