Editorial Review

A terrific value-a full-size book plus video demonstrations of key Windows 7 tasks

Windows 7 is Microsoft's much-anticipated new release of the operating system that powers nearly 90% of the world's computers. This two-for-one package provides the step-by-step guidance that will get you up and running with all the exciting new features.

This bundle includes the complete Windows 7 For Dummies book plus a DVD with two hours of video training. Featuring the expert advice you get in the book, the DVD shows you how to accomplish various Windows tasks and displays the screens you'll see as you proceed.

• A two-for-one value - the full-size Windows 7 For Dummies book plus two hours of video training on DVD
• Windows 7 has new features, an interface with more graphical elements, better interactivitiy with other devices, and faster speed
• Whether you're new to computers or just to Windows 7, this handy package provides a simple, easy-to-use guide plus video illustration to help you accomplish basic tasks in Windows
• Covers the things most books assume you already know, as well as how to work with files and programs, get things done online, and customize Windows 7
• Shows you how to use movie, music, and photo management features, how to upgrade your system, and how to fix common problems you'll encounter
• DVD shows you what you'll see on the screen as you master each step

This great book-and-DVD package will have you comfortably using Windows 7 faster than you can say 1-2-3! ... Read more

Reviews

Neophyte, December 2, 2009
This book has been a real help to me getting started with Windows 7. I've moved everthing that I had on a computer with Vista to this new computer with 7 and what a blessing. I am truly thankful to never have to do Vista again even with all the work to set up new in 7. I could have updated on the old computer, I guess, but decided why not start new. This book and two others--"Windows 7 Step by Step" and "Windows 7 plain & simple"--have been a great help in making the transition.

Rathbone Dummies Win 7 Book, February 26, 2010
Very well written with a gentle humor. The book is written for all levels of computer knowledge. You can skip around and read subjects where you need help or have an interest. I chose to start studying at the beginning and even found the basic level of information interesting. Andy has a way of pointing out the secrets of Windows 7. He even taught me several points about Windows XP in the process.

The DVD is excellent and covers the basics of Windows 7. The book deals in the depth but the DVD gets you off and running and you can learn from there. Windows 7 is a good operating system but when you jump from XP to Win7 there are gaps that are not obvious. The DVD gets you up to speed quickly.

I think the DVD and book package are well worth the price. I have recommended it to several people already. They agree with me that it is a good purchase.

Windows 7 Intro - Good Resource, January 7, 2010
This is a very good book if you want to learn all of the tricks of the new Windows 7 operating system. As a plus it comes with a DVD that will step you through some of the basics. As an experienced computer user I would recommend this book to anyone who has recently upgraded from XP to WIN7. It will help you navigate all of the new features.

Too simplistic - then again, it is for dummies, April 5, 2010
This book is written for the person with very little computer experience. I just got a new computer with Windows 7 on it, so I was looking for essentially some sort of user manual that will tell me everything Windows 7 can do. However, most everything in this book is extremely basic that anyone with the most rudimentary computer knowledge will already know (ie: folders are used for organizing your information). Very little in here is actually specific to Windows 7, but more of a generalized overview of any Windows system, including XP and Vista.
If you have no knowledge of how computers work to the point that you're scared to touch one, yeah, this book might be right for you.

Windows 7 for Dummies (me), April 22, 2010
Windows 7 is complex so the book seems that way also but is much easier if you just go to the section that pertains to the subject you need help with.

The video on DVD that comes with this book is also great. I watched the whole thing but that is not necessary. Again you can go to the part of the video that has the subject matter you need. The fact that you can see what is being done is very helpful although you may need to watch it a few times for it to sink in. I did.

I will keep it next to my computer and refer to it from time to time as the need arrises.

Andy Rathbone, the author, must really know his stuff. This is not his first book on the Windows operating system. He did a little beating of his own drum by telling me in his book and video that he has written all the previous Windows for Dummies books so far. Like I said, he knows his stuff.

Windows 7 for Dummies is a great book. Well written and is really fun to read. I'm reading it from cover to cover in hopes that some of it will sink in. Even if it doesn't, I can always refer to it when the time is right.

If you buy this book I believe it will be well worth the price.

Windows 7 For Dummies Book + DVD bundle

Hal

WINDOWS 7, December 12, 2009
Such prompt service but I haven't had time to use the DVD yet. Book is very helpful, easy to find subjects I want info about, written in layman's English, not computer-eez.

windows7 for dummies, February 18, 2010
Husband has read this book page by page - found it to be very informative and easy to understand. Uses it to review applications he wants to try out - can't be without it. This book has made using Windows7 easy to use now. Would definitely recommend buying this at this great price - excellent condition. The DVD is a plus.

First Pass at Windows 7 for Dummies, September 4, 2010
Andy Rathbone's Windows 7 for Dummies has been my major read for just over a month now, and I have completed all 398 pages with a highlighter. Andy's humor and writing style make it easy to stay with the text throughout, and my highlighting many key areas of specific interest make it easy to refer to just those areas I need to find when I'm at my computers.

I have upgraded my HP Media Center Vista Ultimate to Windows 7 Ultimate with no problems, and this book taught me not to try a downwards upgrade. This means not to go from a Vista Ultimate to a less-than-Windows 7 Ultimate upgrade. I've had lots of computers over the years, and this Windows 7 Ultimate combination so far has been sensational -- much faster and better in every way than Vista. Thanks to Andy's book, I have learned a lot about the incredible things Windows 7 can do for me. Processing photos and videos is so much more enjoyable, as I have pulled out and reprocessed my dozens of Zip disk photos, graphics, and videos. Sorting and cataloguing them has gone quickly, with Andy's help, and I heartily recommend Windows 7 for Dummies before you get too deeply into your new Windows 7 application.

The smaller figures of the many figures in the book were difficult for my 73 year old eyes to make out, so I highlighted the text references to these figures, as well as the figures themselves, to make it easier to make the connection on my subsequent speed-reading pass-throughs. If this had not slowed me down a bit, this would have been a five-star review. I feel the publisher could fix this.

Striker0800

Windows 7 for Dummies, March 8, 2010
The book helped with changes with the new operating system. But the book contained too much information relative to Vista and XP.

New To Windows 7, May 16, 2010
I found this book, along with the DVD, to be most helpful to someone using Windows 7 for the first time. If there is previous experience with Windows 98 or XP, Windows 7 can be used almost immediately, but all the enhancements are not intuitive, and there are many. "Windows 7 For Dummies" makes this transition easy, but it recommended that the entire book be read and the DVD viewed in its entirety to fully appreciate the nuances. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

Great Windows 7 Manual for Most People, March 27, 2010
This is a review of Windows 7: The Missing Manual by Daivd Pogue. The book is written in Pogue's clear, easy-to-read, and entertaining style. Through it all, he maintains his sense of humor. It covers most everyone from the most basic beginner to the the advanced super user, although the most sophisticated users won't need much from this book. But even for them, it includes some handy pointers and reference material.

It provides a complete Windows 7 manual, with everything from how to install (Appendix A), to Windows basics (using Windows, file management and search, and setting your desktop) to finding and installing programs, to connecting to and using the Internet, to advanced features like joining a domain and VPN. And it covers everything else in between.

New features like Libraries and Jump Lists are covered nicely. He even describes the Library problems where you can't add a network location to a Library without making that folder available off-line. He correctly points out that this copies that entire folder onto the local hard drive, so you probably don't want to do this.

I especially liked that when features were missing from a particular version of Windows 7, Pogue points that out. He also points out when a feature is available only on certain versions. For example, Aero is not available in Windows 7 Starter Edition, and he points that out when talking about Aero.

The book provides special help for people transitioning from XP and Vista. When he can, Pogue compares things to the way they used to be in XP and/or Vista. For example, he explains how the Start menu and taskbar have changed from both earlier versions.

He also offers handy sidebars with tips and other related information throughout the book. For example, in the section that teaches you about faxing, he has a sidebar on how to create your own fax cover page.

One of my favorite features of the book are the extraordinarily useful keyboard shortcuts. He provides shortcuts for every situation that has one. In addition, he provides a full keyboard reference in Appendix D.

This is truly the Missing Manual for Windows 7. It is not, however, a reference manual. It's designed to be read like a book. And it's a really good book.

Two hours to power, April 24, 2010
When you pick up a 904-page book, one of the first questions you ask yourself is "When can I put this puppy back down?"

For me, the answer in the case of "Windows 7: The Missing Manual" was that I couldn't put it down for two hours, because I was sitting in front of my computer at the time, with the book in my lap, and every time I turned a page I found another great new idea that I wanted to try. This went on for 172 fun-filled pages (yes, you read that correctly) before I took a break.

Let me back up and put this in perspective: I've been using Windows almost exactly 18 years, since Windows 3.1 was released in April of 1992, and I've been among the very first to try each new version of Windows since then. I've taught Windows courses. Most of the people I know consider me to be a power user of Windows. I don't necessarily agree with them, but I certainly consider myself to be comfortable with Windows, and I've never found myself thinking that I wish David Pogue would drop by and kick my productivity up a notch or two. (Besides, when someone drops by and starts kicking things, isn't there a chance you could get hurt?)

A little more perspective: I've been working in Windows 7 for several months now, and so I already knew that Windows 7 is not only the most powerful but also the fastest, most visually appealing, most user-friendly version of Windows ever released.

Yet while working my way through the first 172 pages of "The Missing Manual," I discovered dozens of new refinements in Windows and dozens of new, faster ways of doing things that until then had escaped my notice.

I think most readers can look forward to a similar experience, because the first 172 pages of the book describe techniques that everyone can benefit from, no matter what kind of work they are engaged in. This is where you'll learn surprising new ways to exploit the power of the Start menu, the Taskbar, and Windows Explorer, plus new ways to search and organize your files.

If you're thinking, "Great, because I'm new to Windows and I don't even recognize the terms you're using, much less how to do those things," then I can offer you the following reassurance: This book is highly illustrated. It is clearly written. It is entertainingly written. It will show you and tell you what you need to know.

If (as is more likely) you're thinking, "I already know how to do those things," then I invite you to think again: Of course you know how to do those things! Who doesn't? But these are some of the most common tasks you perform on your computer. You perform them hundreds if not thousands of times a day, day after day, week after week. What if you could perform them better and faster? What if you could perform them way better and way faster?

Everything I've said so far actually applies to pages 172 - 209, too, which pages cover changing the visual appearance of the Windows desktop and getting help from the Help system or from a user at a remote computer (whether down the hall or around the world) or from Microsoft.

The remaining 700 pages of the book are astonishingly comprehensive (and the writing is just as clear and just as engaging as the writing at the beginning), but few readers will want to bother reading every single chapter. Instead, this is the point at which you will return to the table of contents and pick and choose the chapters that matter to you. Later, you're likely to dip into specific sections as needed, guided by the excellent index. Major subject areas: Software included with Windows 7; Online Services; Pictures, Music, and Television; Hardware and Peripherals; and Networking (including the all-new, easy-to-use Homegroups).

A lot of people contributed ideas and expertise to this book. Their names are listed inside, but it is David Pogue's name on the cover, and whether by remote control or some other mysterious means, Pogue is the one who orchestrated the effort to produce the book. The results are superb. This is easily one of the most comprehensive and most readable books available on Windows 7. Even after spending just two hours with it, you'll be amazed at the power you've gained.

Windows 7: The Missing Manual, April 16, 2010
As a professional in the ever growing technical field i'm often asked "How can i keep up with technology?" And often times the answer is very blunt, "you really can't." With the release of Windows 7, I've been slowing promoting it to all of my clients, customers, co-workers and peers, but often i'm faced with the words "I don't have time to learn it."

I was graciously given the opportunity by O'reilly to review Windows 7: The Missing Manual. Most of the time while reading a book explaining anything technology, I become bored. It seems that often it is geared to the 'I'm Just learning about technology' individuals. After reading Windows 7: The Missing Manual, I was impressed to say the least. If I were to sum up Windows 7: The Missing Manual in a sentence i'd have to say, This book is one of the best instructive tutorial books I have ever read for any computer related product.

With their down to earth, yet at some points witty, instructive procedures, it was not only painless to read, but enjoyable. They tackle anything from switching screens, to folder options, to Taskbars. You name it, this book has touch based on it. To everyone that wants to start tackling Windows 7, whether computer savvy or not, I wouldn't only suggest to read this, I would highly recommend.

So, to the People of O'reilly, thank you for finally making a book to help, not only, the advanced users, but also the lesser of the computer savvy.

Give the Index a Test..., April 9, 2010
�
In my reviews, I have been pretty hard on certain Windows 7 books that have come out lately. [ Windows 7: The Definitive Guide: The Essential Resource for Professionals and Power Users ] This one is very good and, so far, has been fun to read while still offering the extensive range of information and comprehensiveness you want on a nearby shelf.

One of my first tests on a reference sort of book always involves the index. This book has almost 900 pages. An adequate index is absolutely necessary and a bad one or good one can measurably enhance or degrade the value of the book. A book written by as knowledgeable and experienced an author as this one should reflect interesting topics not normally associated with manuals--but how do you find them?

Ever heard of Window 7's "god mode"? This feature would certainly not be in any official Microsoft manual but word gets around, doesn't it? Well "god mode" is in the index. Test passed.

I recommend this book to other people, like myself, who do not like to waste time.

�

Editorial Review

Reviews

A fantastic Snow Leopard Resource, October 18, 2009
I love the Missing Manual series by David Pogue and have been waiting for the release of this version.

As with all of the Missing Manuals, this book is very well arranged and readable. You needn't be a complete techie to enjoy Pogue's writing style and the index and appendices are very helpful in locating exactly what you need.

Snow Leopard brings about little tweaks in Apple's newest OS and this Missing Manual explores them. The changes are not large changes, but they are there. I sold my Leopard copy and upgraded my Mac and book to Snow Leopard. Do you need this copy of the missing manual if you already own David Pogue's Mac OS X Leopard: The Missing Manual? Probably not unless you really like to get underneath the hood. If you are starting afresh with the new OS version, this new copy is the way to go. If you own the Leopard version of Pogue's book already and you only use it for an occasional reference here and there, you will probably do just fine. All in all, dollars very well spent.

The Best Mac OS Manual, October 22, 2009
This is the best Mac OS X Missing Manual ever because it has Snow Leopard Spots that describe new Snow Leopard features where they are appropriate throughout the book. They add new information and interest, increasing the appeal of the book.

How quickly you can find the information you need, assuming you can find it, is an important criteria for a good manual. Mac OS X Snow Leopard The Missing Manual is well organized with an excellent index and appendix. It took almost no time at all to find the answer for one of our user group members who wants to record radio music in iTunes. A highlighted Gem In The Rough about the Internet Radio and Podcasts said, "There is no easy way without add-on software."

The Mac OS Missing Manuals have been best selling Mac books in part because the the illustrations and text work together to help you do things.

For example, in the chapter about the new QuickTime a small paragraph tells you how to record sound through a microphone. Right next to it an illustration shows you the drop down menu used. I had no problem following the instructions to record my voice. However, I could not record the sound of the radio playing in iTunes by placing the speaker in front of the microphone. The horrible sound verified that, "There is no easy way without add-on software."

Mac OS X Snow Leopard has all the Notes, Tips, and humor that we expect in David Pogue's Missing Manuals. It is comprehensive and eminently useful as a reference to find what you need when you need it, and for learning how to do things in Snow Leopard. It is so well written that, unlike most manuals, you will look forward to reading more.

Some of you may also want tutorials with step by step instructions to create specific products. Others may want books on special topics with more illustrations.

For example, this book provides all the information I needed to make a movie of my MacBook screen complete with my vocal narrative. It even advised me to use my earphones to adjust my voice level. However, a special lesson could reduce the amount of experimentation and practice it will take to really do it right.

