Library
Scroll down to learn more about my latest books. If you find one you like, you can purchase it online by clicking on the link to amazon.com located at the bottom of this page.
Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 for Teens is a step-by-step guide to beginning programming and robotic development using Lego Mindstorms NXT. Instead of using computers to create and execute programs that run on the computer screen, Lego Mindstorms NXT lets programmers and robotic enthusiasts create programs on their computers and transfer them to mechanical Lego creations. With Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 for Teens, first-time programmers will learn to create programs that bring Lego creations to life!
These days, everyone seems to have a home page or a Web site. However, just because you create and publish a Web site doesn't mean anyone will visit it. Competition to attract visitors is extreme. The reality is that of the millions of Web pages out there, only a handful actually attract a steady readership; and these same Web pages are the ones that attract advertisers. In order to compete, you need to develop and implement a Web site promotion plan. How can you know if people are visiting your Web site, and if they aren't, what can you do about it? What can you do to earn money on your Web site? Is there an easy way to attract readers and advertisers without spending a fortune? Yes is the answer to all of these questions, and INCREASE YOUR WEB TRAFFIC IN A WEEKEND, SIXTH EDITION maps out a cost effective, comprehensive plan that both Web beginners and experts can use to build an audience for a home page or Web site.
Ruby is a free and powerful programming language that can be used to develop programs to meet nearly any programming challenge, including scripting, application programming and Web development. Ruby Programming teaches Ruby programming through a lively hands-on approach and a focus on game development. Students begin by learning the fundamentals of computer programming and will move on to mastering the concepts and principles involved in Ruby programming. Topics covered include formulating regular expressions, basic debugging techniques, and performing file and folder administration. For those students interested in learning how to do Web development with Ruby using Ruby on Rails, this book also provides the necessary prerequisite foundation and introduction.
XNA 3.0 Game Development for Teens is a complete guide to entry level programming and computer game development using XNA 3.0 and the Visual C# 2008 Express programming language for beginners. This book shows readers how to create and execute computer games on their PC, and then how to port their PC games over to their Xbox 360 or Zune player. This book is for anyone looking to begin creating their own computer games with XNA 3.0 and Visual C# 2008 Express.
HTML, XHTML, & CSS For the Absolute Beginner provides beginner-level programmers with an entry-level introduction to HTML, XHTML and CSS. This book serves as a primer for client-side web development. To make learning fun, the book uses a games-based instructional approach that provides working examples that demonstrate how HTML, XHTML, and CSS can be applied to the development of web pages and sites.
Getting Started with Game Maker shows aspiring game developers how to create their very own, professional-quality computer games, no programming knowledge required. Using Game Maker and its drag-and-drop environment and following along with the step-by-step instructions, you will learn how to create arcade-style 2D and 3D games complete with graphics, sound effects, and music. Game Maker provides everything you need to create, test, debug, and run your games in a Windows environment.
Microsoft Visual Basic 2008 Express Programming for the Absolute Beginner is designed to teach you how to develop Windows applications using Microsoft Visual Basic 2008 Express. To help make learning fun and interesting, you will learn how to program through the development of computer games, and you will develop a new game that reinforces a newly learned concept in each chapter.
PowerShell is a helpful scripting technology that enables the automation of system management tasks and the creation of system management tools. PowerShell runs on Windows XP, 2003, 2008, and Vista. Unlike traditional Windows shell scripting, PowerShell scripting is object-based and is designed to work with the .NET Framework. This completely updated edition teaches aspiring programmers Windows PowerShell scripting whether they’re using Windows PowerShell 1.0 or 2.0.
VBScript is a powerful scripting language from which you can learn even the most complex programming concepts such as how to perform object-based programming. Unlike Visual Basic, VBA, and many other programming languages, there is no complex development environment to learn. In fact, you can create all your VBScripts using a simple text editor such as Windows Notepad. VBScripts can be run on WSH (Windows Script Host) and several other environments.
Ajax Programming for the Absolute Beginner teaches the principles of programming through simple game creation. You will acquire the skills that you need for more practical programming applications and will learn how these skills can be put to use in real-world scenarios.
