Cloud Computing in easy steps

Author: David Howell
ISBN: 9781840785326 / 1840785322
©2012 | 1st Edition | 192 pages | Paperback
Pub Date: JUN-12
Price: US$18.50

The cloud is everywhere. Corporations, small businesses and individuals are all embracing cloud computing that looks set to revolutionise how we create, store and share data. From Gmail to Amazon’s cloud-based services moving from a centralised computing platform to one that can be mobile, scalable and always available is now a reality.

In this book you will see how to harness cloud computing in your everyday life. You may already be using cloud services yet didn’t realise it! You’ll learn how these new platforms can help you work and play more efficiently and more importantly, at any location you choose. The cloud liberates its users from the desktop and allows them to embrace the webtop.

Whether you are a small business looking to reduce costs and increase efficiency, or an individual that wants to use more cloud based services but isn’t too sure where to start, this is the book for you. Each of the key concepts about cloud computing are covered in plain English, and many of the most popular cloud services explained. Areas covered include:

•   What is a cloud
•   Hardware requirements for a cloud
•   Cloud services
•   How to develop a cloud computing security policy
•   How to take control of the cloud
•   How to use a cloud in a micro business

The cloud is here to stay. This book is your guide to these new services.

About the author

Multimedia DeMYSTiFieD

Author: Jennifer Coleman Dowling
ISBN: 9780071770644 / 007177064X
©2012 | 1st Edition | 352 pages | Paperback
Pub Date: DEC-11
Price: US$ 25.00
Learn More | DeMYSTiFieD Series

Learn the latest multimedia skills with ease!

Featuring a color insert, Multimedia DeMYSTiFieDis a self-paced study guide and desk reference for learning about the fundamentals of multimedia. It covers the concepts, tools, and skills needed to create, combine, display, and provide interactivity for graphics, photography, text, typography, audio, video, and animation in digital formats.

The book covers the essential topics and terminology relating to current software and hardware technologies for creating media. It breaks down all the necessary technical information in a way that’s easy to understand, providing visual examples and hands-on exercises. Web design and HTML are also addressed, with particular emphasis on multimedia tags and scripts. You will develop an understanding of the fundamental concepts and applications of digital media and gain practical knowledge and real-world skills through step-by-step exercises.

Multimedia DeMYSTiFieD

1. Features a color insert illustrating color design principles
2. Contains technical information on hardware and software
3. Covers audio and video recording and manipulation methods
4. Reviews types of file formats and delivery options
5. Explains how to create multimedia for the Web, covering HTML tags, JavaScript, and CSS
6. Contains questions at the end of every chapter that reinforce learning and pinpoint weaknesses
7. Includes a final exam for overall self-assessment

About the Author

Jennifer Coleman Dowling (Wayland, MA) has an M.F.A. is Visual Design and is an experienced new media specialist, educator, and artist. She is currently a tenured professor in the Communication Arts Department at Framingham State University where she teaches courses in digital media and design using Adobe software. Ms. Dowling has worked on web design, interactive multimedia, animation, print design, illustration, logo and corporate packaging, educational software, advertising, product promotion, and presentation graphics.

Table of Contents

PART ONE: Multimedia Overview: What It’s All About

I. Introduction to Multimedia

A. What is Multimedia?
B. A Concise History of Multimedia
1. Early Multimedia Computing
2. Hypermedia and Hypertext
C. Combining Content from Various Media
D. Linear vs. Interactive Multimedia
1. Linear Multimedia
2. Nonlinear Interactive Multimedia
3. Kinds of Multimedia
E. Let’s Get Technical
F. Analog-to-Digital Evolution

II. The Purpose and Application of Multimedia
A. Benefits of Interactive Presentations
1. Avoiding Potential Pitfalls
B. Uses of Multimedia
C. Planning Stages and Development Process
1. Roles and Responsibilities of the Multimedia Team 2. Information Architecture
3. Copyright Issues: Securing Permission for Media Usage D. Tools Required for Creating and Preparing Media E. Making it Functional and Interactive F. Finalizing, Testing, and Delivering Multimedia

PART TWO: Kinds Of Media: The Essential Components

III. Graphics and Images

A. Designing Vector Graphics
B. Creating Raster Images
1. Pixel-Based Displays
2. Working with Raster Graphics
C. Scanning and Resolution
D. Digital Photography
E. Clip Art and Stock Images
F. File Formats for Screen Display
G. Color Theory: Pigment vs. Pixels
1. CMYK and the Subtractive Color Model
2. RGB and the Additive Color Model
3. Color for Digital Displays

IV. Text and Typography

A. Text Defined
1. Typing, Texting, and Emailing
B. Words and Copywriting: How to Write Effective Content
C. Typography
1. Fonts and Styles
a. Serif vs. Sans Serif
2. Typographic Treatment: Designing with Type
3. Placement and Arrangement of Type
D. Preparing Text for the Screen: Amount and Legibility/Readability
1. Type Sizes and Styles for the Screen
2. Screen vs. Print
3. Type on the Web

V. Animation

A. Animation in Multimedia
1. Functions of Moving Images
2. Advantages and Disadvantages of Animation
3. Interactive Animation
4. Kinds of Animation: Categorizing and Evaluating
B. Traditional Animation Overview
1. Principles of Animation
C. Concept Development and Storyboarding
D. Differences Between 2D and 3D Animation
1. 2D Computer Animation: Frame-By-Frame and Tweening
2. 3D Animation: Modeling, Ray Tracing, and Rendering
E. Animation Files and Formats