However, tutorials and collections of special lessons cannot provide all the information we need and that can be found here. We need a manual.

Thankfully, the manual was not in the box because we have Mac OS X Snow Leopard The Missing Manual by David Pogue instead.

Got-it-all followup to the Leopard book; fresh material added as needed, October 26, 2009
As a VISTA-phobe Mac switcher, no one did a better job than Pogue at making me feel at home with Leopard. He's done it again for Snow Leopard -- where eye candy was sparse, but getting the OS ready for the future was the driving force, as well as much needed updates of the standard apps to enhance performance. Outwardly, Snow Leopard is no avalanche, hence much of the book is an updated quality rewrite of the Leopard book; but where it counts -- as in describing the newly streamlined Automator -- the author maintains his outstanding track record of clarity and humor.

Thinking it was little more than a cleverly promoted Leopard version update, I installed Snopard upon release ... what a mistake! Frequent failures in opening or closing files, inability to send mail and constant crash reports made me hold on to a reserve Leopard drive - if only to get the email out. Many (but hardly all) of these glitches were corrected by the 10.6.1 release; although importing and saving files with Adobe products remain daily crash report events [feels like a beta tester!]. No way was I going to let Snopard take over until I had it checked out by Pogue. As a measure of my confidence, Pogue gave me the lowdown (and the courage) to do a surprisingly simple 'Clean Install' of Snow Leopard after a 2-month wait, letting go of Leopard's security blanket, and allowing the (yet imperfect) beast to take over as the OS for my computer.

The dauntingly-sized book may seem overwhelming at first, but the author has that rare gift of simplifying daily operations, yet provide all the detail that more advanced users demand. The chapter on Automation alone is worth the price of admission; with the drastic makeover of "ImageCapture", now serving as a frontend image collector within Automator, I would have been lost. Also, I feel reassured that some of the 'bugs' aren't Apple's so much as third party providers', and that Apple will address remaining incompatibilities with the Finder; moreover, as recommended, even with 8MB of RAM, the 32-bit kernel mode seems more stable than the 64-bit mode - at least for using non-Apple software.

Overall, this book comes as close to being the definitve guide to Snow Leopard as can be -- both for newcomers and for oldtimers. Highly recommended!

Kindle Version a Circus of Confusion, July 25, 2010
Looked at the contents book was well written, then purchased the kindle version. Kindle version doesn't really include a table of contents, for whatever reason they rewrote the contents pages and now looks like it was written by a 5 year old.

I contacted David Pogue, he wasn't aware of this, and submitted it to his publisher, who states that Kindle can make some changes, but why they would change the contents page which is the most important part of the book, is beyond me.
So I just have to meander around to find things.

David's great, his publisher was very nice to take the time to answer my e-mail. I just don't recommend the Kindle version right now, buy the full book, which is worth 5 stars, just not the Kindle Version, which was hacked together poorly.

Great book, November 6, 2009
This is a great book with a ton of info on most of Snow Leopard. I'm an experienced Mac user, and was initially worried that the book might be a little too introductory for me, but it's not. I jumped to SL from Tiger so I was looking for something to give details on the new features. In that respect, the book delivers. It also gives all sorts of tips for almost every program included in OS X. I was a little disappointed that it didn't include coverage of iPhoto (IMO because he wants to sell iPhoto Missing Manual books), but beyond that it's pretty comprehensive. Perhaps a little too comprehensive actually; he includes a Unix crash course chapter that IMO is likely to give users just enough rope to hang themselves. But overall it's a solid title that I'm glad to have on my shelf.

A complete and comprehensive guide to Snow Leopard, November 2, 2009
What we have here is another book in the Missing manual Mac OS X series. Pogue continues to write these books with humor making what would other wise be fairly dry reading easier to read. Mac OSX Snow Leopard The missing manual is easy to read and understand, A combination that can be hard to come by in technical manuals written for everyone from the average user to the Mac geek..

As with all of the other books in the Mac OS Missing manual series Pogue covers iDVD, iMovie, Garage band, Spot light, iCal, iChat, Dashboard, iTunes, iPhoto, iSync and all of the more then 40 other applications that come with Snow Leopard in complete but concise detail.. Pogue also goes into great detail about the functions and utilities of the operating system.

What the reader also gets with this book is a good understanding of how the operating system works. The reader gets a lot of screen shots the assist them in following the tutorials and will assist the reader in doing things like installing printers, putting your Mac on a network as well as figuring out how to work each application. Pogue goes into some detail about how to use these applications that might not be immediately apparent to the user.

There are some informative side bars in the book. One is called "gems in the rough" that walks the user through using keyboard shortcuts as an alternate to using the mouse. "Up to speed" walks the user through finding things faster. FAQ's. "Power Users clinic" This side bar walks the users through things like creating their own icons to how to more effectively search and run queries based on specific criteria and doing more granular searches then using Spotlight by it's self. "Troubleshooting moment" fairly self explanatory it details how to recover lost files, passwords etc..

Pogue also covers running Windows on Mac since you can now do that on the Intel based Macs. Pogue covers how to complete a task on the Mac environment and then how to complete that same task on in the Windows environment. The users gets a little bit of an idea on how to create web pages using cascading style sheet using TextEdit.

Using security settings Pogue does a good job of describing how to customize your Mac based un user profiles and user groups i.e. parental controls, access to the web, access to applications ( this works nicely if your trying to keep your kid off of iChat.. Pogue walks the reader through creating these and then modifying them to suit the users needs. Pogue give the reader and idea how to setup a firewall to allow or dis-allow certain types on network traffic access to your computer.

All in all a very comprehensive book. Everyone from first time Mac users to Mac pros will find this book of great value.

Typical Pogue, November 21, 2009
I upgrade my OS every time a new one comes out & I immediately order the new "Missing Manual" for that system. Pogue thoroughly explains Snow Leopard yet keeps it simple as you want. You can glean the basics or get "down & dirty". Not only that, he writes with great humor. I highly recommend this book whether you're a newbee or an intermediate user.

Another hit in the Missing Manual series, March 18, 2010
As a long time Windows/Unix user who converted to MAC OS for home use with Tiger, I've found this book to be a helpful reference. The index is extensive and the content pretty exhaustive at over 800 pages. I have personally used this twice recently. Once I needed to recover/reinstall the OS as a result of a bug while upgrading a synch'ed Ipod Touch. The instructions on troubleshooting and installing were just right for me as an intermediate user.

I also consulted this as I was setting up SSH to connect to some Windows based machines for small business development. I felt the manual was a bit shortsighted since it only addresses supporting remote connections to your Mac and not using your Mac to remotely connect to other machines (w/o tunneling in via a VPN). However, this topic is on the edge of what I think is appropriate for an all-in-one book like this so I don't consider this to be a big issue.

If you are relatively new to Macs or you have been using them for a few years like me and would like to get more out of them (and have a ready reference for troubleshooting common problems) I would heartily recommend this book. The readable style and humor are also welcome additions to keep the mood light and keep those non-geeks interested and learning.

Snow Leopard Missing Manual, November 23, 2009
Superb book: Comprehensive but clear. This is the one to buy if you want any more detail and breadth of coverage than you get in the "For Dummies" type books.

Mac OS X Snow Leopard: The Missing Manual, February 18, 2010
Although software manuals seem like the complete antidote to controversy or enthusiasm, the author is not a typical technical writer. David Pogue's increasing prominence and influence is starting to get him in trouble when he expresses opinions in periodicals about Macs and PCs.

Mac users are typically suspicious about operating system upgrades like Snow Leopard that result in all G4 and G5 machines losing technical support and can be wary of writers like Pogue who trumpet the change as a big improvement. A recent dustup in //The New York Times// forced an editorial clarification about his multiple status as a product reviewer, writer of computer guides and quotable computer pundit. Nonetheless, Pogue is eminently qualified to lead both computer novices and seasoned users around the new features of the latest Mac operating system, even if he sometimes seems a bit too enthusiastic about some of the latest improvements.

Pogue makes up for it somewhat by being so readable. Although it seems to nearly outweigh a MacBook, Pogue's book is extremely user friendly, and goes way beyond operating system questions to explain basics of the fifty pieces of bundled free software that come with Snow Leopard, as well as explanations of online Apple services like MobileMe. The book does not shortchange arcane subjects like networking with PCs, using Unix commands and utilities, debugging permissions, or troubleshooting web connections. It genuinely seems to have something for everyone who buys an Intel Mac.

Reviewed by Richard Tolmach ... Read more

Editorial Review

Get complete coverage of the latest release of the CompTIA A+ exams inside this fully revised and updated resource. Written by the leading authority on CompTIA A+ certification and training, this expert guide covers CompTIA A+ exams 220-701 and 220-702. You'll find learning objectives at the beginning of each chapter, exam tips, practice exam questions, in-depth explanations, and more than 1,000 photographs and illustrations. Designed to help you pass the CompTIA A+ exams with ease, this definitive volume also serves as an essential on-the-job IT reference.

Covers all exam objectives, including how to:

• Work with CPUs, RAM, motherboards, power supplies, and other PC components
• Install, partition, and format hard drives
• Install, upgrade, and troubleshoot WIndows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Vista
• Troubleshoot PCs and implement security measures
• Install video and multimedia cards
• Work with portable PCs, PDAs, smartphones, and wireless technologies
• Manage printers and connect to networks and the Internet
• Understand safety and environmental issues
• Establish good communication skills and adhere to privacy policies

The CD-ROM features:

• Practice exams for 701 & 702
• 600+ chapter review questions
• New video introduction to CompTIA A+
• One-hour video training segment
• Mike's favorite PC tools and utilities
• Searchable e-book

Mike Meyers, CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, MCP, is the industry's leading authority on CompTIA A+ certification and training. He is the president and founder of Total Seminars, LLC, a major provider of PC and network repair seminars for thousands of organizations throughout the world, and a member of CompTIA. ... Read more

Reviews

Best of the bunch, February 15, 2010
I had received the CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide for xmas because the All-in-One Exam Guide wasn't available yet. Well, I gave up on the Complete Study Guide after I was 1/3 the way through and ordered Meyer's version as I saw that it had become available on Amazon. What can I say? The guy is such a great teacher and the book is very well laid out and easy to understand, relying on plenty of analogies and diagrams. You get the feeling that you are in a classroom listening to your favorite teacher; Mikes methods of teaching are pleasantly informal, and he seems to have the formula for mixing professionalism and humor down to a tee.

Two thumbs up. Passed both tests this morning., April 17, 2010
Definitely going to give this book two thumbs up. I've been doing the things in this book for about three years, but I do my best to play around at home and do stuff like this anyway. I simply read through the book and took the tests on the CD. Saw that there were a couple of areas on the tests that I needed to review. Reread 3 chapters and took the tests this morning. I made an 845 on the 701 test and an 870 on the 702 test (both out of 900). Overall, it took me about a month to study and finally take the test. Not too bad for a book that's 1300+ pages. It was easy to read and easy to understand. The light jokes were nicely thrown in as well. Can't say enough good about this book. I hope the Network+ and Security+ are the same way... because I just bought them. ;)

Well written and easy to understand, March 15, 2010
I found Mike Meyer's CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Guide to be of great help in passing the A+ certification. His seventh edition is written in a clear and concise manner that's easy to understand and also makes a great reference book.

However in some areas, for example, the CPU section, I think that Mike goes into too much detail for the A+ certification and I found there is not enough background or troubleshooting information on VOIP technologies. Even with these shortcomings, I would still highly recommend this book.

An Excellent Resource for Studying, July 21, 2010
To put it simply this is probably the most dynamic and interesting text-book I have
read in ages. Most texts use the format of dry facts and statistics while dragging
out the source material for what seems like forever. Mike has that unique writer's gift
of taking a relatively dry subject and making it fun and interesting to read. I love
the format he uses of starting with the broad history and moving into the factoids
all without losing his humorous touch. Using this book and a few practice tests from CompTIA's
own website, I was able to pass the test on my first try after about a month of study.


This was a great resource for study and I only have two small complaints.

1. The practice tests included on the CD do not have enough questions. This means that after
you take it once or twice you will have seen all the questions and it goes from being
a good gauge of your progress to just memorizing the correct answers.

2. The book does not cover VoIP in enough detail to satisfy the questions that will probably be on the
exam. So you will have to do a bit of extra research into VoIP to get up to speed on the topic.
Overall this is an excellent all-in-one guide that will help you towards achieving A+ certification.

If you want to get lifetime certification you better start now, because come January 1st
your certification will switch to only being good for 3 years if you don't get it before 2011.

Great but no CD with a Kindle, November 10, 2010
This review is for the Kindle user. Well, It seems like common sense; you would think that because it is a ebook that you would not get the CD and that there would be a possible link to the information on the CD. Well, nope! Now shame on you Amazon. You do not state it anywhere about the status of a the information on the CD. Now I say information, because when you buy a book, that is what you are buying, information. If the CD has information on it, then you should be entitled to this information. I have spoken to Amazon via emails and to the publisher and this turly seems to be a missed topic, WOW. I really enjoy the Kindle(I use it on my PC), but Amazon should set up links with this information for the buyers, because we did buy it.

The Book is very good and covers all of the important topics that you will need to know. You just have to commit it to memory.

This Will Help You Pass!, August 3, 2010
Having been in the I.T. field for 6 years (although not certified) and after TONS of experience of fixing people's computers, upgrading them, and troubleshooting them, I decided that it was time for me to go for my A+ certification. Right now I am going to take the test in the next two weeks, and I feel VERY prepared.

Even if you have NO EXPERIENCE fixing PC's, you will by the time that you are done with this book. It gives you helpful hints on what to see on the exam, and what you will see in the I.T. field. After studying and doing the practice tests in the back of the book on the CD which I HIGHLY recommend that you do once you are done with this book because if you want to pass the A+ exam, you want to see as many questions and answers because most, if not all, are going to be on the exam but written differently.

The book also shows you how to stuff too; like installing a NIC, CPU, RAM, motherboard's, and a list of other things too. Also on the CD, there are video tutorials on how to do specific things also in case you want to see how things are properly installed without wrecking the hardware.

I LOVE this book and I cannot recommend it enough to people who want to get into the I.T. field. This is definitely a GREAT foundation to other higher certifications (after this, I'm going for my CCNA).

Before I end this review, I want to give out a couple of pieces of advice that Mike left out.

1. Take your time, I know that there is a time limit, but READ EVERY SINGLE QUESTION AND POSSIBLE ANSWER VERY THROUGHLY. Trust me, CompTIA likes to throw some hard-ball questions and think that they have the right answer when in reality it is the wrong answer. If you know that it is the right answer, go for it. Like I said, CompTIA likes to trick you into thinking that the wrong answer is the right answer.

2. Study the heck out of this book and grab an old computer and study the heck out of it. If you are new to PC repair, read this and know it like the back of your hand. Trust me, there are going to be some real world situations where you are stuck and don't know the answer, my solution? Before you go take the exam, get an old computer and study the heck out of it with the book by your side...having book skills is one thing, but having good troubleshooting skills is another.

3. My last and final tip....Be Patient. I know this is a THICK book, and whatever you do, DON'T SKIP ANY CHAPTERS OR SECTIONS! Like I said, CompTIA will throw some HARDBALL questions at you (and some soft ones too so expect those also), and if you are not sure about something, go back into the book, study, or research the heck out of it.


Like I said, this book (and an old beat-up computer) will help you pass the exam. Good luck passing that exam!

Best Study Guide for A+, October 9, 2010
I just recently passed both A+ tests yesterday and have to thank Mike Myers for the excellent book. I used this book, Exam Cram Version 3, examcheets, ILT series from my New Horizons class and IT exam world practice tests. The two best where the Mike Myers book and IT examworld tests for passing the tests. Dont waste your time with anything else then these two sources and you will pass with no problem. This book will teach you about legacy devices that the new 220-701 just loves to ask questions about. The IT exam world will cover just about every question that you will run across on the test. The test cd is excellent as well that comes with the book but is lacking with command line commands and there switches. Two of us in my New Horizons Class used this book to supplement the ILT books and passed both A+'s with no problem. On to our Network+ training now!!

