Computer Book Prepub Alert

By Maura Deedy, Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT -- Library Journal, 7/2/2008 3:41:00 PM

Personal computers are morphing into entertainment and production centers of social media. As a result, plan on purchasing titles on the home recording of music, which will be popular with local musicians. Many publishers are releasing new books on marketing over social networks. Libraries with business collections may be interested in adding these works for their tech-savvy entrepreneurs.

Books on technology trends will ensure a current collection. Mobile computing continues to grow in popularity, and books on developing Google Map mashups or social web applications will be of interest to novice and professional web developers. Note also the appearance of instructional DVDs; larger libraries may consider.

Updated repair and how-to guides will circulate, to be sure. Scott Mueller—the go-to expert for upgrading and repairing all things PC—has several books coming out in the next quarter. Books on programming languages C# and Python will appeal to advanced users. Teens and new programmers might be interested in learning more about Scratch, a programming language that is easy and fun to learn.

Certification | Databases | Graphics | Online Life | OS | Programming | Security | Marketing | Servers | Office

Certification

Mueller, Scott & Brian Knittel. Upgrading and Repairing Microsoft Windows. 3d ed. QUE. Aug. 2008. 800p. ISBN 978-0-78973-695-6. $49.99 with DVD.
Libraries with earlier editions will want to update with the latest from Mueller.

Donohue, Denise & others. CCNP Quick Reference. Cisco Press. Jun. 2008. 384p. ISBN 978-1-58720-236-0. pap. $29.99.
Test takers will appreciate this book's accessible reference format. They will find a concise review of key exam topics in a detailed "cram"-style format.

Miller, David R. & Paul A. Mancuso. MCITP 70–623 Exam Cram. QUE. Jul. 2008. 456p. ISBN 978-0-78973-720-5. pap. $39.99 with CD-ROM.
Users will want to prepare for the new MCITP 70–623 Microsoft Vista certification with late-stage study and preparation tools.

Poulton, Donald. MCTS 70–640 Exam Cram. QUE. Sept. 2008. 600p. ISBN 978-0-78973-791-5. pap. $39.99 with CD-ROM.
Patrons studying for the MCTS 70–640 Windows Server 2008 Active Directory will here find proven preparation and practice tools.

Soper, Mark Edward & Scott Mueller. Upgrading and Repairing PCs: A+ Essentials, 220–603, 220–603 and 220–604 Study Guide. QUE. Oct. 2008. 900p. ISBN 978-0-78973-670-3. pap. $49.99.
Comprehensive A+ preparation from best-selling author Mueller.

Databases

Anderson, George W. & others. SAMS Teach Yourself SAP in 24 Hours. SAMS. Aug. 2008. 440p. ISBN 978-0-13714-284-2. pap. $39.99.
Novices will quickly and efficiently master basic SAP functions and understand the code modules in 24 lessons.

Feiler, Jesse. The Bento Book. QUE. Oct. 2008. 256p. ISBN 978-0-78973-812-7. pap. $24.99.
Bento is a personal database program from FileMakerPro that runs on Mac OS X. Users can get organized with ready-to-use templates to manage contacts and events, track projects, and prioritize tasks.

FitzGerald, Neil. Crystal Reports 2008 Official Guide. SAMS. Sept. 2008. 960p. ISBN 978-0-67232-989-0. pap. $59.99.
Libraries will want to update Crystal Reports guides where previous versions have circulated.

Oppel, Andy & Robert Sheldon. SQL: A Beginner’s Guide. 3d ed. Osborne/McGraw-Hill. Sept. 2008. 575p. ISBN 978-0-07154-864-9. pap. $39.99.
Database professionals and programmers will find helpful information on how to use SQL. They'll learn to enter, update, and retrieve database data and perform management and admin functions.