VI. Audio: Music and Sound Effects

A. Audio Fundamentals
1. Mechanics of Sound
2. Analog and Digital Audio
B. Recording vs. Importing Audio
1. Amplitude, Frequency, and Sampling Rates
C. MIDI and Digital Music
D. Editing and Manipulating Audio Tracks
E. Audio File Formats and Compression Schemes
1. Audio File Types
2. Storage Options
F. Using Sound in Multimedia Projects
1. Web Site Audio
2. Mobile Device Audio

VII. Video: Recording and Manipulating Moving Images

A. Video Mechanics
B. Video in Multimedia
C. Analog and Digital Video
1. Composite vs. Component Signals
2. Analog-to-Digital Conversion
3. Video Resolution
D. Shooting or Obtaining Video
1. Recording Raw Footage
2. Capturing Directly from TV
3. Importing Video to Computer
4. Acquiring Video Clips
E. Display Standards and Playback Options
F. Editing and Manipulating Video
G. Video File Formats and Compression Schemes
1. Video File Types
2. Storage and Memory
H. Using Video in Multimedia Projects

VIII.Authoring for Multimedia Functionality

A. Programming and Scripting to Create Interactive Environments
B. Tools for Authoring
1. Tool Selection Considerations
2. Bandwidth for Web Projects
C. Web Authoring with HTML
1. HTML Tags
2. JavaScript Programming
3. Web Page Formatting with CSS
4. Web Standards and Guidelines
D. Interactive Design
1. Graphical User Interfaces
2. Screen Layout and Arrangement of Elements

PART THREE: Tools For Creating Multimedia Projects: Hardware and Software Needed To Make It Happen

IX. Hardware and Equipment Options

A. Multimedia Project Equipment Setup
B. Input Devices
1. Mice, Digitizing Tablets, and Trackpads
2. Keyboards
3. Scanners
4. Image and Motion Capture
5. Microphones
6. Touchscreens and Fingerprinting Technology
7. Digital Audio Recorders
C. Output: Displays and Screens
1. Dual Monitors
2. Speakers and Headphones
D. Data Storage
1. Internal Drives
2. External USB Drives and Large Capacity Hard Disks
3. Online and Networked Storage
E. Computing Platforms
1. Desktop Computers
2. Mobile Devices and Operating Systems

X. Software for Multimedia

A. Multimedia Software Options
B. Vector Graphics: Illustration and Line Art
C. Digital Imaging: Photography and Bitmapped Images
1. Screen Captures and Recordings
D. Page Layout and Typography
E. Animation and Motion Graphics
F. Audio and Video Recording and Editing
G. Authoring and Web Design
H. Presentations
I. Media Players

PART FOUR: Multimedia End Products: Putting It All Together

XI. Multimedia Projects

A. Categorizing Multimedia Uses
B. Presentations
C. Video and Animation
D. Educational and Training Programs
E. Web Sites
F. Apps and Mini Software Programs
G. Video Games
H. Noteworthy Gadgets and Devices

XII. Delivery Systems

A. Multimedia Product Maintenance
B. Troubleshooting and User-testing
C. Disk vs. Web Preparation
D. Presentation Options
1. Portable or Permanent Displays
2. Kiosks
3. Projection
4. Multiple Screens
5. Interactive Whiteboards
6. Touch Screen TVs and Handheld Devices
7. E-Readers
8. Video Game Consoles
E. Delivering Multimedia

Final Exam
Web Resources
Index

Operating Systems DeMYSTiFieD

Authors: Ann McIver McHoes, Joli Ballew
ISBN: 9780071752268 / 0071752269
©2012 | 1st Edition | 352 pages | Paperback
Pub Date: NOV-11
Price: US$ 22.00
Learn More | DeMYSTiFieD Series 

Hard stuff made easy! Your practical, self-paced guide to operating system fundamentals.

Operating Systems DeMYSTiFieDis an easy way to understand how operating systems enable computer hardware and software to communicate successfully with each other. The basic concepts of a foundational class on operating systems is condensed, arranged in a logical sequence, and broken down into smaller pieces of information.

Each chapter includes learning objectives, a summary of central concepts, and exercises to apply the objectives learned. Detailed illustrations enhance the material. The book covers the major components and levels of operating systems, design techniques, hardware interface, process and memory management, file systems, security, and networking and distributed systems. This overview is supplemented by reviews, practice exercises, case studies, and a full self-test at the end of the book.

Operating Systems DeMYSTiFieD

1. Covers high-level operating system design techniques, functions, and hardware interface, as well as specifics of Windows, UNIX, Linux, and other popular operating systems
2. Provides a foundational understanding of how the operating system allocates and de-allocates the computer’s many and diverse resources: its CPUs, main memory, devices, files, networked resources, and security software
3. Includes detailed examples with clear explanations
4. Contains chapter-opening objectives that offer insight into what you’re going to learn in each step
5. Offers questions at the end of every chapter reinforce learning and pinpoint weaknesses
6. Concludes with a final exam for overall self-assessment

About the Authors

Ann McIver McHoes (Pittsburgh, PA) is author six editions of the best selling textbook Understanding Operating Systems, which has been translated into five languages, adopted at colleges and universities on six continents, and has received both awards of excellence from the Text and Academic Authors Association. For Macmillan’s Computer Science for Students(2002), she served as both an editor and contributor. Currently, she’s an instructor at Duquesne University, and past teaching assignments have included courses at Carlow University and Chatham University. Her extensive writing portfolio includes instructional and marketing communications as well as scripts, grant applications, and other science and engineering projects. She lists the Intel Corporation, West Virginia University, Penn State, and University of Pittsburgh as recent clients.

Joli Ballew (Dallas, Texas) is a technical author, a technology trainer, and Web site manager. She holds several certifications including MCSE, MCTS, and MCDST. Joli is also a Microsoft MVP (three years running), and attends the Microsoft Summit as well as CES every year to stay on top of the latest technology and trends. In addition to writing, she teaches computer classes at the local junior college, and works as a network administrator and Web designer for North Texas Graphics. She’s written over three dozen books, including Microsoft Windows XP: Do Amazing Things (MS Press) and How to Do Everything: Netbook (McGraw-Hill).

