Computer Book Prepub Alert

By Maura Deedy, Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT -- Library Journal, 1/3/2008 2:54:00 PM

The online world continues to evolve, and new guides covering Facebook, Google Documents, tagging, and managing online profiles will appeal to librarians and their patrons who want to dig deeper into the latest trends. Digital photography still grows as a hobby, and guides that cover the latest cameras and software will appeal to amateur photographers.

Programmers will welcome the latest releases on VB 2008, C# 2008, and .NET 3.5, as well as books that tackle the latest in Microsoft developments from Vista to Windows Presentation Foundation. Add these updated guides where previous versions have circulated. Gaming and Web 2.0 development titles will interest more advanced users.

Expect new releases from publishers covering the latest Mac OS, Leopard, and the new features included in this release, as well as coverage of the latest iPods and iPhone. Updated guides covering Microsoft programs are safe additions, especially those targeting a senior population or discussing security concerns, as well as how to maximize the newest features in Vista.

Certification

Carroll, Brandon James. CCSP SNPA Quick Reference. Cisco Pr. (Digital Short Cut). Feb. 2008. 100p. ISBN 978-1-58705-542-3. PDF file. $19.99.
Fact-filled Quick Reference Sheets on CCSP SNPA Certification will help candidates get all-important information at a glance on areas of weakness and enhance memory retention of important concepts.

Jang, Michael. Mike Meyers’ CompTIA Linux+™ Certification Passport. Osborne/McGraw-Hill. Mar. 2008. 496p. ISBN 978-0-07-154671-3. pap. $39.99 with CD-ROM.
This study guide for the Linux+ certification exam focuses on what is needed to pass the test. The accompanying CD-ROM includes a practice exam as well as an electronic copy of the book.

McQuerry, Steve. Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices, Part 2 (ICND2). Cisco Pr. Mar. 2008. 600p. ISBN 978-1-58705-463-1. pap. $60.
Patrons will learn the foundations for the CCNA ICND with this Cisco-authorized self-study guide.

Smith, Elizabeth H. & Robin Graham. CompTIA A+ Windows Simulator. Exam Cram: QUE. Jan. 2008. 32p. ISBN 978-0-7897-3776-2. pap. $75 with CD-ROM.
Help your patrons prepare for the A+ exams (Essentials, 220–602, –603, and –604) by practicing with a simulation on Windows software skills.

 Databases

Agarwal, Vidya Vrat & James Huddleston. Beginning VB 2008 Databases: From Novice to Professional. Apress. Mar. 2008. 550p. ISBN 978-1-59059-947-1. pap. $42.99.
This text is revised and upgraded for .Net 2.0. Patrons will learn about relational databases, SQL, and ADO.NET 2.0; they will get a sound start in developing console and Windows database applications.

Klein, Scott. Professional LINQ. Wrox. Jan. 2008. 500p. ISBN 978-0470-04181-9. pap. $49.99.
Experienced programmers and database developers will lean how LINQ can develop tools to access and extend information in their databases using object-oriented programming techniques using their native VB or C# languages.

Lee, Barney & Michael McLaughlin. Oracle Database AJAX & PHP Web Development. Osborne/McGraw-Hill. Mar. 2008. 512p. ISBN 978-0-07-150277-1. pap. $49.99.
For Oracle developers, this book shows how to develop advanced applications that are easy to maintain using AJAX and PHP.

Scott, John & Scott Spendolini. Pro Oracle Application Express. Apress. Mar. 2008. 500p. ISBN 978-1-59059-827-6. pap. $49.99.
Scott and Spendolini are experts with APEX, an application development framework for developing database-backed applications. They show users how to develop powerful applications like user-authentication models, integrating Ajax, and dealing with localization concerns.

Graphics, Design, & Multimedia

Cawood, Stephen & Mark Fiala. Augmented Reality: A Practical Guide. Pragmatic Bookshelf. Jan. 2008. 320p. ISBN 978-1-9343560-3-6. pap. $34.95.
Augmented reality combines real and virtual reality, creating the illusion of computer-generated objects that exist in the read world. This book will teach game development and augmented-reality creation.

Johnson, Dave. How To Do Everything: Digital Camera. 5th ed. Osborne/McGraw-Hill. Mar. 2008. 416p. ISBN 978-0-07-149580-6. pap. $24.99.
This latest edition covers the most current digital cameras, including new digital SLRs and updated image-editing software, as well as photo sharing services. Readers will also get guidance on composing, organizing, storing, editing, and sharing pictures.

