Fundamentals of Information Systems 4th Edition or Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning for IT Professionals

Fundamentals of Information Systems, 4th Edition

Author: Course Technology

Now in its fourth edition, Fundamentals of Information Systems has been heavily revised and reorganized, yet continues to offer a concise overview of information systems fundamentals in a short, nine-chapter format. Seasoned authors Ralph Stair and George Reynolds weave the fundamentals of managing information systems into an understandable and engaging text.

Go to: RFID or Misbehavior in Organizations

Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning for IT Professionals

Author: Susan Snedaker

Increase Your Company's Odds of Surviving a Major Disaster

Powerful Earthquake Triggers Tsunami in Pacific. Hurricane Katrina Makes Landfall in the Gulf Coast. Avalanche Buries Highway in Denver. Tornado Touches Down in Georgia... These headlines not only have caught the attention of people around the world, they have had a significant effect on IT professionals as well.

As technology continues to become more integral to corporate operations at every level of the organization, the job of IT has expanded to become almost all-encompassing. These days, it's difficult to find corners of a company that technology does not touch. As a result, the need to plan for potential disruptions to technology services has increased exponentially.

Business Continuity Planning (BCP) and Disaster Recovery Planning (DRP) are emerging as the 'next big thing' in corporate IT circles. With distributed networks, increasing demands for confidentiality, integrity and availability of data, and the widespread risks to the security of personal, confidential and sensitive data, no organization can afford to ignore the need for disaster planning.

The British Standards Institute is releasing a new standard for BCP this year, the Disaster Recovery Institute has developed a certification for DRP/BCP professionals in conjunction with the British Standards Institute, trade shows are popping up on this topic and the news is filled with companies facing disasters from all sides.

In this book you will find:

* Complete coverage of the 3 categories of disaster: natural hazards, human-caused hazards, and accidental/ technical hazards.
* Updated information onrisks from cyber attacks, rioting, protests, product tampering, bombs, explosions, and terrorism.
* Extensive disaster planning and readiness checklists for IT infrastructure, enterprise applications, servers and desktops.
* Clear guidance on developing alternate work and computing sites and emergency facilities.
* Actionable advice on emergency readiness and response.
* Up-to-date information on the legal implications of data loss following a security breach or disaster.

Featuring Case Studies from:
Deanna Conn, Partner, Quarles & Brady, LLP, information security expert Debbie Earnest, Disaster Recovery and IT expert Patty Hoenig, Communications and PR expert

* Complete coverage of the 3 categories of disaster: natural hazards, human-caused hazards, and accidental and technical hazards.
* Only published source of information on the new BCI standards and government requirements.
* Up dated information on recovery from cyber attacks, rioting, protests, product tampering, bombs, explosions, and terrorism.

Table of Contents:

1: Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Overview
2: Project Initiation and Definition Case Study 1: Legal
3: Risk Assessment
4: Business Impact Analysis
5: BC/DR Mitigation Strategy Development
6: BC/DR Plan Development
7: Emergency Preparation
8: Training, Testing, Auditing
9: BC Plan Maintenance
10: Conclusion

Guanxi or Computer Networks Fourth Edition

Guanxi (The Art of Relationships): Microsoft, China, and Bill Gates's Plan to Win the Road Ahead

Author: Robert Buderi

and/or stickers showing their discounted price. More about bargain books

Table of Contents:

	Prologue: The Mysterious Journey to China of the World's Richest Man, and Other Stories	1
1	Beast from the East (November 8-11, 2004)	13
2	The Bell Labs of China (Fall 1997-November 1998)	32
3	From Beijing to Bill G. (November 1998-October 1999)	60
4	Microsoft's Chinese Heart (November 1999-August 2000)	85
5	Ya-Qin Dynasty (August 2000-July 2001)	111
6	The Great Wall and Other Microsoft Creations (October 2001-January 2004)	130
7	Microsoft Made in China (November 2002-November 2004)	147
8	The Curious Inventions of Jian Wang (September 1999-June 2005)	168
9	Search War (March 2003-March 2005)	187
10	The Further Adventures of One-Handed Jordan and Mr. Magneto (March-May 2005)	209
11	Battle Over Kai-Fu Lee (August 2000-September 2005)	233
12	How to Make It in China (Summer and Fall 2005)	259
	Epilogue: "Congratulations, We Survived!"	275
	A Note on Sources	287
	Acknowledgments	291
	Index	295

Interesting book: Kick off Your Career or Mobile Media and Applications From Concept to Cash

Computer Networks, Fourth Edition

Author: Andrew S Tanenbaum

The world's leading introduction to networking—fully updated for tomorrow's key technologies.

Computer Networks, Fourth Edition is the ideal introduction to today's networks—and tomorrow's. This classic best seller has been thoroughly updated to reflect the newest and most important networking technologies with a special emphasis on wireless networking, including 802.11, Bluetooth, broadband wireless, ad hoc networks, i-mode, and WAP. But fixed networks have not been ignored either with coverage of ADSL, gigabit Ethernet, peer-to-peer networks, NAT, and MPLS. And there is lots of new material on applications, including over 60 pages on the Web, plus Internet radio, voice over IP, and video on demand.Finally, the coverage of network security has been revised and expanded to fill an entire chapter.

Author, educator, and researcher Andrew S. Tanenbaum, winner of the ACM Karl V. Karlstrom Outstanding Educator Award, carefully explains how networks work on the inside, from underlying hardware at the physical layer up through the top-level application layer. Tanenbaum covers all this and more:

• Physical layer (e.g., copper, fiber, wireless, satellites, and Internet over cable)
• Data link layer (e.g., protocol principles, protocol verification, HDLC, and PPP)
• MAC Sublayer (e.g., gigabit Ethernet, 802.11, broadband wireless, and switching)
• Network layer (e.g., routing algorithms, congestion control, QoS, IPv4, and IPv6)
• Transport layer (e.g., socket programming, UDP, TCP, RTP, and network performance)
• Application layer (e.g., e-mail, the Web, PHP, wireless Web, MP3, and streaming audio)
security (e.g., AES, RSA, quantum cryptography, IPsec, and Web security)

The book gives detailed descriptions of the principles associated with each layer and presents many examples drawn from the Internet and wireless networks.

About the Author:

ANDREW S. TANENBAUM is Professor of Computer Science at Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and Scientific Director of ASCI, a Dutch graduate school established by leading universities throughout the Netherlands. He is also a Fellow of the IEEE and a Fellow of the ACM. Other books Tanenbaum has authored or co-authored include Structured Computer Organization, Fourth Edition; Operating Systems: Design and Implementation, Second Edition; Modern Operating Systems, Second Edition; and Distributed Systems: Principles and Paradigms (all from Prentice Hall).

Booknews

A textbook providing a clear explanation of the way networks work, from hardware technology up through the most popular network applications. Topics covered include the physical layer (copper, fiber, radio, and satellite communication); the data link layer (protocol principles, HDLC, SLIP, and PPP); the MAC sublayer (IEEE 802 LANs, bridges, new high-speed LANs); the network layer (routing, congestion control, internetworking, IPv6); the transport layer (transport protocol principles, TCP, network performance); and the application layer (cryptography, email, news, the Web, Java, and multimedia). Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Don Bryson

Gee, I Didn't Know That ...

I evaluate every computer book by how many hours it will save me. If it takes twenty hours to read book, then I fully expect it to save me at least twenty hours of frustrated guessing. I'm a businessman first and a hacker second. Everything must have an ROI (Return On Investment).

Computer Networks won't save one minute over the next year. It has no step-by-step procedures, no problem solving sections, and no butt-saving tricks. The only purpose it can serve at a downed site is as a shield against thrown objects from frustrated users. Normally, theoretical books like this one receive a quick skim and are promptly sent to my for-looks-only tome tomb. However, this isn't a normal theoretical book. It's fascinating. In fact, I read it not once but three times. Tanenbaum fills over 700 pages with everything I didn't know, or better still, only thought I knew about networks.

For example, let me tell you what Tanenbaum taught me about modems. I have over ten years trench tech UNIX experience. I've hooked up thousands of modems. I've written more chat scripts, custom dialers, and inittab entries than I have sense to count. I even silently considered myself a modem expert -- before reading Tanenbaum's book.

Being the "expert" that I was, I had used the term carrier many times. I had also used that term many times before my computer days. I worked my way through college at a commercial broadcast station. A broadcast transmitter superimposes audio onto a sine wave called the carrier. However, until I read Computer Networks, I never made the connection between modems and transmitters. Tanenbaum points out that a modem works very much like a commercial transmitter and then proceeds to describe the different types of modem modulation in amazingly great detail. I no longer consider myself a modem expert.

That's why I read this book three times. I learned something new on every page and unlearned at least one misunderstanding in every chapter. I saw the gestalt between seemingly dissimilar things like modems and radio stations. The breadth and depth of the book yielded fresh fruit on every reading.

The book is well organized. Tanenbaum uses a modified ISO OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) reference model as a template for the book. While he drops the session and presentation layers, he leaves the physical, data link, network, transport, and application layers in his reference model. The explanation starts with the physical layer in chapter two and ends with the application layer in the last chapter. This bottom-up explanation is logical and easy to follow.