Patrick, John J. SQL Fundamentals. 3d ed. Prentice Hall Professional. Sept. 2008. 832p. ISBN 978-0-13712-602-6. pap. $59.99.
This updated edition gives users a hands-on, real-world guide to mastering SQL. Libraries will want to update where previous guides have been popular. The companion web site contains all the SQL code from the book and databases for several versions of Access and Oracle.

Rosenzweig, Benjamin & Elena Silvestrova Rakhimov. Oracle PL/SQL by Example. Prentice Hall Professional. Aug. 2008. 850p. ISBN 978-0-13714-422-8. pap. $59.99.
With extensive exercises, examples, and projects, readers will develop the skills to develop PL/SQL.

Graphics, Design, & Multimedia

Allen, Arnold & others. The Essential Guide to Open Source Flash Development. Apress. Jul. 2008. 350p. ISBN 978-1-4302-0993-5. pap. $46.99.
Open-source tools continue to be a popular alternative to proprietary software. This guide will have readers creating Flash applications with open-source flash tools and workflows.

Andrew, Rachel. Everything You Know About CSS is Wrong! SitePoint. Oct. 2008. 200p. ISBN 978-0-9804552-2-9. pap. $34.95.
The web is constantly transforming, and web developers need to be on top of the latest approaches to coding. This guide teaches the current CSS techniques for layout and how to code for older browsers, plus sketches what the future looks like for CSS.

Gottlieb, Gary & Paul Hennerich. Recording on the Go: The Definitive Guide to Live Recording. Course Technology PTR. N/A. 2008. 400p. ISBN 978-1-59863-501-8. pap. $44.99.
Both patrons and librarians will be interested in this book designed to be a comprehensive guide of the mobile recording process. Users will learn about planning, using the right equipment, recording, and editing the results.

Rand-Hendriksen, Morten. SAMS Teach Yourself Microsoft Expression Web 2 in 24 Hours. SAMS. Oct. 2008. 544p. ISBN 978-0-67233-029-2. pap. $29.99.
Microsoft Expression Web has replaced FrontPage in the Microsoft productivity suite. This book will teach users how to build a standard-based web site right, the first time.

Rebholz, Gary. The Complete Home Music Recording Starter Kit. QUE. Sept. 2008. 384p. ISBN 978-0-78973-811-0. $34.99 with DVD.
Rebholz, who has over 25 years of experience as a songwriter and musician, shares with budding musicians how to set up and start recording at home inexpensively. This book will be useful for musicians who are interested in a DIY approach and those who want to share songs over social networks or for whom traditional studios are out of reach.

Soper, Mark Edward. Unleashing Microsoft Windows Vista Media Center. QUE. Sept. 2008. 600p. ISBN 978-0-78973-671-0. $34.99.
For both beginners and experienced users, this book will hold forth on the new and improved features so readers may experience movies, photos, television, and games in a whole new way.

Young, Michael & Michael Purvis. Practical Google Maps Mashups with Google Mapplets, GeoRSS and KML. Apress. Sept. 2008. 350p. ISBN 978-1-4302-1029-0. pap. $34.99.
Have an idea for a Google map mashup and not sure where to start? This book will quickly get readers creating applications and publishing them on maps.google.com. Aimed at users who are already familiar with web development technologies.

Online Life

Biafore, Bonnie. Quicken 2009: The Missing Manual. O'Reilly. Oct. 2008. 432p. ISBN 978-0-59652-248-3. pap. $24.99.
The "Missing Manual" series picks up where the user manuals leave off. Readers will learn how to take care of financial tasks, create budgets, generate reports, and evaluate financial fitness.

Brewer, Dennis C. Picture Yourself Networking Your Home or Small Office: Step-by-Step Instruction for Designing, Installing, and Managing a Wired or Wireless Computer Network. Course Technology PTR. Sept. 2008. 320p. ISBN 978-1-59863-557-7. pap. $24.99 with DVD.
Using a visual tutorial style, patrons will learn how to set up and wire a home or small office network. Readers are guided step by step through the equipment and tools needed, wiring and installation, and configuration of software with detailed diagrams and pictures. The DVD includes video segments of the skills and steps detailed in the book.

