Books

Don't Make Me Think: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability, 2nd Edition

Average customer rating:

Ties it all together
advanced common sense
A great book on usability!
Must have for ALL levels of web designers
Straight-forward

Don't Make Me Think: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability, 2nd Edition
Steve Krug
Manufacturer: New Riders Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Computer Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Qualifying Textbooks - Spring 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Information Architecture for the World Wide Web: Designing Large-Scale Web Sites
Designing Web Usability : The Practice of Simplicity
Designing Interfaces: Patterns for Effective Interaction Design
Bulletproof Web Design: Improving flexibility and protecting against worst-case scenarios with XHTML and CSS
CSS Mastery: Advanced Web Standards Solutions

ASIN: 0321344758

Amazon.com

Usability design is one of the most important--yet often least attractive--tasks for a Web developer. In Don't Make Me Think, author Steve Krug lightens up the subject with good humor and excellent, to-the-point examples.

The title of the book is its chief personal design premise. All of the tips, techniques, and examples presented revolve around users being able to surf merrily through a well-designed site with minimal cognitive strain. Readers will quickly come to agree with many of the book's assumptions, such as "We don't read pages--we scan them" and "We don't figure out how things work--we muddle through." Coming to grips with such hard facts sets the stage for Web design that then produces topnotch sites.

Using an attractive mix of full-color screen shots, cute cartoons and diagrams, and informative sidebars, the book keeps your attention and drives home some crucial points. Much of the content is devoted to proper use of conventions and content layout, and the "before and after" examples are superb. Topics such as the wise use of rollovers and usability testing are covered using a consistently practical approach.

This is the type of book you can blow through in a couple of evenings. But despite its conciseness, it will give you an expert's ability to judge Web design. You'll never form a first impression of a site in the same way again. --Stephen W. Plain

Topics covered:

User patterns
Designing for scanning
Wise use of copy
Navigation design
Home page layout
Usability testing

Book Description

Five years and more than 100,000 copies after it was first published, it's hard to imagine anyone working in Web design who hasn't read Steve Krug's "instant classic" on Web usability, but people are still discovering it every day. In this second edition, Steve adds three new chapters in the same style as the original: wry and entertaining, yet loaded with insights and practical advice for novice and veteran alike. Don't be surprised if it completely changes the way you think about Web design.

Three New Chapters!

Usability as common courtesy -- Why people really leave Web sites
Web Accessibility, CSS, and you -- Making sites usable and accessible
Help! My boss wants me to ______. -- Surviving executive design whims

"I thought usability was the enemy of design until I read the first edition of this book. Don't Make Me Think! showed me how to put myself in the position of the person who uses my site. After reading it over a couple of hours and putting its ideas to work for the past five years, I can say it has done more to improve my abilities as a Web designer than any other book.

In this second edition, Steve Krug adds essential ammunition for those whose bosses, clients, stakeholders, and marketing managers insist on doing the wrong thing. If you design, write, program, own, or manage Web sites, you must read this book." -- Jeffrey Zeldman, author of Designing with Web Standards

Customer Reviews:

Ties it all together.......2007-06-27

All in all, while there doesn't seem to be a ton of NEW information for web designers that have been in the field for a few years or more, Steve does a fantastic job of taking all of the bits of knowledge and tying them together in a cohesive, easily understandable structure, shedding new light and insight along the way. That's not to say there is NO new information. Everyone will find something in here that they didn't know before. More importantly, however, are Steve's perspectives into really making what you already know work for you.

The book does a great job of breaking down the web design process in an easy to digest step-by-step process, calling out challenges, obstacles, and no-brainers along the way. I thoroughly enjoyed having lots of what I'd picked up over the years brought into focus and examined through new filters.

The one thing that I wish this book had is a detachable checklist. Or one that you can download and print from his website, http://sensible.com/. Now that the entire process is broken down and defined, it would have been nice to have a quick-reference checklist for practical use a day-to-day operations.

advanced common sense.......2007-06-14

At 200 pages, this book is probably the best must-read book on creating usable web sites. Krug introduces all of the main concepts of usability, in what he calls "advanced common sense" language.

There are a lot of difference between web site usability and application usability... mainly because everybody uses web sites, so the audience is highly diverse, and they will leave your site for a better one relatively quickly. Usability has a lot to do with concise writing, intuitive structure, foolproof web forms, and the optimal blend of content and functionality. He covers many important topics including:

* how to write for the web
* the difference between usability testing and focus groups
* the fierce politics of the home page
* navigation structures that work well
* usability testing on a shoestring budget
* how to interpret test results

Even if you don't have the resources for a usability test -- in fact, especially if you don't -- you should get this book and follow his simple rules to make your web site ten times more usable.