Other books you might be interested:

1. 9780072253634     OOP Demystified
2. 9780071460514     Schaum’s Outline of Principles of Computer Science

Table of Contents

Introduction
Ch. 1. Quick Overview
Ch. 2. Understanding Boot Processes
Ch. 3. Process Management
Ch. 4. Managing CPUs
Ch. 5. CPU Scheduling and Deadlocks
Ch. 6. Managing Main Memory
Ch. 7. Virtual Memory Management
Ch. 8. Managing System Devices
Ch. 9. File System Management
Ch. 10. Introduction to Networking
Ch. 11. Routing Strategies and Conflict Resolution
Ch. 12. Protection and Security
Final Exam

Oracle Database 11g & MySQL 5.6 Developer Handbook

Author: Michael McLaughlin
ISBN: 9780071768856 / 0071768858
©2012 | 1st Edition | 608 pages | Paperback
Pub Date: OCT-11
Price: US$ 50.00
Learn More

The definitive Oracle Press guide to programming and working with Oracle Database 11g and Oracle MySQL in a mixed environment.

Oracle Database 11g and MySQL 5.5 Database Developer Handbookis a comparative handbook to support developers moving from MySQL to Oracle or Oracle to MySQL. The book compares and demonstrates development environments, architecture, security, transactions, and referential integrity concepts. It compares and contrasts SQL dialects and approaches across the spectrum of SQL commands and discusses their portability. The book also compares and contrasts stored programs in both databases and discusses their design portability.

Clear examples, instructions, and explanations make this single volume handbook the standard for porting dialects between the Oracle and MySQL databases. Best practices are highlighted throughout the chapters. Mastery questions are provided at the end of each chapter with an appendix containing answers with explanations.

Oracle Database 11g and MySQL 5.5 Database Developer Handbook

1. Focuses on how to port the SQL dialects to either database as needed
2. Explains comparable SQL and PL/SQL/Stored Procedure development techniques
3. Compares and contrasts development strategies in solving problems with SQL and PL/SQL/Stored Procedures
4. Features best practices in database development to support web-based applications
5. Highlights Oracle Database 11g and Oracle MySQL 5.5 unique SQL and PL/SQL/Stored Program features

About the Author

Michael McLaughlin, Oracle ACE (Rexburg, ID) is a professor at BYU – Idaho in the Computer Information Technology Department of the Business and Communication School. He teaches courses on IT management, databases, and systems analysis and design. Michael is the author of Oracle Database 11g PL/SQL Programming and Oracle Database 10g Express Edition PHP Web Programming, and co-author of Oracle Database 11g PL/SQL Programming Workbook, Oracle Database 10g PL/SQL Programming, Expert Oracle PL/SQL, and Oracle Database AJAX & PHP Web Application Development. He worked at Oracle Corporation for more than eight years, most recently as the senior applications upgrade manger in E-Business Suite Release Engineering.

Other book you might  be interested:

1. 9780071494458      Oracle Database 11g PL/SQL Programming

Java, A Beginner’s Guide

Author: Herbert Schildt
ISBN: 9780071606325 / 0071606327
©2012 | 5th Edition | 640 pages | Paperback
Pub Date: AUG-11
Price: US$ 40.00
Sample Ch01 | Code Download | Learn More

Essential Java programming skills made easy

From Herb Schildt, the number-one programming author worldwide, comes this fully revised and updated introductory Java guide. You will get all the information you need to get up and running with the latest version of the most popular Web programming language.

Java: A Beginner’s Guide, Fifth Edition will have you programming in Java right away. The book has been updated to cover the new features of Java including closures, the enhanced switch statement, the enhanced catchstatement, and extension methods, and more. 

Designed for Easy Learning:

1. Key Skills & Concepts–Chapter-opening lists of specific skills covered in the chapter
2. Ask the Expert–Q & A sections filled with bonus information and helpful tips
3. Try This–Hands-on exercises that show you how to apply your skills
4. Notes–Extra information related to the topic being covered
5. Tips–Helpful reminders or alternate ways of doing things
6. Self Tests–End-of-chapter reviews to test your knowledge
7. Annotated syntax–Example code with commentary that describes the programming techniques being illustrated

About the Author

Herb Schildt (Mahomet, IL) is the world’s leading programming author, whose books have sold more than 3.5 million copies worldwide. His acclaimed books include Java: The Complete Reference, C++: The Complete Reference and C#: The Complete Reference.

 Table of Contents

Introduction
Chapter 1. Java Fundamentals
Chapter 2. Introducing Data Types and Operators
Chapter 3. Program Control Statements
Chapter 4. Introducing Classes, Objects, and Methods
Chapter 5. More Data Types and Operators
Chapter 6. A Closer Look at Methods and Classes
Chapter 7. Inheritance
Chapter 8. Packages and Interfaces
Chapter 9. Exception Handling
Chapter 10. Using I/O
Chapter 11. Multithreaded Programming
Chapter 12. Enumerations, Autoboxing, Static Import, and Annotations
Chapter 13. Generics
Chapter 14. Applets, Events, and Miscellaneous Topics
Chapter 15. Introducing Swing
Appendix A. Answers to Self Tests
Appendix B. Using Java’s Documentation Comments
Index

CEH Certified Ethical Hacker All-in-One Exam Guide

Author: Matt Walker
ISBN: 9780071772297 / 0071772294
©2012 | 1st Edition | 712 pages | Softback with CD
Pub Date: SEP-11
Price: US$ 50.00
Sample Ch02 | Table of Contents | Learn More

A comprehensive guide to the CEH exam

CEH Certified Ethical Hacker All-in-One Exam Guideoffers complete coverage of the CEH certification which certifies individuals in the specific network security discipline of ethical hacking from a vendor-neutral perspective. The book covers all objectives for the new CEH exam, and provides an integrated study system based on proven pedagogy. Special elements reinforce and teach practical skills, including: step-by-step exercises, exam watch and on-the-job call-outs, and chapter self tests, which include knowledge- and scenario-based questions and one case study-based lab question per chapter. The book and CD combined contain more than 400 practice exam questions. Special coverage of DOD 8570 requirements and US-CERT’s EBK and Certified Computer Security Incident Handler (CSIH) standards are included.

