Computer Media

Rachel Singer Gordon -- Library Journal, 12/15/2006

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Ajax

Ajax (see Computer Media, LJ 10/15/06; 7/06), or Asynchronous JavaScript and XML, allows developers to create interactive, dynamic web applications. Its growing popularity means all libraries should invest in guides.

Eernisse, Matthew. Build Your Own Ajax Web Applications. SitePoint. 2006. c.297p. ISBN 0-9758419-4-7. pap. $39.95. COMPUTER BOOKS

An introductory guide to Ajax for intermediate web developers with some CSS and JavaScript knowledge; code available online here. Eernisse's guide helpfully emphasizes when and why Ajax should be used over other web development tools. Another useful feature is its discussion of resolving known issues such as the breaking of the browser's "Back" button when using Ajax. A useful resource; appropriate for all libraries.

Eichorn, Joshua. Understanding Ajax: Using JavaScript To Create Rich Internet Applications. Prentice Hall. 2006. c.362p. ISBN 0-13-221635-3. pap. $39.99. COMPUTER BOOKS

For experienced web developers with some JavaScript and programming knowledge, this manual clearly covers Ajax basics, debugging, real-world usability, and open-source libraries. Code samples and a link to the author's blog online can be found here. Its focus on usability is very nice, as are real-world case studies and an emphasis on how Ajax fits into the broader web development process. Recommended for all libraries.

Gehtland, Justin & others. Pragmatic Ajax: A Web 2.0 Primer. Pragmatic. 2006. c.296p. ISBN 0-9766940-8-5. pap. $29.95. COMPUTER BOOKS

For beginners, a fantastic overview of and introduction to Ajax. Explanations are clear, and code is available here. An early chapter on Google Maps breaks down its various elements then shows how to re-create many of its features using Ajax; the "wow" element in Google Maps is particularly useful here in showing what Ajax can do and why it's important. Highly recommended for all libraries.

Hadlock, Kris. Ajax for Web Application Developers. SAMS. 2006. c.271p. ISBN 0-672-32912-3. pap. $34.99.COMPUTER BOOKS

Hadlock here walks readers through creating practical chunks of code that can be reused in multiple Ajax-enabled web applications. The book's code combines at the end to create an internal web mail application. Code samples are available to registered users and can be found here. Most useful for web developers and those with some previous JavaScript or programming experience; appropriate for all medium and larger libraries.

Woolston, Daniel. Pro Ajax and the .NET 2.0 Platform. Apress. 2006. c.463p. ISBN 1-59059-670-6. pap. $49.99. COMPUTER BOOKS

Most useful for .NET developers wanting to implement Ajax, Woolston's guide covers Ajax for the .NET framework, which is an implementation of Ajax for the ASP.NET platform. Ample step-by-step projects and links to real-world examples are useful; source code available here. Chapters on Atlas, web services, debugging, and usability are particularly helpful. Thorough and clear, this is a good purchase for larger libraries.

Other Ideas:

Ballard, Phil. SAMS Teach Yourself Ajax in 10 Minutes. SAMS. 2006. 230p. ISBN 0-672-32868-2. pap. $14.99.

Holzner, Steven. Ajax: Your Visual Blueprint for Creating Rich Internet Applications. Wiley. 2006. 338p. ISBN 0-470-04306-7. pap. $29.99.

Mahemoff, Michael. Ajax Design Patterns: Creating Web 2.0 Sites with Programming and Usability Patterns. O'Reilly. 2006. 635p. ISBN 0-596-10180-5. pap. $44.99.

Woychowsky, Edmond. Ajax: Creating Web Pages with Asynchronous JavaScript and XML. Prentice Hall. 2006. 384p. ISBN 0-13-227267-9. pap. $44.99.

Autodesk Architectural Desktop

Autodesk Architectural Desktop 2007 (ADT) includes additional tools and objects to the base AutoCAD package, which is designed specifically for architectural design and drafting. Academic libraries serving these curricula, particularly, should invest.