Johnson, Steve & Perspection Inc. Adobe Photoshop Elements 6.0 On Demand. QUE. Feb. 2008. 576p. ISBN 978-0-7897-3787-8. pap. $34.99.
Libraries will want to add this updated guide with full-color, task-based tutorial that takes the reader through all they need to know to use Photoshop Elements to its fullest. The end-of-the-book workshop provides a unique experience where patrons can put into practice the tasks they have learned.

King, Julie Adair. Nikon D40 For Dummies. Wiley. Mar. 2008. 336p. ISBN 978-0470-23946-9. pap. $29.99.
The D40 is a popular entry-level Nikon digital SLR camera, and this For Dummies book is perfect for novice users who want to get the most out of their camera.

Nickull, Duane & others. Web 2.0 Design Patterns. O’Reilly. Feb. 2008. 304p. ISBN 978-0-596-51443-3. pap. $34.99.
For information architects and entrepreneurs, this book examines several high-profile Web 2.0 companies, which leaves readers with insight into models and the architecture and patterns of successful Web 2.0 sites.

O’Brien, Paul & Tommy Olsson. CSS: The Ultimate Reference. SitePoint. Jan. 2008. 300p. ISBN 978-0-9802858-5-7. pap. $39.95.
Here we have a complete and up-to-date reference guide on CSS in full color, with everything users need to know about browser compatibility, known bugs, and useful hacks.

Orwig, Chris. Adobe Photoshop CS3 How-Tos: 100 Essential Techniques. Adobe Pr. Jan. 2008. 288p. ISBN 978-0-321-50904-8. pap. $24.99.
This book showcases popular Photoshop CS3 features in a stand-alone tip, with a hint or two and a graphic showing the outcome. Readers will explore the program in a practical manner and learn just what they need to know.

Sherman, Gary E. Desktop GIS: Mapping the Planet with Open Source. Pragmatic Bookshelf. Mar. 2008. 360p. illus. ISBN 978-1-9343560-6-7. pap. $34.95.
With illustrations and examples, this title will help the novice and the experienced GIS user get off the ground using open-source GIS mapping programs from the desktop.

Story, Derrick. The Digital Photography Companion. O’Reilly. Mar. 2008. 250p. ISBN 978-0-596-51766-3. pap. $24.99.
Story, a popular photography blogger, fills this book with helpful advice for taking great pictures instead of just snapshots. It includes information on the types of digital cameras available, how the digital camera controls work, and what to do with your photographs, including managing and printing.

Online Life

Beal, Andy & Judy Strauss. Radically Transparent: Monitoring and Managing Reputations Online. Wiley. Mar. 2008. 300p. ISBN 978-0470-19082-1. pap. $29.99.
Here’s a complete resource for monitoring, managing, building, and repairing online reputations. There are step-by-step instructions for developing four skill areas (public relations, search-engine optimization, research, and online content creation), then applying those skills to create online content. Also included are research results, anecdotal evidence, and practical strategies.

Crowe, Elizabeth. Genealogy Online. 8th ed. Osborne/McGraw-Hill. Mar. 2008. ISBN 978-0-07-149931-6. pap. $24.99.
Updated to include new web sites and resources, this book will assist patrons embarking on genealogical projects exploring their family roots. It will help readers organize their search, strategize a starting point, and organize and track their research.

Feiler, Jesse. How To Do Everything: Facebook Applications. Osborne/McGraw-Hill. Mar. 2008. 288p. ISBN 978-0-07-154967-7. pap. $29.99.
Learn how to design your own Facebook Application, integrate it with web sites, and market a cause or sell a product. A customizable application is available for download, and the book also covers the technologies involved: Facebook Platform API, FQL, FBML, and REST.

Gobbi, Rodolfo & Marcelo Marques. Hackerteen. O’Reilly. Mar. 2008. 100p. ISBN 978-0-596-51647-5. pap. $19.99.
For the digital generation, this unique graphic novel explores basic computing and Internet topics, including victimization, spyware, phishing, and other online dangers. Although it is written primarily for teens, parents and teachers might find the book useful.

Lenssen, Philipp. Google Office Hacks. O’Reilly. Feb. 2008. 304p. ISBN 978-0-596-51588-1. pap. $29.99.
Users will find hacks and workarounds for this increasingly popular online suite of applications. In addition to the productivity tools, Picasa, Google Analytics, Blogger, and other tools are covered.