CEH Certified Ethical Hacker All-in-One Exam Guide

• Offers in-depth coverage of all official objectives for the CEH exam
• Includes CD-ROM with two practice exams, lab simulations, video training from the authors, and an e-book
• Co-written by security experts and experience trainers
• Serves as a valuable on-the-job reference after certification

About the Author

Matt Walker (Ft. Lauderdale, FL), CCNA, CCNP, MCSE, CEH, CNDA, CPTS, is the IA Training Instructor Supervisor and a Sr. IA Analyst at Dynetics, Inc., in Huntsville, Alabama. An IT education professional for over 15 years, Matt served as the Director of Network Training Center and the Curriculum Lead and Senior Instructor for the local Cisco Networking Academy on Ramstein AB, Germany. After leaving the US Air Force, Matt served as a Network Engineer for NASA’s Secure Network Systems, designing and maintaining secured data, voice and video networking for the agency.

Other books you might be interested:

1. 9780071601238     Mike Meyers’CompTIA Security+ Certification Passport
2. 9780071601276     CompTIA Security+ All-in-One Exam Guide
3. 9780071602174     CISSP All-in-One Exam Guide

C++ Programming in Easy Steps

Author: Mike McGrath
ISBN: 9781840784329 / 1840784326
©2011 | 4th Edition |192 pages | Paperback
Pub Date: JUN-11
Price: US$ 18.50
In Easy Steps Series 

Microsoft Access 2010 VBA Macro Programming

Author: Richard Shepherd
ISBN: 9780071738576 / 0071738576
©2011 | 1st Edition | 400 pages | Paperback
Pub Date: NOV-10
Price: US$ 40.00
Learn More

Take your database skills to the next level—develop powerful, custom Access 2010 applications using Visual Basic for Applications

Microsoft Access 2010 VBA Macro Programming follows the successful format of Richard Shepherd’s bestseller, Excel VBA Macro Programming, taking the reader through the structure of VBA and how to use it specifically in Access. The book explains, step by step, how to write VBA code–from the basics to dealing with errors and debugging code. This practical guide includes examples that illustrate how to use VBA in Access to do specific tasks. Readers will learn real-world skills by example.

Microsoft Access 2010 VBA Macro Programming features:

• Easy-to-understand instructions that explain how to accomplish programming tasks right away
• 20 practical sample applications
• Details on adding custom menus and Access add-ins

About the Author

Richard Shepherd spent the last 20 years developing computer software in blue chip organizations. He is a qualified accountant and the bestselling author of Excel VBA Macro Programming and Excel 2007 VBA Macro Programming.

Related Title

1. 9780072231441 Excel VBA Macro Programming

Table of Contents

Part I: Programming in Access VBA
Chapter 1. The Basics
Chapter 2. Variables, Arrays, Constants and Data Types
Chapter 3. Modules, Functions and Subroutines
Chapter 4. Programming Basics: Decisions and Looping
Chapter 5. Strings and Functions and Message Boxes
Chapter 6. Operators
Chapter 7. Debugging
Chapter 8. Errors and the Error Function
Chapter 9. Forms and Reports
Chapter 10. Common Dialog Control
Chapter 11. Working with the Ribbon
Chapter 12. SQL Queries
Chapter 13. Data Macros/Triggers

Part II: Object Models
Chapter 14. The Access and DAO Object Models
Chapter 15. The Access and DAO Object Models – Main Objects
Chapter 16. The DoCmd Object
Chapter 17. Using Access to Interact with Other Office Programs

Part III: Advanced Techniques in Access VBA
Chapter 18. Charts and Graphs
Chapter 19. Working with External Databases
Chapter 20. API Calls
Chapter 21. Class Modules
Chapter 22.Animation

Part IV: Access VBA in Action
Chapter 23. Get the Login ID
Chapter 24. Secure Your Database
Chapter 25. Creating Audit Trails on Tables
Chapter 26. Create and Edit Queries in VBA
Chapter 27. Search and Replace in Queries
Chapter 28. Compact the Current Database using VBA
Chapter 29. Monitoring Table Statistics
Chapter 30. Handling Large Text Files
Chapter 31. Create and Change Table Structures
Chapter 32. Create and Objects Inventory
Chapter 33. Manipulate Charts
Chapter 34. Drill Down on Charts
Chapter 35. Create an Excel Spreadsheet for output of Data
Chapter 36. Using FTP in VBA
Chapter 37. Use of Data Macros/Triggers
Chapter 38. Use of Ribbon
Chapter 39. Make Controls on Forms Interactive
Chapter 40. Set Up Levels of User Security

Zend Framework, A Beginner’s Guide

Authors: Vaswani, Vikram
ISBN-13: 978-0-07-163939-2
ISBN-10: 007163939X
©2010 | 1st Edition | 464 pages , Softcover
Pub Date: August 2010
Price: US$ 39.99
Learn More

A Zend Technologies columnist and bestselling PHP author provides practical information on today’s most popular PHP framework—with more than 7 million downloads.