While the concepts could have been explained with the warmth of a legal brief, Tanenbaum has a gift for explaining them in an entertaining, conversational manner. True, everything must have an ROI. Sometimes, however, when it's entertaining enough, the sole joy of learning is enough of a return.--Dr. Dobb's Electronic Review of Computer Books.

Basic Business Statistics or R Programming for Bioinformatics

Basic Business Statistics: Concepts and Applications

Author: Mark L Berenson

Berenson shows students how statistics is use in each functional area of business. This edition features statistics in real-business scenarios, web cases, data analysis and interpretation of software results, case studies and team projects, as well as visual explorations of statistical concepts. This book is intended for undergraduate and graduate students taking courses in statistics. 

Booknews

Using case studies and chapter review problems, the authors attempt to make statistics and its business applications with Microsoft Excel software as painless as possible. After making the case for what's in it for productivity and quality-minded managers, they ease into Excel functions for analyzing and presenting data, hypothesis testing, regression, and time-series analysis. Appends a math and algebra review, summation notation, standard statistical tables and symbols, special data sets for team projects, and documentation for the CD-ROM files. Indexed by book subjects and Microsoft Excel features. The CD-ROM includes the PHStat statistics add-in for Excel for use in business statistics courses. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Interesting book: Vision of the Anointed or Worlds at War

R Programming for Bioinformatics

Author: Robert Gentleman

The Bioconductor project was initiated in 2001 to provide a resource of R packages that specifically address bioinformatics problems. Written by the leader of this project and the original developer of the R software, Bioinformatics with R provides an overview of techniques to develop R programming skills for bioinformatics. The book presents comprehensive coverage of a broad range of key topics, including R language fundamentals, object-oriented programming in R, foreign language interfaces, building R packages, handling different data technologies, and debugging. It includes a number of detailed illustrative bioinformatics examples as well as exercises to demonstrate techniques.

Table of Contents:

1 Introducing R 1

2 R Language Fundamentals 5

3 Object-Oriented Programming in R 67

4 Input and Output in R 119

5 Working with Character Data 145

6 Foreign Language Interfaces 183

7 R Packages 211

8 Data Technologies 229

9 Debugging and Profiling 273

References 301

Index 305

Teach Yourself VISUALLY Adobe Photoshop Elements 7 or Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Administrators Pocket Consultant

Teach Yourself VISUALLY Adobe Photoshop Elements 7

Author: Mike Wooldridg

Covers the most important features of Photoshop Elements including: importing photos from digital cameras and scanners, retouching and repairing damaged photos, compositing great group shots, enhancing digital images, changing print size, canvas size, and resolution, editing images for posting on the Web, creating a Web photo gallery, and incorporating graphics into desktop publishing programs. Teach Yourself VISUALLY? Photoshop Elements 7 contains tasks on all the newest features of Photoshop Elements; covering new topics such as using the sharpness and curves tool, converting color to black and white images, and geographically tagging photos and viewing them as icons on a map. The associated website provides all the images used in the book so that readers can practice along with all the example techniques featured in the book. Photoshop Elements features the sophisticated tools and functionality of Photoshop but at a much more affordable price for home and prosumer users.

Table of Contents:

Ch. 1 Getting Started Ch. 2 Getting Digital Photos into Photoshop Elements Ch. 3 Organizing Your Photos Ch. 4 Image Editing Basics Ch. 5 Selection Techniques Ch. 6 Manipulating Selections Ch. 7 Layer Basics Ch. 8 Retouching Photos Ch. 9 Enhancing Contrast and Exposure Ch. 10 Enhancing Colors Ch. 11 Painting and Drawing on Photos Ch. 12 Applying Filters Ch. 13 Adding Text Elements Ch. 14 Applying Styles and Effects Ch. 15 Presenting Photos Creatively Ch. 16 Saving and Sharing Your Work

Book review: The Supermarket Diet or Edible Art

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Administrator's Pocket Consultant

Author: William Stanek

Here's the utterly practical, pocket-sized reference for IT professionals who need to administer, optimize, and maintain Microsoft SQL Server 2005 in their organization. This unique guide provides essential details for using Microsoft SQL Server 2005 to help protect and manage your company's data-whether automating tasks; creating indexes and views; performing backups and recovery; replicating transactions; tuning performance; managing server activity; importing and exporting data; or performing other key tasks. Featuring quick-reference tables, lists, and step-by-step instructions, this handy, one-stop guide provides fast, accurate answers on the spot-whether you're at your desk or in the field!

MCTS Self Paced Training Kit or Desktop and Portable Systems

MCTS Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-445): Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Business Intelligence - Implementation and Maintenance

Author: Erik Veerman

Announcing an all-new Self-Paced Training Kit designed to help maximize your performance on 70-445, the required exam for the new Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): SQL Server 2005 Business Intelligence certification. This 2-in-1 kit includes the official Microsoft study guide, plus practice tests on CD to help you assess your skills. It comes packed with the tools and features exam candidates want most-including in-depth, self-paced training based on final exam content; rigorous, objective-by-objective review; exam tips from expert, exam-certified authors; and customizable testing options. It also provides real-world scenarios, case study examples, and troubleshooting labs for skills and expertise that you can apply to the job.

Work at your own pace through the lessons and lab exercises. Focusing on the technology skills required to build business intelligence applications using SQL Server 2005, this official study guide covers topics such as installing, configuring, and deploying SQL Server Analysis Services, SQL Server Reporting Services, and SQL Server Integration Services.

Then assess yourself using hundreds of practice questions on the CD, featuring multiple, customizable testing options to meet your specific needs. Choose timed or untimed testing mode, generate random tests, or focus on discrete objectives or chapters. You get detailed explanations for right and wrong answers-including pointers back to the book for further study. You also get an evaluation version of SQL Server 2005 Enterprise Edition software and an exam discount voucher-making this kit an exceptional value and a great career investment.

Key Book Benefits:

• In-depth coverage ofexam objectives and sub-objectives-plus instructive case studies and troubleshooting scenarios to enhance your performance on the job

• 200+ practice and review questions

• Test engine that enables customized testing, pre-assessment and post-assessment, and automated scoring and feedback

• Complete objective-by-objective review section, plus a handy exam-mapping grid

• 180-day evaluation version of SQL Server 2005 Enterprise Edition

• 15 percent exam discount voucher from Microsoft (limited-time offer)

• Entire study guide in searchable eBook format

Books about: Wild Edible Fruits and Berries or New Vegetarian Baby

Desktop and Portable Systems: A Guide to Supporting, Servicing, and Troubleshooting Apple Computers

Author: Marc Asturias

This authoritative, Apple-Certified training course is designed both for professionals who support Apple computers as well as Macintosh enthusiasts who want to upgrade, service, or troubleshoot their favorite systems. Fully revised, this third edition includes Apple's new models with Intel processors, the MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and iMac. Keyed to the learning objectives of the Apple Desktop Service and Apple Portable Service certification exams, this is the companion curriculum used in AppleCare Technician Training courses worldwide. The book starts out with basic computer theory and underlying technologies, then moves on to cover everything from networking to the nitty-gritty steps and diagrams for upgrading and troubleshooting six sample computer models.

Table of Contents:

Getting Started     xi
Tools and Practices
Reference Materials     3
One-Stop Shopping     4
Finding Support Information     6
Upgrade Information     13
Resources for Locating Trouble     16
Resources for Resolving an Issue     24
Lesson Review     28
Software Tools     31
System Profiler     33
Quick Fix Tools     37
Diagnostic Software     50
Other Apple Troubleshooting Tools     63
Lesson Review     68
General Troubleshooting Theory     71
Goals and Processes     72
Troubleshooting Process     74
Gather Information     76
Verify the Issue     83
Try Quick Fixes     85
Run Diagnostics     90
Systematic Fault Isolation     90
Research in Additional Resources     96
Escalate the Issue     97
Repair or Replace the Faulty Item     97
Verify the Repair     98
Inform the User and Complete Administrative Tasks     99
Lesson Review     100
Safe Working Procedures and General Maintenance     105
ESD Prevention     106
CRT Safety Procedures     109
Liquid Coolants     118
iMac Power Supply     120
Booting to EFI     121
General Maintenance     122
General Best Practices     128
Lesson Review     129
Hardware Tools     133
Using the Right Tools     134
Tools Common to Desktops and Portables     135
Desktop Tools     137
Portable Tools     140
Lesson Review     142
Common Hardware and Technologies
Power Management     145
Power Management Components     146
Power Conservation     155
Troubleshooting     161
Lesson Review     163
Wireless     167
Required Tools and Equipment     168
Basic Terms     169
AirPort Hardware Overview     172
AirPort Extreme Card     176
AirPort Extreme Base Station     178
AirPort Extreme Base Station(PoE/UL 2043)     180
AirPort Express Base Station     182
Setting Up a Wireless Client     185
Creating a Computer-to-Computer Network     191
Configuring Base Stations for Internet Access     192
Interference Sources     196
Basic AirPort Security     197
Bluetooth     198
Lesson Review     202
Network Troubleshooting     205
Network Components     206
Troubleshooting Tools     210
Troubleshooting Steps     221
Lesson Review     238
Desktops
About iMac Models     245
The iMac G4 Models     246
The iMac G5/Intel Models     248
Lesson Review     254
Upgrading an iMac     259
Identifying the System     260
Do-It-Yourself (DIY)     262
Required Tools and Equipment     263
Upgrading RAM on an iMac     264
Lesson Review     268
Taking Apart an iMac (24-inch)     271
Required Tools and Equipment     272
Taking Apart the iMac (24-inch)     272
Lesson Summary     281
Troubleshooting an iMac (24-inch)     283
Startup Key Combinations     284
Diagnostic LEDs     285
SMC Reset     287
Symptom Charts     288
Lesson Review     316
About Mac mini Models     319
Mac mini     320
Lesson Review     322
Upgrading a Mac mini     325
Required Tools and Equipment     326
Opening a Mac mini     326
Removing the Hard Drive     333
Installing RAM     334
Lesson Review     336
Taking Apart a Mac mini     339
Required Tools and Equipment     340
Preliminary Steps     341
Logic Board     348
Lesson Summary     351
Troubleshooting a Mac mini     353
Status LED     354
Resetting PRAM and NVRAM     354
Resetting the SMC     355
Symptom Charts     358
Lesson Review     383
About Mac Pro     385
Mac Pro (August 2006)     386
Lesson Review     388
Upgrading a Mac Pro     391
Required Tools and Equipment     392
Before You Do Anything     392
Opening a Mac Pro     392
Installing RAM     395
Installing a Hard Drive     399
Adding a PCI Express Card     403
Lesson Review     409
Taking Apart a Mac Pro      411
Required Tools and Equipment     412
Taking Apart a Mac Pro     412
Lesson Summary     423
Troubleshooting a Mac Pro     425
General Information     426
Symptom Charts     443
Lesson Review     453
Portables
About MacBook Models     457
MacBook (13 Inch)     458
Lesson Review     460
Upgrading a MacBook     463
Required Tools and Equipment     464
Before You Do Anything     464
Opening a MacBook     465
Installing RAM     467
Upgrading the Hard Drive     471
Closing a MacBook     474
Lesson Review     475
Taking Apart a MacBook     477
Required Tools and Equipment     478
Taking Apart a MacBook     478
Lesson Summary     495
Troubleshooting a MacBook     497
Symptom Charts     498
Lesson Review     516
About MacBook Pro Models     519
MacBook Pro     520
MacBook Pro (17-inch)     521
Lesson Review     522
Upgrading a MacBook Pro      525
Required Tools and Equipment     526
Before You Do Anything     527
Removing the Battery     527
Installing RAM     528
Lesson Review     535
Taking Apart a MacBook Pro     537
Required Tools and Equipment     538
Taking Apart the MacBook Pro     539
Lesson Summary     550
Troubleshooting a MacBook Pro     553
General Information     554
Symptom Charts     559
Lesson Review     592
Index     594

Art of Intrusion or The Mammoth Book of Secret Codes and Cryptograms

Art of Intrusion: The Real Stories Behind the Exploits of Hackers, Intruders & Deceivers

Author: Kevin D Mitnick

Hacker extraordinaire Kevin Mitnick delivers the explosive encore to his bestselling The Art of Deception
Kevin Mitnick, the world's most celebrated hacker, now devotes his life to helping businesses and governments combat data thieves, cybervandals, and other malicious computer intruders. In his bestselling The Art of Deception, Mitnick presented fictionalized case studies that illustrated how savvy computer crackers use "social engineering" to compromise even the most technically secure computer systems. Now, in his new book, Mitnick goes one step further, offering hair-raising stories of real-life computer break-ins-and showing how the victims could have prevented them. Mitnick's reputation within the hacker community gave him unique credibility with the perpetrators of these crimes, who freely shared their stories with him-and whose exploits Mitnick now reveals in detail for the first time, including:

• A group of friends who won nearly a million dollars in Las Vegas by reverse-engineering slot machines

• Two teenagers who were persuaded by terrorists to hack into the Lockheed Martin computer systems

• Two convicts who joined forces to become hackers inside a Texas prison

• A "Robin Hood" hacker who penetrated the computer systems of many prominent companies-andthen told them how he gained access

With riveting "you are there" descriptions of real computer break-ins, indispensable tips on countermeasures security professionals need to implement now, and Mitnick's own acerbic commentary on the crimes he describes, this book is sure to reach a wide audience-and attract the attention of both lawenforcement agencies and the media.

Publishers Weekly

It would be difficult to find an author with more credibility than Mitnick to write about the art of hacking. In 1995, he was arrested for illegal computer snooping, convicted and held without bail for two years before being released in 2002. He clearly inspires unusual fear in the authorities and unusual dedication in the legions of computer security dabblers, legal and otherwise. Renowned for his use of "social engineering," the art of tricking people into revealing secure information such as passwords, Mitnick (The Art of Deception) introduces readers to a fascinating array of pseudonymous hackers. One group of friends bilks Las Vegas casinos out of more than a million dollars by mastering the patterns inherent in slot machines; another fellow, less fortunate, gets mixed up with a presumed al-Qaeda-style terrorist; and a prison convict leverages his computer skills to communicate with the outside world, unbeknownst to his keepers. Mitnick's handling of these engrossing tales is exemplary, for which credit presumably goes to his coauthor, writing pro Simon. Given the complexity (some would say obscurity) of the material, the authors avoid the pitfall of drowning readers in minutiae. Uniformly readable, the stories-some are quite exciting-will impart familiar lessons to security pros while introducing lay readers to an enthralling field of inquiry. Agent, David Fugate. (Mar.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Library Journal

Infamous criminal hacker turned computer security consultant Mitnick offers an expert sequel to his best-selling The Art of Deception, this time supplying real-life rather than fictionalized stories of contemporary hackers sneaking into corporate servers worldwide. Each chapter begins with a computer crime story that reads like a suspense novel; it is a little unnerving to learn how one's bank account is vulnerable to digital thieves or how hackers with an interest in gambling can rake in thousands of dollars in just minutes at a compromised slot machine. The hack revealed, Mitnick then walks readers step by step through a prevention method. Much like Deception, this book illustrates that hacking techniques can penetrate corporate and government systems protected by state-of-the-art security. Mitnick's engaging writing style combines intrigue, entertainment, and education. As with Deception, information technology professionals can learn how to detect and prevent security breaches, while informed readers can sit back and enjoy the stories of cybercrime. Recommended for most public and academic libraries.-Joe Accardi, William Rainey Harper Coll. Lib., Palatine, IL Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Go to: Joey Greens Amazing Kitchen Cures or Bodybuilding Anatomy

The Mammoth Book of Secret Codes and Cryptograms

Author: Elonka Dunin

Secret messages, encoded predictions, cryptic clues — never have cryptogram puzzles been so popular, fueled by phenomena like The Da Vinci Code and Bible Code. From award-winning cryptographer and game developer Elonka Dunin, here is a major new collection of brain teasing cryptograms and other enciphered challenges to satisfy every level of puzzle aficionado. The Mammoth Book of Secret Codes and Cryptograms contains over 400 encoded puzzles, ranging from easy substitution puzzles and messages or quotations in code where each letter stands for another, to fiendishly difficult ciphers. This book also includes helpful tips and pointers, plus famous unsolved real-world cryptograms like the Dorabella cipher, Kryptos fourth section, Zodiac killer ciphers, Linear A, and Rongorongo script to ensure that the challenge never ends.

Table of Contents:

	Introduction	1
	Cryptography 101	2
Part 1	Simple Cryptograms	5
	First Steps	6
	Easy 100	15
	Hidden Keys	123
	Cryptogram Carnival	139
Part 2	The Secret Code Challenge	355
	Not So Easy	356
	Challenging	381
	Fiendish	417
	Grab Bag	445
	Xenocrypts - Other Languages	455
Part 3	Famous Unsolved Codes and Ciphers	467
	Beale Ciphers	469
	Voynich Manuscript	489
	Zodiac Killer Ciphers	495
	Dorabella Cipher	497
	Kryptos	499
	Phaistos Disk	505
	The Keys	507
	The Solutions	527
	Helpful References	571
	Morse Code Table	572
	English Frequency Tables	573
	Xenocrypt Frequency Charts	577
	Recommended Reading	582
	Acknowledgements	586
	Glossary	588
	Index	596

Photoshop Elements 5 Book for Digital Photographers or Microsoft Office 2007

Photoshop Elements 5 Book for Digital Photographers (Voices That Matter Series)

Author: Scott Kelby

Best-selling author Scott Kelby is well known for his plain-English style, his humorous tone, and his unparalleled ability to cut through all the technical jargon that other authors use when writing about image-editing programs. Here, Scott delivers great techniques on Photoshop Elements 5 that his readers understand and use to make the best possible images. With this newest release of Photoshop Elements, Scott shows readers how to work with their images like a pro, from importing to organization to correction to output. Readers will learn all they need to know about the digital photography workflow, as well as the latest secrets of the pros to help them create the best special effects, apply the most useful sharpening techniques, and avoid many of the hassles and problems that are encountered in digital photography (such as digital noise and color halos).