Aubin, Paul F. Mastering Autodesk Architectural Desktop 2007. Thomson Gale. 2006. c.1159p. ISBN 1-4180-4908-5 [ISBN 978-1-4180-4908-9]. pap. $66.95 with CD-ROM. COMPUTER BOOKS

For new ADT users with some AutoCAD experience or experience with older ADT versions (differences from the previous release are highlighted throughout). Step-by-step, illustrated real-world tutorials teach through example, notes add information, and chapter objectives and summaries are useful for self-study. The companion CD-ROM contains tutorial files in various stages of completion. New and improved data sets available online at www.paulaubin.com. Clear and thorough, this guide is best for academic libraries serving design and drafting programs and for large public libraries.

Wyatt, William G., Sr. Accessing Autodesk Architectural Desktop 2007. Thomson Gale. 2006. c.940p. ISBN 1-4180-4911-5 [ISBN 978-1-4180-4911-9]. pap. $86.95 with CD. COMPUTER BOOKS

A useful textbook, self-study guide, and reference, this manual takes a different approach by introducing, illustrating, and explaining each tool. Each chapter begins with an overview and objectives and ends with step-by-step tutorials that utilize the tools discussed, independent projects, summaries, and review questions. Its CD contains drawing files for tutorials. A good reference, but if you can purchase only one, choose Mastering for its real-world self-study features.

E-commerce

These two titles cover using tools provided by eBay (see Computer Media, LJ 5/1/05) and Yahoo! to create a successful online business without needing to know web design, learn to program, or invest heavily in e-commerce.

Mansfield, Ron. Launching a Successful eBay Store. QUE: Pearson. 2006. c.361p. ISBN 0-7897-3575-X. pap. $24.99. COMPUTER BOOKS

Mansfield discusses the how-tos and advantages of setting up an eBay store, as opposed to just listing items on the service; best for volume sellers wishing to take their eBay activities to the next level. Topics range from why to set up an eBay store to how to build a brand, promote the store, and use reports. With clear discussions and broad coverage, this is appropriate for all medium and larger public libraries.

Snell, Rob. Starting a Yahoo! Business For Dummies. Wiley. 2006. c.410p. ISBN 0-7645-8873-7. pap. $24.99. COMPUTER BOOKS

For beginning to intermediate Yahoo! store owners, this is an outstanding guide to the ins and outs of creating a business, setting up a store, driving traffic, and increasing sales. Straightforward instructions and ample background clarify often-murky concepts, and tips on topics like search engine optimization will be useful to any Internet marketer or e-commerce site. Includes step-by-step instructions and thorough coverage of topics from setting up sales tax rates to using pay-per-click ads to drive traffic. Highly recommended for all public libraries.

Visual Basic

The popular Visual Basic 2005 programming language (see Computer Media, LJ 10/15/05) works with other .NET technologies. The newest 2005 version offers increased interoperability and fuller access to the underlying .NET platform. All libraries should have current guides.

MacDonald, Matthew. The Book of Visual Basic 2005: .NET Insight for Classic VB Developers. No Starch. 2006. c.490p. ISBN 1-59327-074-7. pap. $39.95. COMPUTER BOOKS

Best for those upgrading from Visual Basic 6 (or for those with some previous programming knowledge), this guide covers fundamental techniques and concepts, with pointers on where to go for further information or experimentation. Useful features include an overview of .NET and the new design environment, plus a clear explanation and examples of web services. Code is available online at www.prosetech.com.

Mostafavi, Mike. Visual Basic 2005 by Practice. Charles River. 2006. c.507p. ISBN 1-58450-441-2. pap. $49.95 with CD. COMPUTER BOOKS

For beginning to intermediate users but best for those with some programming experience, this manual aims to teach Visual Basic 2005 fundamentals through step-by-step instructions and self-study features like discussion questions, exercises, and lists of key terms. The companion CD contains source code and related files, graphics from the book in color, a video demo, and links to additional resources. For all libraries.

Patrick, Tim & John Clark Craig. Visual Basic 2005 Cookbook. O'Reilly. 2006. c.713p. ISBN 0-596-10177-5 [ISBN 978-0-596-10177-0]. pap. $49.99. COMPUTER BOOKS

This guide for advanced beginners and advanced users provides a slew of "recipes," or common real-world problems, with solutions and discussions. Most code is available online here, handy See also sections point to related recipes, and both instructions and discussions are clear and thorough. Another strong addition to the O'Reilly "Cookbook" series, this is a good choice for all medium and larger libraries.

