Computer Book Prepub Alert
Rachel Singer Gordon -- Library Journal, 4/1/2007
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April-June 2007
This spring and summer, publishers will continue to release titles on new Microsoft products such as Windows Vista, Microsoft Office, and Internet Information Server 7. Use these to fill in collection gaps or add material where you have been seeing demand. Mac OS X Leopard also releases this spring, so public libraries should be sure to invest in updated Leopard guides as well.
On the security front, increasing worry about securing mobile devices, laptops, and other "end-user" technologies reflects recent high-profile cases involving stolen data. Newer titles mirror this concern, focusing specifically on security outside the office walls.
Public libraries and academic institutions serving computer science programs can also look for titles that help readers build a career in IT, including updated editions of certification self-study guides, guides to new certifications (such as RFID), and books on job hunting in the technology field.
Applications
Blatner, David. Real World QuarkXPress 7. Peachpit. May 2007. 976p. ISBN 0-321-35030-8 [ISBN 978-0-321-35030-5]. pap. $49.99.
An updated guide of the best-selling QuarkXPress reference, which is required reading at many design firms and schools.
Bluttman, Ken & Wayne Freeze. Access Data Analysis Cookbook. O'Reilly. May 2007. 400p. ISBN 0-596-10122-8 [ISBN 978-0-596-10122-0]. pap. $49.99.
This shows readers how to extract and perform calculations on data in large-scale MS Access databases. It goes beyond SQL by showing ways to manipulate data with VBA, process dates and times, and reach into the Excel data analysis toolkit.
Hawley, David & Raina Hawley. Excel Hacks. O'Reilly. Jun. 2007. 352p. ISBN 0-596-52834-5 [ISBN 978-0-596-52834-8]. pap. $29.99.
Excel Hacks is a compendium of power-user tricks that will help Excel-savvy readers squeeze more out of every aspect of Excel 2007, from the new interface to new features under the hood.
Koers, Diane. Picture Yourself Learning Microsoft Office 2007. Course Technology PTR. Apr. 2007. 416p. ISBN 1-59863-378-3 [ISBN 978-1-59863-378-8]. pap. $29.99.
More than 1000 screen shots guide new PC users, new Office users, and upgraders to Office 2007.
Parker, David. Visualizing Information with Microsoft Visio 2007. Osborne/McGraw-Hill. May 2007. 500p. ISBN 0-07-148261-X [ISBN 978-0-07148261-5]. pap. $49.99.
This guide to Microsoft's data visualization application helps experienced users and business professionals master the powerful new tools and features available in Visio 2007 through practical examples and reusable templates.
Schwartz, Steve. Microsoft Office 2007 for Windows: Visual QuickStart Guide. Peachpit. Apr. 2007. 504p. ISBN 0-321-48779-6 [ISBN 978-0-321-48779-7]. pap. $24.99.
This new edition of the best-selling Office Visual QuickStart Guide offers step-by-step, task-based explanations and plenty of screen shots to get readers up to speed with the new Office tools. Software covered includes Excel, OneNote, Outlook, Outlook with Business Contact Manager, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Word.
Certification
CCDA Official Exam Certification Guide. 4th ed. Cisco Pr. Jun. 2007. 600p. ISBN 1-58720-177-1 [ISBN 978-1-58720-177-6]. $59.99.
Prepare and practice for the DESGN exam with the newest edition of the all-time best-selling book for the CCDA.
Dua, Sanjiv & Mike Meyers. Mike Meyers' Comptia RFID+ Certification Passport. Osborne/McGraw-Hill. Jun. 2007. 400p. ISBN 0-07-226366-0 [ISBN 978-0-07-226366-4]. pap. $39.99 with CD-ROM.
Here's a self-study guide to the new RFID+ certification exam; the CD-ROM contains one full practice exam and an electronic book.
Dubrawsky, Ido & Jeremy Faircloth. Security+ Study Guide. 2d ed. Syngress. Apr. 2007. 864p. ISBN 1-59749-153-5 [ISBN 978-1-59749-153-2]. pap. $59.95 with DVD.
The new edition of the market-leading Security+ Study Guide, with DVD.
Phillips, Joseph. CAPM/PMP Project Management All-in-One Exam Guide. Osborne/McGraw-Hill. May 2007. 528p. ISBN 0-07-148748-4 [ISBN 978-0-07-148748-1]. $49.99 with CD-ROM.
Centered on the Project Management Institute's Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), on which both exams are based, this guide focuses on how to interpret the vaguely written PMBOK into practical application in order to pass the associated certification.
Meyers, Mike. Mike Meyers' A+ Certification Passport. 3d ed. Osborne/McGraw-Hill. May 2007. 528p. ISBN 0-07-226308-3 [ISBN 978-0-07-226308-4]. pap. $29.99 with CD-ROM.
Completely updated for the new exams, this book focuses on only what you need to know to pass the tests. The CD-ROM features four complete practice exams, a new collection of Meyers's favorite shareware and freeware PC tools and utilities, and an electronic book.