A great book on usability!.......2007-05-30

Small book but packed with a lot of information...great book!

Must have for ALL levels of web designers.......2007-05-26

If Steve Krug has more experience with web design than you (and changes are he does), then you should buy this book. He has some good things to tell you.

It's easy to read, fun, short and power packed with the basics of excellent web design. It's obvious an enormous amount of effort went into getting it just right.

I've been designing for 10 years, and much of what he is saying is familiar to me, but the way he says it is so well organized and so fun that it's just delightful, and I can't wait to give it to my bosses to read. It's a great "read on the plane" or "read in two evenings" book.

But it's more than just a fun read. It's helping me to organize my thoughts and I'm having more fun designing that I've had in years.

Straight-forward.......2007-05-25

A great no-nonsense book taking the mystery out of website readability.
Many ideas and suggestions. Well-researched. Helpful

Architectural Graphic Standards, Tenth Edition (Book only)

Average customer rating:

excellent book
Great Guide for Construction Designs.
Very Pleased
Great buy for architecture
Architectural graphic standards

Architectural Graphic Standards, Tenth Edition (Book only)
Charles George Ramsey , and John Ray, Jr. Hoke
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Reference | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Architectural Standards | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Reference | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Design | Architecture | New & Used Textbooks | Stores | Books

General | Architecture | New & Used Textbooks | Stores | Books

Qualifying Textbooks - Spring 2007 | Stores | Books

Look Inside Art Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Building Construction Illustrated, 3rd Edition
Building Codes Illustrated: A Guide to Understanding the 2006 International Building Code (Building Codes Illustrated)
Architectural Graphic Standards for Residential Construction: The Architect's and Builder's Guide to Design, Planning, and Construction Details (Ramsey/Sleeper Architectural Graphic Standards Series)
Interior Graphic Standards
Time-Saver Standards for Interior Design and Space Planning, 2nd Edition

ASIN: 0471348163

Book Description

For over 70 years, Architectural Graphic Standards has been the bedrock design reference for generations of architects, builders and engineers. Now comes the most complete design tool yet--the completely updated and expanded Tenth Edition. You'll find a wealth of information, complete with 10,000 drawings.

Customer Reviews:

excellent book.......2007-05-13

I am a Civil Engineer ( 25 years of design ) and I have found this book excellent. I have worked with the previous edition and the new one is more complete. Is a a book rich of details useful for the profession.

Great Guide for Construction Designs........2007-05-13

This book has a great deal of information about anything you would need to know for designing.

Very Pleased.......2007-03-12

We received the book in a timely fashion, and in excellent condition.
We are always satisfied with everything we have ever gotten from Amazon!!
Thanks guys!

Great buy for architecture.......2007-02-23

The only book you will ever need for building codes. It includes everything in 1000 plus pages

Architectural graphic standards.......2007-02-13

Very good book, it has a lot of useful information. Would be good if there was more metric conversions

Gardner's Art Through the Ages (with ArtStudy Student CD-ROM and InfoTrac )

Average customer rating:

Solid Choice
Great Learning Tool!!
A big book full of great information.
Gardner's Works Wonders
best out there, but could be better

Gardner's Art Through the Ages (with ArtStudy Student CD-ROM and InfoTrac )
Fred S. Kleiner , and Christin J. Mamiya
Manufacturer: Wadsworth Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | History & Criticism | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Art Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside History Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Religion & Spirituality Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Qualifying Textbooks - Spring 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

A Short Guide to Writing About Art (The Short Guide Series)
Study Guide Gardner's Art Through the Ages, Volume I (Chapter 1-18), 12th
The Annotated Mona Lisa: A Crash Course in Art History from Prehistoric to Post-Modern
Perspective Without Pain
Interaction of Color: Revised and Expanded Edition

Accessories:

Study Guide Gardner's Art Through the Ages, Volume I (Chapter 1-18), 12th
Study Guide for Gardner's Art Through the Ages, Volume II (Chapters 19-34), 12th