Great review book, April 14, 2010
I purhased this textbook to refresh my knowledge before taking the A+ exam. I have been very satisfied with the writing style in the book, and the amount of information contained inside. There have been many times while reading this book that I read something I previously did not know, and was not contained in the other A+ books I have read. This book specifically blows away the Jean Andrews book, in pretty much every way. My only complaint is the book is in black-and-white, but for the price, color could not be expected. Buy this book!

Studying for the CompTIA A+, April 9, 2010
Only into the third chapter of this book so far, but it is a fairly easy read, especially for those that do not like to read. The author uses terminology which is easy to understand and basically starts from scratch as if you had no computer knowledge. I am going to read this from cover to cover although I already have 10+ years in the industry and an Associates in IT. The only thing I didn't like is that not all the acronyms are spelled out. All in all though a pretty thorough book!

I liked the 6th, and I like this one too, February 3, 2010
Good Update to reflect the latest processors and the Windows Vista & Seven OSes. Clear and concise as always, but he changed one of his best lines!
Before: "Redesigned to maximize efficiency, the Core 2 processors spank their Pentium D predecessors by up to 40 percent in energy savings..."

After: "Redesigned to maximize efficiency, the Core 2 processors offer up to 40 percent in energy savings..."

What happened Mike? ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

Just when you thought you knew everything about your iPhone 4!, September 1, 2010
I have been an iPhone owner from the first generation of them. Admittingly, I was not completely pleased with the first gen of iPhone's because it felt lacking with so few applications available (unless it was jailbroken). It was a cool device at the time, but I found the Blackberry Curve a little more beholden to my likes and needs ... that was until the 3G, 3Gs and now the iPhone 4 with iOS4 came along. A completely different brand of machinery and intelligence.

I love David Pogue's Missing Manuals. My tech bookshelf is lined with his familiar green covers that range from Apple applications and OS's to Windows Operating Systems. He just writes a good book that is accessible to both the beginner and the expert. There is always more to learn.

I have been waiting patiently for the release of this book and was thrilled to get it. The iPhone iOS4 can get as complex as you want it to. Even if you are an advanced techie or iPhone user, this book will STILL have something in it so that you will feel you've gotten your dollar's worth. There are several iPhone books out there now but I am going with the tried and true Pogue book because I know and appreciate his writing and presentation style. The content is not so dry and boring that it loses you -- he writes in a very engaging manner and he can reach the novice and expert alike.

The book is printed on nice coated paper with beautiful, clear screen shots. I bought the book so that I could delve into iMovie for iPhone. At first I was a bit disappointed that it was not addressed more in depth until I read into the section more and discovered that he is offering a download that explains the use of iMovie. This book is filled with resources like that.

Besides learning a lot from the book and taking your iPhone to it's max usage and getting the most out of it ... you are also provided with further jumping off points that allow you to delve into areas that interest you more. For me that's iMovie. Just an example.

For the money you've put into buying your iPhone and potentially extra apps, a resource like this will stretch your dollar even more by helping you to get the most use out of it.

I am an iPhone 4 first adopter who dealt with the "death grip" (he even addresses that in the book). I feel like I have a pretty darn good grasp on this piece of hardware but also know that there is much more to be learned.

I love David Pogue's books and this one really does not disappoint.

5 stars!

Who knew my phone could do all of these things! Great book., September 1, 2010
Love this book, I did not know my new phone could do all of these things! While I was able to figure out many of the great features of my new iPhone4 without any manual, I was honestly shocked to read about all the cool features I had yet to discover. This manual has an easy to read layout, including lots of helpful pictures and helpful user tips. My iPhone4 is my first smart phone ever, but I am not a technical novice. However, savvy users with iPhone experience may not learn quite as much as I did - but I can't imagine that anyone could discover all the cool features on their own. I started reading the manual thinking I would just scan the first chapter or two, but I ended up reading it cover to cover. I am using my iPhone more than ever, and smarter than ever.

If you are interested in this book to disover what an iPhone/smart phone is all about, I would recommend it. I can't believe I waited so long to even get a `smart phone', but now I know it is something that will change the way I manage my life as it sooooo much more than just a phone. I'm even reading books on the thing, plus booking/tracking airline flights, ordering lunch, organizing my health records with doctor information, searching for local business using its automated gps positioning (not to mention mapping directions), listening to music, watching TV shows, reading the daily news on dozens of news sources, playing games and so much more.

The Ultimate iPhone 4 Book, September 21, 2010
David Pogue is so good at what he does he could get hired by Apple or Google immediately and instantly improve their technical documentation department ten-fold. The Missing Manual line of books is so good that it's like candy for the tech reader that wants to learn more about nearly any technology on the market.

With 'iPhone: The Missing Manual: Covers iPhone 4 & All Other Models with iOS 4 Software' Pogue has done it once again, improving on the previous edition of iPhone TMM by covering the new, gooooorgeous 4 line of phones. People like Pogue blow me away, they are people that seem to be able to get 25+ hours out of every day that most people only use/get 1440 minutes. I don't know how he is able to turn around such quality books in such a rapid amount of time, it's sick.

From the writing to content to design to the total package, if you want a book that will cover the iPhone top to bottom in a fun, educational way look no further.

***** HIGHEST POSSIBLE RECOMMENDATION

another Pogue hit, November 7, 2010
As ususal, David Pogue has gotten it right. As with all his books, the information is clear and concise. I would encourage anyone who has an iPhone 4 to buy the book and use it. Also, as usual, Amazon.com has the best price.

Iphone Manual, November 2, 2010
Excellent documentation that Apple left out of their instructions. User friendly and written in easy format for all aspects of the iPhone.

It's very helpful for a new iPhone 4 user, December 22, 2010
First off, let me say, I'm a VERY experienced computer and camera user, but still, I'm the kind of guy who reads owner manuals (or books that are better than owner manuals) right away. With new tools, computers, apps, cameras or smart phones, I want to know as much as I can as quickly as possible. In that regard, this book is great. Pogue's writing style is easy to read (but not as witty, irreverent, nor fun as Blatner), and he covers a lot of ground.

I will say, as I read it, I did find myself sometimes asking, "How do I do blah-blah?" or "Is it possible to blah-blah?" They seemed like logical questions at that point in my learning that weren't addressed. I could find the answers, but had to look for them, or they came along later. It's really a minor issue, but it made me feel that Pogue was not a perfect teacher for MY way of thinking/learning. (This is my first Pogue-written book)

On the other hand, lots of the kinds of helpful details I want to know were revealed. Did you know that the camera takes the photo when you take your finger OFF the button? Touch it, hold it, get steady...then release. Same with the keyboard. There are times that touch and slide will save a few taps. Did you know that "predictive text" actually enlarges the target area for the keys of the anticipated next letter? The book is chocked full of details and tips and good context about why to do something a certain way rather than a different way.

The phone aspect is not the reason I got an iPhone. Rather, what's important is much of the other features so that I can have stuff (say, images and music) with me or access to data where ever I am. This book has been excellent getting me up to speed with this very cool new tool.

Ahead of the curve -- as of yesterday, the "Missing CD" that's touted on the inside back cover as part of the deal with buying the book is still missing... it's not yet available at the missingmanuals.com website.

PS -- As a personal bonus, I was blown away seeing on pg 406 a photo of the foxL compact speaker I'd shot for a client. Who knew?

iPhone - The missing manual, November 23, 2010
I ordered this book on the recommendation of a friend on Facebook. It was a Godsend. Love this book. It's very helpful in setting up the iPhone and gives detailed instructions on features you never knew existed.

Nicely done number 1, October 6, 2010
It doesn't hurt that the subject matter describes a product that is already well received to begin with. I have been a fan of Apple products since I bought an Apple IIGS in 1987. I am also a fan of David Pogue's books. He and the editors that work with him have consistently produced quality tomes.
I purchased the iPhone4 in June to replace a less capable phone I had bought through AT&T last year.
This book is very nicely laid out. It allows you to address your questions about this phone very quickly. It also provides you with the chance to explore areas of interest at your leisure. The illustrations and graphics are superb.
IMOP:this group of editors and publishing company know their market very well and the delivery is top notch. You won't be disappointed

It really is the missing manual, November 7, 2010
Very well written book with some cute humor to liven it up. It really should be included with the IPhone as without additional assistance the average user cannot appreciate all of the features available in the phone. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

New to Mac - Love this book, December 26, 2009
After 20 years on PCs I decided to switch to a Mac and I am very happy with that decision. This book has definitely been a God-send. It is written in a way that anyone can understand. It has helped make my transition go so smoothly. The author has an easy going style laced with a great sense of humor. A lot of my friends and acquaintances have switched to Macs lately and I highly recommended this as a must-have reference.

Very Useful for old dogs to learn new tricks!!!, March 31, 2010
I just made the move from an XP PC to an iMac so I bought this book as a reference. It not only helps with all the questions new users will have but it also answers questions that I didn't know to ask. You may be able to figure out many of the the BIG things on your own but it is always the little things can kill you - unless you have a handy reference guide like this. It is must have book for an old dog like me that needs to learn new tricks on his own. It is a small, but valuable investment that will save you lots of time. Just get it, you won't regret it.

REALLY helpful book!!, March 8, 2010
This book is saving my life! I've used PCs ever since they were invented. Really. But I've wanted a Mac for a long time. Recently some dear (and generous) friends gave me a brand new Mac laptop. It's beautiful and fun but it does behave differently than a PC. This book has helped be figure out what to do when my in-bred response isn't the right one! No right click? No problem. Want to find properties of a file? No problem. The book weighs a ton and is huge. I'm slowly getting through it but it's saved me already on numerous occasions. I'm so glad I bought it!

Excellent Book, July 22, 2010
"Switching to the Mac" is the best book I've read for someone who has been a PC user for many years and is just beginning to learn how to use the Mac. I'm a new Mac owner and bought several books on getting started, and have done a few tutorials, and this book is the most informative by far. I can't think of anything it does not cover. I wish I had come across this book first because it would have been the only book I needed. It's a great reference source and very easy to understand. I would recommend it to all PC-to-Mac converters.

excellent guide for new Apple users, May 11, 2010
Mac OS X Snow Leopard Simplified I recently purchased my first Apple computer(Macbook Pro) and needed a handy reference nearby to explore the wealth of functions contained in Snow Leopard...I have been a windows user for my computer life and am not proficient at all with my computer skills. The index leads to easy numbered steps plus wonderful pictures to allow one to accomplish the needed tasks...it is a fun,simplified way to learn. I could not be happier with a reference book

The Best Book, March 26, 2010
Great resource!! I tried another book first before I found this one.... What a difference. I couldn't be more impressed. Well organized and very well written, it is the perfect reference for a new Mac user whether or not you have PC experience. The right amount of information, with a great index. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

clear but not comprehensive, June 11, 2010
good book for someone who knows very little about Macs. (i.e. just bought one or about to buy one). has good info to a shallow depth about a lot of programs. has more info than the on-line help. written clearly.

does not have in-depth info about any programs, including the standard programs that are included.

Great for first time Mac users, April 3, 2010
I purchased this book because I have been become a MAC user. This book is very good and covers all aspects of the Mac. Being new to a Mac I found this book very easy to use, plus it has a lot of useful information. Switching from P.C to a Mac has not been hard, due to the information contained in this book. I would recommend this for any new Mac user.

Excelent instrument to help the "switcher", March 3, 2010
It is a well written book and and it covers, in a very comprehensive way, the most essentials aspects of windows/OSX. I just wish the writer could, at some aspects, be more openly critical of the OSX - because, as much as I love my new iMac, it inevitably has it's shortcomings (yes, comparing it with windows). Saying it upfront and out loud would make some more frustrated switchers fell somehow better... But, in the end, you will love the book (almost) as much as your new OS.

Helpful, but, March 17, 2010
Have had my Mac a month now. Love it. This book has been helpful with one exception. It has no information on the photo application on my new Mac - Apple iPhoto - which was a big thing for me. So I had to buy an additional book for that. I just purchased iPhoto for Dummies (Angelo Micheletti) and it looks good. If I had know before hand that Switching to the Mac was lacking info on iPhoto I might not have purchased it. But it has come in handy and is a good resource as I continue to learn about my Mac. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

A Win 7 Book geared towards the Intermediate / Advanced User, December 1, 2009
I am so accustomed to using the Missing Manual series by David Pogue for OS upgades and programs Windows 7: The Missing Manual but did not have the patience to wait for the printing of the MM book on Windows 7, so decided to buy and dive into this one instead. It is from the Microsoft Press and written by experts in the field of Windows. Who knows the operating system better than the developers themselves?? That said, it needs to be stated that this book is geared toward a more technical user who actually ENJOYS being technical and likes to tinker. If this is not your cup of tea, go with the Windows 7: The Missing Manual as it will humor you and suit your needs. The Windows Inside Out really delves deeply into customization, security, advanced file management and much more.

This book is labeled for the Intermediate / Advanced and contains a CD with tools, training and the book in e-book form. If this is your first technical book, it might be a bit intimidating. I would suggest the Missing Manual by David Pogue if you can wait for it to come to press or Windows 7 Bible which is really geared to the beginner to intermediate user.

5 Stars for Techies

This is THE Win 7 Bible!, October 31, 2009
I'ver read too many poorly written books by technical specialists who just don't write very well. This book is not one of those. It is well-written, all-encompassing, and provides thorough, understandable, technical help for the novice and the geek alike. The reader can either use this book as a reference or he/she can read it from cover to cover. I did the latter--twice! I just couldn't absorb all the cool and fantastic features in one reading. This is the first time since 1988 that I feel I really have a handle on my OS. If you are running Windows 7 (any version), you cannot do without this manual. It may appear absurd to say that Windows 7 Inside Out can be life-altering, but it can be just that! Geeks and neophytes ought to celebrate.

If you buy 1 Win7 book, this would be it, November 29, 2009
As a technical professional that focuses on Microsoft products, I have read or have access to a number of technical books. Some focus on technical knowledge sharing, other focus on presentation of the information. It is rare that a book comes along that provides both. This book is very readable and not so technical that the new features get lost in terminology or filler paragraphs to create a larger book.

This book is one of those that not only provides excellent information on the new operating system, but makes an excellent reference guide for those times that you need to look up something. It is not a book you will recall everything, but the information is presented in such a way that it makes it easy to recall seeing it mentioned, which makes for quick search to find what you are looking for.

Excellent for Standard Users, January 8, 2010
If you are a Windows 7 Administrator, and you already have the Windows 7 RSK (ISBN: 0735627002) you can safely skip this title as it will bring little else to the table, except for a few OEM customizations bizarrely missing from the RSK. If you are looking to become a Win7 Administrator and are looking for a place to start, I highly recommend the RSK over this title.

If, however, you are looking for an introduction to Windows 7 and a way to quickly get up to speed with the new OS and its substantial changes over XP, "Windows 7 Inside Out" (W7IO) provides a solid base, focused on all readers regardless of prior knowledge of the Windows environment. Beyond a tour of the graphical interface for Windows 7, W7IO provides mini-user guides for IE8, Windows Live, all Microsoft's Media Center components, and even help for those looking to make iTunes their primary media manager. W7IO goes further for Power Users by covering general backup/recovery methods, general security and networking, and even pen, touch and voice inputs.

What you won't find in W7IO though is how to control/manage the environment using PowerShell (console or scripts), VBScript/JavaScript, the command prompt, or direct registry edits (there are some, not many), although there is information about manipulating the environment using Local Group Policies. The primary focus of this title is manipulation thru the provided graphical interfaces.