New interesting textbook: Adobe Photoshop CS3 Studio Techniques or Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi 450D

Microsoft Office 2007: Essential Concepts and Techniques

Author: Gary B Shelly

Microsoft Office 2007: Essntial Concepts and Techniques provides a project-based, step-by-step approach to teaching the Office 2007 applications.

Table of Contents:

Windows Vista
1. Introduction to Windows Vista Word 2007
1. Creating and Editing a Word Document Excel 2007
1. Creating a Worksheet and an Embedded Chart Access 2007
1. Creating and Using a Database PowerPoint 2007
1. Creating and Editing a Presentation
Appendices A: Project Planning Guidelines B: Introduction to Microsoft Office 2007 C: Microsoft Office 2007 Help D: Publishing Office 2007 Web Pages to a Web Server E: Customizing Microsoft Office 2007 F: Steps for the Windows XP User G: Microsoft Business Certification Program

Microsoft Outlook or Access 2007 Bible

Microsoft Outlook (SparkCharts)

Author: SparkNotes Editors

SparkCharts™ - created by Harvard students for students everywhere - serve as study companions and reference tools that cover a wide range of high school, college, and graduate school subjects, including math, business, history, computer programming, medicine, law, foreign language, humanities, and science. Titles like Spanish Vocabulary, Microsoft Excel, Study Tactics, the Bible, Algebra I, Chemistry, and Literary Terms give you what it takes to find success in school and beyond. Outlines and summaries cover key points, while diagrams and tables make difficult concepts easier to digest.

All for the price of that late-night cappuccino you'll no longer need!

This four-page chart covers:

• The Outlook Today window
• Managing incoming email
• Creating outgoing email
• Organizing time and tasks
• Maintaining contact information
• Keeping a journal and notes
• Viewing Outlook data
• Productivity tips

Look this: My Egyptian Grandmothers Kitchen or Dim Sum

Access 2007 Bible

Author: Michael R Groh

"I recommend this book for anyone who wants a strong foundation in Access."
—Jeff Lenamon, CIBC World Markets

Updated edition with exciting new Access 2007 features!

Harness the power of Access 2007 with the expert guidance in this comprehensive reference. Beginners will appreciate the thorough attention to database fundamentals and terminology. Experienced users can jump right into Access 2007 enhancements like the all-new user interface and wider use of XML and Web services. Each of the book's six parts thoroughly focuses on key elements in a logical sequence, so you have what you need, when you need it. Designed as both a reference and a tutorial, Access 2007 Bible is a powerful tool for developers needing to make the most of the new features in Access 2007.

• Build Access tables using good relational database techniques

• Construct efficient databases using a five-step design method

• Design efficient data-entry and data display forms

• Utilize the improved Access report designer

• Use Visual Basic(r) for Applications and the VBA Editor to automate applications

• Build and customize Access 2007 ribbons

• Seamlessly exchange Access data with SharePoint(r)

• Employ advanced techniques such as the Windows(r) API and object-oriented programming

• Add security and use data replication in your Access applications

What's on the CD-ROM?

Follow the examples in the book chapter by chapter using the bonus materials on the CD-ROM. You'll find separate Microsoft Access database files for each chapter andother working files, including

• All the examples and databases used in the book, including database files, images, data files in various formats, and icon files used in the book's examples

• A complete sample application file, including queries, reports, objects, and modules, that you can use as a reference

See the CD-ROM appendix for details and complete system requirements.

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

Search Engine Optimization for Dummies or Super Mario Galaxy

Search Engine Optimization for Dummies

Author: Peter Kent

“If we build it, they will come.”

Unfortunately, in the field of Web sites, that’s an unfulfilled dream. Having a Web site does not automatically guarantee having traffic, even if you register the site with appropriate search engines. Whether you’re an e-tailer who wants customers, a business that wants clients, or an organization that wants to get your message out, Search Engine Optimization For Dummies explains the rules of the game with information on:

• Spiders—not the yucky kind, but the software that grabs Web pages, and then,,reads and indexes the information

• Search indexes or engines, search directories, non-spidered indexes, and pay-per-click systems

• The eight search systems you really need to impress and how to get your pages into them

• Keywords and how to choose them strategically and use them often

• Submitting to the directories, including the biggies (Yahoo! Directory and the Open Director Project) and second-tier directories

• Using shopping directories for e-commerce sites, complete with a list of nine popular ones and CPCs (cost per click) for various types of merchandise on various sites

Written by Peter Kent, e-commerce consultant, popular speaker, and critically-acclaimed author, Search Engine Optimization For Dummies helps you build a search engine- friendly site (or fix an existing site) and build traffic, showing you how to:

• Use effective Web site structure and text, including filenames, directory structure, title tags, descriptive meta tags, keyword meta tags, and an HTMLnavigation system,

• Avoid things search engines avoid, such as frames, invisible navigation systems, including those created with Java applets, Java Scripts and Macromedia Flash, cluttered sites overloaded with HTML unrelated to content, and more

• Bulk up your site with content—original or recycled

• Use specialized search systems to attract valuable, highly targeted traffic

• Use link popularity to boost your position and your PageRank

Complete with a tear-out cheat sheet and information about Web sites you may want to hit for even more information, Search Engine Optimization For Dummies will help you make the Web site hit list.

Go to: In a Persian Kitchen or Picnics 50 Inspired Recipes Card Deck

Super Mario Galaxy: Prima Official Game Guide

Author: Prima Games

•Find all 120 stars that unlock the super-secret ending.
•Full-color maps give you the layout of the galaxy before you even blast off.
•Clothes make the Mario--all of the hero's newest suits detailed.
•Locate tons of hidden 1-Up Mushrooms to keep Mario in action.
•Mario poster included!

Table of Contents:

A Plumber’s Guide to the Galaxy
The Star Festival; Cosmic Cast

Across the Universe
Galactic Guidance; Comet Observatory; Galactic Gear

Comet Observatory
A Prologue; Comet Observatory

Terrace Galaxies
Good Egg Galaxy; Dino Piranha; A Snack of Cosmic Proportions; King Kaliente’s Battle Fleet; Dino Piranha Speed Run; Luigi on the Roof; Honeyhive Galaxy; Trouble on the Tower; Big Bad Bugaboom; Honeyhive Cosmic Mario Race; Luigi in the Honeyhive Kingdom; Flipswitch Galaxy; Loopdeloop Galaxy; Bowser Jr.’s Robot Reactor; Sweet Sweet Galaxy

Fountain Galaxies
Space Junk Galaxy; Kamella’s Airship Attack; Tarantox’s Tangled Web; Pull Star Speed Run; Yoshi’s Unexpected Appearance; Battlerock Galaxy; Breaking into Battlerock; Topmaniac and the Topman Tribe; Battlerock’s Garbage Dump; Topmaniac’s Daredevil Run; Luigi and the Disc; Rolling Green Galaxy; Hurry-Scurry Galaxy; Bowser’s Star Reactor; Sling Pod Galaxy

Kitchen Galaxies
Beach Bowl Galaxy; Passing the Swim Test; The Secret Undersea Cavern; Wall Jumping up Waterfalls; Fast Foes on the Cyclone Stone; Ghostly Galaxy; Luigi and the Haunted Mansion; A Very Spooky Sprint; Beware of Bouldergeist; Matter Splatter Mansion; Bouldergeist’s Daredevil Run; Bubble Blast Galaxy; Buoy Base Galaxy; The Floating Fortress; Bowser Jr.’s Airship Armada; Sinking the Airships; Drip Drop Galaxy

Bedroom Galaxies
Gusty Garden Galaxy; Dirty Tricks of Major Burrows; Gusty Garden Gravity Scramble; Major Burrows’s Daredevil Run; The Golden Chomp; Freezeflame Galaxy; Freezeflame’s Blistering Core; Hot and Cold Collide; Conqueringthe Summit; Frosty Cosmic Mario Race; Dusty Dune; Blasting through the Sand; Sunbaked Sand Castle; Sand Blast Speed Run; Treasure of the Pyramid; Bullet Bill on Your Back; Honeyclimb Galaxy; Bowser’s Dark Matter Reactor; Bigmouth Galaxy

Engine Room Galaxies
Gold Leaf Galaxy; Cataquack to the Skies; When It Rains, It Pours; The Bell on the Big Tree; Cosmic Mario Forest Race; Sea Slide Galaxy; Faster Than a Speeding Penguin; The Silver Stars of Sea Slide; Hurry, He’s Hungry; Underwater Cosmic Mario Race; Toy Time Galaxy; Mario Meets Mario; Bouncing Down Cake Lane; The Flipswitch Chain; Fast Foes of Toy Time; Bonefin Galaxy; Bowser Jr.’s Lava Reactor; Sand Spiral Galaxy

Garden and Gate Galaxies
Gate Galaxy; Racing the Spooky Speedster; Garden Galaxies: Deep Dark Galaxy; Bubble Blastoff; Guppy and the Underground Lake; Boo in a Box; Daredevil Run to the Ghost Ship; Dreadnought Galaxy; Dreadnought’s Colossal Cannons; Revenge of the Topman Tribe; Dreadnought’s Garbage Dump; Topman Tribe Speed Run; Melty Molten Galaxy; Through the Meteor Storm; Fiery Dino Piranha; Burning Tide; Lava Spire Daredevil Run; Matter Splatter Galaxy; Snow Cap Galaxy

Bowser’s Galaxy Reactor
Last Battle; Bowser’s Last Stand

Hidden Galaxies
Trial Galaxies; Bubble Blast Galaxy; The Electric Labyrinth; Loopdeswoop Galaxy; Rolling Gizmo Galaxy; Purple Coins

CCNA Wireless Official Exam Certification Guide or What Video Games Have to Teach Us about Learning and Literacy

CCNA Wireless Official Exam Certification Guide (CCNA IUWNE 640-721) (Exam Certification Guide)

Author: Brandon James Carroll

Master IUWNE 640-721 exam topics with the official study guide

• 
  Assess your knowledge with chapter-opening quizzes
• 
  Review key concepts with Exam Preparation Tasks
• 
  Practice with realistic exam questions on the CD-ROM

CCNA Wireless Official Exam Certification Guide is a best of breed Cisco exam study guide that focuses specifically on the objectives for the CCNA Wireless IUWNE exam. Senior wireless instructor Brandon Carroll shares preparation hints and test-taking tips, helping you identify areas of weakness and improve both your conceptual knowledge and hands-on skills. Material is presented in a concise manner, focusing on increasing your understanding and retention of exam topics.