ASIN: 0155050907

Book Description

The market-leading text for the art history survey course, GARDNER'S ART THROUGH THE AGES has served as a comprehensive and thoughtfully crafted guide to the defining phases of the world's artistic tradition. With this book in hand, thousands of students have watched the story of art unfold in its full historical, social, religious, economic, and cultural context, and thus deepened their understanding of art, architecture, painting, and sculpture. By virtue of its comprehensive coverage, strong emphasis on context, and rich, accurate art reproductions, GARDNER'S ART THROUGH THE AGES has earned and sustained a reputation of excellence and authority. So much so, that in 2001, the Text and Academic Authors Association awarded both the McGuffey and the "Texty" Book Prizes to the Eleventh Edition of the text. It is the first art history book to win either award and the only title ever to win both prizes in one year. The Twelfth Edition maintains and exceeds the richness of the Gardner legacy with updated research and scholarship and an even more beautiful art program featuring more color images than any other art history book available. The Twelfth Edition features such enhancements as more color photographs, a stunning new design, and the most current research and scholarship. What's more, the expanded ancillary package that accompanies GARDNER'S ART THROUGH THE AGES, features a wealth of tools to enhance your students' experience in the course. With each new copy of the book, students receive a copy of the ArtStudy 2.0 CD-ROM--an interactive electronic study aid that fully integrates with the Twelfth Edition and includes hundreds of high-quality digital images, plus maps, quizzes, and more.

Customer Reviews:

Solid Choice.......2007-06-08

Gardner's Art Through the ages covers a lot of material. The writing is clear though at times stilted. The images on the CD-ROM are beautiful and the link to the website with quizzes was even useful. However, my professor warned us repeatedly not to trust the information too much. As the text needs to cover a lot of ground there are sometimes errors and simplifications. That said, I enjoy the book immensely and find it suits the purposes of a survey text very well.

Great Learning Tool!!.......2007-05-15

I bought this book for an art history class I was taking and planned to sell it after the class. But I was really impressed with the details and photos and the true 'learner friendly' quality. The CD is an amazing tool! I learned more from this book than all three of my art history classes combined. Great for Art Students and Art Lovers!

A big book full of great information........2007-01-04

I needed this book for my college art history classes and found that it contained everything I needed, from the large book itself, which has two ribbon bookmarks attached to the spine, to the study cd-rom, which aided my memorization of the material with visual flash cards, matching games, links to sites with study tips, etc. The only thing with it having so much information is that it is a thick book that you can feel its weight in your backpack. Not fun if you have to lug it around all day.

Gardner's Works Wonders.......2006-11-30

I'm an AP Art History student in high school, and I fully recommend Gardner's; I bought this book for my personal library. Not only is it an easy read, it's interesting, engaging and informative. In each chapter it covers the social, political, and economical characteristics and all the attributes that affected the art styles of the particular period; not only is the information concise and detailed, it's generalized enough so not to be boring or flood you with too much information.
The pictures and diagrams are in high-quality, color representations with easy to understand reference numbers and information. Only a few pictures are in black and white either because of original colors of the piece or the work is better represented that way. The CD is easy to use, and great for reviewing the pieces and related information for tests, or memorization.
The glossary, index and guide to pronuncing artists' names are comprehensive and easy to understand.
I also recommend the accompanying study guide by Kathleen Cohen (the author might differ for other editions), it stresses the right information.
GET THIS BOOK! It works wonders, currently I have the highest grade in the class with a 103% because of the quality of this book.

best out there, but could be better.......2006-11-11

Gardner's is obviously the top choice for intro survey art history courses. It's a beautiful book with great color layout and all the basic info that one needs for a solid foundation. Sure, it's a little bulky and heavy, but one can't get all the info that one needs without that concession. There are, however, two big problems I continue to find with Gardner's: 1) under-representation of non-western art (perhaps because of an over-representation of Renaissance art); and 2) not the best organization (it can get too focused on the west that it ends up jumping back and forth through time to include other geo regions; plus it's just 40+ disjointed chapters with no overarching/unifying "parts" [e.g., Twentieth Century Art]). Those faults aside, it's still the best text out there for what it's supposed to do.

Applying UML and Patterns: An Introduction to Object-Oriented Analysis and Design and Iterative Development (3rd Edition)

Average customer rating:

Excellent Work!
Excellent guide!
Wanna master OO Design for real?
Great introduction to OOAD
Balanced Real-World Advice For Best Practices Software Development

Applying UML and Patterns: An Introduction to Object-Oriented Analysis and Design and Iterative Development (3rd Edition)
Craig Larman
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall PTR
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Software | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Computer Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Qualifying Textbooks - Spring 2007 | Stores | Books

General | Software Books | Custom Stores | Stores | Software
Similar Items:

UML Distilled: A Brief Guide to the Standard Object Modeling Language, Third Edition
Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software (Addison-Wesley Professional Computing Series)
Head First Design Patterns (Head First)
Agile and Iterative Development: A Manager's Guide
Writing Effective Use Cases

ASIN: 0131489062

Amazon.com

Good software starts with a good design, and the subtitle of Applying UML and Patterns, "An Introduction to Object-Oriented Analysis and Design (OOA/D) and the Unified Process" reinforces that that's what this book is about.