In all, this is a great read for those normal users that want to take control of their environment. It can serve as a one-stop reference, or a jumping off point for those that may want to go deeper with script/console control as well.

Will make you comfortable installing and using Windows 7, October 27, 2009
This book arrived in early October prior to my preordered copies on Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade. By reading portions of this book, I was able to do a clean install of Windows 7 on a desktop and laptop computer. I had to find one driver for the sound on the laptop and knew how to find it by checking in this book. The sections on Home Networking make connecting to your network very easy. I then setup my Homegroup by following the clearly defined information provided by the authors. Everything that you need to know about the basics is presented clearly in this book. One can easily add E Mail and secuity features by checking those sections of the book. There is also advanced information that I do not need but there for those with the interest and skill to use. I highly recommend this book.

If you're only going to buy one Win 7 book, this is the one, December 16, 2009


Like "Windows XP Inside Out" and "Windows Vista Inside Out," this book covers every major aspect of Windows 7. And it does so in an authoritative yet understandable manner, wrapped in an easy-to-use format.

All of the major concerns one might have are dealt with, including basic setup and start-up, personalization, security, home networking, media, and system maintenance and management. All of the differences between Vista and Win 7 are discussed. This is really THE source for everything important concerning Windows 7.

There are, of course, other doorstop-sized Windows 7 reference manuals, but the strength of this book is its focus on practical information and advice. Most of us really don't need theoretical discussions; we want to know how to install, configure, operate, and maintain our systems in the best, most efficient and easiest way possible. The authors took care to make it clear that some things can only be done one way. Other things, however, can be done multiple ways, and they explain all of them and recommend one of them. This allows a lot of latitude to personalize and experiment with Windows 7 features without getting tangled up.

The CD that comes with the book contains the entire text of the book in an easily searchable format, plus some utilities. You can install it on your hard drive and have a convenient desktop version of the book.

This book is the in-depth instruction manual that didn't come with Windows 7. It enables you to get the most out of it with the least effort-- and the least danger of messing something up. If you're only going to buy one Windows 7 book, this is the one.

Thorough Coverage at Just the Right Pace, November 30, 2009
I have been using Windows since Microsoft created a GUI front end to DOS, but Windows 7 is the first Windows O/S that I really like, and this book was the icing on the cake. Windows 7 Inside Out is an easy read, interesting, practical, and thorough. Many of the technical details are contained in sidebars so you can pick the places you want to dive in deeper. After just a few chapters, I'm doing things I wished I could do when I had Windows XP, and some things that I never knew I was missing.

Every thing you will ever need, November 27, 2009
I am in the computer business (Repair, install, etc.) and I needed answers to Windows 7 that were complete and understandable. This book does just that. I also like the fact that a DVD containing the entire book came along with the purchase. It allows me to have a handy reference on my laptop while traveling. The book is thick and too heavy to carry around.

Glad I have it.

Good reference book - A Win7 Manual, December 2, 2009
This is a thorough Windows 7 manual. Don't expect any tricks or tweaks though. It is just a complete reference guide for Windows 7. If you are looking for an operations manual that should have been included with Windows 7, this is it. If you are a more advanced user looking for tweaks, keep on looking.

In terms of technical level, an advanced beginner could handle this book. Anything less might cause problems.

Good book for the right reason.

The ultimate Windows 7 reference, December 15, 2009
The Microsoft 'Inside Out' series is always great. The book is well laid-out, and specific topics are easy to find. "Windows 7" is no exception to this. It holds your interest well enough that it can be read through, like a book or manual. Having the book on disk is, also nice, since you can have it loaded up while you're exploring the OS. I find that this series is much better that the 'Step-by-step', with much more information. It is also much more detailed than the 'Dummies' or 'Missing Manual' series, which always leave me wanting more information. These seem to be intended for the normal user. As a system administrator, "Windows 7- Inside/Out" is an invaluable tool of the trade. I highly recommend it, to the tech savvy user. It's probably a bit much for the average user, though. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

This book helped me pass the Windows 7 exam, November 27, 2009
I got this book to help me pass the Windows 7 exam. After reading the book and doing all the exercises and practice test questions I got above 900 when I took the test. This is the first time I have taken a Microsoft exam since Windows XP so I am pretty happy with the result.

The practice tests are similar enough to the exam that they helped me pass. The only thing I didn't like about this book was that some of the exercises take a while and you really need a computer with 4 GB of RAM if you are going to do them using VMWARE. This was okay for me, but might not be good for others. I was able to do all the practices using the RC version of Windows 7 even though they are designed for the real version of Windows 7.

I do not know what book the other reviews are talking about as the text seemed to be clear and I noticed few mistakes. If you want to pass the exam this book will help you do that. If you want to have a book as a Windows 7 reference you should get the resource kit book.

Not perfect, but got me through the exam!, April 15, 2010
This book is far superior to the Odom book, which I also owned. This book does a great job of covering all the bases. There are quite a few typos and errata, however those problems are fixable since the errata is published. I did not see any questions on the exam that weren't covered somewhere in this book. If you study this book, and supplement with some studying of Technet, you should pass. The practice exam that comes with book is too easy compared to the real exam. Microsoft tests are somewhat vague in general, so taking the practice test that comes with the book won't hurt you. Just don't think that the real test is as easy as the practice test.

This book, although flawed, prepared me well for the exam, June 14, 2010
The book covers the exam topics closely, and the timed practice exams on the companion DVD (which also contains the book in .PDF format, and all the chapter review questions from the book in practice test format) closely simulated the exam experience. Each chapter was well-explained, and the practice exercises were well thought out and relevant... not only to exam 70-680, but also for real life Windows 7 tasks.

Bottom line: I spent a weekend plowing through the book, took the Microsoft exam Monday, and passed it. Well worth the money... especially since it included a 15% discount on the exam, making the net cost of the test at Prometric to $106.25... or, if you prefer, making the net cost of the book only about $25.
I just ordered the same book for the 70-685 exam.

Minor quibble: I counted at least a dozen typos in the book, including some in command lines. This cost it one star in my review.
Major quibble: There are even steps left out of the practice exercises. For example, the procedure for creating a Windows PE .ISO file -- a task early in the book that is necessary for other practice exercises -- is missing a crucial step, without which your Windows PE disks will never work. This is below the usual standards of MS Press. When I ran into this error, I chopped another star off this review.

I am shocked, January 23, 2010
I am the type of person that never writes reviews. This might actually be my first.

This is one of the most poorly written books I have ever read. I am only on page 136 and and I am totally frustrated by the amount of errors in this book. I can't get through a single exercise without having to go on the net to find the correct commands to get through the exercise. Did anyone test this out as it was written? I have 7 certifications and have read through many books and never come across a book with this many errors.

You can still learn from this book and pass your exam but it will just take a lot longer because you have to go online to verify everthing you read.

Not sure about the other Windows 7 study guides but if you are debating between this and others, go with the others.

Best book out there, could be much better, April 24, 2010
I purchase this book and the Odom book. The Odom book wasn't good at all and I ended up using just this book to pass the test. It's a comprehensive, in-depth look at Windows 7.

Problems with the book: Errors when describing command-line input is incredibly frustrating if you're not familiar with what they're trying to teach you and made worse in that subsequent lab exercises might not be possible if you weren't able to successfully complete an earlier one; review questions aren't very good and you can often figure out the answer without even having read the chapter; for a book aimed at a somewhat experienced technician, it goes into great length on some very basic topics such as troubleshooting wireless network connectivity.

Before reading this book, print out the errata guide and mark the pages in the book so you know when you're coming across some not quite correct information.

Excellent book..I passed 70-680 after reading it first try, December 2, 2009
This is an excellent study guide for the 70-680 exam. I spent about 2 weeks reading the book cover to cover and I was able to pass the exam on my first try with a score of 805. I have only been using Windows 7 Enterprise for about a month, so this book really helped me out. FYI the exam has NO SIMULATIONS at this time.

I would most certainly purchase another book by Orin Thomas!

Poor organization, too many errors to count, November 16, 2010
Maybe I was hoping for too much, but this book is very difficult to follow. Information is repeated sporadically throughout various sections without any cohesive step-by-step information. Parts of the book appear to be step-by-step, but either leave out important details or contain completely incorrect information. I couldn't even make it through Chapter 2 without considerable rework and research from other sources.

Good as a training kit, keep in mind it is training.., October 2, 2010

First of all my background: A+, Desktop support for several years, but this was to be my first Microsoft Certification.
By definition, this is the primary source of the objectives and questions covered in the exam. This book and cd used as a training kit, reading, studying, and yes performing the exercises should give you what you need to be prepared for the exam.

In my opinion, the test prep software could have been more like the exam by giving you a number scoring system more like the actual exam.

Everyone learns in different ways. While I would definitely recommend this to be your primary source, I would advise the following to all candidates: watch any and all videos / podcasts on microsoft training and technet, to include silverlight learning snacks. Read forums. Definitely use the test simulation software, but realize to expect different questions and different types of questions as well. I would advise a secondary source of study material as well for most people. Definitely do the exercises.

I would have liked to seen some type of update, or addendums to the book.

Overall good book, but be ready to really ready to dig in. Not for the weak willed.

Helped me pass my 70-680 Exam today with a score of 836!, June 8, 2010
Good news: I passed! I liked the layout of the book. I thought the sections (which follow the exam guidelines) flowed very well. I have worked in the industry for 2 1/2 years now and have taken other exams (Net+, CWNA) and feel like this book REALLY did help me prepare for the exam. Many other exam books I have read don't go into detail about a subject or the important material is not presented in a format that shouts out "hey! you need to know this!" Well, this book does. Many of the questions I was asked on the test seemed to come right out of this book (or vise versa). This book is also helping me a TON at work. Lots of useful information for imaging using WAIK and DISM. Lots of details for performance as well as Group Policy.

Bad news: Who wrote this thing? Seriously!! how can a book get published with this many spelling and grammatical errors! Their are step by steps with WRONG commands as well. I spent hours trying to get my WinPE image to work but then after searching the forums, I came to the conclusion that one of the commands was written in the book incorrectly and it didn't copy the files needed. Once I used the right parameter I was good to go.

Also, The practice tests (Hundreds of questions) are very good and written in a very similar fashion to what was on my exam. I could have swore that a couple of them were actually on my Exam.

Where to start..., October 25, 2010
A+, Network+, this being my first Microsoft exam in about 9 years, I was very disappointed initially with the layout of this book. It's important to know the command line prompts, but the way this book is laid out, it doesn't give you quick reference. I would have liked to of seen a more thorough glossary or at least a quick reference sheet for the terms, commands and the boat load of acronyms you have to keep after. I'm having a lot of trouble following this book due to the spelling and grammatical mistakes that leave you re-reading the same paragraph twice. I'm a technically minded person and the concepts outlined in this book are important. I'm just not really happy with the layout. Bearing that in mind, it is a better study reference than say CBT Nuggets for this particular course. But the important thing is to use TechNet and the errata posted here on Amazon to fact check things if you're not sure they came out right in printing. Bottom line, this book will help you pass the certification, but find more reference if you're put in a position of implementing the concepts in this book. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Laminated quick reference guide showing step-by-step instructions and shortcuts for how to use Microsoft Windows 7. Covers the following topics: Starting a Program, Accessories (Calculator, Note Pad), Using the Shortcut Menu, Properties, Pinning a Program to the Start Menu, Opening Files or Folders, Using Jump Lists (Recently Used Files, Pinned Files, Common Tasks), Pinning Files to Jump Lists, Switching Among Open Windows, Manipulating Windows: Moving, Enlarging, Restoring, Hiding or Minimizing, Restoring a Minimized Window, Showing the Desktop. Exiting a Program/Closing a Window, Adding Gadgets to the Desktop, Using the Notification Area (Printing, Security, Sound), What to Try if a Program Freezes, Using the Control Panel, Saving a Document, Getting Help. File Management with Windows Explorer: Changing Views, Show/Hide Menu Bar, Show/Hide Navigation Pane, Arrange Group or Sort Files and Folders, Navigating Folders in Explorer, Working with Libraries, Selecting Multiple Items, Moving or Copying Files or Folders, Creating a Folder, Creating a Shortcut to a Document Folder or Other Item, Renaming Files or Folders, Zipping Files or Folders, Deleting Files or Folders, Restoring Items from the Recycle Bin, Emptying the Recycle Bin, Burning to a CD/DVD, Searching for a File Folder or Program, Ending your Windows Sessions, and Changing Login Password. Also includes a list of keyboard shortcuts. This guide is suitable as a training handout, or simply an easy to use reference guide, for any type of user. ... Read more

Reviews

Very handy item, February 25, 2010
You can make one of these of your own and laminate it but who has the time? This is a very useful, handy thing to use while learning Windows 7. It is the nuts and bolts of what you need to do. It is a definite must for those who are using W7 for the first time. It has your basics as well as keyboard shortcuts, how to use the aero features, file management, zipping and compressing files, changing login and password. It is perfect for new computer users and helpful to those of us who use several operating systems and forget which is which.

Windows7 ref. Guide, July 13, 2010
I found this chart to be totally useless. do not recommend to anyone. Very small print if you can even read it.

Very very basic, January 30, 2010
This card is for someone who is new to computers otherwise is of little help.

Useful quick reference, October 1, 2010
Having just transferred from Windows XP to Windows 7, I knew most of what I needed to know. But within a few days I'd gotten stuck - and there was the remedy in this plasticized cheat sheet, much like the punctuation/grammar cheat sheets of yore. Thanks!

Modestly Helpful but Laminated., September 6, 2010
My expectations were far more exaggerated than my actual experiences. Had the publisher suggested that this is a perfect for a novice Windows 7 user beyond saying Windows 7 Introduction I probably would not have bought this aide. Many of the helps are carry overs from previous iterations of Windows including 3.1. But and this is important to those of us who need assistance. This product is far better than nothing and if you do not have a readily available F1 location for Windows 7 then this Reference Guide will be of assistance. Keep in mind, however, that F1 is not universal for Windows 7. I believe it is browser directed and that is critical to some degree. In short: handy if new to Windows and makes a nice sheet when you know that you need help and where to go to get it.

waste of money, September 18, 2010
cannot make any sense out of this card. maybe i am too much a beginner to computers. ... Read more

Editorial Review

THE #1 BESTSELLING BOOK ON OBJECTIVE-C 2.0

Programming in Objective-C 2.0 provides the new programmer a complete, step-by-step introduction to Objective-C, the primary language used to develop applications for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac OS X platforms.

The book does not assume previous experience with either C or object-oriented programming languages, and it includes many detailed, practical examples of how to put Objective-C to use in your everyday iPhone/iPad or Mac OS X programming tasks.

A powerful yet simple object-oriented programming language that’s based on the C programming language, Objective-C is widely available not only on OS X and the iPhone/iPad platform but across many operating systems that support the gcc compiler, including Linux, Unix, and Windows systems.

The second edition of this book thoroughly covers the latest version of the language, Objective-C 2.0. And it shows not only how to take advantage of the Foundation framework’s rich built-in library of classes but also how to use the iPhone SDK to develop programs designed for the iPhone/iPad platform.

Table of Contents

   1    Introduction

Part I: The Objective-C 2.0 Language

    2    Programming in Objective-C 

    3    Classes, Objects, and Methods

    4    Data Types and Expressions

    5    Program Looping

    6    Making Decisions

    7    More on Classes

    8    Inheritance

    9    Polymorphism, Dynamic Typing, and Dynamic Binding

  10    More on Variables and Data Types

  11    Categories and Protocols

  12    The Preprocessor

  13    Underlying C Language Features

Part II: The Foundation Framework

  14    Introduction to the Foundation Framework

  15    Numbers, Strings, and Collections

  16    Working with Files

  17    Memory Management

  18    Copying Objects

  19    Archiving

Part III: Cocoa and the iPhone SDK

  20    Introduction to Cocoa 

  21    Writing iPhone Applications

Part IV: Appendixes

  A    Glossary

  B    Objective-C 2.0 Language Summary

  C    Address Book Source Code

Reviews

Outstanding Beginner's Guide to Objective-C, January 3, 2009
This book is both comprehensive and easy to understand. The sequence of chapters chosen to be read chronologically is well thought out (e.g. having the reader use static data types before introducing the generic id type, or having the reader declare and implement accessor methods before introducing the property and synthesize directives). The end of chapter exercises are also short (i.e. quick to complete) but also thoughtfully designed.