Petroutsos, Evangelos & Acey J. Bunch. Mastering Visual Basic 2005 Express Edition. Sybex. 2006. c.720p. ISBN 0-7821-4398-9. pap. $39.99 with CD. COMPUTER BOOKS

Visual Basic Express is an easier-to-use, less full-featured, free version for newer developers. Writing for beginners and those wanting to ease into upgrading, Petroutsos and Bunch take readers from getting started with the language and Windows application development through working with databases and an overview of SQL Server 2005 Express Edition. The included CD contains Visual Basic Express and SQL Server Express; example code is available online. A useful introductory guide that is appropriate for all libraries.

Petrusha, Ron. Visual Basic 2005: The Complete Reference. Osborne: McGraw-Hill. 2006. c.874p. ISBN 0-07-226033-5. pap. $49.99. COMPUTER BOOKS

For intermediate to advanced users, especially those upgrading from earlier Visual Basic versions (differences from Visual Basic 6 are highlighted throughout). The meat of the book is found in a 565-page chapter on "language reference," which documents each current language element and provides commentary, code examples, and lists of related language elements. Also useful is an appendix highlighting new features in v. 2005. A thorough and clear reference; for all larger libraries.

Other Ideas:

Foxall, James. SAMS Teach Yourself Visual Basic 2005 in 24 Hours. SAMS. 2006. 536p. ISBN 0-672-32739-2. pap. $34.99 with CD-ROM.

Keogh, Jim. Visual Basic 2005: Your Visual Blueprint for Writing Dynamic Applications. Wiley. 2006. 307p. ISBN 0-471-79344-2. pap. $29.99.

Troelsen, Andrew. Pro VB 2005 and the .NET 2.0 Platform. 2d. ed. Apress. 2006. 1034p. ISBN 1-59059-578-5. pap. $59.99.

Wireless Networking

The guides below focus on home wireless networking, which is becoming more prevalent with the widespread adoption of broadband and with the increase in homes with multiple computers. All public libraries should pick up a recent guide.

Cohen, Michael E. AirPort & Mac Wireless Networks For Dummies. Wiley. 2006. c.378p. ISBN 0-7645-8971-7. pap. $21.99. COMPUTER BOOKS

Cohen provides step-by-step instructions for beginners on setting up home wireless networks with Mac OS X and AirPort. After focusing on setting up and securing the network, he moves into topics like using AirTunes (and other options) to stream music wirelessly and using Bonjour. Useful additional material includes "fitting in at the office" (i.e., connecting your Mac to their Windows network) and taking your Mac on the road. Good for larger public libraries and those serving Mac users.

Doherty, Jim & Neil Anderson. Home Network Security Simplified. Cisco. 2006. c.206p. ISBN 1-58720-163-1. pap. $19.99. COMPUTER BOOKS

This concise, no-nonsense beginners' guide packs in a lot of information. Chapters include using firewalls, securing your wireless network, using antivirus, updating software, locking out spyware/adware, watching out for your kids, avoiding phishing scams, creating strong passwords, backing up files, and using common sense. Extensive color screen shots, step-by-step instructions, clear diagrams, "Very Important" notes, and just enough explanation make this a highly recommended guide for all public libraries.

Habraken, Joe. Home Wireless Networking in a Snap. SAMS. 2006. c.393p. ISBN 0-672-32702-3. pap. $24.99. COMPUTER BOOKS

For beginning users, Habraken's manual covers setting up home wireless networks under Windows XP. Tabbed topic navigation and See also sections are a nice touch, as are highlighted key terms, a glossary, and step-by-step illustrated how-tos. Coverage of more advanced topics such as blocking particular Internet services/sites, taking advantage of wireless hot spots, and using command line tools is clear and useful. Additional nonwireless-specific topics include navigating Windows XP and backing up/restoring data. A good addition to all libraries.

Rachel Singer Gordon is Consulting Editor, Information Today Inc., Book Publishing Division; webmaster, LISjobs.com; and author of The NextGen Librarian's Survival Guide (ITI, 2006).