 

CCNA Wireless Official Exam Certification Guide presents you with an organized test preparation routine through the use of proven series elements and techniques. “Do I Know This Already” quizzes open each chapter and allow you to decide how much time you need to spend on each section. Exam topic lists make referencing easy. Chapter-ending Exam Preparation Tasks sections help you drill on key concepts you must know thoroughly.

 

The companion CD-ROM contains a powerful testing engine that allows you to focus on individual topic areas or take complete, timed exams. The assessment engine also tracks your performance and provides feedback on a module-by-module basis, presenting question-by-question remediation to the text and laying out a complete study plan for review.

 

Well-regarded for its level of detail, assessment features, and challenging review questionsand exercises, this official study guide helps you master the concepts and techniques that will enable you to succeed on the exam the first time.

 

CCNA Wireless Official Exam Certification Guide is part of a recommended learning path from Cisco that includes simulation and hands-on training from authorized Cisco Learning Partners and self-study products from Cisco Press. To find out more about instructor-led training, e-learning, and hands-on instruction offered by authorized Cisco Learning Partners worldwide, please visit cisco.com/go/authorizedtraining.

 

The official study guide helps you master all the topics on the IUWNE exam, including:

• 
  WLAN RF principles
• 
  WLAN technologies and topologies
• 
  Antennae concepts
• 
  802.11 protocols
• 
  Wireless media access
• 
  Wired to wireless network packet delivery
• 
  Cisco Unified Wireless Networks basic architecture
• 
  Controller discovery and association
• 
  Adding mobility with roaming
• 
  Configuring controllers
• 
  Migrating standalone APs to LWAPP
• 
  Mobility Express architecture
• 
  Wireless clients
• 
  Securing the wireless network
• 
  Installing and configuring the WCS
• 
  Maintaining wireless networks
• 
  Troubleshooting wireless networks

 

New interesting book: David Golder The Ball Snow in Autumn The Courilof Affair or How to Change the World

What Video Games Have to Teach Us about Learning and Literacy

Author: James Paul Ge

James Paul Gee begins his classic book with "I want to talk about video games--yes, even violent video games--and say some positive things about them." With this simple but explosive statement, one of America's most well-respected educators looks seriously at the good that can come from playing video games. In this revised edition, new games like World of WarCraft and Half Life 2 are evaluated and theories of cognitive development are expanded. Gee looks at major cognitive activities including how individuals develop a sense of identity, how we grasp meaning, how we evaluate and follow a command, pick a role model, and perceive the world.

Table of Contents:

Introduction: 36 Ways to Learn a Video Game
* Semiotic Domains: Is Playing Video Games a “Waste of Time”?
* Learning and Identity: What Does It Mean to Be a Half-Elf?
* Situated Meaning and Learning: What Should You Do after You Have Destroyed the Global Conspiracy?
* Telling and Doing: Why Doesn’t Lara Croft Obey Professor Von Croy?
* Cultural Models: Do You Want to Be the Blue Sonic or the Dark Sonic?
* The Social Mind: How Do You Get Your Corpse Back after You’ve Died?
* Conclusion: Duped or Not?
* Appendix: The 36 Learning Principles

Introduction: 36 Ways to Learn a Video Game
* Semiotic Domains: Is Playing Video Games a “Waste of Time”?
* Learning and Identity: What Does It Mean to Be a Half-Elf?
* Situated Meaning and Learning: What Should You Do after You Have Destroyed the Global Conspiracy?
* Telling and Doing: Why Doesn’t Lara Croft Obey Professor Von Croy?
* Cultural Models: Do You Want to Be the Blue Sonic or the Dark Sonic?
* The Social Mind: How Do You Get Your Corpse Back after You’ve Died?
* Conclusion: Duped or Not?
* Appendix: The 36 Learning Principles

Pro WPF in C 2008 or CompTIA A Exam Cram

Pro WPF in C# 2008: Windows Presentation Foundation with .NET 3.5

Author: Matthew MacDonald

The Microsoft Windows Presentation Foundation provides the foundation for building applications and high-quality user experiences in Windows Vista. WPF blends application user interface, documents, and media content to provide richer control, design, and development of the visual aspects of Windows programs.

Author Matthew MacDonald shows you how WPF really works. His no-nonsense, practical advice will get you building high-quality WPF applications quickly and easily. MacDonald will take you through a thorough investigation of the more advanced aspects of WPF, and its relation to other elements of the WinFX stack and the .NET Framework 3.5, to complete your understanding of WPF and C# 2008.

WPFs functionality extends to support for Tablet PCs and other forms of input device, and provides a more modern imaging and printing pipeline, accessibility and UI automation infrastructure, data-driven UI and visualization, as well as the integration points for weaving the application experience into the Windows shell.
What you’ll learn

• WPF basics: XAML, layout, control essentials, and data flow
• WPF applications: Navigation, commands, localization, and deployment
• Advanced controls: Custom controls, menus, toolbars, and trees
• WPF documents: Text layout, printing, and document packaging
• Graphics and multimedia: Drawing shapes, sound and video, animation, geometric transformations, and imaging

Who is this book for?

Developers encountering WPF and .NET 3.5 for the first time in their professional lives
About the Apress Pro Series

The Apress Pro series books are practical, professional tutorialsto keep you on and moving up the professional ladder.

You have gotten the job, now you need to hone your skills in these tough competitive times. The Apress Pro series expands your skills and expertise in exactly the areas you need. Master the content of a Pro book, and you will always be able to get the job done in a professional development project. Written by experts in their field, Pro series books from Apress give you the hard-won solutions to problems you will face in your professional programming career.
Related Titles

• Foundations of WPF: An Introduction to Windows Presentation Foundation
• Pro Silverlight

Interesting book: The Competent Manager or Entrepreneurial Finance

CompTIA A+ Exam Cram (Exams 220-602, 220-603, 220-604)

Author: Charles J Brooks

CD Features Practice Essentials Exam, IT Tech Practice Exam, Depot Practice Exam, and Remote Support Practice Exam

In This Book You’ll Learn How To:
• Recognize the different types and forms of computer memory
• Identify different computer cables and connectors
• Troubleshoot IRQ conflicts and other computer resource problems
• Identify and troubleshoot common computer motherboard components
• Install core PC components, such as motherboards, processors, and memory
• Install and maintain multiple computer peripherals
• Identify network architectures and topologies
• Troubleshoot operating system problems
• Describe the core functions of Windows NT/2000/XP and Windows 9x operating systems
• Discover effective DOS commands excellent for troubleshooting
• Use the DOS operating system or command lines when your GUI is unavailable
• Recover from system startup failures
• Use and troubleshoot Windows Networking
• Effectively prepare yourself for exam day

CD Features Practice Exams!

Ready to test your skills? Want to find out if you’re ready for test day? Use the practice tests supplied on this CD to help prepare you for the big day. Test yourself, and then check your answers. Coupled with the in-depth material in the book, this is the ultimate one-two A+ study preparation package!

Charles J. Brooks is currently co-owner and vice president of Educational Technologies Group Inc., as well as co-owner of eITPrep LLP, an online training company. He is in charge of research and product development at both organizations. A former electronicsinstructor and technical writer with the National Education Corporation, Charles taught and wrote on post-secondary EET curriculum, including introductory electronics, transistor theory, linear integrated circuits, basic digital theory, industrial electronics, microprocessors, and computer peripherals. Charles has authored several books, including the first five editions of A+ Certification Training Guide, The Complete Introductory Computer Course, and IBM PC Peripheral Troubleshooting and Repair. He also writes about networking, residential technology integration, and convergence.