The author chose to make this book serve not only as a reference, but as a tutorial. In other words, a bit like the "... for Dummies" series in its hand-holding (i.e. tutorial) style. However, this book is certainly not for "dummies" as the author does not assume the reader to be slow or requiring interjections of humor or casualness. Other books will have authors write things like "Now grab a slice of pizza before we hit this really hard subject!", but this author thankfully spares the reader of this. Kochan is concise and direct. There are very few wasted or unnecessary sentences.

Kochan does not assume prior Objective-C, Cocoa framework, or X-code knowledge. However, if you have experience with just about any procedural or object-oriented language, you will have a much easier time with learning any new language, including Objective-C. If you do not have experience with ANY other language, then you will still have a difficult time with learning all of the Objective-C language as some topics just by their very nature are difficult to grasp immediately without practical experience.

Although there is a chapter each on the Cocoa framework and iPhone development, this book is focused on the Objective-C language and Apple's Foundation framework. Other resources will have to be utilized to learn Cocoa or Cocoa Touch.


BOOK'S TABLE OF CONTENTS:

1. Introduction
2. Programming in Objective-C
3. Classes, Objects, and methods
4. Data Types and Expressions
5. Program Looping
6. Making Decisions
7. More on Classes
8. Inheritance
9. Polymorphism, Dynamic Typing, and Dynamic Binding
10. More on variables and Data Types
11. Categories and Protocols
12. The Preprocessor
13. Underlying C Language Features
14. Introduction to the Foundation Framework Foundation Documentation
15. Numbers, Strings, and Collections
16. Working with Files
17. Memory Management
18. Copying Objects
19. Archiving
20. Introduction to Cocoa Framework Layers
21. Writing iPhone Applications
22. Appendix A. Glossary
23. Appendix B. Objective-C 2.0 Language Summary
24. Appendix C. Address Book Source Code
25. Appendix D. Resources


You may also want to consider reading Apple's developers' guides:

-Learning Objective-C: A Primer
-Object-Oriented Programming with Objective-C
-The Objective-C 2.0 Programming Language

Apple's guides are not easy for a novice, but having read them before reading Kochan's book definitely made using his book significantly easier and faster for me.

In summary, this book will make learning Objective-C about as easy as it can be since it starts with the assumption that the reader has no prior programming knowledge.

Fantastic book organization!, January 11, 2009
I am a web designer and developer and I've programmed in a lot of languages (i.e. HTML, javascript, actionscript, visual basic, etc.). I wanted to learn Objective-C as the quickly as I could. I quickly found out that not having experience in programming in C (the predecessor to Objective-C) made it hard to understand the reasoning behind the code syntax and finding resources that didn't assume I knew C was almost impossible...

After going through the first three chapters of this book in less than an hour, my confidence in the language has increased exponentially. The book is roughly 624 pages, but I feel like I could code the samples and finish the book in just a few days...

The book is organized into four main sections:
I: The Objective-C 2.0 Language
II: The Foundation Framework
III: Cocoa and the iPhone SDK
IV: Appendixes

The separation of these main topics, Objective-C Language features and the Foundation Framework for example, almost guarantees that there won't be much confusion if you are learning the language for the first time and that there will be a distinction between the topics and concepts for each section.

Kochan does a good job of creating a deep understanding of the material instead of simply saying `just write the code and we'll explain later'. For example, each chapter provides instructions on how to fulfill basic concepts using Objective-C such as writing classes, inheritance, loops, operators, etc. At the end of each chapter, there are `Exercises' which may range anywhere from 5-9, which more or less tests the reader's comprehension on the material that was just covered.

I bought the Beginning iPhone Development: Exploring the iPhone SDK and Cocoa(R) Programming for Mac(R) OS X (3rd Edition) before this book and I should have done the exact opposite. This book can serve as a foolproof foundation and reference guide for either of the aforementioned books and definitely shortens the learning curve to mastery.

Best book to learn Objective-C 2.0, January 24, 2009
Note: Typos have been fixed since the edition I originally purchased. I've kept my original review below, which was influenced by the number of typos and formatting glitches I encountered in the original edition. Now that it's all been rectified, there is NO BETTER BOOK for learning Objective-C 2.0 than this book.


*** ORIGINAL REVIEW (noted deficiencies corrected in updated revisions) ***

I'd love to recommend this book as the gateway to learning to program Mac OS X applications, but unfortunately I cannot. It contains more than a few typographical errors, especially in the first few chapters. Those new to programming in C may end up confused and unable to understand why their programs will not compile. This is unacceptable for this type of book.

Beyond typos, my second gripe is the lack of exercise solutions. This book provides challenging exercises at the end of each chapter that are designed to hone your skills and solidify your understanding of taught topics. Frustratingly, there does not seem to be a source containing exercise solutions. None are found in the book, and surprisingly -- nothing is offered on the book's web page either. Nada. Learning is difficult when you cannot check your solution against the author's intended solution.

My surmise is to blame the editors -- someone unaccustomed to working on programming/technical books likely did the final layout.

I learned C Programming over 20 years ago, thanks in large part to Stephen G. Kochan's original 1988 masterpiece, "Programming In C." I picked up his latest book looking to master my Objective-C programming skills. Personally, I accomplished my goals -- but only because I have a 20+ year history of programming in C (and many other languages). Those new to the language may have to hobble through typos.

This book (minus typos) does an excellent job teaching you Objective-C 2.0. Knowing ObjC is a prerequisite to learning the Cocoa framework for Mac OS X.

Final thoughts:

TWO to THREE STARS for those new to programming. Don't frustrate yourself with typos and lack of solutions to chapter exercises.

FOUR to FIVE STARS for experienced C/C++ developers looking to jump to Objective-C 2.0.

NOTE: Those giving FIVE STAR reviews to this book knowing that it contains typos are not providing any service to those who are new to programming. What good is it to reward a publisher for poor performance? With any luck, the publisher will fix future versions.

Great book: Clear, concise, and comprehensive!, January 12, 2009
I had heard about Kochan's reputation for writing clear and concise books, so I was anxiously awaiting the release of the second edition of what has been recommended to me as THE book to learn Objective-C from. I was certainly not disappointed. I was able to work through this book in a week's time and even write my first iPhone application, just from the material presented in this text.

Kochan methodically teaches the mechanics of the language, followed by the Foundation Framework, and then the iPhone SDK. In the last chapter on the iPhone, Kochan shows how to use two of the classes taught in the book (a calculator class and a fraction class) to develop a fraction calculator that runs on the iPhone. I was able to get the program running on the iPhone simulator that comes with the iPhone SDK. You should note that there was a mistake in listing some of the code for this example. I contacted the author and he was aware of the error. He mentioned that all the code, the answers to the exercises, and the errata will be posted shortly. It's helpful to note that Kochan is active in MacRumors forums and seems to respond quickly to questions posted there as well as to the several emails I sent him.

After I got the iPhone fraction calculator working, I started adding features to the calculator (some came from suggestions in the exercises at the end of the chapter), and this has greatly improved my understanding of how everything works and how it all works together: XCode, Interface Builder, the iPhone Simulator, and Objective-C.

Now I have to dive deeper into Cocoa programming and the iPhone SDK. Kochan has given me a great start to move on to one of the recommended follow-on texts with confidence and a strong footing in the language..

In my opinion, this book is the best way to learn Objective-C and a must read for prospective mac and iPhone application developers.

Just buy it!!, March 15, 2010
If you are reading the reviews because you're on the fence, stop now and buy this book. Of the many, many programming books I've purchased over the years, this is by far the best. (Really!) The book itself is well organized, builds steadily on previous chapters, and I'm sure will also be a great reference for some time to come. But what really sets this book apart is the author's forum. There is a TON of information, including study guides, quizzes, questions answered (often by the author himself!) topics clarified, and ideas shared. If you are already a programmer the book alone is worth purchasing. But if you are starting out or still have a thing or two to learn, the book combined with the site is invaluable.

Superb text for learning objective-C, March 6, 2010
As an instructor looking for a text for students taking an introductory programming course, this book is perfect. I had waded through several other works on objective-c but none took the approach of starting from square one. Even though I have programmed in many languages (APL, C, Forth, Pascal) I was new to OOP and I found most other texts very tiring to understand.

This book is a breath of fresh air and includes good exercises at the end of each chapter. Coupled with a great on-line forum site with additional quizzes and solutions to problems, this is one of the best works I could have found for learning this material.

I highly recommend this book for anyone wishing to learn about object oriented programming and for anyone who wants to learn how to create iPhone (or Mac) applications. Writing iPhone apps is just too different an area to jump into without first getting a good grasp of the programming fundamentals. This is a necessary first step in that process.

Dave Crabbe

Excellent Book, Formatted Perfectly for Kindle!, March 29, 2009
This book is fantastic for beginning programers. I have a little bit of experience with C, and programming in other languages, but am completely ignorant when it comes to Objective-C. Kochan had me understanding complex subjects in minutes.

The analogies used in this book are very clear--using the analogy in this book, I explained how classes work to my wife (whose eyes glaze over when programming is mentioned) and she understood it well.

Another thing the author does well is avoiding overburdening the reader with too many concepts at once. Frequently, the explanations for complex concepts that are not totally relevant to the task at hand are deferred until a later section in the book. This helps you grasp the simple things early on, without feeling overwhelmed. You are then prepared when things get more complex.

If you are a Kindle owner, you'll be happy to know that the conversion to Kindle has been done flawlessly. When important concepts are referred to, or previous examples mentioned, they are always linked for a quick click back or forward to the relevant location. Images and tables are rendered nice and large, and easy to read. One of the best Kindle formatting jobs I have ever seen.

I fell in love with Objective-C almost immediately after starting this book. Those new to programming or Objective-C will find a lot to love here.

Outstanding book and works great on the Kindle!, March 17, 2010
This is the fourth programming book I have bought in as many months, and it will most probably be the only one that I manage to complete! I won't repeat everything that others have written, and I will confess I am still near the beginning, but I can say that:
- His text is clear and well presented.
- His examples are relevant and easy to follow.
- He actually explains WHY he is doing something!
(How many of you have read detailed technical books and by the end of it you are just typing stuff in like a monkey with no clue why the syntax is what it is, etc.?)
- Every chapter ends with exercises that are interesting, fun, and actually cement your learning.

After much mental debate, I bought the Kindle version of this book (which I was pleasantly surprised to see available!). Although I find the weight of a textbook somehow comforting, in this case I was getting a bit weary of carrying around multiple 3" thick books. I can say now that I am very pleased with the Kindle version (which I actually read via "Kindle for PC"). The text is very clear, the code examples are well formatted, and the illustrations are excellent (and some are even in color!).

And what better way to learn: I have this book open on the PC (on a MacBook Pro running in a VM window) right next to XCode (where you can enter and test the examples and exercises in parallel with your study of the book). I love it!

I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn Obj-C, perhaps on the way to learning the iPhone (as in my case).

Much more than an Excellent Book!, November 3, 2009
I graduated as a mechanical engineer in 06' and during that time took one class on C programming. Being that it was 8 years ago and I guess you could say I was a beginner as a programmer. I was looking for a book on Objective-C back in December of '08 and after a lot of research ended up choosing this book. At the time I had read numerous good things about the book but I was unprepared for what I was actually getting. Learning computer programming is tough but this book is an excellent step by step guide to taking you comfortably from a beginner to someone who is comfortable with the Objective-C language. I started the book in March of this year and soon after was searching for answers to the exercises in Google. I ended up finding the authors forum for the book which has been worth ten times the price of the book and it is all free. There are numerous sections where you can get the answers to exercises, ask for help, make suggestions, help other etc. The really great part is the authors involvement. I have been a member since April and have over 100 posts on the site as I came across things I had further questions on. I would say at least 80% of the time the author was the one who responded and in less then 24 hours and most times less than 12 hours. Steve has a real passion for teaching and in my opinion has a real knack for doing so.

I just finished the book today. My approach was probably more thorough than most. I first read the chapter, then reread it taking notes and then completed the exercises at the end of each chapter I also completed all of the program examples in the chapters. There are claims in the reviews that you can get through this book in 3 weeks which I find awfully hard to believe. I spent on average 7-10 a week on the book and it took me eight months to complete it. I also took advantage of the live lessons which are available online. There is a series of 16 lessons which walk you through the book. The author guides you through the book using the material from the book and there is also additional information. Conveniently it was close to the time I was finishing the book and served as a great review of what I had learned.

While waiting for this book I picked up a copy of Learn C on the Mac and read through it. I will say that this book helped refresh my memory and did give me a good head start. I would read this again first if I had to do it over again. I am not saying that you need to learn C first I am just saying having a base knowledge didn't hurt me.

All in all I really can't say enough about the author, the forum, the book and the community of people who are behind this book. If you are looking for a way to learn about Objective-C and you don't choose this book I think you are making a big mistake. I really wish that Steve had a book on iPhone programming. I only hope that my next steps are met with as much support and dedication as I have received from Steve. Thanks Steve!

Strongly recommended!, March 27, 2010
OK, this is THE book if you want to start with Objective-C programming for Mac OS X, the iPhone, and now the iPad. In fact, you should read it as a prelude to any book about Cocoa programming, because having a good foundation in Objective-C is fundamental. Don't let anybody tell you that you should learn C first, Objective-C is a superset of C and you pick up enough C in the process. You can always dive into C a little bit more later. Learning C first can be even detrimental as it sometimes goes against good object oriented programming practice. There's an online forum in support of the book, where some concepts can be talked about in more detail. (Even the author is around!) Strongly recommended. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The perfect plain-English guide to the much-anticipated release of Windows 7

Windows For Dummies is the all-time bestselling guide to the Windows operating system. Windows 7 For Dummies answers all your questions about the interface adjustments and all the new tools in Windows 7.

Whether you're new to computers or just eager to start using the newest version of Windows, expert author Andy Rathbone will walk you step by step through the most common Windows 7 tasks, including managing files, applications, media, and Internet access. If you've never used Windows before, it shows you the things most books assume you already know, like how to navigate the interface, customize the desktop, and work with the file system. Then it helps you get comfortable using all aspects of Windows 7.

• Nearly ninety percent of the world's PCs use the Windows operating system
• Covers basic management of applications, files, and data; creating and printing documents; setting up an Internet connection and e-mail account; and online security
• Explores using Windows to edit and manage audio, video, and photo files, and how to create CDs, DVDs, and playlists with Media Center
• Helps you tweak and customize Windows 7 to operate your way and set up user accounts, build a home network, and maintain your PC
• Provides troubleshooting advice, helps you find missing files and use the Help system, and explains common error messages

Windows 7 For Dummies will have you up and running on the newest version of Windows quickly and easily. ... Read more

Reviews

Can't get by without this reference, November 6, 2009
Windows 7 For Dummies Book + DVD bundle (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))

I bought the book at the same time I bought the upgrade to Windows 7. I could manage without it and figure everything for myself but I why should I. Using this book is like getting together with some of my computer maven friends for a talk.

