Professional Windows Live Programming (Programmer to Programmer) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)As far as I'm aware this is the only book currently on the market that covers Windows Live Programming and therefore in quite unique in that aspect. I was actually quite surprised to hear of this book as I am a Windows Live Microsoft MVP and so it was with great enthusiasm that I delved into it and read it cover to cover.
The book is split into 11 chapters, apart from the first few which gives overviews of windows live, each chapter basically covers a single technology, ranging from better known technologies like Virtual Earth, messenger and Live ID to lesser known ones like Custom Domains and Live Expo.
With each chapter/technology, Jon gives a brief introduction to what it actually is then dives straight into the available SDK and shows you how you can use that particular technology for yourself and how to integrate it in with your own web applications. He doesn't cover every single API call available for each technology but does cover what will be the most widely used situations.
As mentioned Windows Live technologies are mainly web based and the available API's and there to be used within your own web sites. In order to use this book Jon has assumed that you already know technologies and languages such as Javascript, HTML, CSS etc. If you don't or if you're just getting started in web programming then this book isn't for you, yet.
Microsoft has made available a great number of technologies through Windows Live including authentication, mapping and search. Each of these potentially has it's place in your web site. There is a terms of use for each technology however unless you're a very heavy hitter, essentially all these technologies are free for you to include in your applications.
Overall this is a great book for an introduction to programming using the various Windows Live technologies and one that I thoroughly recommend picking up and reading. If this is the case then why did I score it higher? This book was published in 2007 and Microsoft have been very aggressive in their releases and updates to these technologies. Unfortunately this book, as every other computer book will eventually become, is now out of date. Some of the technologies that Jon covers like Windows Live Expo, Microsoft is no longer supporting. Other technologies like Virtual Earth have been updated with new API's and features and Microsoft have also released other technologies not covered in this book for example the Windows Live Web Messenger API. The question therefore isn't why didn't I rate this book higher, but why did I rate it as high as I did? This book gives you an excellent grounding in various Microsoft Windows Live technologies and the things you learn in this book can be applied to the latest releases. So I would recommend picking up this book, reading through it, then visiting http://dev.live.com to get the most up to date information regarding the API that you are interested in.


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Windows Live is the collective name for a group of Microsoft tools whose services and user data are available anywhere-without ever having to install an application
Windows Live currently consists of: Windows Live Mail, Windows Live Safety Center, Windows Live Favorites, Windows Live OneCare, Windows Live Messenger, Windows Live Search, and Windows Live Local
Certified Microsoft Software Developer Jon Arking shares his experience in developing for Windows Live, and teaches readers how to build applications that embrace the Windows Live platform
Packed with examples, this hands-on guide offers an insightful look at the tools and technologies behind Windows Live, using the MSN Activities APIs, building mapping applications with Virtual Earth APIs, and developing Gadgets for both online and Windows Vista
Also examines integrating MSN Search capabilities as well as Live services into existing sites with Live custom domains

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Internet Research - Illustrated (Illustrated (Thompson Learning)) Review

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(More customer reviews)The book is very low on information.
If you've used a computer for at least 2 years this will teach you absolutely nothing.
$20 for a paperback book that is thinner than a quarter.
Bought this for a class,
Be better off mooching off someone else or maybe just winging to topic

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With both conceptual and step-by-step lessons, this book teaches learners the strategies and skills required to use the Internet as a valuable research tool. Updated for currency, this title includes information about search toolbars and the latest advances in intelligent search agents, as well as finding, evaluating, and citing online sources.

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Pro SQL Server 2008 Analytics: Delivering Sales and Marketing Dashboards (Expert's Voice in SQL Server) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I referred to this book while doing a prototype in building a Sales dashboard for a company. It gave me a jump start in using Microsoft technologies to come up with a dashboard in a short time. To be honest this is the first book I am referring to on this task. Especially I liked the case studies chapter at the end of the book to be very helpful. The chapters provide covers well on details around SQL Server analytics but I was looking for examples in each chapter to get me though. But this book solved it's purpose for me.
I will recommend this book to other like me who want to start working on dashboards and analytics using SQL Server tools.