U.S. $44.99

CAN. $55.99

U.K. £31.99 (inc. of VAT)

 

Table of Contents:

Introduction........................................................................................................................... 1

How This Book Is Organized............................................................................... 1

Conventions Used in This Book......................................................................... 2

  Special Elements...................................................................................... 2

Test Taking Tips.................................................................................................... 3

Chapter 1: Basic PC Terms and Concepts......................................................................... 5

Introduction............................................................................................................ 6

The PC System....................................................................................................... 6

  System Unit Cases.................................................................................. 7

  Form Factors............................................................................................ 9

  Power Supplies...................................................................................... 11

  System Boards (Motherboards).......................................................... 16

  Microprocessor..................................................................................... 17

  Chipsets.................................................................................................. 21

  Memory Units (RAM andROM)........................................................ 21

  Basic Input/Output Systems............................................................... 24

  System Configuration Settings........................................................... 27

  Expansion Slots..................................................................................... 28

  Adapter Cards........................................................................................ 31

  Data Storage Devices........................................................................... 34

  Removable Storage............................................................................... 39

  Peripherals and Ports............................................................................ 41

  Video Displays....................................................................................... 46

  Printers.................................................................................................... 47

Exam Prep Questions........................................................................................... 48

Answers and Explanations................................................................................. 54

Challenge Solution............................................................................................... 57

Chapter 2: PC System Boards........................................................................................... 59

Introduction.......................................................................................................... 60

System Board Form Factors............................................................................... 60

  ATX System Boards............................................................................. 60

  BTX System Boards.............................................................................. 62

  Low-Profile Form Factors..................................................................... 66

  Pentium Chipsets................................................................................... 66

  System Bus Speeds............................................................................... 72

Expansion Slots.................................................................................................... 73

  PCI Local Bus......................................................................................... 73

  PCI-X....................................................................................................... 76

  PCI Express............................................................................................. 77

  AGP Slots............................................................................................... 80

  Audio Modem Risers and Communication Networking Risers...... 82

I/O Ports 84

  Onboard Disk Drive Connections....................................................... 85

  SCSI Connections................................................................................. 90

Processor Socket Specifications........................................................................ 91

  AMD Slots and Sockets....................................................................... 93

DRAM Sockets.................................................................................................... 95

CMOS RAM......................................................................................................... 96

  CMOS Setup Utilities............................................................................ 96

Exam Prep Questions......................................................................................... 109

Answers and Explanations............................................................................... 116

Challenge Solutions........................................................................................... 118

Chapter 3: Microprocessors............................................................................................ 121

Introduction........................................................................................................ 122

Intel Microprocessors....................................................................................... 122

  The Pentium Processor....................................................................... 122

  Advanced Pentium Architectures.................................................... 124

  Intel Dual-Core Processors................................................................ 130

  Advanced Intel Microprocessor Technologies............................. 133

AMD Processors............................................................................................... 135

  Athlon 64 Processors......................................................................... 136

  Duron Processors................................................................................ 137

  Athlon Dual-Core Processors........................................................... 137

  Opteron Processors............................................................................ 141

Microprocessor Clock Speeds......................................................................... 144

Processor Power Supply Levels...................................................................... 145

Configuring Microprocessors and Buses...................................................... 146

Fans, Heat Sinks, and Cooling Systems......................................................... 147

  BTX Thermal Module......................................................................... 149

  Advanced Cooling Systems.............................................................. 149

Cache Memory................................................................................................... 152

Exam Prep Questions......................................................................................... 153

Answers and Explanations............................................................................... 156

Challenge Solution............................................................................................. 157

Chapter 4: Random Access Memory............................................................................. 159

SRAM and DRAM............................................................................................ 160

  SRAM................................................................................................... 163

Memory Overhead............................................................................................. 164

  Error Checking and Correcting.......................................................... 164

  Cache Memory Operations................................................................ 166

RAM Packaging................................................................................................. 168

  RIMM.................................................................................................... 169

  RAM Speed Ratings........................................................................... 170

Exam Prep Questions......................................................................................... 174

Answers and Explanations............................................................................... 176

Challenge Solution............................................................................................. 178

Chapter 5: Data Storage Systems................................................................................... 179

Introduction........................................................................................................ 180

  Personal Video Recorders.................................................................. 182

  RAID Systems..................................................................................... 184

  Floppy Disk Drives............................................................................. 190

  Magnetic Tape Drives........................................................................ 191

Optical Storage................................................................................................... 193

  CD-ROM Drives.................................................................................. 193

  DVDs..................................................................................................... 197

Disk Drive Interfaces......................................................................................... 199

  Internal Disk Drive Interfaces............................................................ 199

  IDE/ATA Interface.............................................................................. 200

  Serial ATA Interface........................................................................... 202

  Floppy Drive Interface........................................................................ 203

  Small Computer System Interface..................................................... 204

Removable Storage............................................................................................ 213

  Flash Memory...................................................................................... 214

Exam Prep Questions......................................................................................... 218

Answers and Explanations............................................................................... 222

Chapter 6: Ports and Peripherals.................................................................................... 225

Input/Output Interfaces.................................................................................... 226

  Initiating I/O Transfers....................................................................... 226

  System Resource Allocations........................................................... 227

Ports, Cables, and Connectors......................................................................... 228

  PS/2 Connectors.................................................................................. 229

  Universal Serial Bus............................................................................ 230

  IEEE-1394 FireWire Bus...................................................................... 236

  Multimedia Connections.................................................................... 239

  Legacy Ports........................................................................................ 244

  Parallel Printer Ports............................................................................ 245

  RS-232 Serial Ports.............................................................................. 248

  Game Ports............................................................................................ 249

Typical Peripheral Systems.............................................................................. 251

  Keyboards............................................................................................ 251

  Pointing Devices................................................................................. 252

Exam Prep Questions......................................................................................... 274

Answers and Explanations............................................................................... 278

Challenge Solutions........................................................................................... 280

Chapter 7: Installing, Upgrading, Configuring, and Optimizing PC Components... 281

Installing Storage Devices................................................................................ 282

  Installing Internal Storage Devices.................................................. 282

  HDD Installation.................................................................................. 283

  Installing SCSI Adapter Cards.......................................................... 292

  Installing CD-ROM/DVD Drives....................................................... 300

  Installing CD-RW and DVD-RW Drives.......................................... 301

  Installing a Floppy Disk Drive........................................................... 302

  Installing External Storage Devices.................................................. 303

Upgrading and Optimizing Disk Drives.......................................................... 305

  HDD Upgrading................................................................................... 305

  Disk Drive Subsystem Enhancements............................................. 306

Installing Video/Monitor Systems.................................................................. 308

Installing Standard PC Input Devices............................................................. 310

  Installing Scanners.............................................................................. 311

  Installing Bar Code Scanners............................................................ 312

  Installing Sound Cards....................................................................... 312

  Installing Digital Cameras.................................................................. 313

  Installing Adapter Card—Based Peripherals.................................... 314

  Installing Devices Using USB, IEEE-1394, PCMCIA, and IrDA.. 316

  Upgrading Peripheral Devices........................................................... 320

Exam Prep Questions......................................................................................... 321

Answers and Explanations............................................................................... 324

Challenge Solutions........................................................................................... 325

Chapter 8: Basic Troubleshooting and Preventive Maintenance Techniques....... 327

Basic PC Troubleshooting................................................................................ 329

  Diagnostic and Repair Tools............................................................. 330

  Gathering Information......................................................................... 331

  Initial Troubleshooting Steps............................................................ 333

  Symptoms/Error Codes....................................................................... 336

  Determining Hardware/Software/Configuration Problems............ 339

Using a Multimeter............................................................................................ 343

  Field-Replaceable Unit Troubleshooting......................................... 349

Basic Preventive Maintenance........................................................................ 350

  Cleaning................................................................................................ 350

  Preventive Maintenance Procedures............................................... 352

  Protecting Display Systems............................................................... 355

  Protecting Hard Disk Drives.............................................................. 357

  Protecting Removable Media Drives................................................ 358

  Protecting Input Devices................................................................... 360

  Preventive Maintenance Scheduling............................................... 361

Exam Prep Questions......................................................................................... 365

Answers and Explanations............................................................................... 368

Challenge Solutions........................................................................................... 370

Chapter 9: Advanced PC Troubleshooting.................................................................. 373

Advanced Diagnostics..................................................................................... 375

Isolating Power Supply Problems.................................................................... 375

  Checking a Dead System.................................................................... 376

Troubleshooting the System Board................................................................ 379

  System Board Symptoms................................................................... 379

  Configuration Checks......................................................................... 381

  Hardware Checks................................................................................. 382

  Troubleshooting Keyboard Problems.............................................. 386

  Troubleshooting Mouse Problems................................................... 390

  Troubleshooting Video Systems...................................................... 393

  Troubleshooting HDDs...................................................................... 400

  Troubleshooting CD-ROM and DVD Drives.................................. 406

  Troubleshooting FDDs...................................................................... 410

  Troubleshooting Tape Drives........................................................... 413

  Troubleshooting Other Removable Storage Systems................... 414

  Troubleshooting Port Problems........................................................ 415

IEEE-1394 Adapters and Ports......................................................................... 419

  Troubleshooting Sound Cards.......................................................... 421

  Troubleshooting Front Panel Connections..................................... 423

Exam Prep Questions......................................................................................... 425

Answers and Explanations............................................................................... 430

Challenge Solutions........................................................................................... 432

Chapter 10: Portable Computer Fundamentals............................................................. 435

Inside Portables.................................................................................................. 437

Portable System Boards.................................................................................... 438