Ranjbar, Amir. CCNP ONT Official Exam Certification Guide. Cisco Pr. May 2007. 500p. ISBN 1-58720-176-3 [ISBN 978-1-58720-176-9]. pap. $59.99.
Prepare for the all-new CCNP ONT 642-845 exam with the only official self-study guide from Cisco Press.
Digital Photography and Digital Video
Aaland, Mikkel. Photoshop RAW. O'Reilly. Jun. 2007. 224p. ISBN 0-596-51052-7 [ISBN 978-0-596-51052-7]. pap. $34.99.
More digital photographers are using the RAW output option, as most prosumer and professional digital cameras now offer the feature. This book covers the entire RAW process, from shooting and using Adobe's RAW converter plug-in to managing the images with Bridge navigation software.
King, Julie Adair. Digital Photo Projects For Dummies. Wiley. May 2007. 304p. ISBN 0-470-12101-7 [ISBN 978-0-470-12101-6]. pap. $34.99 with DVD.
This book-and-DVD package includes coverage of photo-editing basics, video training on each of the projects, and trial versions of the software needed to complete all the tasks.
Meade, Tom & Shinsaku Arima. Maya 8: The Complete Reference. Osborne/McGraw-Hill. Jun. 2007. 640p. ISBN 0-07-148596-1 [ISBN 978-0-07-148596-8]. pap. $59.99 with DVD.
Written by Maya experts who create special effects for blockbuster movies, this book includes spectacular new examples and tutorials on the new features in Maya 8.
Fun & Games
Ferrari, Mario & others. Building Robots with LEGO Mindstorms NXT. Syngress. Apr. 2007. 448p. ISBN 1-59749-152-7 [ISBN 978-1-59749-152-5]. pap. $39.95.
This updates a best-selling earlier edition to cover the new Mindstorms kit, which now includes a programming brick, USB cable, RJ11-like cables, motors, and sensors.
Miller, Michael. iPodpedia: The Ultimate iPod and iTunes Resource. QUE. Apr. 2007. 600p. ISBN 0-7897-3674-8 [ISBN 978-0-7897-3674-1]. pap. $29.99.
A comprehensive guide to all things iPod; goes beyond the basics to expose hacks, explain scripting, and let readers transform an iPod into a language translator, audio recorder, and more..
Miller, Michael. YouTube 4U. QUE. May 2007. 288p. ISBN 0-7897-3698-5 [ISBN 978-0-7897-3698-7]. pap. $19.99.
YouTube 4U is the first book to cover the popular YouTube video sharing site.
Novak, Jeannie. Play the Game: A Parent's Guide to Video Games. Course Technology PTR. Jun. 2007. 320p. ISBN 1-59863-341-4 [ISBN 978-1-59863-341-2]. pap. $29.99.
Parents will understand what kids are playing and why with this guide. It covers the latest research on both violent and educational aspects of video games as well as debunks the myths propagated by the media.
Job Searching
Dice, Inc. The Official Dice Technology Job Search Guide. Wiley. Apr. 2007. 264p. ISBN 0-470-11337-5 [ISBN 978-0-470-11337-0]. pap. $24.99.
Essential reading for technology professionals seeking a better job, changing jobs, or looking for their first job.
Mongan, John & others. Programming Interviews Exposed: Secrets to Landing Your Next Job. 2d ed. Wrox. Apr. 2007. 312p. ISBN 0-470-12167-X [ISBN 978-0-470-12167-2]. pap. $29.99.
This update of a best-selling earlier edition boasts 50 interview scenarios, and in-depth analysis of possible solutions, or ways of approaching a solution, to each.
Network Administration
Adams, Chris & Brian Frederick. How To Cheat at IIS 7 Server Administration. Syngress. Apr. 2007. 356p. ISBN 1-59749-155-1 [ISBN 978-1-59749-155-6]. pap. $49.95.
For multitasked administrators responsible for securing corporate networks and managing IIS server mitigation and administration.
Operating Systems
Ihnatko, Andy. The Mac OS X Leopard Book. Wiley. May 2007. 554p. ISBN 0-470-04173-0 [ISBN 978-0-470-04173-4]. pap. $24.99.
Here was have another update, which covers the exciting new features of Leopard and contains information and tips on everything from installing Leopard and using Spotlight to curing common problems and taking advantage of cool shortcuts.
Kanclirz, Jan. How To Cheat at Microsoft Vista Administration. Syngress. Jun. 2007. 448p. ISBN 1-59749-174-8 [ISBN 978-1-59749-174-7]. pap. $49.95.
This new book in the series provides network administrators with an easy-to-absorb guide to Microsoft Vista.
McCallister, Michael. openSUSE Linux Unleashed. SAMS. May 2007. 960p. ISBN 0-672-32945-X [ISBN 978-0-672-32945-6]. pap. $49.99.
This one helps readers make the most of their SUSE Linux systems.