Smith, Gene. Tagging: People-Powered Metadata for the Social Web. New Riders. Jan. 2008. 216p. ISBN 978-0-321-52917-6. pap. $39.99.
Tagging allows users to organize and manage digital content in a way that makes sense to them. An introduction that explains the value of tagging, how it works and ways it can be used, and explores issues of usability and online community.

Vander Veer, E.A. Facebook: The Missing Manual. O’Reilly. Jan. 2008. 304p. ISBN 978-0-596-51769-4. pap. $19.99.
Look inside the wildly popular social networking site that continues to innovate. With full-color photos, users will learn how to use Facebook to connect with family, friends, and colleagues; post media to their profiles; search for jobs; and much more.

Programming

Benedettelli, Daniele. Creating Cool MINDSTORMS NXT Robots. Apress. Mar. 2008. 500p. ISBN 978-1-59059-966-2. pap. $34.99.
Your users don’t have to be programmers to build robots from scratch. This guide provides code for beginners and increases in difficulty for those experienced in building robots.

Clark, Mike. Advanced Rails Recipes: 72 New Ways To Build Stunning Rails Apps. Pragmatic Bookshelf. Mar. 2008. 300p. ISBN 978-0-9787392-2-5. pap. $32.95.
This is a collection of practical recipes for creating topnotch Rails applications. Learn from the pros on how to solve tough problems using Rails 2.0 features and up-to-date techniques to create stunning web applications.

DeVries, Derek & Mike Naberezny. Rails for PHP Developers. Pragmatic Bookshelf. Feb. 2008. 430p. ISBN 978-1-9343560-4-3. pap. $34.95.
An introduction to Ruby and Rails from two PHP developers’ perspectives, this can be used to leverage one’s existing knowledge of PHP to learn Rails applications quickly.

Dyer, Russell. MySQL in a Nutshell. O’Reilly. Mar. 2008. 400p. ISBN 978-0-596-51433-4. pap. $34.99.
This updated guide contains information on the latest version 5.1, covering new features and language interfaces. It will serve as a handy reference for all levels of users.

DuPont, Andrew. Practical Prototype and Script.aculo.us. Apress. Mar. 2008. 350p. ISBN 978-1-59059-919-8. pap. $39.99.
Prototype and script.aculo.us are among the most popular JavaScript libraries, and this book will increase patrons’ day-to-day productivity.

Gross, Christian. Beginning VB 2008: From Novice to Professional. Apress. Jan. 2008. 600p. ISBN 978-1-59059-938-9. pap. $39.99.
Gross walks readers through the VB 2008 coding environment, teaching them everything they need to know about SQL, ADO.NET 2.0, and relational databases. Updated for .NET 2.0, code-heavy, and useful across many .NET projects.

Lobão, Alexandre Santos & others. Beginning XNA Game Programming: From Novice to Professional. Apress. Mar. 2008. 350p. ISBN 978-1-59059-924-2. pap. $39.99.
This quick-start guide will introduce users to XNA and C# language to create their own games to run on PCs and the XBox 360. Users will develop a firm grasp of the key concepts required to develop professional-looking games.

MacDonald, Matthew. Pro WPF in C# 2008: Windows Presentation Foundation with .NET 3.5. 2d ed. Apress. Feb. 2008. 1000p. ISBN 978-1-59059-955-6. pap. $54.99.
This updated edition will help users develop high-quality Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) applications in no time. WPF basics, applications, and advanced controls are covered.

Moroney, Laurence. Beginning Web Development, Silverlight 1.1, and ASP.NET AJAX: From Novice to Professional. Apress. Mar. 2008. 400p. ISBN 978-1-59059-959-4. pap. $44.99.
Users will attain the skills needed to develop web applications with Microsoft’s next-generation technology as quickly as possible with a solid understanding of the tools available and when to use them.

Resnick, Steve & others. Essential Windows Communication Foundation (WCF). Addison-Wesley Professional. Feb. 2008. 500p. ISBN 978-0-321-44006-8. pap. $49.99.
For Windows Communication Foundation (WCF) users, this book provides practical solutions to key questions through reference and tutorials.

Secrets of the Rock Star Programmers: Riding the IT Crest. Osborne/McGraw-Hill. Mar. 2008. 300p. ed. by Ed Burns. ISBN 978-0-07-149083-2. pap. $24.99.
Through interviews with “rock star” programmers, readers will learn about staying ahead of the curve and how to spot emerging trends, not to mention leveraging skills to their advantage.

Smart, John. Java Power Tools. O’Reilly. Mar. 2008. 704p. ISBN 978-0-596-52793-8. pap. $59.99.
Each chapter covers one of 30 different open-source tools, from building systems to version control to integration, to help improve development practices.