  Microprocessors in Portables........................................................... 440

  Pentium IIIM and 4M Processors..................................................... 441

  Pentium M Processors........................................................................ 442

  Centrino................................................................................................ 443

  Pentium M Celerons............................................................................ 443

  Core Duo Processors.......................................................................... 444

  AMD Mobile Processors................................................................... 445

Portable Memory................................................................................................ 446

  Upgrading Portable Memory............................................................. 448

Portable Drives................................................................................................... 450

  Upgrading/Replacing Portable Drives............................................. 451

Portable Display Types..................................................................................... 452

  Liquid Crystal Displays...................................................................... 452

Portable Keyboards........................................................................................... 455

Trackballs............................................................................................................ 457

Touch Pads......................................................................................................... 457

Pointing Sticks.................................................................................................... 458

External Portable I/O.......................................................................................... 459

  Peripheral Storage Devices................................................................ 460

  External FDDs...................................................................................... 460

  External CD-ROM Drives................................................................... 460

  External CD-RW and DVD-RW Drives............................................ 461

  Removable Storage............................................................................. 462

  Installing External Storage Devices.................................................. 463

PC Cards 464

  Cardbus................................................................................................. 464

  Adding PC Card Memory................................................................... 465

  Installing PC Cards.............................................................................. 466

  Installing PC Card Support................................................................ 467

  Mini PCI Express Cards...................................................................... 468

Networking Portables........................................................................................ 469

  Wireless Networking with Portables................................................ 470

Portable Power Sources.................................................................................... 473

  Power Consumption............................................................................ 475

  Power Management............................................................................ 475

Docking Stations................................................................................................ 477

  Port Replicators................................................................................... 478

Portable System Upgrading.............................................................................. 478

  Upgrading Batteries............................................................................ 479

  Upgrading PC Cards........................................................................... 480

Exam Prep Questions......................................................................................... 482

Answers and Explanations............................................................................... 485

Challenge Solutions........................................................................................... 487

Chapter 11: Maintaining and Repairing Portable Computers..................................... 489

Troubleshooting Portable Systems................................................................. 490

Common LCD Display Problems...................................................................... 492

  Replacing the LCD Panel.................................................................... 494

Troubleshooting Portable Keyboards............................................................ 496

Troubleshooting Touch Pads.......................................................................... 496

    Troubleshooting Portable Unique Storage.................................................... 497

Troubleshooting Infrared Ports....................................................................... 499

Troubleshooting PCMCIA............................................................................... 500

Troubleshooting Portable Power Issues........................................................ 501

Troubleshooting Docking Stations/Port Replicators................................... 503

Portable Preventative Maintenance................................................................ 505

  Rough Handling.................................................................................. 505

  Thermal Issues..................................................................................... 507

  Cleaning................................................................................................ 507

Exam Prep Questions......................................................................................... 508

Answers and Explanations............................................................................... 509

Challenge Solutions........................................................................................... 510

Chapter 12: Windows Operating Systems.................................................................... 511

Operating Systems............................................................................................. 512

  Graphical User Interfaces................................................................... 513

The Windows NT Product Line....................................................................... 515

  Windows 2000..................................................................................... 518

  Windows XP........................................................................................ 519

  Windows 2003 Server......................................................................... 521

  Windows Vista Operating Systems.................................................. 521

Navigating Windows 2000/XP......................................................................... 521

  Windows 2000/XP Desktops............................................................. 523

  Drop-Down Menus............................................................................. 528

  The Taskbar......................................................................................... 530

  Start Menu............................................................................................ 531

  Windows 2000 Control Panel............................................................ 535

  Windows Explorer............................................................................... 543

  Windows XP Interface Variations.................................................... 547

  Windows XP Media Center Interfaces............................................ 552

Command Prompt Procedures.......................................................................... 557

  Working from the Command Line..................................................... 558

Exam Prep Questions......................................................................................... 565

Answers and Explanations............................................................................... 570

Challenge Solutions........................................................................................... 572

Chapter 13: Major Windows Structures........................................................................ 575

Introduction........................................................................................................ 576

The PC Hardware Startup Process.................................................................. 576

Windows 2000/XP Structures.......................................................................... 581

  System Memory Management.......................................................... 583

  Windows 2000/XP Registries............................................................ 586

Windows 2000/XP File Systems...................................................................... 590

  Managing Partitions........................................................................... 590

  High-Level Formatting........................................................................ 593

  FAT Disk Organization....................................................................... 593

  NTFS Disk Organization..................................................................... 597

Files and Filenames............................................................................................ 608

  File Types............................................................................................. 608

  Windows 2000/XP Files..................................................................... 609

  File Encryption and Compression..................................................... 610

Exam Prep Questions......................................................................................... 614

Answers and Explanations............................................................................... 617

Challenge Solutions........................................................................................... 620

Chapter 14: Installing and Upgrading Operating Systems......................................... 621

Introduction........................................................................................................ 623

Installing Windows 2000/XP............................................................................ 623

  Installation Methods.......................................................................... 624

  Hard Disk Drive Preparation.............................................................. 629

  Managing Patches and Service Packs............................................. 630

  Troubleshooting General Setup Problems....................................... 632

Installing Windows 2000 Professional........................................................... 633

  Windows 2000/XP Setup Problems.................................................. 636

Installing Windows XP Professional.............................................................. 638

  Windows XP MCE Hardware Requirements................................... 640

  Windows XP Setup Problems........................................................... 641

Operating System Upgrading........................................................................... 643

  Upgrading to Windows 2000............................................................. 643

  Upgrading to Windows XP............................................................... 646

  Performing Local Upgrades............................................................... 648

Upgrade Problems.............................................................................................. 650

  Dual Booting........................................................................................ 651

Loading and Adding Device Drivers.............................................................. 654

  2000/XP Device Drivers...................................................................... 654

  SATA Drivers...................................................................................... 655

  Finding Drivers.................................................................................... 656

  Driver Signing...................................................................................... 656

Exam Prep Questions......................................................................................... 658

Answers and Explanations............................................................................... 661

Challenge Solutions........................................................................................... 663

Chapter 15: Optimizing Operating Systems.................................................................. 665

Introduction........................................................................................................ 666

Optimizing Windows 2000/XP Performance.................................................. 666

  Optimizing Virtual Memory................................................................ 667

  Optimizing the Disk Drive System.................................................... 668

  Managing Temporary Files................................................................ 670

  Optimizing System Services............................................................... 673

  Modifying the Startup Process......................................................... 674

  Monitoring System Performance...................................................... 676

 Monitoring Application Performance with System Monitor........ 678

  Software Maintenance........................................................................ 684

Exam Prep Questions......................................................................................... 687

Answers and Explanations............................................................................... 688

Challenge Solutions........................................................................................... 689

Chapter 16: Operating System Utilities.......................................................................... 691

Windows Disk Management Tools................................................................ 692

  Disk Cleanup........................................................................................ 693

  CHKDSK............................................................................................... 694

  HDD Defragmentation........................................................................ 695

  Backups................................................................................................ 698

  Removable Storage Utility................................................................. 708

Windows 2000/XP System Management Tools............................................ 709

  Event Viewer........................................................................................ 709

  Windows 2000/XP System Information........................................... 712

  Windows XP System Restore........................................................... 714

  Task Manager...................................................................................... 714

  Device Manager.................................................................................. 716

  MSCONFIG.EXE.................................................................................. 720

  Remote Desktop and Remote Assistance Features....................... 721

File Management Tools.................................................................................... 722

  System Editors..................................................................................... 722

  Dr. Watson........................................................................................... 724

Command-Line Utilities..................................................................................... 725

Windows Troubleshooting Help Files........................................................... 727

  Internet Help........................................................................................ 729

Exam Prep Questions......................................................................................... 730

Answers and Explanations............................................................................... 735

Challenge Solutions........................................................................................... 737

Chapter 17: Basic Operating System Troubleshooting and Maintenance............... 739

Introduction........................................................................................................ 742

General OS Troubleshooting Process............................................................. 743

Troubleshooting Startup Problems................................................................. 744

  General Bootup/Startup Problems.................................................... 745

  Windows 2000/XP Startup Tools..................................................... 746

  Using Windows XP System Restore................................................ 759

  Windows 2000/XP Startup Problems............................................... 763

Common OS Operational Problems................................................................. 767

  Optional Devices Do Not Operate.................................................... 767

  Troubleshooting Stop Errors............................................................. 768

  Windows 2000/XP Application Problems....................................... 770

  Windows-Related Printing Problems............................................... 776

Using Remote Desktop/Assistance................................................................ 779

  Configuring the Remote Desktop Function.................................... 779

  Conducting Remote Desktop Sessions........................................... 780

  Using Remote Assistance.................................................................. 783

Exam Prep Questions......................................................................................... 787

Answers and Explanations............................................................................... 791

Challenge Solutions........................................................................................... 794

Chapter 18: Printers and Scanners................................................................................. 797

Introduction........................................................................................................ 799

Printer Types...................................................................................................... 799

  Fonts..................................................................................................... 800

  Basic Printer Components.................................................................. 801

  Dot-Matrix Printers.............................................................................. 804

  Dot-Matrix Printer Mechanics........................................................... 804