Aimed squarely at real-world PHP developers working against aggressive deadlines, Zend Framework: A Beginner’s Guide teaches developers how to work smarter, by using the most popular open-source framework for PHP. Feature-rich, robust and mature, Zend Framework can simplify and shorten the application development cycle, reduce testing time, improve quality, and provide the developer with the extensibility, scalability and flexibility needed in today’s competitive, rapidly-changing environment. This book shows how to maximize all the features of Zend Framework.

Zend Framework is to PHP what JavaServer Faces is to Java. Just as Java Server Faces: The Complete Reference is popular and useful for Java developers, Zend Framework: A Beginner’s Guide will be the best guide for open source developers looking to develop web applications using PHP and the new Zend Framework.

Key Selling Features

• Author is has been a well-known featured columnist with Zend Technologies since 2006. His columns are among the most popular on the Zend Technology community site.
• Covers the most important components of the Zend Framework
• Introduces MVC concepts and theory, and then demonstrates real-world implementation of the theory
• Provides numerous projects and code examples
• Companion website includes all of the code in the book

About the Author

Vikram Vaswani (Bombay, India) is the founder and CEO of Melonfire (http://www.melonfire.com/), a company specializing in software consultancy and content creation and syndication services. He is also the author of PHP Programming Solutions, How to do Everything with PHP and MySQL, and MySQL: The Complete Reference (all McGraw-Hill/Osborne titles) and XML and PHP (New Riders Publishing) He is also the author of numerous well-received articles on open-source technologies (including Perl, Python, XML and the very popular PHP 101 series), all written with the goal of making complex technologies accessible and understandable to novice users.

He has been developing software since 1995, was first introduced to PHP in 1998, and hasn’t looked back since. He is regular columnist with Zend Technologies (creators of PHP), as well as with IBM DeveloperWorks, CNET Builder.com, DevX.com and other OSS sites

Articles by Vikram Vaswani

Article 01: Zend Developer Zone on April 21, 2010
Build an Enterprise – Grade PHP Stack with Zend Server
5.0 and Oracle 11g
To read, please click HERE

Article 02: IBM on May 11, 2010
Implement SOAP services with the Zend Framework
To read, please click HERE

Titles by the Vikram Vaswani:

9780071549011      PHP: A Beginner’s Guide

9780071487450      PHP Programming Solutions

9780072257953      How to Do Everything with PHP and MySQL

9780072224771      MySQL: The Complete Reference

9780071605496      MySQL Database Usage & Administration 

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introducing the Zend Framework
Chapter 2 Working with Models, Views, Controllers and Routes
Chapter 3 Working with Forms
Chapter 4 Working with Models
Chapter 5 Handling CRUD Operations
Chapter 6 Indexing, Searching and Formatting Data
Chapter 7 Paging, Sorting and Uploading Data
Chapter 8 Logging and Debugging Exceptions
Chapter 9 Understanding Application Localization
Chapter 10 Working with News Feeds and Web Services
Chapter 11 Working with User Interface Elements
Chapter 12 Optimizing Performance
Appendix Installing and Configuring Required Software

Microsoft SQL 2008 titles by McGraw-Hill Professional:

Building Integrated Business Intelligence Solutions with SQL Server 2008 R2 & Office 2010

Author: Janus, Philo
ISBN-13: 978-0-07-171673-4
ISBN-10: 0071716734
©2011 | 1st Edition | 512 pages , Softcover
Pub Date: December 2010
Price: US$ 49.99
Learn More

Create integrated business intelligence solutions using the newest releases of the Microsoft BI stack

Building Integrated Business Intelligence Solutions with SQL Server 2008 R2 & Office 2010 explains how to use the entire Microsoft BI stack–SQL Server 2008 R2, SharePoint 2010, and Office 2010 components, including Excel/Gemini–to create integrated, practical, business intelligence solutions. An overview of SQL Server Analysis Services sets the stage for broad coverage of Excel as a front end for “self-service analysis,” using SharePoint features for collaboration and workgroup BI, and leveraging Reporting Services for enterprise dashboards and reports. This practical guide focuses on building end-to-end BI solutions that solve real business data dilemmas.

Building Integrated Business Intelligence Solutions with SQL Server 2008 R2 & Office 2010 features:

1. Authoritative content written by a senior technology specialist at Microsoft who has presented to thousands of users and developers on Microsoft’s BI technologies
2. A foreword by Thierry D’Hers, Business Intelligence Group Program Manager at Microsoft
3. Real-world exercises that enable you to build practical solutions for your own business problems
4. Detailed illustrations depicting sophisticated reporting results
5. Tips on visually representing data, creating KPI’s, and business metrics

Complete coverage of Microsoft business intelligence solutions:

1. What Is Business Intelligence
2. Collaboration Meets Business Intelligence
3. Excel & Excel Services
4. Analysis Services & Cubes
5. Introducing PowerPivot
6. Getting Data In
7. Reporting Services
8. SharePoint
9. Charts & Graphs
10. Mapping; Data Mining
11. Scorecards & Dashboards
12. Master Data Services
13. Publishing and Administration

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Administration for Oracle DBAs

Author: Anderson Mark
ISBN-13: 978-0-07-170064-1
ISBN-10: 0071700641
©2011 | 1st Edition | 512 pages , Softcover
Pub Date: November 2010
Price: US$ 50.00

An expert guide to working with SQL Server in a mixed-database environment

Microsoft SQL Server Administration for Oracle DBAs is the ideal resource for experienced Oracle database professionals looking to expand their knowledge and skill set into the Microsoft database platform. The book compares and contrasts the platform architectures and shows how to perform everyday database administrator tasks. Screenshots, script examples, and step-by-step labs are included in this practical guide.