Solis, Daniel. Illustrated C# 2008: From Novice to Professional. Apress. Feb. 2008. 660p. illus. ISBN 978-1-59059-954-9. pap. $42.99.
This illustrated book will suit novice programmers interested in learning C# as well as Visual Basic and C++ programmers who are interested in moving on to C#. Diagrams, code samples, and figures make for a simple visual format.

Steinmetz, William & Brian Ward. Wicked Cool PHP: Real-World Scripts That Solve Difficult Problems. No Starch. Feb. 2008. 232p. ISBN 978-1-59327-173-2. pap. $34.95.
This book focuses on unique PHP scripts that can be implemented right away to solve problems and simplify tasks. Security concerns, blocking spammers, annoying behavior, and serving dynamic forms are also covered.

Troelsen, Andrew. Pro VB 2008 and the .NET 3.5 Platform. Apress. Mar. 2008. 1400p. ISBN 978-1-59059-822-1. pap. $59.99.
Troelsen is a leading .NET authority; this third edition has complete coverage of all the new .NET 3.5 features, including WPF, WCF, and WF. Users will gain familiarity with all the core aspects of .NET and a solid foundation of programming using VB.

Yee, Raymond. Pro Web 2.0 Mashups: Remixing Data and Web Services. Apress. Feb. 2008. 475p. ISBN 978-1-59059-858-0. pap. $49.99.
Learn how to create dynamic and useful real-world applications using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Ajax, server-side languages, APIs, and libraries.

Zygmuntowicz, Ezra & others. Deploying Rails Applications: A Step-by-Step Guide. Pragmatic Bookshelf. Mar. 2008. 300p. ISBN 978-0-9787392-0-1. pap. $34.95.
This guide will assist patrons in developing Rails projects with advice from experts. They will learn how to optimize Rails projects for speed and understand the theory behind developing technologies from those who have built large Rails applications.

Security

Bhaiji, Yusuf. Network Security Technologies and Solutions. Cisco Pr. (CCIE Professional Development). Mar. 2008. 900p. ISBN 978-1-58705-246-0. pap. $80.
Here’s an all-in-one, easy-to-follow reference for Cisco network security. The coverage is broad, but it will be deep enough to provide implementation guidelines for users.

Huang, Quiang & others. SSL Remote Access VPNs. Cisco Pr. Mar. 2008. 400p. ISBN 978-1-58705-242-2. pap. $50.
For beginning to intermediate network professionals, this is an introduction to designing and configuring SSL Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). Topics include the advantages and disadvantages of various VPNs and strategies for choosing one technology over another.

Hucaby, David. Cisco Firewall Video Mentor. Cisco Pr. Mar. 2008. 75p. ISBN 978-1-58720-198-1. pap. $69.99 with CD-ROM.
Watch over the shoulder of a Cisco Firewall expert as he tackles complicated tasks. There are over five hours of personal instruction on ASA and FWSM firewall configuration tasks.

Servers

Dewson, Robin. Beginning SQL Server 2008 for Developers: From Novice to Professional. Apress. Mar. 2008. 550p. ISBN 978-1-59059-958-7. pap. $49.99.
Users will learn the basics of installing SQL Server 2008 and navigating Management Studio before mastering fundamental SQL Server 2008 tasks.

Hudson, Andrew & Paul Hudson. Fedora Unleashed. 2008 ed. SAMS. Feb. 2008. 936p. ISBN 978-0-672-32977-7. pap. $49.99 with DVD.
Look here for up-to-date coverage of the latest release of Red Hat’s Fedora Core Linux distribution, the architecture of the Linux kernel, and Fedora’s software packages.

Morimoto, Rand & others. Windows Server 2008 Unleashed. SAMS. Feb. 2008. 1608p. ISBN 978-0-672-32930-2. pap. $59.99 with CD-ROM.
This covers the latest Windows release with practical information for planning, designing, implementing, administrating, and debugging a Windows Server 2008 environment. As with all “Unleashed” books, the chapters here are topical, so users can easily find immediate answers.

Meyler, Kerrie & others. Microsoft System Center Operations Manager 2007 Unleashed. SAMS. Mar. 2008. 984p. ISBN 978-0-672-32955-5. pap. $59.99 with CD-ROM.
This comprehensive guide serves up essential information on planning, installing, and implementing OpsMgr 2007. With utilities on CD-ROM.