Scratch Programming for Teens teaches you everything you need to know to get up and running quickly with Scratch. Scratch is a programming language intended to make programming easier to learn for novice programmers. It can be used to create computer games, interactive stories, graphic artwork, and computer animation, and all sorts of other multimedia projects. Scratch can also be used to play digital music and sound effects. If you aspire to one day become a professional programmer, Scratch provides everything you need to build a foundation.
Phrogram is a programming language specifically designed to meet the needs of first time programmers. It supports the development of computer games, multi-media programs, and music and graphics applications that run on Microsoft Windows. Phrogram is very similar to Microsoft Visual Basic but is much easier to learn. As such, Phrogram makes for a great starter language, providing everything needed to build a foundation that can then be used to make a speedy transition to business oriented professional programming languages. Phrogram Programming for the Absolute Beginner provides a gentle learning curve in programming for anyone who wants to develop fundamental programming skills and create computer programs.
DarkBASIC is an inexpensive programming language that supports the development of desktop applications, but is especially useful for game creation. DarkBASIC Programming for the Absolute Beginner will touch on all aspects of DarkBASIC's capabilities, but emphasis is placed on using it in game development. A different programming concept is taught in every chapter walking you through the creation of a simple game to illustrate the concept. This "learn by doing" approach not only provides a sense of accomplishment, but it's also a fun way to learn.
These days, everyone seems to have a home page or a Web site. However, just because you create and publish a Web site doesn't mean anyone will visit it. Competition to attract visitors is extreme. The reality is that of the millions of Web pages out there, only a handful actually attracts a steady readership; and these same Web pages are the ones that attract advertisers. In order to compete, you need to develop and implement a Web site promotion plan. What can you do when you build a home page that no one visits? What can you do to earn money on your Web site? Is there an easy way to attract readers and advertisers without spending a fortune? There are low-cost ways to attract readers and advertisers to your home page or Web site, and Increase Your Web Traffic in a Weekend, Fifth Edition shows you how. The book lays out a cost-effective, comprehensive plan that both Web beginners and experts can use to build an audience for a home page or Web site.
Ruby is a free, easy-to-learn, yet powerful scripting programming language that can run on any operating system. These attributes have made Ruby an extremely popular language in recent years for almost any programming task. Ruby Programming for the Absolute Beginner teaches you the basics of computer programming with Ruby through the creation of simple computer games. Not only will this learn by doing approach provide you with an instant sense of accomplishment, but it's also a fun way to learn.
AppleScript is a high-level scripting language that comes free on the Mac platform. This handy scripting language adds functionality to the Mac operating system by automating tasks and adding functions to your Mac. If you are new to programming with AppleScript and are looking for a solid introduction, this is the book for you.
Want to learn computer programming but aren't sure where to start? Programming for the Absolute Beginner provides a gentle learning curve in programming for anyone who wants to develop fundamental programming skills and create computer programs. The primary focus is on teaching the reader how to program using a free implementation of BASIC called Just BASIC. As such, the book focuses on developing programs that run on Microsoft Windows, but also presents programming principles that apply to different environments, including other operating systems and the Internet. Additionally, the book provides a solid foundation for advancing to different programming languages as you gain confidence in your newly acquired programming abilities.
Microsoft has finally answered the prayers of system administrators and developers everywhere through the introduction of Windows PowerShell, a new scripting technology that enables the automation of system management tasks and the creation of system management tools. PowerShell runs on Windows XP, 2003, and Vista. Exchange Server 2007 and System Center Operations Manager 2007 will be built on Windows PowerShell. Unlike traditional Windows shell scripting, PowerShell scripting is object based and is designed to work with the .NET framework. Microsoft Windows PowerShell Programming for the Absolute Beginner teaches readers how to program using Microsoft's new PowerShell scripting language through the creation of computer games. No prior knowledge of programming in any language is required.
AppleScript Studio Programming for the Absolute Beginner focuses on teaching the reader how to program using AppleScript, the language that controls and automates applications on Mac OS X. Unlike other books on AppleScript, AppleScript Studio Programming for the Absolute Beginner focuses on AppleScript's role in supporting the development of AppleScript Studio applications. AppleScript Studio comes free with Mac OS X and provides the framework and integrated development environment for creating applications that include fully functional graphical user interfaces. Throughout the book, users will learn the key functionality of both the AppleScript language and the AppleScript Studio application development framework by developing graphical game-based applications that are actually fun to create.