Burnette, Ed. Hello, Android: Introducing Google's Mobile Development Platform. Pragmatic Bookshelf. Oct. 2008. 200p. ISBN 978-1-9343561-7-3. pap. $32.95.
Mobile computing is a growing technology trend; enter Android, a software stack that includes an OS and applications. It has the ubiquity of cell phones and the excitement of open-source software, with the backing of Google and other Open Handset Alliance members. This book will get readers up to speed on the latest developments.

Langer, Maria. Quicken 2009: The Official Guide. Osborne/McGraw-Hill. Oct. 2008. 656p. ISBN 978-0-07159-948-1. pap. $24.99.
This updated guide has insider tips and information on all the new and improved features of Quicken. Libraries will want to update where other guides have circulated.

Operating Systems

Orloff, Jeffrey. How To Do Everything: Ubuntu. Osborne/McGraw-Hill. Aug. 2008. 350p. ISBN 978-0-0-7154-936-3. pap. $24.99.
This book seeks to address the common fears people have about switching to Ubuntu. Step-by-step tutorials will lead users through the process of installing and using the operating system.

Petersen, Richard. Ubuntu Linux: The Complete Reference. Osborne/McGraw-Hill. Sept. 2008. 768p. ISBN 978-0-07159-846-0. pap. $49.99.
A comprehensive guide covering all aspects of Ubuntu, this walks readers through installing and configuring the operating system, configuring the shell, and implementing security. Libraries will want to update where previous guides have circulated.

Programming

Ballard, Phil & Michael Moncur. SAMS Teach Yourself Ajax, JavaScript, and PHP All in One. SAMS. Jul. 2008. 408p. ISBN 978-0-67232-965-4. pap. $39.99 with CD-ROM.
With step-by-step tutorials, readers will learn how these technologies work together to create dynamic web applications. The CD-ROM has all the software tools, libraries, and source files that readers will need to develop their own basic yet functioning applications.

Dees, Ian. Scripted GUI Testing with Ruby. Pragmatic Bookshelf. Aug. 2008. 200p. ISBN 978-1-9343561-8-0. pap. $34.95.
Users looking to test a user interface can turn to Ruby to build a test frame that will fit their problem. Ruby testing will work across operating systems, and users will see how to test reliably with information on writing clear code and organizing tests.

Forcier, Jeffrey & others. Python Web Development with Django. Addison-Wesley Professional. Oct. 2008. 350p. ISBN 978-0-13235-613-8. pap. $44.99.
Patrons who want to develop web-based applications with Django, a Python framework, will find best practices in this book.

Ford, Jerry Lee. Scratch Programming for Teens. Course Technology PTR. Jul. 2008. 288p. ISBN 978-1-59863-536-2. pap. $29.99 with CD-ROM.
Novice programmers may look to start programming with Scratch, a language developed by MIT to make programming easier to learn. Scratch can be used to create games, interactive stories, animation, and other multimedia projects. Novice programmers will learn the principles and techniques that will help them learn other programming languages, too.

Ghosh, Jit & Michael Scherotter. Silverlight 2 Recipes: A Problem-Solution Approach. Apress. Aug. 2008. 400p. ISBN 978-1-59059-977-8. pap. $42.99.
Developers will respond to the practical solutions offered for common problems and issues. Coverage is complete in all aspects of Silverlight and will save readers hours of coding time with ready-made recipes.

Gross, Christian. Beginning C# 2008: From Novice to Professional. 2d ed. Apress. Sept. 2008. 550p. ISBN 978-1-4302-1033-7. pap. $39.99.
This updated edition for the C# novice starts with introductory concepts and moves toward more involved problems and complex solutions. Gross discusses strengths and weaknesses of C# 2008 to ensure readers will be coding well.