Something Every New Computer Buyer Needs to Read, November 30, 2009
This book is clearly written and concise. If you just browse through it you are informed to keep it like a dictionary and dont try to remember all said...the book is really for reference purposes... and it has some funny comments also

Disappointing if you have used Windows before, October 29, 2009
I found this book to be very disappointing. Most of the information is very basic, and would be common knowledge to anyone who has used a Windows product from the XP version, or even earlier. There is very little information about how Windows 7 might be different then previous versions, and it is buried in basic introduction to Windows explanations.

If you have used XP or Vista, and are looking for a guide about how to make the most of Windows 7 without trudging through Windows 101, check out Woody Leonhards book, called (somewhat confusingly) Windows 7 All in 1 for Dummies. Its about twice as long, around the same price, and details the improvements of Windows 7 rather then a basic introductory guide to Windows in general.

A Bit Disappointed, November 27, 2009
For a thick book, it's a bit thin on usefullness. I suspect it was written before Windows 7 was available on the shelves. Maybe in 6 months a better "Dummies" version will come out.

Windows 7 for Dummies, December 18, 2009
This book is a waste of time and money. If you have ever used Windows before, you already know half of what this book spends 400 pages to explain. This is probably the most useless book I have ever purchased.

Bob F, December 21, 2009
I have used Dummies Books before and think the understandability is right on the mark.
I bought a new CPU with Windows 7 installed and needed realistic help. With Windows 7 for Dummies I had no problem transferring my data from my other CPU with Vista installed. (that's another story!!!!) I would recommend it to anyone. GOOD BOOK!

Not enough information, December 3, 2009
This book is lacking any in depth information. I had already installed Windows 7 and I was looking for solutions to some of the problems I was having. This book was not much help, although I did learn a few things so I can't completely write if off.

Very little new here, but occasionally useful, October 1, 2010
When I was more of a 'dummy,' back in newbie days, I'd have been pleased with this book. However, now it didn't address my needs, when moving from Windows XP to Windows 7. If you're a moderately competent computer user - pre-geek level - this book won't do anything for you.

could be better, August 13, 2010
I usually love the dummies books, but this one left me with unanswered questions. I was attempting to transfer some files from a cd and I found no information other than the "automatic" transfer files from one computer to another. This was not helpful at all. I finally just left my files on the cd and use it when I need to access it. I wish I had known that the one thing I could not figure out in Windows 7 (at least so far)was the one thing not covered adequately in this book. Next time I will go to the bookstore and look at the book before purchasing.

Great Book, August 31, 2010
This book is really informative. The instructions are very detailed but easy to follow. It tells everything about Windows 7 and teaches you what you want to know. I have learned to do a lot of things I didn't know how to do before. I would recommend this book to anyone who needs help to understand Windows 7. It's opened up a lot of features on my computer that I couldn't perform before. I am very happy with this book. ... Read more

Editorial Review

As part of the highly acclaimed Mastering series from Sybex, this book offers a comprehensive look at VMware vSphere 4, how to implement it, and how to make the most of what it offers.

Coverage Includes:

• Shows administrators how to use VMware to realize significant savings in hardware costs while still providing adequate "servers" for their users
• Demonstrates how to partition a physical server into several virtual machines, reducing the overall server footprint within the operations center
• Explains how VMware subsumes a network to centralize and simplify its management, thus alleviating the effects of "virtual server sprawl"

Now that virtualization is a key cost-saving strategy, Mastering VMware vSphere 4 is the strategic guide you need to maximize the opportunities. ... Read more

Reviews

The new vSphere "bible" has arrived!, September 10, 2009
Scott Lowe's blog has always been impressive but his new vSphere book is a real "masterpiece"!

This book starts with vSphere planning and installation and moves into daily administrative tasks. I especially enjoyed the chapters on resource allocation, high availability, and automating vSphere.

Scott's extensive real-world experience really shows through in the way that the book is written.

If you had to choose only one vSphere book - this is the book to choose!

-David Davis, vExpert, VCP4, CCIE
[...]

Path of least resistance to vSphere !!, December 9, 2009
VSphere is definitely a step in the right direction for those who are using VMware version 3.x and possibly the right step those who have never used VMware previously. I guess the important question at the end boils down to "What is the path of least resistance both to bring your skills up to date and to introduce or update your environment as painlessly as possible to vSphere?" To cut a long story short, Unless you have the ability to attend the vSphere course or have the time and resources to swot the technical manuals; you will have a bit of a bumpy ride ahead of you. Getting started of vSphere for those who are new to the product or those who are living with VMware day and night is definitely made a lot easier and shorter by this book. It gets you started as quickly as possible by explaining the whole concept of virtualization and its implementation using VMware ESX 4.x known as vSphere. Tips, real life examples and recommendations from someone whose job is to design, implement and support the product are everywhere in the book and offer a very valuable insight into the product.

So, Should You Get This Book?
Newbie: For a VMware Newbie, this is a very good book. You're in for a proper initiation into the virtual world of computer resources. Still, you do need to work with the product otherwise your retention for the information presented will be very very short indeed.
Seasoned: Short path to upgrade your ESX 3.x knowledge to vSphere and see what's new in ESX 4.x. Once done, the possibilities are endless, or at least you can start reading the technical manuals for more details and specifics and the multitude of presentation, White & Technical papers and plenty of high quality training video on the net and You Tube.
Seeking VCP: The book will cut your study time in half; your will get all the essential information and a few valuable tips to get your nearly ready for the big day; but again you will have no choice but to scourge through the technical manuals and examine every screen in the product to get really really comfortable before attempting the VCP 4.x exams. There is no substitute to experience.
Attended ESX Course: From previous experience, ESX course are well laid and worth every penny spent.

No doubt, this is a good enjoyable book and quiet informative. I'm reluctant to say it's a "Mastering" as that stage of knowledge requires substantial commitment to work intensively with the product hand in hand with the technical manuals before you can say you have mastered the product; but it's a tool for mastering the product.

A quick note, you will outgrow this book quickly, so you may not end up keeping it as a reference; the products technical guides from VMware are 2nd to none in their quality.

Another interesting point, between me and my colleagues in the office we purchased about 5 copies of this book; we all loved it.

Not mastering but still a great book., October 11, 2009
To "Master" you will need to read every article about the command line and vSphere out there on the Internet. The book does an outstanding job giving you all the must have knowledge, and if you understand the book's content, you can see yourself going forward with vmware. I am also using it as a part of my prep towards the vcp4 test, and love the way it is organized. Feels like it was written by a hands on person not some technical writer, it is very clear and concise, and very well chapter-ed. Highly recommending Scott's blog as well as David Davis from Train Signal, which is probably the best video instructor you ever had.

Excellent for building a foundation, July 26, 2010
I work with VMware on a regular basis and wanted to prepare for an upcoming VMware Fast Track class. I read this book and it did an excellent job in providing a foundation for my learning. I didn't find any glaring errors and the explanations were pretty straightforward and easy to follow. If you're going to take the VCP test, I don't think this should be your only study resource, but it will definitely provide you with a solid background in VMware vSphere.

Excellent Book for vSphere 4, February 19, 2010
It is obvious that the author has put a lot of effort into writing this book and it shows. It is amazing the breadth of information that he covers.
If I had to add something for improvement it would be more samples of basic things like a VM build for a SQL Server from start to finish using the new vSphere 4 features. Disk setup, type, adapters, etc...
All in all this a great book that i can highly recommend. Not only is it very informative but it is also easy to read. I hope he creates more like on using the included backup, or 3rd party tools, or situational like what to do if a host isn't responding but the VMs are still running fine.

A great read!

Great Book, December 30, 2009
Just finished my VCP certification using mainly this book and some online docs as my study material. Have read a number of other books on 3I and by far I enjoyed this text much more. Seems to strike a very good balance of content vs. length in addition to the presentation is very good. Scott makes some very good points on planning a virtual environment that I had not seen in the other books but had learned by painful experience on 3i. This book is well worth the money and time to read!!!

Excellent Book, December 12, 2009
I purchased this book three months prior to taking the VMware Installation, Configuration, and Management course to get a head start on framing my thinking to understand virtualization. This book did this and more. I took the book to class with me just so I could enhance my learning experience and boy did it!!

Great book and easy to read., October 17, 2009
I needed a book to give me the details on vShere_4 and this is a great book.

Sybex books are among the best out there, I am RHEL5 Certified and I want to
get my VMware certification so I have a lot of work ahead of me.

I always found reading from a book you comprehend the material easier than
trying to read on-line manuals.

A tech book thats easy to read, October 2, 2009
I got my book about 3 weeks ago. I've read it over at least once, but never straight through as the topics I'm looking for never seem to run together. This book is one of the VERY few that I feel are the easiest to read (assuming you also have some idea of how Infrastructure 3 worked). Definitely a must read if you're interested in vSphere.

Excellent vSphere Resource, August 1, 2010
I found this book a very thorough and enjoyable read. Although I've been a fan of Scott's blog for a few years and thus I'd been exposed to his style, this is the first book authored by Scott that I've read. Fortunately, Scott's approach to quality and deep technical writing carried over from his blog articles to his book. VMware Virtual Infrastructure, now in its 4th generation, boasts many features (150 new features in vSphere alone) and this book covers what one needs to know to be successful in planning, deploying, and maintaining VMware vSphere. One feature I like in particular is that each chapter starts with a meaningful introduction to the coming chapter, and ends with a summary, including "Master It" objectives which challenge the reader based on what he/she just read - an effective way to reinforce learning as well as practical applications. The author is passionate about VMware virtualization and enabling technologies. Coupled with his experience and subject matter expertise, the result is a book which could only be rated at 5 stars or better. Now that vSphere 4.1 is released, I hope that Scott considers a second edition.

The storage chapter was written by Chad Sakac of EMC and occupies a significant portion of the book. Storage is a critical vector because there are a large number of considerations surrounding storage as well as a large number of compatible storage vendors to choose from. Tie these together and there are literally hundreds of storage combinations to choose from to back your datacenter specific vSphere infrastructure which will be weighted by uptime, performance, scalability, and cost. A select few combinations will be right for your datacenter, while the remainder will not. The danger is making a poor storage decision. The concept of measure twice, cut once applies. Chad delivers the superior storage detail which is needed, covering all of the storage options and protocols supported by VMware vSphere. It is no longer a fibre channel SAN world which narrowed storage decisions down quite easily. You have to consider IP based storage solutions like iSCSI and NFS because of their cost avoidance benefit while offering fibre channel SAN comparable peformance. There is so much packed in this chapter, I plan on going through it again as a refresher.

If you're serious about vSphere, this book belongs in your library. It was the only book of its technical depth when released in August 2009. There are now a few more vSphere books which have been released which I look forward to getting to. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Laminated quick reference card showing step-by-step instructions and shortcuts for how to use Microsoft Office Excel 2010. The following topics are covered: Creating Workbooks, Entering and Editing Data, Undo and Redo, Resizing Column Width and Row Height, Inserting and Deleting Rows Columns and Cells, Clearing Cells, Clearing Formatting, Formatting Numbers and Cells, Aligning and Merging Cell Contents, Borders and Grids, Viewing the Worksheet as it will Print, Entering Dates, Entering Sequences. Entering Formulas & Functions, Entering a SUM Function Quickly, Absolute vs. Relative Cell References. Copying and Moving Data: Copying to Adjacent Cells; Cut, Copy, Paste; Drag & Drop. Sheet Features: Renaming, Moving, Copying, Selecting, Inserting, Deleting Sheets. Editing Multiple Worksheets Simultaneously, Copying Data and Formatting to Multiple Worksheets. Previewing, Printing and Page Setup, Printing a Specific Area, Using Page Break Preview to Adjust Page Breaks, Repeating Rows/Columns on Every Page. Working with Previous Versions (Compatibility Mode). Also includes: Lists of Selection and Movement Shortcuts. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

Good Starter for Windows 7, November 4, 2009
This is one of the "plain and simple" series which I have found useful, especially if one is somewhat experienced and looking for the hints on how to move up to the new products.

I have just started with Windows 7 and this manual was a good way to "jump start" the process. I had expected a Vista type set of problems with Windows 7 but everything went smoothly and this manual is a good helper. If you generally know what you want to do then this can help you solve problems quickly. I have used it for personalizing the look and feel, for backing up, getting a restoral disk and the like. I knew what I wanted from having done it on many past Os and it was readily and easily achieved.

The manual provides a good set of visual steps which are readily followable. The index is quite helpful and the coordination of the pictures with the numbering and the steps assists you as you go through the process.

What seems to be new is that one can use the Start command and insert the first few letters of the desired configuration screen and you then make the selection based upon what appears. This has two advantages. First the access is based on a common set of methods and second one gets to see what else is available.

This is not a manual for a system administrator. It is targeted at a reasonably experienced user transitioning from XP, and perhaps Vista, to Windows 7. You can determine what you would like to achieve and then through a hit and miss approach find the answer and see how it is done.

And, yes, the binding is of very poor quality. The other volumes I have used for transitioning to Office 2007 and they were of much better quality. This volume seems to crack after a short use.

Good material, bad binding, October 25, 2009
Most of the material was useful, but organized loosely. The index was useful in finding the desired material. I found that the descriptions and graphics were very close to the Enterprise edition I have. My only problem with the book was when it was laid down to reference a particular procedure or feature, the soft cover binding tended to separate from the pages. I now have several small booklets. Maybe I should punch the pages and make a ring bound book.

I like the entire plain and simple series, February 25, 2010
I use these series to teach some basic computer classes and find them to be very helpful for my students. I agree with other reviewers that the indexing is very good. In fact, I have expensive books with lousy indexes on these same topics. I recommend these to my students as the first book to buy. I often find, I never need another book after purchasing this one. Sometimes, you find answers to basic questions completely omitted by other books. This book on Windows 7 is no different. Excellent book.

The screen shots are too hard to see...., December 27, 2009
I am happily reading this book and learning a few things I didn't get figured out, but I have a complaint: The printing of the screen shots is not crisp enough (very light and not dark), and I have to wear reading glasses or use magnifying glasses in order to see what it says on the page. I never have to do this, so I don't think it's me.... There was one thing I was trying to see, and I had to use both reading glasses AND a magnifying glass, but then I went and read another book without having to use any visual aids at all. So--- I think the print quality of the screen shots is VERY BAD.

Good Starter Guide, December 30, 2009
I get Jerry Joyce's book evry time a new Microsoft Product comes out that I want to buy. I enjoy the writing & the layout. As a seasoned Microsoft user/customer, I am interested in what is new with the Operating System. This book does a good job of giving you those highlights. It is really intended for computer beginners, but I got good info from this book.

Well written and indexed well., December 31, 2009

Well indexed.Most instructional book require multiple looks to find the remedy for your situation. This book is well indexed, plus it is written in language that is used outside of an IT department. Great book have recommended it other computer challenged friends.

too basic and does not meet expectations, August 29, 2010
This book is not about Windows 7 it's about Windows operating systems. Chapters 1, 2, 3,and 5 are real basic windows stuff. Chapter 6 is about surfing the net using IE8 in the most basic terms that any novice might already know. Chapter 7 is about playing games that come with Windows, most of these games were with XP. Chapter 11 is about faxing and scanning and might be useful but W7 doesn't have the versatility that XP had in this area!! 12 is real basic emailing stuff that, again, any novice would know.
Overall the book provided less than 10 valuable hints for me. W7 is quite different than the revered XP and frankly I don't like it as well. Searching on W7 is the worst and the constant interruptions are annoying.

Windows� 7 Plain & Simple, December 15, 2009
Great reference book
Easy to follow and understand
would recommend purchase of this book

It makes you happy!, October 29, 2009
This book is exactly what I needed. The author's "SEE-HOW" and "no computer speak" techniques take you through the subjects a screen at a time and points out and explains each pertenant item in detail. I am going to go through it cover to cover.