Perl is an enormously popular scripting language that runs on many different operating systems, including Windows, Linux, UNIX, and Mac OS X, and provides programmers with a robust and powerful programming language that is easy to learn, yet sufficiently complex to tackle just about any job. As such, it's a perfect programming language for those new to programming to learn. Perl Programming for the Absolute Beginner has been designed to teach you how to develop Perl scripts and to help you become an effective programmer, and teaches concepts through the creation of simple games.
If you're just getting into programming, or you’re already an experienced VB programmer who wants to quickly learn a programming alternative, then REALbasic is the ideal language for you. REALbasic is an easy-to-learn, powerful, cross-platform programming language that allows you to write powerful applications that may be distributed across Windows, Mac, and Linux. Beginning REALbasic is an ideal beginners title: it starts off with a detailed introduction to REALbasic and its interface and basic functions to get you settled in comfortably. The book continues by exploring the fundamentals of programming with REALbasic creating interfaces, menus, and toolbars, and working with conditional logic, loops, databases, object-oriented programming, sound, graphics, and more. Each chapter provides essential background knowledge, without wasting any time on unnecessary theory. The book also features step-by-step tutorials that help you build real-world expertise.
Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Express Edition Programming for the Absolute Beginner focuses on teaching first time programmers how to program using Visual C++ 2005 Express Edition as a foundation language. Written for the entry-level user, the book assumes no prior programming or scripting experience. Whether you are a new or experienced C++ developer, this book delivers the tools and libraries you need to write a variety of programs. Written in a straight-forward style, using a games-based approach that makes learning beginning-level programming fun and easy, Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Express Edition Programming for the Absolute Beginner is the perfect introductory programming book.
Written for the beginning programmer with little to no prior programming experience, Microsoft Visual Basic 2005 Express Edition Programming for the Absolute Beginner teaches programming skills using Visual Basic 2005 Express Edition as a foundation language. Written in a straight-forward style, using a games-based approach that makes learning beginning-level programming fun and easy, Microsoft Visual Basic 2005 Express Edition Programming for the Absolute Beginner is the perfect introductory programming book.
Looking for a simple, low-cost way to attract visitors and advertisers to your Web site? You might have the most exciting, useful Web site in the world. The question is, are you getting any visitors? What about advertisers, so you can earn money from your site? Marketing your Web site and implementing strategies to increase your Web traffic might seem daunting at first, but in reality there are many low-cost ways to attract readers and advertisers to your site. "Increase Your Web Traffic in a Weekend, Fourth Edition" is the comprehensive reference you need to get started. Designed to present these marketing strategies in manageable chunks spread out over the course of a single weekend, this book covers everything from how to tailor your site for search engines, to how to place ads on other sites without spending a penny, to how to track and analyze your visitors and put that information to work for you.
If you are new to programming with Microsoft WSH and VBScript and are looking for a solid introduction, this is the book for you. It teaches principles of programming through simple game creation. You will acquire the skills that you need for more practical WSH and VBScript programming applications and will learn how these skills can be put to use in real-world scenarios. By the time you finish this book, you will be able to apply the basic principles you've learned to the next programming language you tackle.
A unique guide to mastering JavaScript in just one weekend through several well-organized sessions. The book includes an introduction to computer and network automation using JScript. This book will provide you with a step-by-step guide to integrating JavaScript into your Web pages.
Windows XP Professional differs from the home version in that XP Professional contains features such as: remote installation service and desktop, Windows server domain support, access control, multi-lingual user interface and SMP support. The Administrator's Guide will help you maximize your computer system capabilities. It provides instructions for performing a fresh installation, as well as instruction on upgrading from a previous version of Windows. You will find this book to be very procedure-oriented focusing on administrative tasks--the complete reference for administering Windows XP Professional.
Microsoft's VBScript, a simplified version of Visual Basic, is a powerful, easy-to-learn tool that can add interaction to Web pages. VBScript Professional Projects distinguishes itself from the competition by being the only book to offer a project-based approach for higher-end users and to provide coverage of VBScript's applicability to both Web and WSH scripting. It is the ideal guide for VBA and Visual Basic programmers who wish to expand their programming capabilities using a scripting language.