Harris, Andy. PHP 6/MySQL Programming for the Absolute Beginner. Course Technology PTR. Sept. 2008. 464p. ISBN 978-1-59863-798-4. pap. $34.99 with CD-ROM.
For new programmers, this book covers PHP 6 and MySQL through game creation and teaches skills for practical programming applications. Readers will also learn the basics of programming so that they can tackle another language.

Hetland, Magnus Lie. Beginning Python: From Novice to Professional. 2d ed. Apress. Sept. 2008. 650p. ISBN 978-1-59059-982-2. pap. $49.99.
New programmers looking for a comprehensive introduction to Python will respond to this practical guide. Readers will learn beginning and advanced topics via ten projects.

Holzner, Steven. Ajax: A Beginner's Guide. Osborne/McGraw-Hill. Oct. 2008. 500p. ISBN 978-0-07149-429-8. pap. $39.99.
Hands-on projects, self-assessments, and "Ask the Expert" sections make it easy to learn AJAX to create web applications.

Jones, Allen. Visual C# 2008 Recipes: A Problem-Solution Approach. Apress. Sept. 2008. 592p. ISBN 978-1-4302-1025-2. pap. $49.99.
New developers will find specific solutions to common problems. Organized into "recipes" in a problem/solution format with working code to apply quickly, the text instructs readers on best practices for code writing and supplies answers about XML processing to workflows.

Michaelis, Mark. Essential C# 3.0. Addison-Wesley Professional. Aug. 2008. 928p. ISBN 978-0-321-53392-0. pap. $49.99.
This well-written and well-organized guide to C# 3.0 will appeal to programmers of all levels.

Morrison, Michael & Lynn Beighley. Head First PHP & MySQL. O'Reilly. Sept. 2008. 696p. ISBN 978-0-59600-630-3. pap. $44.99.
The "Head First" series always features plenty of exercises, quizzes, and other features to help new users retain what they are learning. Here, readers will get a grasp of the fundamentals of PHP and MySQL coding.

Newman, Chris. Sams Teach Yourself PHP and MySQL in 60 Minutes (Video Training Starter Kit). SAMS. Nov. 2008. 50p. ISBN 978-0-67233-027-8. $39.99 with DVD.
Four hours of instructional lessons to get new programmers up and running with PHP and MySQL.

Pugh, Steve. Wicked Cool Ruby Scripts: Useful Scripts That Solve Difficult Problems. No Starch. Sept. 2008. 256p. ISBN 978-1-59327-182-4. pap. $29.95.
Readers looking to save time and effort will find many scripts to solve challenging problems. Each script has the raw code file and instructions on how to run and customize it. These scripts will come to the rescue to help users move on to more challenging projects.

Schildt, Herb. C# 3.0: A Beginner’s Guide. Osborne/McGraw-Hill. Sept. 2008. 600p. ISBN 978-0-07158-830-0. pap. $39.99.
Patrons interested in programming C# 3.0 will find helpful instructions from best-selling author Schildt. Readers will learn how to create, compile, and run a C# program.

Thomas, Dave & others. Programming Ruby. 3d ed. Pragmatic Bookshelf. Sept. 2008. 900p. ISBN 978-1-9343560-8-1. pap. $49.95.
This update includes over 250 changes. Ruby programmers will find up-to-date information and reference help on Ruby 1.8 and coverage of all components of the software, including installation, packaging, and synchronization.

VanDyk, John. Pro Drupal Development. 2d ed. Apress. Aug. 2008. 400p. ISBN 978-1-4302-0989-8. pap. $44.99.
For users who are currently developing projects with Drupal, this updated guide provides more tips and tricks for customization. Users will learn the key parts of Drupal 6, how to make a secure installation, and how to customize for their needs.

Wagner, Bill. More Effective C#. Addison-Wesley Professional. Oct. 2008. 340p. ISBN 978-0-32148-589-2. pap. $44.99.
Wagner, a recognized expert on C#, dispenses advice and tips for better C#. Readers will find practical explanations and realistic code examples.