BEST OF THE "SIMPLE" WINDOWS 7 BOOKS OUT THERE!, August 29, 2010
First let me say that I usually do not favor the "simple" and "easy" type of computer books because they usually have information that I already know, however this one is an exception to that rule. Since this book was written for someone new to computers or just new to Windows 7 is is such a blessing! About 3 weeks ago,I bought a new computer with Windows 7 Home Premium on it. And I needed to be up and running quickly with Windows 7 since I had just come from using Vista and needed to know how to operate Windows 7 quickly. And this book has been very informative to me and has shown to me the new things that are unique to Windows 7. And because of this superb book, I am up and running with great ease with Windows 7 and truly enjoying it! What a relief after spending almost 3 years using Vista! The best thing I have found about this book are the large colorful screen shot illustrations with step by step of how do do the exercise. Like having a teacher right there beside you showing you how to use Windows 7! In my opinion, this book covers basics to slightly advanced. This is a truly SUPERB and well written book, I highly recommend it! ... Read more

Editorial Review

Windows® 7 For Seniors for Dummies

Learn to:

• Use the Windows 7 desktop and create your first documents

• Connect to the Internet and browse the Web

• View, edit, and print photos

• Keep in touch by e-mail and play games online

Mark Justice Hinton

Author of Digital Photography For Seniors For Dummies

You can learn to use Windows, get online, and start doing things today!

You don't need a grandchild to teach you Windows 7 — with this friendly guide, you'll be using the mouse, working with folders, hooking up a printer, and cruising the Internet in nothing flat. Learn to use all the gizmos that come with Windows 7, shop online, view a slideshow of your favorite photos, send e-mail to a friend, enjoy music, and more!

• Tour the desktop — learn to use menus, the Start menu button, files, and folders

• Do it — create notes and letters, connect a printer, download photos from your digital camera, and put music on a CD

• Have some fun — discover Solitaire and other built-in games, listen to music, and watch a movie

• Use the accessories — display Gadgets on your desktop, draw with Paint, and use the Calculator

• To keep or not — install additional programs you want and remove those you don't need

• Protect your Windows — learn to use the Action Center, download and install virus protection software, and keep it up to date

• Have it your way — make your screen easier to see, open files with a single click, and even have your computer read to you

• The wide, wide Web — shop and explore online and learn to stay safe

Open the book and find:

• What's on the taskbar

• Directions for creating and saving documents

• Steps for installing a printer and other peripherals

• How to connect to the Internet anywhere

• Backgammon and other games you can play online

• Guidance on protecting your computer from viruses

• How to send e-mail attachments

• Advice on backing up documents and photos

Reviews

Mr, February 12, 2010
I am 69. I am a dummie.This is my first computer. This book led me through step by step that I could understend.What I like most about it is that I can connect to Mr Mark Justice Hinton directly without going on a wild goose chase on the internet like the bad time I had and have with KODAK, STAPLES, DELL, ADOBE etc

Good book, December 19, 2009
I would recommend this book for those using a computer for the first time. It's easy to read and understand..

Very Useful Book, February 3, 2010
You don't have to be a senior to use and appreciate this book. It's clearly written, thorough, and full of helpful tips and information. The author appears to enjoy computers; reading and applying the book made me feel like he was holding my hand to help me as I tackled the keyboard. And even though I made mistakes, everything turned out just fine.

OK, February 21, 2010
Windows 7 for seniors for dummies is a bit to light for me. I wanted to know about Windows 7 and not how to use a mouse or log on to sites. Its a little to basic for anyone who has been through windows XP and/or Vista and just wants the main differences between them and Window 7. Fine for begining computer users with this as their first OS.

Windows 7 Dummies book, July 13, 2010
I have just started going through the Windows 7 for Seniors for Dummies book, slowly. The "seniors" means big print which I appreciate. I have had a computer for years and was familiar with the XP and find that this version is an improvement on that. It may take me some time to review all the information in the book, however I am finding it very useful.

I AM a dummie and an octgenarian...., April 9, 2010
I find this book just right for me; I am embarrassed to ask
my little grandchildren for help. This answers all my 'dumb'
questions with clarity and dispatch!

Easy Senior instruction, February 10, 2010
Easy to read---easy to follow. Directions are in plain English without the professional lingo. Helped me a lot with my new laptop. Thanks.

Windows 7 for seniors for dummies, March 17, 2010
Windows 7 for seniors has been a lot of help in acquainting me with this new operating system. At first I was frustrated and was tempted to go back to XP, but now I am beginning to like it. I am glad there is an edition for senior dummies as well as for regular dummies!

Simply A Good Book, July 12, 2010
I am so glad I ordered this book. This author knows what a senior adult needs to know about Windows 7, wouldn't be without it;

wINDOWS 7 for seniors dummies, April 16, 2010
I am a beguiner on Windows 7 I find this book most useful to learn the subject which is Widows 7 ... Read more

Editorial Review

Build unique mobile applications with the latest Android SDK

Written by an Android authority, this up-to-date resource shows you how to leverage the features of Android 2 to enhance existing products or create innovative new ones. Serving as a hands-on guide to building mobile apps using Android, the book walks you through a series of sample projects that introduces you to Android's new features and techniques. Using the explanations and examples included in these pages, you'll acquire the foundation needed to write compelling mobile applications that use Android, along with the flexibility to quickly adapt to future enhancements.

Professional Android 2 Application Development:

• Reviews Android as a development platform and�best practices for mobile development

• Provides an in-depth look at the Android application components

• Details creating layouts and Views to produce compelling resolution independent user interfaces

• Examines Intents and Content Providers for sharing data

• Introduces techniques for creating map-based applications and using location-based services such as GPS

• Looks at how to create and use background Services, Notifications, and Alarms

• Demonstrates how to create interactive homescreen components

• Explores the Bluetooth, telephony, and networking APIs

• Examines using hardware, including the camera and sensors such as the compass and accelerometers

Wrox Professional guides are planned and written by working programmers to meet the real-world needs of programmers, developers, and IT professionals. Focused and relevant, they address the issues technology professionals face every day. They provide examples, practical solutions, and expert education in new technologies, all designed to help programmers do a better job.

wrox.com Programmer Forums

Join our Programmer to Programmer forums to ask and answer programming questions about this book, join discussions on the hottest topics in the industry, and connect with fellow programmers from around the world.

Code Downloads

Take advantage of free code samples from this book, as well as code samples from hundreds of other books, all ready to use.

Read More

Find articles, ebooks, sample chapters and tables of contents for hundreds of books, and more reference resources on programming topics that matter to you.

Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file. ... Read more

Reviews

Quite a few errors, but still the best of my choice out of all Android books, March 12, 2010
I'm a software engineer with 3 years of experience developing Windows Mobile applications.
I needed a book which is
* In-Depth - Perhaps one of the most in-depth Android books available.
* Updated - This book is one of the most updated books on Android, covering Android SDK 2.1 r1.
* Lots of sample code to complement the shortcomings of the online Android Developer Guide.
This book meets all of my requirements.

Being a careful reader, I found many errors just by reading Chapters 3 and 5 alone.
I've posted these errors on publisher's errata page and also on this book's forum.
No book is perfect, therefore misspellings and misprints are tolerable.
But incorrect or outdated information is not, therefore I hope the author can correct
these errors in the next print.

Depite these errors, I still give this book a rating of 4 because of other qualities, and the
author was very keen to address these errors.
Just like reading any other books, one just needs to be careful in reading, perhaps the best approach is
to read it along with the online Android Developer Guide.

Good Book (But Could Be Better), March 13, 2010
Android 2 is pretty new (as of March 2010) so having an Android 2 book on the market that is good quality was unexpected. I have not read all chapters, but here are my impressions so far:

Pro's
=====
- Author's style is neither dull or exciting, just to the point. Most explanations are clear and thorough.
- I definitely feel I have a good resource to complement the online Android docs. There have been a variety of topics I've tried to answer using Android docs (and Google searches) without much luck that this book covered clearly.
- There are a lot of good topics covered. Space is not wasted on reprinting information readily available online. Instead, author regularly refers reader to web links.
- And, finally, I appreciate the well-edited index.

Con's
=====
- The book is very weak in the illustration department. For example, instead of showing an image of a NinePatch bitmap, the author explains how a NinePatch should be constructed. This is chintzy and unforgivable for a book about a heavily visual technology.
- Occassionally, concepts are introduced without providing context. 'Kinda like when you walk into a meeting and the speakers clearly know their material but forget that 90% of the others in the room need to be brought up to speed before instructing.
- Some conspicuous omissions. For instance, no information on fonts.

Great book for someone trying to break into app development., April 19, 2010
I only started writing Android apps back in November of 2009. In that time, I've been under the false assumption that everything I need, I'll be able to find online.

Although it's probably true that a lot of the information in here can be found online, the real benefit to Meier's book is that it's very well organized. I didn't realize how disorganized I was until I decided to get this book. It is pretty easy to understand and makes a great reference.

Anyway, I keep hearing about how this book is great if you have a lot of experience, but I just wanted to say it's great if you don't have any experience, too.

Not a great book, April 22, 2010
In short, if you are looking to learn Android programming, I would look elsewhere.

At the beginning of the book, the author states that "while knowledge of JAVA is helpful, it's not a necessity", and yet the VERY FIRST program in the book will not work if you type it in - he left off the import statements. I found a lot of the code wouldn't work, and even the examples on the WROX site wouldn't even compile in several cases. If you check out the forum on the book on WROX's site you will see others had issues here as well. It's one thing if perhaps there was an error in the code in the book but quite another when they didn't even take the time to check the code they posted online to see if it would compile.

The organization of the book just seems off. He meanders around instead of having a good path for learning. After so many code errors, everything I read, I read with a tingling of "I wonder if this works or is true?" in the back of my mind.

I would not recommend this book to those new to Android programming, and because of the errors would have a hard time recommending it as a reference book. I used to love Wrox books - most of my programming library was red - but it seems as though the quality of them has suffered as of late.

Very Disappointed. Too many errors., June 21, 2010
There were mixed reviews on this book, but I decided to give it a try since some of the bad reviews were from people with limited programming experience. I have more than 20 yrs of programming and applications development experience, but there are way too many errors in the book. I had to spend far too much time researching the errors in the book. This book was a total disappointment to me.

Love this Book, May 10, 2010
A great ressource for any android programmer. This is espacially a very good book to understand the possibilities of the android platform. I especially enjoy explanations for Geocoding and Located Based Services. And the author really have hard knowledge about the Android framework and device like toast layer, or widget on top level. The last chapter is excellent example to enforcing permissions from Linux Kernel Security. good idea from the author !
I recommends 5 stars to this excellent book ! a must-have !

Android 2 development, April 27, 2010
I'd bought both this book as Pro Android 2. I started reading both books side by side and compared and switched between chapters numerous times. Personally I found this book easier to read and had sharper focus developing android apps yourself.

Good book for beginners in Android App development, July 17, 2010
I am half way through this book and I am really glad I purchased it. I tried to learn from the Android Developers site prior to purchasing this book, but I couldn't learn very efficiently from the website. There are only few sample codes with explanations available, and the contents provided on the website are usually not covered in depth. This book covers wide range of topics in depth, and provides plethora of sample codes so you can practice developing application from scratch.

There are, however, many errors on the text. Some of the sample apps doesn't run like they are supposed to, and often times I have to run the Eclipse's debugger to figure out why the app crashed during the run-time. However, I feel that debugging really helped me to understand the application in depth. Actually I think I learned more from debugging broken codes than from reading the text. I am very sure that the author did not put buggy codes in there to help us practice some application debugging skill, but I am glad I got some debugging practice. As a matter of fact, when you start developing application of your own, you would encounter countless bugs and you would have to fix it on your own. I did get frustrated at some of the typos and that is why the rating is 4 and not 5, but I do think that you can use the errors on the text to your advantages by practicing some debugging.

Overall it is a good book for a beginner in Android App Development.

P.S. In order to understand the materials covered in the book completely and in depth, Java and Object-Oriented Programming knowledge is essential.

In the depths of despair, July 13, 2010
I am beginning to believe this book is not for me. I am writing this review after 2 hours of deep frustration.

The structure of the book assumes that you work through it in one direction start to finish in order to understand concepts. In so doing later examples build on earlier ones and explanations of later concepts refer back to the earlier time you encountered it. This allows a couple of complex applications to be created, but at the expense of the later examples standing alone. As you go further into the book, you just get short code snippets (which would not be so bad if supplemented by more complete download code). What I want to know is how to do x,y or z in isolation and fill in gaps later myself.

Case in point:
I had some time so thought I might try something easy. The problem I want to solve? I want to fill the screen with a single color. Listing 4-17 is a good enough match for what I want to do. However, it needs to be wrapped by the application somehow. So I am having to re-read the whole of the previous 111 pages to work out exactly how to do that. The wrox downloads just give the xml without any package and my hamfisted attempts at setting a view have been unproductive. My main beef here is that there is a gap between listing 4-17 and figure 4-3 - that is, the application code to do it is missing. I'm sure it's no more than a dozen lines which, once I see it I'll be able to generalize.

This is not the first time I've had this sort of experience from this book.

If you're the sort of person who can work through 500+ pages more or less linearly, then maybe this will be a better fit for you than for me.

PS:
The simple answer is to not attempt to use drawable, but to add android:background="#RRGGBB" to the main.xml, but this won't cover the whole screen.
PPS:
I returned to the problem for about 90 minutes after writing this review. In that time I have: changed the background programmatically; turned off the title bar, set the window to full screen, implemented an OnClickListener - then changed my mind and implemented an OnTouchListener and implemented some custom colors. ie: learnt all of these things (well, adding the colors I probably already knew). For the first couple I tried using the book, but ended up getting everything I needed off the internet.
My informal score: Web: 6, book:0

PPPS [Dec 2010]:
From time to time I foolishly return to this book in an hour of need only to have my hopes dashed. I should throw it out so I am no longer tempted. Most recently I'm trying to figure out how to delete an item in a database which has been adapted via a listview. The example in the book (the todo list) says (at chapter 7 12.2):

// "Items are added to the listview in reverse order, so invert the index.
toDoDBAdapter.removeTask(todoItems.size() - _index);

This works. However it _only works the first time_, after which the database rows are out of sync with the rows in the list view. You need to manage the rowIds yourself (apparently a simplecursoradapter may serve the same purpose).

I've not seen a better Android development book yet, October 30, 2010
I've read this book as well as Pro Android 2 from Apress.

This book is a good whirlwind tour of Android 2. It is just enough to get you going in all the topics. There are no key areas lacking, but it could go more in depth in a few areas.

The examples tend to follow on from one another well and overall it makes learning pretty easy.

Compared to other books I've either flipped through or read in their entirety, this is the book I would recommend to learn Android 2. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Thorough coverage of the improvements and changes to SharePoint 2010

SharePoint 2010 boasts a variety of incredible new features that will challenge even the most experienced administrator who is upgrading from SharePoint 2007. Written by a team of SharePoint experts, this book places a takes aim at showing you how to make these new features work right for you.

Offering an in-depth look at SharePoint 2010, the authors focus on how SharePoint functionality has changed from its earliest version to its newest, and they provide you with detailed coverage of all the new features and capabilities.

• Presents in-depth coverage of the new features and functions of SharePoint 2010
• Demonstrates installation, configuration, and upgrading existing SharePoint 2007 servers
• Discusses architecture and capacity planning, securing and managing site content, and integrating Office clients
• Details the protocol for handling monitoring, creating backups, and executing disaster recovery
• Addresses shared service applications, navigation and governance, and business intelligence and reporting services

Professional SharePoint 2010 presents a solid understanding of the functionality that SharePoint 2010 provides, which will allow you to see what it can do for you. ... Read more

Reviews

Must Have Resource for the SharePoint Administrators, June 22, 2010
Extremely well written, highly exhaustive, and very much detailed. I have read the three chapters so far - install/config, backup/restore, and upgrade/migration and they provides all the information what you need to determine the best approach. This is a large book covering almost all of aspects of the SharePoint 2010 and how to administrator the key components - Search, metadata, service application architecture, security, monitoring, social computing, and many more.. This book is from the Todd and Shane who are industry known SharePoint Admin experts and it would make great resource on the SharePoint Administrator's desktop.