The first edition of Applying UML and Patterns became a standard. The second edition uses the unified process (UP) as the iterative process within which OOA/D is introduced, and extends the case study used in the first edition. Other changes have been made to reflect the growing consensus on the most effective ways to work with OOA/D and patterns.

Although you will learn UML, this isn't what Applying UML and Patterns is all about. It's designed to teach you to think of software as a collection of objects with properties and to manipulate the relationships between them. This is far more profound.

The case study enables Craig Larman to carry the design through to Java code. In practice, you will need a basic understanding of OO programming to benefit from Applying UML and Patterns, though you needn't know Java--you can implement the designs in the OO language of your choice with equal facility.

When it comes right down to it, Applying UML and Patterns is all about providing you with a language in which to think about software design. This is quite different from learning a language in which to code a design.

A facility with OOA/D will enable you to design and discuss programs independent of code, to produce more elegant and maintainable software, and to take a 30,000-foot view of the way your software interacts with the world. In effect, it can shift your viewpoint from that of a mechanic to that more sophisticated viewpoint of an engineer. Recommended. --Steve Patient. Amazon.co.uk

Book Description

“People often ask me which is the best book to introduce them to the world of OO design. Ever since I came across it, `Applying UML and Patterns' has been my unreserved choice.” —Martin Fowler, author, “UML Distilled” and “Refactoring”

The first edition of “Applying UML and Patterns: An Introduction to Object-Oriented Analysis and Design” quickly emerged as the leading OOA/D introduction; translated to many languages and adopted in universities and businesses worldwide. In this second edition, well-known object technology and iterative methods leader Craig Larman refines and expands this text for developers and students new to OOA/D, the UML, patterns, use cases, iterative development, and related topics.

The book helps newcomers to OOA/D learn how to “think in objects” by presenting three iterations of a single, cohesive case study, incrementally introducing the requirements and OOA/D activities, principles, and patterns that are most critical to success. It introduces the most frequently used UML diagramming notation, while emphasizing that OOA/D is much more than knowing UML notation. All case study iterations and skills are presented in the context of an “agile” version of the Unified Process -- a popular, modern iterative approach to software development. Throughout, Larman presents the topics in a fashion designed for learning and comprehension.

Among the topics introduced in Applying UML and Patterns are: * requirements and use cases, * domain object modeling, * core UML, * designing objects with responsibilities, * “Gang of Four” and other design patterns, * mapping designs to code (using Java as an example), * layered architectures, * architectural analysis, * package design, * iterative development, * the Unified Process.Foreword by Philippe Kruchten, the lead architect of the Rational Unified Process.

“Too few people have a knack for explaining things. Fewer still have a handle on software analysis and design. Craig Larman has both.” —John Vlissides, author, “Design Patterns” and “Pattern Hatching”

“This edition contains Larman's usual accurate and thoughtful writing. It is a very good book made even better.” —Alistair Cockburn, author, “Writing Effective Use Cases” and “Surviving OO Projects”

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Work!.......2007-04-23

As pointed out by many, this book is a very nice introduction to Object Oriented Analysis and Design. The author's explanations were very clear. This book covers agile practices, UML, many patterns including Gang of Four (GoF), and software architecture. Overall I really enjoyed reading this book. From an industry standpoint as well as an academic standpoint, I believe this book does an excellent job. This book will be part of my library for a long time to come. Highly recommended.

Excellent guide!.......2006-11-10

Well, I think this book should be a must read for any pro or beginer in the software design/build area, it takes you from the start trying to make you understand what your client want you to understand, until the best practices to have patterns, tests, and a good team development, so do not hesitate to buy it!.

Wanna master OO Design for real?.......2006-06-03

I had a degree in Computer Science from a respectable university when I read the book. Still, I learned from the book so much that I realized I barely scratched the surface of OO design before reading it.

It teaches OO Analysis and Design using many techniques, such as writing use cases, modeling the business domain, drawing UML diagrams, using CRC cards, and going through agile iterative development cycles.