Apple

Barker, William & Charles Stephen Edge, Jr. Foundations of Mac OS X Leopard Security. Apress. Mar. 2008. 400p. ISBN 978-1-59059-989-1. pap. $39.99.
This book is for both home users and security professionals who want to ensure they are running a secure Mac OS platform.

Elferdink, Jim. Office 2008 for Macintosh: The Missing Manual. Pogue Pr: O’Reilly. Mar. 2008. 800p. ISBN 978-0-596-51431-0. pap. $34.99.
Here’s an updated guide for the latest edition of Office 2008 for Macintosh users. With four mini books covering each of the major applications, readers will get powerful instruction and guidance to maximize the features.

Hart-Davis, Guy. How To Do Everything: iPod & iTunes. 4th ed. Osborne/McGraw-Hill. Jan. 2008. 544p. ISBN 978-0-07-226387-9. pap. $24.99.
This book has been updated to cover the latest generation of iPods, including the iPod touch and iPhone. Learn how to add accessories and applications, download and play videos and podcasts, and maximize the iTunes library.

Pogue, David & Derrick Story. iPhoto ’08: The Missing Manual. Jan. 2008. Pogue Pr: O’Reilly. 400p. ISBN 978-0-596-51618-5. pap. $34.99.
Pogue takes readers through the updates to the new version of iPhoto, showing undocumented tips and tricks to make the most of digital photos.

Pogue, David. Switching to the Mac: The Missing Manual. Leopard ed. Pogue Pr: O’Reilly. Feb. 2008. 552p. ISBN 978-0-596-51412-9. pap. $29.99.
Pogue guides Mac newcomers through three major hurdles: transferring files, configuring Mac programs to behave as they did in Windows, and navigating the Mac OS X interface.

Spivey, Dwight. How To Do Everything: Mac. Osborne/McGraw-Hill. Mar. 2008. 484p. ISBN 978-0-07-150272-6. pap. $24.99.
Tutorials will bring Mac users up to speed on the latest tools and upgrades in Mac OS X Leopard. Learn about the latest features, e.g., Spaces, Time Machine, iLife, as well as running Windows on a Mac and networking in a mixed environment.

Sadun, Erica. Taking Your iPod Touch to the Max. Apress. Mar. 2008. 250p. ISBN 978-1-59059-987-7. pap. $24.99.
An expert at hacking devices, Sadun delivers an easy-to-read introduction about the basics and then reveals undocumented tricks and how to get the most out of your iPod Touch.

Wang, Wallace. My New Mac: 50 Simple Projects To Get You Started. No Starch. Mar. 2008. 504p. ISBN 978-1-59327-164-0. pap. $29.95.
A dynamic project-oriented approach that teaches new Mac users how to use the applications by doing things with them.

Microsoft Office & Windows Vista

DeMarco, Jim. Pro Excel 2007 VBA. Apress. Mar. 2008. 400p. ISBN 978-1-59059-957-0. pap. $42.99.
This guide covers all the new features in Excel 2007 for creating Excel VBA applications. Users will quickly become experts in developing automated forms for data collection, manipulating lists and web-based data, and integrating with other Office applications.

Lal, Rajesh. Create Killer Microsoft Windows Vista Sidebar Gadgets Using HTML, CSS, and AJAX. SAMS. Mar. 2008. 528p. ISBN 978-0-672-32968-5. pap. $34.99.
The Sidebar Gadget is one of the cool new features of Windows Vista. The tutorials here will help readers design and develop four never-before-seen gadgets.

Mueller, Scott & Brian Knittel. Upgrading and Repairing Microsoft Windows. 2d ed. QUE. Feb. 2008. 800p. ISBN 978-0-7897-3695-6. pap. $49.99 with DVD.
PC expert Mueller offers updated sections on installation, managing security and virus protection, recovering data, and more. Includes a DVD with two hours of additional assistance.

Muir, Nancy C. Computers for Seniors For Dummies. Wiley. Mar. 2008. 240p. ISBN 978-0470-24055-7. pap. $19.99.
Featuring a larger font size and figures, this easy-to-read book was written for new computer owners who are over the age of 50. Taking a gentle, step-by-step approach, the book starts with the basics of turning the computer on and using the keyboard and mouse before moving to navigating Vista.

Walker, Andy. Windows Lockdown!: Your XP and Vista Guide Against Hacks, Attacks and Other Internet Mayhem. QUE. Feb. 2008. 452p. ISBN 978-0-7897-3672-7. pap. $24.99.
Windows users will be interested in this title to secure their computer against hackers, spammers, and identity thieves.