Pogue, David. Mac OS X Leopard: The Missing Manual. O'Reilly. May 2007. 800p. ISBN 0-596-52952-X [ISBN 978-0-596-52952-9]. pap. $34.99.
An update of an earlier edition with information on the new Mac OS X Leopard.
Philosophy
Berkun, Scott. The Myths of Innovation. O'Reilly. May 2007. 320p. ISBN 0-596-52705-5 [ISBN 978-0-596-52705-1]. $24.99.
By researching past innovations in technology, business, and science, Berkun shows how those innovations were achieved and how readers can follow suit. There is also coverage of where the next "big ideas" come from and why hot new technologies either succeed or fail.
Montgomery, Kathryn C. Generation Digital: Politics, Commerce, and Childhood in the Age of the Internet. MIT Pr. May 2007. 368p. ISBN 0-262-13478-0 [ISBN 978-0-262-13478-1]. $29.95.
This book covers the role that today's youth plays in the emerging digital media culture: as consumers targeted by marketing campaigns, as creators of their own digital culture, and as political participants.
Programming
Cadenhead, Rogers & Laura Lemay. SAMS Teach Yourself Java 6 in 21 Days. 5th ed. SAMS. May 2007. 800p. ISBN 0-672-32943-3 [ISBN 978-0-672-32943-2]. pap. $44.99.
An updated edition of a best-selling Java tutorial is revised to cover new developments and expand coverage of core topics.
Elst, Peter with Sas Jacobs & Todd Yard. Object-Oriented ActionScript 3.0. Friends of Ed. Jun. 2007. 500p. ISBN 1-59059-845-8 [ISBN 978-1-59059-845-0]. pap. $44.99.
This title takes programming beginners through the complete development cycle of object-oriented Flash applications and services using ActionScript 3.0
Fitzgerald, Michael. Learning Ruby. O'Reilly. May 2007. 400p. ISBN 0-596-52986-4 [ISBN 978-0-596-52986-4]. pap. $34.99.
A first step for less-experienced programmers interested in learning Ruby; walks readers through basic structures and demonstrates their use with practical examples, including Rails examples.
Spence, Colin & Michael Noel. Microsoft SharePoint 2007 Unleashed. SAMS. Apr. 2007. 900p. ISBN 0-672-32947-6 [ISBN 978-0-672-32947-0]. pap. $59.99.
A thorough revision of the best-selling book on SharePoint, Microsoft's increasingly popular set of collaboration technologies.
Steinmetz, William & Brian Ward. Wicked Cool PHP: Real-World Scripts That Make Difficult Things Possible. No Starch. Jun. 2007. 304p. ISBN 1-59327-102-6 [ISBN 978-1-59327-102-2]. pap. $34.95.
Not a basic step-by-step guide, this title provides scripts that can be implemented immediately to make programmers' lives easier. There are scripts for processing credit cards, getting live shipping quotes, and accepting PayPal payments online.
Security
Hoffman, Daniel. Blackjacking: Security Threats to Blackberries, PDAs, and Cell Phones in the Enterprise. Wiley. Apr. 2007. 336p. ISBN 0-470-12754-6 [ISBN 978-0-470-12754-4]. pap. $39.99.
As mobile devices become increasingly vital to business, they become a prime target for malicious hackers; this book helps security professionals combat the threat.
Kadrich, Mark. Endpoint Security. Addison-Wesley Professional. Apr. 2007. 400p. ISBN 0-321-43695-4 [ISBN 978-0-321-43695-5]. pap. $54.99.
This book addresses how companies can keep malware at bay by securing the desktops, laptops, PDAs, and other network endpoint equipment today's workers use.
Web Design/Development
Andrew, Rachel. The CSS Anthology: 101 Essential Tips, Tricks & Hacks. 2d ed. Sitepoint. Jun. 2007. 400p. ISBN 0-9758419-8-X [ISBN 978-0-9758419-8-3]. pap. $39.95. This updated, full-color edition of a best-selling Q&A book on CSS has been revised to address the latest browsers and newest techniques.
Davis, Scott. GIS for Web Developers: Adding "Where" to Your Web Applications. Pragmatic. Apr. 2007. 250p. ISBN 0-9745140-9-8 [ISBN 978-0-9745140-9-3]. pap. $34.95.
This book points to free geographic data to geoenable your web applications.
Powers, Shelley. Adding Ajax. O'Reilly. Jun. 2007. 352p. ISBN 0-596-52936-8 [ISBN 978-0-596-52936-9]. pap. $34.99.
For intermediate to advanced web developers, this shows how to add Ajax to existing projects rather than starting from scratch.
VanDyk, John & Matt Westgate. Pro Drupal Development. Apress. Apr. 2007. 375p. ISBN 1-59059-755-9 [ISBN 978-1-59059-755-2]. pap. $44.99.
The popular Drupal CMS lets developers create community-driven sites, including blogs, forums, wiki-style sites, and much more; find information here on customizing Drupal installations.