  Thermal Printers................................................................................... 807

  Inkjet Printers....................................................................................... 809

  Laser Printers....................................................................................... 811

  Dye Sublimation Printers.................................................................... 815

Printer Installation.............................................................................................. 816

  USB Printers......................................................................................... 818

  Networked Printers.............................................................................. 818

  Wireless Printer Interfaces................................................................. 819

  Infrared Printer Ports........................................................................... 820

  Legacy Printer Interfaces................................................................... 821

  Printer Drivers...................................................................................... 824

  Printer Control Panel Configuration................................................. 826

  Printer Calibration................................................................................ 827

  Printer Options and Upgrades........................................................... 828

Printing in Windows.......................................................................................... 831

  Establishing Printers in Windows.................................................... 834

  Printer Properties................................................................................. 836

  Network Printing with Windows....................................................... 837

Scanners 838

Exam Prep Questions......................................................................................... 842

Answers and Explanations............................................................................... 847

Challenge Solutions........................................................................................... 850

Chapter 19: Printer and Scanner Servicing.................................................................... 851

Introduction........................................................................................................ 853

Servicing Printers............................................................................................... 853

  General Printer Troubleshooting....................................................... 854

Troubleshooting Dot-Matrix Printers............................................................. 858

  Dot-Matrix Printer Power Supply Problems..................................... 859

  Dot-Matrix Consumables................................................................... 859

  Printhead Not Printing........................................................................ 861

  Printhead Not Moving........................................................................ 862

  Paper Not Advancing......................................................................... 862

Troubleshooting Inkjet Printers....................................................................... 863

  Inkjet Printer Configuration Checks................................................. 863

  Inkjet Consumables............................................................................. 863

  Printhead Not Printing........................................................................ 865

  Printhead Not Moving........................................................................ 865

  Paper Not Advancing......................................................................... 866

Troubleshooting Laser Printers....................................................................... 866

  Laser Printer Consumables................................................................ 867

  Printer Is Dead or Partially Disabled................................................. 868

  Print on Page Is Missing or Bad....................................................... 869

  Paper Does Not Feed or Is Jammed.................................................. 871

Troubleshooting Scanners............................................................................... 873

  Image Quality Problems...................................................................... 874

  Checking the Host System................................................................. 875

  Interface Cables................................................................................... 876

Preventive Maintenance and Safety Issues.................................................. 876

  Dot-Matrix/Inkjet Printers.................................................................. 877

  Laser Printers....................................................................................... 877

  Laser Safety Issues............................................................................. 878

Exam Prep Questions......................................................................................... 879

    Answers and Explanations............................................................................... 884

Challenge Solutions........................................................................................... 887

Chapter 20: Basic Networking Concepts....................................................................... 889

Local Area Networks......................................................................................... 890

  LAN Topologies.................................................................................. 891

  Network Control Strategies................................................................ 894

  Network Connectivity Devices......................................................... 897

Network Transmission Media.......................................................................... 900

  Copper Cabling.................................................................................... 901

  Fiber-Optic Cable................................................................................. 906

  Plenum Cable........................................................................................ 909

  Wireless Infrared Links...................................................................... 910

  Wireless RF Links............................................................................... 911

Network Architectures...................................................................................... 913

  Ethernet................................................................................................. 914

Networking Protocols........................................................................................ 920

Exam Prep Questions......................................................................................... 922

Answers and Explanations............................................................................... 928

Challenge Solutions........................................................................................... 931

Chapter 21: Installing Local Area Networks................................................................. 933

Installing and Configuring LAN Components.............................................. 934

  LAN Adapter Cards............................................................................ 934

  Installing LAN Cards.......................................................................... 936

  Optimizing Network Adapters........................................................... 937

  Installing Wireless LANs................................................................... 938

Installing Network Components in Windows 2000/XP Control Panels..... 946

  Configuring Clients in Windows 2000/XP....................................... 950

  Configuring Protocols in Windows 2000/XP.................................. 950

  Networking with Novell NetWare..................................................... 953

Sharing Network Resources............................................................................. 955

  Network Shares.................................................................................... 956

  Mapping a Drive.................................................................................. 961

Exam Prep Questions......................................................................................... 963

Answers and Explanations............................................................................... 965

Challenge Solutions........................................................................................... 967

Chapter 22: Wide Area Networking............................................................................... 969

Introduction........................................................................................................ 971

Internet Connectivity........................................................................................ 971

  Internet Service Providers.................................................................. 972

  IP Addresses........................................................................................ 974

  Internet Domains................................................................................. 978

Internet Access Methods................................................................................. 979

  LAN Access to the Internet.............................................................. 980

  Dial-Up Access.................................................................................... 983

  ISDN Connections.............................................................................. 988

     Digital Subscriber Lines..................................................................... 990

  Cable Modems..................................................................................... 996

  Installing Digital Modems.................................................................. 998

  Satellite Internet Access.................................................................. 1000

  Wireless Internet Access................................................................. 1002

  Voice Over IP..................................................................................... 1003

TCP/IP 1005

  The TCP/IP Suite............................................................................... 1006

Internet Resources........................................................................................... 1010

  The World Wide Web...................................................................... 1011

  File Transfer Protocol....................................................................... 1012

  Email.................................................................................................... 1013

  Secure Sockets Layer Protocol........................................................ 1014

  Telnet.................................................................................................. 1015

Web Browsers.................................................................................................. 1016

  Establishing Internet Browser Security Options.......................... 1017

Exam Prep Questions....................................................................................... 1021

Answers and Explanations............................................................................. 1027

Challenge Solutions......................................................................................... 1030

Chapter 23: Network Troubleshooting........................................................................ 1031

Basic Network Troubleshooting.................................................................... 1032

  Network Troubleshooting Tools.................................................... 1034

Troubleshooting LAN Problems................................................................... 1038

  Service Access Problems................................................................. 1038

  Checking the NIC.............................................................................. 1039

  Checking Cabling.............................................................................. 1041

  Checking Connectivity Devices...................................................... 1041

  Windows-Related LAN Problems................................................... 1042

  Troubleshooting Wireless Networks............................................. 1046

  Troubleshooting Network Printing Problems............................... 1049

Troubleshooting WAN Problems................................................................. 1052

  Troubleshooting Broadband Problems.......................................... 1053

  Troubleshooting Dial-Up Problems................................................ 1056

  Windows Modem Checks................................................................ 1061

  Troubleshooting Browser Problems............................................... 1063

Exam Prep Questions....................................................................................... 1065

Answers and Explanations............................................................................. 1067

Challenge Solutions......................................................................................... 1069

Chapter 24: Security....................................................................................................... 1071

Introduction...................................................................................................... 1074

Computer Security........................................................................................... 1074

  Access Control.................................................................................. 1075

  PC Hardware Security....................................................................... 1078

  Environmental Security Issues........................................................ 1084

  Software Security.............................................................................. 1084

Windows Network Security........................................................................... 1087

  Administering Windows Networks................................................ 1088

  Establishing Wireless Security....................................................... 1101

Malicious Program Security........................................................................... 1108

  Viruses................................................................................................ 1108

  Establishing and Implementing Malicious Software Protection 1112

  Social Engineering............................................................................. 1118

  Phishing.............................................................................................. 1119

  Pharming............................................................................................. 1119

  Session Hijacking.............................................................................. 1120

  Identity Theft..................................................................................... 1120

Exam Prep Questions....................................................................................... 1122

Answers and Explanations............................................................................. 1125

Challenge Solution........................................................................................... 1128

Chapter 25: Safety and Environmental Issues............................................................ 1129

Work Area and Safety Issues........................................................................ 1130

  The Work Area.................................................................................. 1131

  Personal Safety.................................................................................. 1132

  Avoiding Laser and Burn Hazards................................................. 1136

System Protection............................................................................................ 1138

  Power Line Protection....................................................................... 1138

  Electrostatic Discharge..................................................................... 1143

Hardware Disposal Procedures...................................................................... 1148

Exam Prep Questions....................................................................................... 1150

Answers and Explanations............................................................................. 1155

Challenge Solutions......................................................................................... 1158

Chapter 26: Professionalism and Communication...................................................... 1159

Customer Service Skills................................................................................... 1160

  Prepare................................................................................................ 1162

  Establish Rapport.............................................................................. 1163

  Establish Your Presence................................................................... 1163

  Be Proactive....................................................................................... 1164

  Listen and Communicate.................................................................. 1164

  Follow Up........................................................................................... 1169

  Be Responsive................................................................................... 1170

  Be Accountable................................................................................. 1171

  Be Flexible........................................................................................... 1172

  Be Professional.................................................................................. 1172

  Establish Integrity............................................................................. 1173

  Handle Conflicts Appropriately...................................................... 1176

  Telephone Techniques..................................................................... 1177

  Handle Paperwork and Finish Up................................................... 1179

  Maintain an Orderly Work Area..................................................... 1179

Exam Prep Questions....................................................................................... 1181

Answers and Explanations............................................................................. 1184

Challenge Solutions......................................................................................... 1187

Chapter 27: Advanced PC Component Installations and Upgrades....................... 1189

Introduction...................................................................................................... 1191

  System Board Compatibility Issues................................................ 1191

Replacing System Boards..............................