Security

Stickley, Jim. The Truth About Identity Theft. FT Pr. Aug. 2008. 224p. ISBN 978-0-78973-793-9. pap. $18.99.
Current guides on identity theft make wise additions to any size collection. This guide is from one of the most well-known security experts in the field.

Walker, Andy. Windows Lockdown! QUE. Jul. 2008. 452p. ISBN 978-0-78973-672-7. pap. $24.99.
Windows XP and Vista users will find helpful tips to stop hackers, identity thieves, and spammers with easy-to-understand definitions.

Holzner, Steven. Facebook Marketing. QUE. Sept. 2008. 256p. ISBN 978-0-78973-802-8. pap. $24.99.
Facebook has opened up to developers in the recent months, offering new features that businesses and individuals may find appealing. Learn how to use these tools to market your services.

Jenkins, Simms. The Truth About Email Marketing. FT Pr. Aug. 2008. 240p. ISBN 978-0-78973-794-6. pap. $18.99.
This current and relevant email marketing book intended for novice email marketers and seasoned professionals focuses on best practices, optimizing performance, and why using email works. Learn more at the accompanying web site.

Miller, Michael. YouTube for Business: Online Video Marketing for Any Business. QUE. Aug. 2008. 352p. ISBN 978-0-78973-797-7. pap. $24.95.
Readers interested in marketing themselves or their business will find helpful hints on how to use YouTube.

Moran, Mike & Bill Hunt. Search Engine Marketing, Inc. 2d ed. IBM Pr. Oct. 2008. 720p. ISBN 978-0-13606-868-6. pap. $49.99 with DVD.
Users looking to use search engine optimization (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM) effectively will find just what they need here. Moran and Hunt cover how search engines have evolved, how people really think when they are looking for information, and how search marketing works. Users will learn the best practices for implementing SEO and SEM goals.

Percival, Sean. MySpace Marketing: Creating a Social Network To Boom Your Business. QUE. Sept. 2008. 312p. ISBN 978-0-78973-709-0. pap. $24.99.
Social networking sites appeal to small business, music groups, and online marketers looking to promote themselves. This book will guide readers through strategies and tutorials on how to market on MySpace.

Servers

Caravajal, Steve & others. Inside SharePoint Administration. Charles River Media. Oct. 2008. 400p. ISBN 978-1-58450-601-0. pap. $49.99 with DVD.
Readers who are interested in learning how to design, deploy, configure, and manage a SharePoint Server will find real-world examples and best practices to get them started.

Microsoft Office & Windows Vista

Hart-Davis, Guy. PC QuickSteps. 2d ed. Osborne/McGraw-Hill. Oct. 2008. 240p. ISBN 978-0-07159-983-2. pap. $19.99.
A helpful companion and reference book for users who need help managing and customizing their PC. Full-color screen shots explain what users will see while installing hardware or software, setting up a home network, using Vista, and more.

Lawrence, William. The Asus Eee PC Handbook. QUE. Sept. 2008. 300p. ISBN 978-0-78973-810-3. pap. $24.99.
The Eee PC is a compact personal notebook for under $500. Readers interested in learning how to use this little unit or librarians interested in a lightweight portable PC will find this guide very helpful.

Matthews, Marty & Carole Matthews. Microsoft Office 2008 QuickSteps. Osborne/McGraw-Hill. Oct. 2008. 368p. ISBN 978-0-07159-985-6. pap. $29.99.
Readers will learn about the most important features and functions of Microsoft Office 2008. A full-color guide will be of interest to novice users looking to learn more and serve as a reference tool for more experience users.

Mueller, Scott. Upgrading and Repairing Laptops. QUE. Sept. 2008. 900p. ISBN 978-0-78973-690-1. pap. $54.99 with DVD.
Mueller is the go-to source for information on upgrading and repairing laptops. Consider adding this copy where his other titles have circulated.