This book is not designed to be a “SQL Server is better than Oracle” or vice versa. It will enable experienced Oracle database administrators to get up to speed on the Microsoft SQL Server platform by building on existing relational database skills. The authors’ combination of expertise in both technologies ensures technical accuracy and real-world experiences. Interviews with members of the Oracle DBA community are included in this practical guide.

Microsoft SQL Server Administration for Oracle DBAs

1. Is co-written by a data platform technical specialist at Microsoft, UK who works daily with large customers integrating SQL Server into Oracle
2. Teaches dual skills using real-world examples based on authors’ vast experience
3. Quickly explains how to perform everyday database admin tasks on SQL Server
4. Focuses on making both platforms work together successfully
5. Includes step-by-step labs and interviews with members of the Oracle DBA community

Leverage your Oracle DBA skills on SQL Server

1. SQL Server Architecture
2. Installing and Configuring SQL Server
3. Database Objects
4. Security
5. Data Access and Transaction Control
6. Backup and Recovery
7. Performance Tuning and Optimization
8. High Availability and Disaster Recovery Options
9. Scheduling, Automation and Alerting
10. Data Movement
11. Upgrading and Migrating to SQL Server

Review

1. SciTech Book News, February 2011 Issue

Designed to improve the cross-platform management skills of experienced Oracle database administrators, this guide compares key features of the Oracle X-series databases to their corresponding functions in the Microsoft SQL Server 2008 environment. Beginning with two chapters examining the basics of SQL Server architecture, the work proceeds through discussions of key database administration tasks such as installation and configuration, data transactions, security, tuning and optimization, data migration and high availability environments. The work contains numerous screen shots and code examples as well as many pro-tips and database comparison notes throughout. Anderson, Fox and Bolton are Microsoft associated database experts and trainers. (Annotation ©2011 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Practical SQL Queries for SQL Server 2008

Author: Tennick, Art
ISBN-13: 978-0-07-174687-8
ISBN-10: 0071746870
©2011 | 1st Edition | 512 pages , Softcover
Status: November 2010
Price: US$ 50.00
Learn More

Extract real, actionable business intelligence by utilizing the power of SQL queries

Featuring 300 ready-to-use SQL queries Practical SQL Queries for SQL Server 2008 shows how to write SQL queries within Microsoft’s BI stack, but well over 90% of the SQL queries will work with relational databases from other vendors. This solutions-based guide contains more than 300 SQL queries that can be immediately applied across a wide variety of BI-related problems. It begins with fundamental principles and simple queries and rapidly progresses to complex and sophisticated queries. The book is structured as follows:

1. Query: Introduction and description of query and its use
2. Syntax: Complete syntax
3. Result: Screen shot showing the data returned from the SQL Server relational database by the query
4. Analysis: Analysis of the results and tips for customization

Specific emphasis is placed on writing SQL for use within Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) connecting to SQL Server – however, the techniques and queries can also be utilized across Reporting Services (SSRS), Integration Services (SSIS), Winforms and Webforms, and in a large variety of third-party front-ends.

Practical SQL Queries for SQL Server 2008

1. Includes 300+ ready-to-use, easily customizable SQL queries, all available for download
2. Features a practical, hands-on approach with a minimum of difficult concepts and theory
3. Explains how to visualize actionable BI
4. Helps to dramatically improve analysis and decision-making skills

Complete coverage of SQL queries

1. Select – single table
2. Where; Order By
3. Select – multiple tables
4. Aggregates; Select – new tables
5. Except/Intersect/Union
6. Group By
7. System functions
8. Subqueries
9. Delete/Insert/Update
10. Views/User-defined functions
11. Stored procedures/Programming
12. DDL (data definition language)/DCL

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Analytics & Data Visualization

Authors: Harts, Doug; Dugan, Jim; Almas, Tricia
ISBN-13: 978-0-07-160143-6
ISBN-10: 0071601430
©2010 | 1st Edition | 504 pages , Softcover
Pub Date: September 2010
Price: US$ 49.99
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A practical guide to the next-generation Business Intelligence tools available in SQL Server 2008

This book will help DBAs and business intelligence architects work with the latest 3-D visualization techniques that revolutionize data reporting, analysis, and measurement in SQL Server 2008. You will appreciate the complete end-to-end explanation of the real-time visual representation of metrics and trends.

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Analytics and Data Visualization begins with an overview of how these new tools, acquired from Dundas, fit into the SQL Server 2008 BI stack. You will learn strategies for data mining and advanced analytics. The book explains the full range of cutting-edge data visualization tools, including several customizable charts, map solutions for geographic data, illustrative gauges, and detailed calendars. An eight-page full-color insert highlights dazzling examples of 3-D visuals that convey business metrics in innovative ways.

Benefit to the Customer

1. Understand 3-D visualization techniques that can be used in reporting, analysis, and measurement.
2. Examples of the newest ‘Dundas’ BI tools for 3-D data visualization
3. Easily explore data relationships with a friendly front-end to statistical algorithms
4. Examples that can be used by BI Architects and connected to every desktop

Hands-On Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Integration Services

Author: Nanda, Ashwani
ISBN-13: 978-0-07-173640-4
ISBN-10: 0071736409
©2011 | 2nd Edition | 608 pages , Softcover
Pub Date: September 2010
Price: US$ 59.99
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A practical guide to mastering Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Integration Services

Hands-On Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Integration Services makes learning SSIS easier through the use of extensive exercises structured around every component within the tool. The complex topics of embedding control flow tasks and containers in a data workflow and using data transformations in the data flow are covered with real-world examples and step-by-step methods.