This book will not only provide you with a chance to learn OO Design, but also requirements gathering, analysis, and basic architecture and project management.

Great introduction to OOAD.......2006-03-13

This book is a great introduction to OOAD, agile development, Patterns and UML. It goes from the basic concepts to real world applications. It is has lots of content though but it is worth reading it from beginning to end.

Balanced Real-World Advice For Best Practices Software Development.......2006-02-18

I read the first edition of this book years ago when I was making the transition to objects. It was about the tenth book on the subject that I had read, but it was the first one that consistently anticipated the questions that came up when I was actually trying to build something using UML, long after the hype and "objects will save us" party atmosphere had died down. Craig Larman has carefully remembered, or has taught this enough to have been reminded of, the kinds of questions software practitioners actually encounter on the way to building systems using UML. This 3rd edition is twice as big as the first, and it is twice as good only because it is twice as much of Larman's excellent teaching.

This book is so good that even developers experienced with UML, the GRASP patterns, and agile development methods will gain from it, reminding us once again to balance the best practices that we apply perhaps a little unevenly at times. It is clearly a book by someone who has been there, and has remembered what it was like during the learning process. But perhaps its greatest strength is its application of very good theory in a very pragmatic way, in short, its balance. This is one of a very few books that I recommend to everyone I know in software.

Average customer rating:

One of the best
Phenomenal
Outstanding!
A Must Read
Fun way to learn about design patterns

Head First Design Patterns (Head First)
Elisabeth Freeman , Eric Freeman , Bert Bates , and Kathy Sierra
Manufacturer: O'Reilly Media, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Programming | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

Systems Analysis & Design | Computer Science | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Software | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

Web Programming | Programming | O'Reilly | By Publisher | Books

General | Programming | O'Reilly | By Publisher | Books

Web Authoring & Design | Web Development | O'Reilly | By Publisher | Books

Look Inside Computer Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Qualifying Textbooks - Spring 2007 | Stores | Books

General | Software Books | Custom Stores | Stores | Software
Similar Items:

Head First Java, 2nd Edition
Head First Object-Oriented Analysis and Design: A Brain Friendly Guide to OOA&D (Head First)
Head First Servlets and JSP: Passing the Sun Certified Web Component Developer Exam (SCWCD)
Head First EJB (Brain-Friendly Study Guides; Enterprise JavaBeans)
Head First Design Patterns Poster (Head First)

ASIN: 0596007124

Book Description

You're not alone.

At any given moment, somewhere in the world someone struggles with the same software design problems you have. You know you don't want to reinvent the wheel (or worse, a flat tire), so you look to Design Patterns--the lessons learned by those who've faced the same problems. With Design Patterns, you get to take advantage of the best practices and experience of others, so that you can spend your time on...something else. Something more challenging. Something more complex. Something more fun.

You want to learn about the patterns that matter--why to use them, when to use them, how to use them (and when NOT to use them). But you don't just want to see how patterns look in a book, you want to know how they look "in the wild". In their native environment. In other words, in real world applications. You also want to learn how patterns are used in the Java API, and how to exploit Java's built-in pattern support in your own code.

You want to learn the real OO design principles and why everything your boss told you about inheritance might be wrong (and what to do instead). You want to learn how those principles will help the next time you're up a creek without a design pattern.

Most importantly, you want to learn the "secret language" of Design Patterns so that you can hold your own with your co-worker (and impress cocktail party guests) when he casually mentions his stunningly clever use of Command, Facade, Proxy, and Factory in between sips of a martini. You'll easily counter with your deep understanding of why Singleton isn't as simple as it sounds, how the Factory is so often misunderstood, or on the real relationship between Decorator, Facade and Adapter.

With Head First Design Patterns, you'll avoid the embarrassment of thinking Decorator is something from the "Trading Spaces" show. Best of all, in a way that won't put you to sleep! We think your time is too important (and too short) to spend it struggling with academic texts.

If you've read a Head First book, you know what to expect--a visually rich format designed for the way your brain works. Using the latest research in neurobiology, cognitive science, and learning theory, Head First Design Patterns will load patterns into your brain in a way that sticks. In a way that lets you put them to work immediately. In a way that makes you better at solving software design problems, and better at speaking the language of patterns with others on your team.

Customer Reviews:

One of the best.......2007-06-24

This book is an extremely clear and readable introduction to design patterns. It has serious contents and is not too goofy so that it becomes distracting.

While the sample code is in Java (and will help you gain more appreciation for the language) the concepts will apply to other languages equally well.