You can be on your way to becoming a VBScript guru in just one weekend! You'll begin on Friday with an introduction to VBScript and will learn how it compares to other languages within the Visual Basic programming family. On Saturday, you'll begin learning syntax, basic programming statements, and Web page tricks. On Sunday, you'll learn how VBScript works with the Windows Script Host and XML and the details of working with files and folders. Pull your new skills together Sunday evening as you learn how to automate Windows tasks.
This book focuses on beginner programmers, a much needed segment of this market, which makes it unique among its competition. The author uses Windows XP Professional in all examples. Readers will find creating games as a fun approach to a difficult topic. Many people do not want to have to learn object-based languages like VBScript and these people typically turn to Windows Shell scripting.
If you are new to programming with Microsoft WSH and VBScript and are looking for a solid introduction, this is the book for you. You will acquire the skills that you need for more practical WSH and VBScript programming applications and will learn how these skills can be put to use in real-world scenarios. Best of all, by the time you finish this book, you will be able to apply the basic principles you've learned to the next programming language you tackle.
This book provides all the information and instruction needed to set up and configure a own home network from the ground up, including how to setup shared Internet access. This book emphasizes broadband cable and DSL Internet access as well as wireless networking because these are the current state of the art and are quickly gaining widespread acceptance. However, other technologies including dial-up Internet access and Ethernet networking are covered as well to make sure that this book covers all the bases.
The Absolute Beginner's Guide to Personal Firewalls is designed to provide simplified, yet thorough firewall information on the most prevalent personal firewall software applications available for the non expert firewall consumer. In addition, it offers information and links to Web sites that will help you test your security after your personal firewall is installed.
Complete, concise, and compact, The Book of WinZip demonstrates every major WinZip feature in a step-by-step, task-based fashion. It provides readers with basic information on types of Zip files, installing and upgrading, and working with the WinZip Wizard. This is followed by in-depth coverage of archive creation, modification, and extraction. The book also covers advanced topics such as configuration and disk-spanning. A final section reviews additional add-on products like WinZip’s Internet Browser Support, Command Support, and Self-Extractor modules. While explaining all major product features, the book places particular emphasis on the topics of the greatest interest to most users, such as the creation of self-extracting Zip files. In this way, both beginners and advanced users can benefit from this book.
This book is designed to help administrators of small-to-medium-sized business automate routine network and user tasks. This book offers coverage of Windows Shell Scripting, Windows Script Host, and Windows 2000 under one cover.
Essential Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional is a desktop user's guide for beginning and intermediate users. Everything is explained from the perspective of the end user with targeted coverage of essential tasks and procedures that desktop users need to know. This book is the perfect companion for Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME or Windows NT Workstation 4 users looking to make the jump to Windows 2000 Professional. Packed with helpful notes and tips, this book will provide everything that you need to know to get up and running fast without having to wade through the overhead of technical reference manuals and on-line documentation.
Upgrading to Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional is the perfect companion for anyone planning on migrating from Windows 95, Windows 98 or Windows NT Workstation 4 to Windows 2000 Professional. Designed to be compact, this book provides a detailed examination of the differences between your operating system and Windows 2000 Professional. You will learn everything that you need to know to get up and running fast. Coverage focuses on how to take advantage of new features like personalized menus, active desktop, modem sharing and multiple monitor support without forgetting to show what has happened to your favorite programs and utilities.
JavaScript allows more interactivity on otherwise static Web pages. It is the perfect language for users who are ready to move on from HTML. This book delivers information on topics such as what you can do with JavaScript, coding and syntax basics, object-oriented programming using the JavaScript Object Model, and how to do cool things with Web pages. In addition to the fundamentals, advanced JavaScript elements like cascading style sheets, making portions of Web site dynamic, and troubleshooting and debugging tips are also included in this project-oriented book.
Practical Windows Peer Networking addresses the networking needs of small office, home office, and home users. This book presents information covering all aspects of peer-to-peer networking and provides a step-by-step approach to meetings your growing demand for networks. This book serves as an effective guide to establishing and maintaining a small peer network and also as a technical reference. After reading this book, you will be able to set up a small network between 2-10 Windows computers, share files on the network, share printers, share an internet connection over a network and provide email and Web access, configure a network to play multi-player games, and more.