Hands-On Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Integration Services features:

1. Details on installation, control flow, data flow transformations, administration, security, and troubleshooting
2. Two new chapters on extending SSIS through scripting/programming and standard methods for developing a data warehouse architecture
3. New advanced examples throughout each chapter
4. Hands-on exercises that are broken down into objectives, solution methodologies, numbered steps, and review for reinforcing techniques
5. A focus on real-world data warehousing solutions that can be easily applied to your own business challenges

Comprehensive coverage of SSIS:

1. Introducing SSIS
2. Import and Export Wizard
3. SSIS Workflow Nuts and Bolts
4. Control Flow Containers
5. Control Flow Tasks
6. Administration
7. Securing Packages
8. Advanced Features
9. Data Flow Components
10. Data Flow Transformations
11. Deploying Packages
12. Migrating
13. Troubleshooting and Performance Enhancements
14. Extending SSIS
15. Star Schema Data Warehouse Architecture

Review

1. SciTech Book News, February 2011 Issue

The second edition of this manual for the Microsoft SQL Server data migration and maintenance tool Integration Services (SSIS) provides updated information throughout and includes two new chapters on scripting SSIS and data warehousing. Providing step-by-step instructions, screen shots and hands-on chapter exercises, this volume covers such topics as SSIS workflow, administration of Integration Services, security, data flow transformations, package deployment, troubleshooting and system optimization. Access to online resources, including a complete set of sample data and server configurations is provided. Nanda is a Microsoft certified expert and business intelligence software developer. (Annotation ©2011 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Practical DMX Queries for Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services 2008

Author: Tennick, Art
ISBN-13: 978-0-07-174866-7
ISBN-10: 0071748660
©2011 | 1st Edition | 512 pages , Softcover
Pub Date: September 2010
Price: US$ 50.00
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Extract real, actionable business intelligence using DMX

Practical DMX Queries for SQL Server Analysis Services shows how to write DMX queries within Microsoft’s BI stack. This solutions-based guide contains more than 240 DMX queries that can be immediately applied across a wide variety of BI-related problems. It begins with fundamental principles and simple queries and rapidly progresses to complex and sophisticated queries. The book is structured as follows:

1. Query: Introduction and description of query and its use
2. Syntax: Complete syntax
3. Result: Screen shot showing the data returned from the Analysis Services data mining model by the query
4. Analysis: Analysis of the results and tips for customization

Specific emphasis is placed on writing DMX for use within Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) connected to Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) – however, the techniques and queries can also be utilized across Reporting Services (SSRS), Integration Services (SSIS), WinForms and WebForms, and in a large variety of third-party front-ends.

Practical DMX Queries for SQL Server Analysis Services:

1. Includes 240+ ready-to-use, easily customizable DMX queries, all available for download
2. Features a practical, hands-on approach with a minimum of difficult concepts and theory
3. Explains how to visualize actionable BI
4. Shows how to surface knowledge discovery and make informed predictions quickly
5. Helps to dramatically improve analysis and decision-making skills

Complete coverage of DMX queries

1. Cases Queries
2. Content Queries
3. Prediction Queries with Decision Trees
4. Prediction Queries with Time Series
5. Prediction and Cluster Queries with Clustering
6. Prediction Queries with Association and Sequence Clustering
7. DDL (data definition language) Queries
8. Schema and Column Queries

Practical MDX Queries: For Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services 2008

Author: Tennick, Art
ISBN-13: 978-0-07-171336-8
ISBN-10: 0071713360
©2010 | 1st Edition | 304 pages , Softcover
Pub Date: May 2010
Price: US$ 49.99
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The Business Intelligence market continues to grow, despite the ongoing global recession. In fact, Gartner published (in June 2009) its annual analysis of the Business Intelligence market, citing that worldwide sales of Business Intelligence software grew 22% in 2008 (versus 13% year prior). Total revenue for the market came in at $8.8B. The BI category continues to be an area of focus and expansion for McGraw-Hill Professional.

MDX (Multi-Dimensional Expressions) is a standard language for extracting business intelligence from multi-dimensional cubes within data warehouses and is supported by multiple database vendors. This book is a guide to writing MDX queries within Microsoft’s Business Intelligence stack. The book’s approach is solutions-based, and hands-on, containing more than 300 MDX queries that can be immediately applied across a wide variety of Business Intelligence-related problems. It begins with fundamental principles and simple queries and rapidly progresses to complex and sophisticated queries. The book is structured as follows:

1. Query Overview: Introduction and description of query and its use
2. Syntax: Complete syntax
3. Result: Illustrates the data returned from the Analysis Services cube by the query
4. Analysis: Analysis of the results and tips for customization

Specific emphasis is placed on writing MDX for use within Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS)—however, the techniques and queries can also be utilized across Excel, Excel Services in Sharepoint, Reporting Services (SSRS), Integration Services (SSIS), Performance Point Server dashboards, Winforms and Webforms, and in a large variety of third-party front-ends.

Features

1. Practical and hands-on with a minimum of difficult concepts and theory
2. Over 300 MDX queries – all downloadable from www.mhprofessional.com
3. Clear and simple layout
4. Refer to any query within the book and become immediately productive
5. Learn how to visualize actionable Business Intelligence
6. Surface corporate KPIs (key-performance indicators) quickly
7. The MDX queries can be used immediately in a corporate business intelligence environment and/or easily customized for a specific business need.
8. Serves as both a comprehensive tutorial and a reference guide
9. Dramatically improve analysis and decision-making skills

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 High Availability with Clustering & Database Mirroring

Authors: Otey, Michael
ISBN-13: 978-0-07-149813-5
ISBN-10: 0071498133
©2010 | 1st Edition | 304 pages , Softcover
Pub Date: December 2009
Price: US$ 39.99
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Create a Highly Available Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Environment

Written by the technical director for SQL Server Magazine, this expert guide shows you how to implement clustering and database mirroring in SQL Server 2008. Learn proven techniques for ensuring zero database loss, avoiding system downtime, and providing instant data backups. Filled with detailed instructions, Microsoft SQL Server 2008 High Availability with Clustering & Database Mirroring takes you from planning to management of a robust high availability solution.