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SQL Server 2008 is the latest version of Microsoft's popular SQL Server database product. It has been very well received since its release in July 2008, most notably for its greatly increased reporting and analytical capabilities over previous versions. There is a strong reader demand for information related to these aspects of SQL Server.This book aims to provide developers and their managers with a complete reference to building reporting dashboards that are able to assimilate information from various sources and integrate with other Microsoft technologies such as SharePoint and PerformancePoint to present that information in flexible ways. It is a generalist guide, and teaches techniques that can be applied to a wide range of reader situations.

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Windows 7 Digital Classroom, (Book and Video Training) Review

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(More customer reviews)I enjoy this book as much as anyone can enjoy a reference book, definitely felt like I knew Windows 7 well after finishing it. For those who needs a quick reference about Windows 7 basics, this is a good one to have.
Great speed in delivery. Book was in excellent condition with big discount from the seller. I highly recommend this seller. Thank you!

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Bring the classroom to your home with this training DVD and full-color instructional book!

Windows 7 is the much-anticipated new operating system from Microsoft and is packed with new features and capabilities. With this book-and-DVD combination, you can learn essential skills and explore all the exciting new possibilities that Windows 7 has to offer. Fifteen self-paced lessons allow you to move at a speed that is comfortable for your learning style. Step-by-step instructions, lesson files, and video tutorials complement each topic covered.

You'll investigate the new interface and functionality and learn how to customize settings, work with Internet Explorer, and maintain and troubleshoot issues. Packed with helpful information, this book encourages you to confidently get the most out of the new features of Windows 7.

Serves as your own personal instructor, providing you with a valuable DVD-and-book combination that takes you from the basics through intermediate-level topics
Allows you to learn the exciting new features of Windows 7 at your own pace, with video tutorials that complement the topics covered in the book
Demonstrates how to customize settings, work with Internet Explorer, and maintain and troubleshoot issues
Encourages you to get the most out of everything Windows 7 has to offer

Windows 7 Digital Classroom is like having your own personal instructor guiding you through each lesson, while you work at your own pace.

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Windows Vista Secrets: SP1 Edition Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Somewhere inside these 645 pages is a terrific computer book desperate to get out.
Unfortunately, the useful tidbits are buried by the jargon, disjointed outline, and the wince-inducing writing. The authors say "functionality" instead of feature, "enabled" instead of On, and (I kid you not) "circular in nature" instead of "round."
But it's even worse that huge chunks of Windows Vista get no coverage at all! Here are a few topics that don't appear in the book, or at least the index: Scanning. Faxing. Flash drives. Monitors. Dial-up connections. Safe Mode. Hibernation. Filename extensions. Network projectors. ReadyBoost. Dynamic disks. Shadow Copy. Burning CDs or DVDs at the desktop. Problem reports. Driver rollback. Driver signing. Ease of Access Center.
And there's no information at all about Vista's amazing new speech recognition--only a passing reference in the Tablet PC chapter, even though it works on any Vista PC.
So if you get this book, you'll also need ANOTHER book if you want comprehensive coverage of Vista.
Meanwhile, huge swaths of the book are padded by pointless tables and listings. Do we really need *26 pages* of symbol-font printouts?
Or a half-page table that explains the difference between Small Icons, Medium Icons, Large Icons, and Extra Large Icons? (The table says that "Medium Icons are similar in style to Large Icons, but smaller." Wow, really!?)
There are lots of illustrations, but most are full-screen shots, shrunken down to to fit the page. The result is that you can't read any of the text in them.
The authors of this book clearly know a lot. But they should have been paired up with writers, editors, and indexers who could help them set that information free.

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Follows the highly successful first edition with over 25% more content, including extensive coverage of the latest update, Service Pack 1
Addresses a huge market of consumers eager to learn about hidden gems and secrets in Vista and SP1
Covers features that are not disclosed in Microsoft's books or help files
A highly connected and qualified author has gathered information from an extensive network of Windows beta testers and thousands of readers, as well as conducted his own experiments on the new OS
New chapters cover personalizing and configuring Vista, networking, Zune, Vista and ultra-mobile PCs, Windows Home Server, and many more new topics

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Windows 7 Secrets Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this book due to my enjoyment of Paul Thurrott and Leo Laporte's Windows Weekly podcast. The book covers virtually everything in Windows 7, and should be considered the ultimate resource/guide on the OS. This is a great tool for newcomers, as well as those who have been running Windows 7 since the beta release. Even amidst the more simple sections, such as installation, the authors manage to sneak in interesting tips and secrets that even IT Pro's might not be aware of. Snarky and subtle comments laced throughout the text and below screenshots kept me smiling as I read through the chapters. Whether you're someone who has never bothered to peer under an operating system's hood, or a Windows power user just trying to figure out what features Microsoft has added to its latest operating system, this book is a great buy!