Fantastic Resource! Very informative, October 8, 2010
There currently isn't too many options available on Amazon regarding SharePoint 2010 administration. However, I have no regrets on this purchase. I first thought I would treat this book as a on-the-shelf resource (use it when you need it). I quickly discovered that the book is entertaining and informative (a rare combination). Thus, I've read it from cover to cover. Recommended!!!

A must-have for a SharePoint Administrator, November 1, 2010
I read it from cover-to-cover, and if you are a SharePoint Admin then you do not want your SharePoint Administrator utility belt to be without this valuable resource of information. The book is very detailed and touches on the many facets that make up the multi-headed beast called SharePoint 2010. It will guide you very safely through installation and configuration of a SharePoint 2010 farm.

SharePoint 2010 is far too big of an animal to be covered entirely in one book and for some of the parts of SharePoint 2010 that require a book of their own such as PerformancePoint 2010, they do a good job of introducing it and going over initial configuration, and then pointing you to other resources if that application will be something that your organization will use.

Great administration resource, December 12, 2010
This is a great reference book authored by well versed administrators in Shane Young & Todd Klindt who have a ton of hands-on experience with SharePoint 2010. For those responsible with managing a SharePoint 2010 farm deployment, this book should be on your desk.

Managing SharePoint 2010? You need this book!, November 29, 2010
Short review:
If you are or will be in charge of administering SharePoint 2010, please don't think twice and pick up this book. You'll definitely need it!

Longer review:
A very critical message that unfortunately many people miss about SharePoint is that it is truly a `platform'. Many of the solutions that you will need on this platform are already created for you such as Sites as containers for content, Lists and Libraries, Security framework, Enterprise Search capability, Business Process management, Forms management and more. No need to recreate the wheel by creating any of these components using code. Rather `enhance' what's already there by administering and configuring it properly. This is where this book comes in. Todd, Shane and Steve do an Awesome job at hitting on all the major areas that you will need to consider when rolling out SharePoint 2010 in your organization. Use it to plan, install, configure and then maintain SharePoint 2010.

Important areas that the book covers -

Architecture planning before even thinking about installation
Upgrading from SharePoint 2007 to 2010
Installation and configuration of SharePoint 2010
Securing SharePoint (including usage of the new Claims based authentication) and its content at various levels
Tour around the Central Administration
The backup and restore capabilities
Configuring Service Applications (Managed Metadata, User Profiles, Business Connectivity Services, PerformancePoint Services, and more)
Branding in SharePoint

I would definitely recommend buying this book. You will not regret it. Guaranteed!

Awesome must have for any SharePoint2010 Admin!, September 16, 2010
My IT career has brought in a huge number of reference books and manuals to my professional library. Normally they are used as handy, convenient references for specific topics, thumbing the TOC and going direct to hot topics.

This book is refreshing - and is a highly recommended cover-to-cover read. In the first 20 pages, I found a number of pearls, which prompted me to continue a full read - don't miss it! Great job and kudos to the authors!

A Must Have, August 23, 2010
Professional SharePoint Administration is the best SharePoint book I have read. I have been working with SharePoint since version 2003 and this book is very clear, concise and easy to follow. Not only do I read it any chance I get, but also for specific reference. We have a 2010 intranet that is a few weeks from live and couldn't have done it without this book!

Awesome Book!!!, July 8, 2010
This is a SharePoint administration book that you must have. Shane, Todd and Steve have made it easy to follow, and easier to process the information. This is simply the best SharePoint 2010 Administrator book out there. Others might have some good information, but this book gives you the best practices in detail and with examples that you can relate to. Shane, Todd and Steve have a unique way of translating the information so that it is easier to understand. These guys bring awesome technical and communication skills to the table that enable you to be more productive.

Anyone involved in SharePoint 2010, or wants to start expanding on their SharePoint 2010 experience really needs to have this book. You will get up to speed with SharePoint 2010 very quickly. I was fortunate to take one of the admin classes with Shane and I have to say that the book almost replaces the class.

Thanks for an awesome book!!!!! You guys rock!!!!

Essential SharePoint Reading, September 21, 2010
Without a doubt if your working with SharePoint 2010 you must have this book as a reference. The authors approach is absolute geek level technical depth, with a sprinkling of humor. I recommend this book to any Administrator who is investigating, installing or maintaining SharePoint solutions.

Great book for setting up your company's SharePoint server, September 19, 2010
When we started looking at deploying SharePoint in our organization (A Large engineering company), we looked at resources available to quickly bring us up to speed. This book was one of the ones we purchased, and it's really been the only one that we have been using to help us get going.

Right now, we have opened up SharePoint to a large portion of our company, and hopefully soon the entire company; all thanks to the excellent information in this book. ... Read more

Editorial Review

CompTIA Security+ SY0-201: Get Certified, Get Ahead by Darril Gibson presents a comprehensive and all-inclusive approach for studying, preparing, and mastering the core competencies needed to pass the CompTIA Security+ SY0-201 exam. Learn from an expert in the field with over twenty years’ experience in the IT arena. Over the years, author Darril Gibson has helped hundreds of students get certified, and has included in this text the time-tested information used in his successful classes. This manual covers one hundred percent of all exam objectives and includes real world examples of security principles in action. Also included are over 375 practice test questions with in-depth explanations. Written with clarity and efficiency, CompTIA Security+ SY0-201: Get Certified, Get Ahead is a one-stop shop for any IT professional interested in advancing in the IT field and a must read for anyone striving to master the basics of IT systems security. ... Read more

Reviews

Perfect!!, December 12, 2009
perfect! i love this book. i had the original microsoft security+ book for class, and this book covered WAY more than what that book did, and alot less pages. i'm going to take my security+ certification exam on the 18th of December. i'm feeling very confident, as this book says it covers 100% of the exam. i'm just hoping there's no scenarios on the test =p, just questions about what i learned in the book, lol.

EDIT: Passed my exam with a 865/900 with this book! About 2-3 tricky questions throughout the entire test but it was ALL familiar. There was absolutely NOTHING unfamiliar on this test that the book didn't cover! Thank you :)

The only book you need!, January 20, 2010
The best thing I like about this book is that it talks to you instead of technically instructing you and it makes for a comfortable read while riding the bus or in bed. Another good feature is the text size is exceptionally larger than Sybex books, which again makes it easier to read. You will pass with book read it cover to cover and once over any areas you dont understand and take all the practice questions(seriously like the real exam).

Hit the Nail Right on the Head!, October 20, 2009
This book is excellent for both real world techniques for employing best practices for security as well as for passing the CompTia SYO-201 Security + Exam. It gets to the main points very quickly and actually is a very easy read...despite the fairly complex subject matter. The author doesn't preach to the choir, nor does he talk down to his audience...but it's almost as if he is engaging the reader in a discussion about various security related topics. The book is very well laid out and has lots of important points pulled out and highlighted in 'Remember' bubbles. Add to the excellent content a liberal sprinkling of Practice Exam questions thoughout the book and you have the perfect blend of study guide and reference book!

This is THE BOOK for nailing the Security + exam!

98 percent complete, August 11, 2010
I just passed the exam with an 868/900 (96%) and I used this book almost solely. I will throw in the disclaimer that I'm a CCNA, MCSA, and VCP (VMWare Certified Professional) with 15 years experience and the real-world experience was actually tested pretty effectively at times. I feel bad for young bucks that have lived in the world of prolific anti-virus software on workstations, servers, and email relays.

I downloaded the Security+ 2008 Exam Objectives directly from the CompTia website and double checked that this book hit on every topic and ever acronym. I'd recommend hitting this same list before, after, and during to make sure you didn't skim or miss anything. If you're very solid on the content in this book and everything on the objective list then you should call yourself "ready for this exam".

I also bought the Sybex CompTIA Security+ Study Guide for the CD with electronic flashcards and a practive exam but the Sybex book and Sybex CD were 70% garbage. I did refer to Sybex in a few cases to get details on IPSec and some encryption algorithms but Wikipedia would have done just the same thing.

Where the book lacked: beware the epic fail on their port/protocol definitions of L2TP and PPTP which is flat-out embarrassing (see errata sheet on website), their mistakenly listing WEP as Wireless Equivalent Privacy in the index which is silly (it is Wired), missing details about the Blowfish algorithm (oddly not on the Exam Objectives list but brought up twice on my exam), the book's website is ugly and worthless aside from the Errata sheet (I had really hoped for new information or sample quesitons), and finally the synonymns of the authenitcation methods aren't all covered (they were mostly common sense on the exam, but not in all cases). That list actually looks more brutal typed out than it should.

The good: the book hit 98% of the questions on the exam, was clear and easy to understand, has terrific font size and spacing for readability, the author has a good non-condescending tone and excellent real world examples (this book reads the way that a good classroom instructor sounds), the acronym list at the end of the book is almost a perfect match to those listed on the exam objective doc on the CompTia website, the practice questions are decent match to the real exam.

For n00bies you should have excellent problem-solving skills, a ridiculously good grasp on security topics (many university courses would meet this criteria), and many hours on exam engines in addition to this book. Seasoned vets should have a big leg up and for sure don't need to drop the insane coin that all these "online training" places want (CompTia being one of them) and they'll be fine with this book.

You won't go wrong with this book if you just read the errata sheet and drill yourself forwards and backwards on it then sprinkle in a little real-world experience and a practice deciphering the hidden meaning in exam questions. I'd recommend it above any other Security+ material out there.

Super Book, May 16, 2010
Three of us in the office have used this publication to pass the Security+ test on the first try. So far with scores of 880. Great book with large print (for us old guys) and no fluff, just the facts.

Simply the only book you'd need, March 8, 2010
The author has a great writing style, keeping the readers engaged all throughout. I have not seen many technical-books do this. Read this cover-to-cover and you are all set.

The Best Tool for the Job!, June 29, 2010
I started to get seriously interested in tackling the Security+ exam when I saw how much coverage of security there was on the Network+ exam. It seemed a shame not to capitalize on the overlap of material so I committed to more or less preparing for both tests together. After trying several other Security+ books I had second thoughts as the subject matter can ramp up quickly in difficulty. Then I found this book at Amazon and saw that everyone rated it 5 stars with glowing reviews. I got it, and as they say the rest is history!

Darril Gibson has taken this complex subject and presented it in a user-friendly, easy to understand way that actually makes it interesting and fun to learn. Mr. Gibson, I hope you are reading these reviews because I want to personally congratulate and thank you for your work. You have a unique talent for teaching - I can not remember ever having read another text book that was so easy to follow and yet so thorough and complete on its topic that it literally is a one stop solution for the test.

The large font, the "Remember" boxes, the chapter reviews, and the truly representative practice questions all combine to make this a noteworthy experience. The depth and breadth of material coverage is perfect - be assured if it's in the book you need to know it, and if it's not you don't. This book is so focused that you can't use the same approach many people use on text books - skimming and highlighting. There is no fat to trim and you really need to know all that is presented. But if you take the time to fully digest it carefully and have a good memory you will pass Security+ "just studying out of the book". I did!

After Exam Review..., November 17, 2010
English is not my first language, with that being said. Time for the review!!! I was actually awaiting after the exam to provide my review so here I go.

If you are looking for a non-boring book and one that give you all the knowledge in non-too technological terms in order for you to understand the material, this is the book for you. I watched all the reviews here prior to buy this book here and since all of them was 5 starts I decided to give it a try.

With Spanish being my first language I was afraid to get lost in a lot of difficult terminologies and stuff like that. Let me tell you something. This Book is magical. Even with only a year with Help Desk IT experience I was able to master all the subjects with this book. Sometime if I don't understand one word, I used to go to "Google Translate" and keep going. This is the best book I come across ever, its really fun to read and the real world scenarios are really helpful to better understand security. The Book is really easy to read (big letters), and it has a lot of practice question after each chapter.

After reading this book for a month, I fell really confident about taking the test. I went last Saturday November 11,2010. And passed the exam at the firs try with a score of 802/900!!! THE BOOK COVERED 100% OF THE EXAM.

I really recommend this book to all the rookies out there like me that are looking forward to pass the Security+ at the first Try. The ratings are 5 starts for a reason.

I'm glad I bought this book. If I could give it 10 starts I would.

Excellent Resource for the CompTIA Security+ Exam!, May 27, 2010
The book is great! It helped me tremendously in preparing for the exam. I read it cover to cover twice. While studying the material, I backed it up with the study questions at the end of each chapter. It's extremely important to understand why the answers are correct, and why the wrong answers are incorrect. Thankfully Darril has included extensive explanations for every practice question in the book. This really drives the points home!

It completely covered the material on the real exam. I sat for the exam and felt extremely comfortable. It made the exam feel easy. Now I'm confident that I know the information for the real world!

The exam is not as bad as everyone says it is. I was fairly new to the information until this year and managed to score a 900/900.

Perhaps that's just a testament to how good the book is; it has a perfect rating for a reason.

The only book you need to pass the exam, November 23, 2010
Note: I've had NO PRIOR NETWORK/SECURITY experience. This book was a Godsend! I only had a weekend to study when I found out about this book. Bought it in Kindle format and read it on my PC with the free application from Amazon. This book is so easy to read, not boring, and the practice tests and answers (with explanations) helped to sink in the concepts even more. Plus, in Kindle form it was way easier to look up something I'd see in practice questions (from other sources) that I didn't remember the definition of, and bookmark those areas to review later. I read the whole book over the weekend, took the test on Monday and scored 828! Best $10 ever spent! ... Read more

Editorial Review

Learn Windows 7 and Office 2010 the right way with this handy book-and-DVD deal

Windows 7 and Office 2010 are the two most widely used and acclaimed software applications in the world. This value priced book-and- two DVD bundle will help you access the power of the operating system and Office suite to achieve maximum efficiency, whether you are a new, intermediate or experienced user. From two of the most accomplished computer reference authors of all time, Andy Rathbone and Wallace Wang, this package will give you the understanding needed to take advantage of these essential programs.

• Introduces the new Windows 7 Operating System (OS) and basic interface navigation, managing applications, files and data, printing documents, and preventing common security/safety issues
• Shows you how to get connected to the Internet, create CDs and DVDs, and establish an e-mail account
• Explains Microsoft Office basics such as typing and formatting text in Word, navigating an Excel spreadsheet, and creating a PowerPoint presentation
• DVD contains more than four hours of step-by-step instructions for completing the most essential Windows 7 and Office 2010 tasks

Clear and helpful, this guide-and-DVD combo is like having an expert right beside you all the way! ... Read more

Reviews

Lots of info, December 14, 2010
This set has a lot of useful information at a fair price. Not just for dummies. Glad i bought it. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The Apple Certified Way to Learn

In the only Apple certified guide to iLife, the authors have you working wonders with iLife ’11 within the first few pages. Featuring compelling footage and images, this book/DVD combo uses real-life material and practical lessons that you can apply immediately to enhance your own projects. Focused lessons take you step by step through all aspects of iLife—everything from organizing and editing your photo library to creating polished movies and soundtracks. Along the way, you’ll produce movie trailers, photo books, soundtracks, and music and learn to publish and share your projects.

• Master the iLife suite of tools quickly through fun, real-world projects
• Fix, rate, and share your photos with friends and family
  
• Turn your photos into keepsake books and slideshows
  
• Create professional looking sports highlights from your home videos
  
• Learn to make a “Hollywood-style” movie trailer
  
• Play and record music with expert guidance
  
• Fix, arrange,and mix music like a pro
  
• Publish and share your projects with iWeb and iDVD