1. Configure Windows Failover Clustering
2. Set up the Microsoft Distributed Transaction Coordinator on a two node failover cluster
3. Install SQL Server 2008 on your cluster
4. Handle cluster management and backup
5. Configure and manage database mirroring for high availability
6. Implement Hyper-V virtualization and Live Migration
7. Manage a SQL Server virtual machine

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 New Features Authors: Otey, Michael
ISBN-13: 978-0-07-154640-9
ISBN-10: 0071546405
©2009 | 2nd Edition | 272 pages , Softcover
Status: December 2008
Price: US$ 39.99
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Maximize the New Capabilities of Microsoft SQL Server 2008

Take immediate advantage of all the innovative features and benefits available in SQL Server 2008 with help from this expert guide. Written by the technical director for SQL Server Magazine, this book offers a concise yet in-depth look at the new and improved enterprise data management capabilities, developer functions, Business Intelligence tools, and security enhancements of SQL Server 2008. This is the perfect resource for decision-makers, developers, and DBAs preparing for upgrades or migration. Get details on:

1. The new Transparent Data Encryption, Extended Events, filtered indexes, and auditing features
2. The new Resource Governor, policy-based management framework, T-SQL IntelliSense and debugging, and PowerShell integration
3. Availability enhancements-Failover Clustering, Database Mirroring, peer-to-peer replication, backup compression, and the new table lock escalation
4. The new ADO.NET Entity Framework
5. LINQ (Language Integrated Query)
6. The new native DATE, TIME, FILESTREAM, and Geospatial data types
7. T-SQL enhancements, such as the new DECLARE, MERGE, and GROUPING SETS statements
8. The more powerful BI toolset, including Integration Services Data Profiling, Analysis Services new Cube Designer, and Reporting Services new tablix controls
9. Improved Microsoft Office integration capabilities

Delivering Business Intelligence with Microsoft SQL Server 2008

Authors: Larson, Brian
ISBN-13: 978-0-07-154944-8
ISBN-10: 0071549447
©2009 | 2nd Edition | 792 pages , Softcover
Pub Date:November 2008
Price: US$ 49.99
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Maximize the Business Intelligence Tools in Microsoft SQL Server 2008

Manage, analyze, and distribute enterprise data with help from this expert resource. Delivering Business Intelligence with Microsoft SQL Server 2008 covers the entire BI lifecycle and explains how to build robust data integration, reporting, and analysis solutions. Real-world examples illustrate all of the powerful BI capabilities of SQL Server 2008. This is your one-stop guide for transforming disparate data into actionable insight for users throughout your organization.

• Understand the goals and benefits of business intelligence
• Design and create relational data marts and OLAP cubes
• Manage Analysis Services databases using BI Development Studio
• Cleanse data and populate data marts with SQL Server Integration Services
• Take advantage of the flexibility of the Unified Dimensional Model
• Manipulate and analyze data using MDX scripts and queries
• Use data mining to identify data patterns, correlations, and clustering
• Develop and distribute interactive reports with SQL Server 2008 Reporting Services
• Integrate business intelligence into enterprise applications using ADOMD.NET and the Report Viewer Control

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Reporting Services

Authors: Larson, Brian
ISBN-13: 978-0-07-154808-3
ISBN-10: 0071548084
©2009 | 3rd Edition | 866 pages , Softcover
Pub Date: August 2008
Price: US$ 49.99
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The Definitive Guide to Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Reporting Services

Create and deliver data-rich reports across the enterprise using this complete server-based reporting solution. Written by a member of the original Reporting Services development team, Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Reporting Services covers the entire report-building and distribution process, including data extraction, integration with desktop and Web applications, and end-user access. The book explains how to maximize all of the powerful features, including the new Tablix data format, as well as enhanced performance, scalability, and visualization capabilities.

1. Install, configure, and customize SQL Server 2008 Reporting Services
2. Create SELECT queries to extract data
3. Generate reports from the Report Wizard and from scratch
4. Add charts, images, and gauges
5. Build reusable report templates
6. Use the new Tablix data format to create reports with any structure
7. Export reports to Word, Excel, PDF, HTML, XML, and other formats
8. Enable end-user access to reports via the Report Server and its Report Manager web interface

MICROSOFT SQL SERVER 2008 A BEGINNER’S GUIDE Authors: Petkovic, Dusan
ISBN-13: 978-0-07-154638-6
ISBN-10: 0071546383
©2009 | 4th Edition | 709 pages , Softcover
Pub Date: July 2008
Price: US$ 39.99
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Get Started on Microsoft SQL Server 2008 in No Time

Learn to use all of the powerful features available in SQL Server 2008 quickly and easily. Microsoft SQL Server 2008: A Beginner’s Guide explains the fundamentals of each topic alongside examples and tutorials that walk you through real-world database tasks. Install SQL Server 2008, construct high-performance databases, use powerful Transact-SQL statements, create stored procedures and triggers, and execute simple and complex database queries. Performance tuning, Database Engine security, Business Intelligence, and XML are also covered.

1. Set up, configure, and maintain SQL Server 2008
2. Build and manage database objects using Transact-SQL statements
3. Create stored procedures and user-defined functions
4. Optimize database performance, availability, and reliability
5. Implement solid security using authentication, encryption, and authorization
6. Automate tasks using SQL Server Agent
7. Create reliable data backups and perform flawless system restores
8. Use all-new SQL Server 2008 Business Intelligence, development, and administration tools
9. Learn in detail the SQL Server XML technology (SQLXML)