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Tips, tricks, treats, and secrets revealed on the latest operating system from Microsoft: Windows 7
You already know the ups and downs of Windows Vista-now it's time to learn the ins and outs of Windows 7! Internationally recognized Windows experts, Microsoft insiders, and authors Paul Thurrott and Rafael Rivera cut through the hype to pull away the curtain and reveal useful information not found anywhere else. Regardless of your level of knowledge, you'll discover little-known facts on how things work, what's new and different, and how you can modify Windows 7 to meet your own specific needs.
A witty, conversational tone tells you what you need to know to go from Windows user to Windows expert and doesn't waste time with basic computer topics while point-by-point comparisons demonstrate the difference between Windows 7 features and functionality to those in Windows XP and Vista.
Windows 7 is the exciting update to Microsoft's operating system
Authors are internationally known Windows experts and Microsoft insiders
Exposes tips, tricks, and secrets on the new features and functionality of Windows 7
Reveals best practices for customizing the system to work for you
Investigates the differences between Windows 7 and previous versions of Windows

No need to whisper! Window 7 Secrets is the ultimate insider's guide to Microsoft's most exciting Windows version in years.

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Microsoft Windows 7 In Depth Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)It seems the aether has miss titled this book. Perhaps Win7 in review would be good. I found that the author covered a lot of ground but wasted a lot of pages on features that were in previous versions. In depth means to me that the inner-workings of the OS would be described. He simple lists all the features and describes what they do. The author actually walks you through the installation describing how to hit the next button. Why have a chapter on this? I would understand if the book then went on to describe the more complex deployment features that Win 7 sports but it doesn't. That's the entire chapter on installation.
I would describe this as a good general knowledge book but certainly not an in depth description of the features.

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Microsoft®Windows 7 In DepthBeyond the Basics…Beneath the Surface…In DepthMicrosoft Windows 7 In Depth is the comprehensive guide to Microsoft's Windows 7 for everyone who's no longer a Windows beginner: corporate, small office/home office, and personal users alike. Top Windows authors Robert Cowart and Brian Knittel have packed this 1,100-page book with intensely useful and practical information that can't be found elsewhere. You can turn here for expert guidance on... " Migrating to Windows 7 as an individual - or rolling it out throughout a business " Making the most of Windows 7's powerhouse media tools " Installing, configuring, and managing Windows 7 networks more quickly and efficiently " Securing Windows 7 PCs against spam, spyware, viruses and other "Net Nasties" " Using the updated Windows 7 interface more efficiently " Troubleshooting and solving Windows 7 problems more rapidly " And much more..

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Get Found Now Local Search Secrets Exposed: Learn How to Achieve High Rankings in Google, Yahoo and Bing Review

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(More customer reviews)"Get Found Now!" is a Fantastic Book. It is well written, easy to understand and follow, and excellently illustrated. Even a non-techie can get maximum use from this book on how to improve your placement in the major search engines. I am fortunate to have been able to have taken a class from Rich and Shannon dealing with Local Search before the book was published. This book covers many things beyond what I learned in their class. In fact, I have read the book three times cover to cover and each time I have picked up things I missed in the previous reading. For example, Google News on page 103 jumped out at me during my last reading, because Press Releases have always been an enigma to me. If you already know some things about Local Search, this book will definitely shorten your learning curve as well as expand the avenues to your success.
Gilbert Pauley, Brookside Dental, Bellevue, WA

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How can a small business owner best position their business to be found on the Internet? By using local search marketing. Google, Yahoo and Bing all allow a business to list their unique information. Business owners who know how to complete and optimize these local business listings will see their search engine positions improve dramatically. Using Local Search Secrets Exposed you will be able to; claim your local business listing, create a local business listing optimized for "findability", use reviews to help maintain and boost your ranking in the search engines, include photos and videos in your listing and incorporate your brand identity improve visibility.Today's marketplace is so crowded you have to stand out from the pack. A successful business today requires a real web presence. If your customers can't find you on the web, how can they be expected to find you on the street? You CAN be the leader of the pack following the simple steps in this book.

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Cloud Computing: Web-Based Applications That Change the Way You Work and Collaborate Online Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this book mostly to serve as a reference and to help me avoid trolling the Internet in search of these resources. The writing is casual and "fluffy." The content is sparse and fragmented. It does little more than state the obvious for the applications it reviews. Sometimes the book covers one application in detail and almost ignores its comparable competitors. Most surprisingly, it never mentions several popular, key resources. The only real convenience the book provides is the names and URLs for the many obscure vendors with Internet-based applications. This book might be worthwhile at perhaps half the price.

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Cloud Computing: Web-Based Applications That Change the Way You Work and Collaborate On-LineComputing as you know it has changed. No longer are you tied to using expensive programs stored on your computer. No longer will you be able to only access your data from one computer. No longer will you be tied to doing work only from your work computer or playing only from your personal computer.Enter cloud computing–an exciting new way to work with programs and data, collaborate with friends and family, share ideas with coworkers and friends, and most of all, be more productive! The "cloud" consists of thousands of computers and servers, all linked and accessible to you via the Internet. With cloud computing, everything you do is now web-based instead of being desktop-based; you can access all your programs and documents from any computer that's connected to the Internet. Whether you want to share photographs with your family, coordinate volunteers for a community organization, or manage a multi-faceted project in a large organization, cloud computing can help you do it more easily than ever before. Trust us. If you need to collaborate, cloud computing is the way to do it. •Learn what cloud computing is, how it works, who should use it, and why it's the wave of the future. • Explore the practical benefits of cloud computing, from saving money on expensive programs to accessing your documents ANYWHERE. • See just how easy it is to manage work and personal schedules, share documents with coworkers and friends, edit digital photos, and much more! • Learn how to use web-based applications to collaborate on reports and presentations, share online calendars and to-do lists, manage largeprojects, and edit and store digital photographs.Michael Miller is known for his casual, easy-to-read writing style and his ability to explain a wide variety of complex topics to an everyday audience. Mr. Miller has written more than 80 nonfiction books over the past two decades, with more than a million copies in print. His books for Que include Absolute Beginner's Guide to Computer Basics, Googlepedia: The Ultimate Google Resource, and Is It Safe?: Protecting Your Computer, Your Business, and Yourself Online. His website is located at www.molehillgroup.com.Covers the most popular cloud-based applications, including the following: • Adobe Photoshop Express • Apple MobileMe • Glide OS • Google Docs • Microsoft Office Live Workspace • Zoho OfficeCATEGORY: Web ApplicationsCOVERS: Cloud ComputingUSER LEVEL: Beginner-Intermediate

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How to Be a Geek Goddess: Practical Advice for Using Computers with Smarts and Style Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a great book! It DOES tell you everything you need to know before purchasing techy stuff. I love the format, the "Dear Geek Goddess" letters make it a really entertaining read. Also, the chapters on protecting your kids when they are online are just priceless. Every mom should read that part! I would highly recommend this book!

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Microsoft Windows 7: Visual QuickStart Guide Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I had purchased a "Dummies" book on Windows 7, but then received this one as a gift. It is far superior to the one I had previously purchased.

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This concise guide covers every edition of Windows 7 in Visual QuickStart style, with plenty of screenshots, numbered steps, tips, and sidebars. You'll learn how to use new and updated features, including the redesigned taskbar; jump lists; libraries; federated search; desktop gadgets; window-management shortcuts; and the improved versions of Internet Explorer, Mail, Messenger, Photo Gallery, Movie Maker, and Media Player. You'll also find information on setup; installation; upgrading from other Windows versions; troubleshooting; hardware; and organizing your documents, music, photos, and videos. Laptop and mobile users will learn how to connect from the road, jump onto a public wireless network, and conserve battery power. Author Chris Fehily also walks you through setting up a network or homegroup, connecting to the internet, configuring routers and firewalls, and hooking up printers and other devices. You'll learn how to use security features to protect your PC and network and share files while keeping personal stuff private.

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