Definetly one of the best and most approachable books on this subject. Highly recommended if you want to learn about design patterns.

Phenomenal.......2007-06-12

If you haven't read a pattern book before, this is the one to start with. It not only teaches patterns in an approachable manner, it also teaches sound object oriented design. It's so good I've bought one for every person on my team. Each time we hire a new developer we hand them a copy of Head First Design Patterns. Excellent book.

Outstanding!.......2007-06-12

I had never read a Head First book but everybody talks about them!
Having read the SCJP book by Katty Sierra and Bert Bates, I decided to try the Design Pattern book (authored by the Freeman couple, with help from Katty & Bert).

My impression... wow!
VERY clearly explained, lot of examples, lot of graphics! After 8 hours of work I find myself arriving at home and just reading chapter or two to relax! What amazes me is that for each chapter they present a requirement and create a first solution that is VERY similar to what we, in our fast spaced, timeline based IT world are used to do: something that will be done quickly and will solve the business needs... for now.
But then they show what can happen when CHANGES are requested to our initial solution (software developers KNOW what we are talking about here!) so that the reader truly apreciates how the initial quick-solution is totally un-scalable and lot of code rewriting must be dedicated over again to implement the changes.
A pattern is then introduced, showing how, by dedicating just a little bit of effort in the early stages of development, can save hours and hours of work in the future.

A Must Read.......2007-06-09

If you plan on ever going into a programming/computer science related field, this book is a must. Great reference book, and easy to understand and retain information. This book will help a programmer transform into a software engineer. I never understood the full power of abstract / interface classes until reading this book (one of my college professors reccommended it for his software engineering 2 class). In my four years of college, the best book I purchased.... by far.

Fun way to learn about design patterns.......2007-06-08

This is a fun way to learn a serious topic. I can't personally imagine a more entertaining method to write a book about a "mundane" topic such as design patterns. The book promises that the concepts and topics would 'reside' in the reader's brain long after the reader is done reading the book. That I found to be a true statement for myself. I am sure you will find that true too.

Remember that the authors expect you to known the fundamental concepts about OO design (UML) and Java (C# knowledge might be supplementary). But of course, you wouldn't be reading a book about design patterns without knowing the concepts before hand. Would you?

Systems Analysis and Design, Sixth Edition

Average customer rating:

Not very good for a new comer
Great delivery response time.
I have not received the product yet
Good overview of SAD but not good for serious SAD study
Comprehensive Introduction

Systems Analysis and Design, Sixth Edition
Gary B. Shelly , Thomas J. Cashman , and Harry J. Rosenblatt
Manufacturer: Course Technology
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Systems Analysis & Design | Computer Science | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Children's Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Computer Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Qualifying Textbooks - Spring 2007 | Stores | Books

Modern Database Management (8th Edition)
Business Data Communications and Networking
Information Technology Project Management, Fourth Edition
Database Systems: Design, Implementation, and Management, Seventh Edition
Concepts of Database Management, Fifth Edition

ASIN: 0619255102

Book Description

Building on the proven pedagogy of its predecessors, Systems Analysis and Design, Sixth Edition presents a clear introduction to systems analysis and design. Students will find concepts easy-to-understand through the clear writing style and full-color figures that illustrated current technology and trends.

Customer Reviews:

Not very good for a new comer.......2006-09-08

This book does contain some good information. The problem, however, is that it is not easy to read or follow. This book contains too many non useful graphics and not enough detailed examples. In other words it's real pretty. At the end of each chapter there are Case Studies for the students. In many cases the book did not give enough information on how to complete them properly. I often found myself searching the internet to find answers. This book might be good for someone that has worked as an IT professional. As a new comer, however, I wouldn't recommend it. I'm going to search for a better book.

Great delivery response time........2006-03-23

The item was shipped promptly and arrived in great condition. Thanks so much for the timely shipping, as the text was used for spring semester at school.

I have not received the product yet.......2005-10-02

I think the process is too slow. I have not received the product since I paid it a month ago. Since there's some statement says it would take 6 weeks, I will wait until that day.

Good overview of SAD but not good for serious SAD study.......2004-07-05

For beginners to Systems Analysis & Design I would recommend this textbook, however do not rely on this for a serious study of Systems Analysis & Design. This book is easy to read, but the "This technique is so great, note - there are some disadvantages" can get annoying at times. Maybe this book could be used as an overview of SAD for managers. Also, the Student Study Guide provided on CD-ROM with the text is not useful for quick review of the text for an exam as each chapter takes up 80 slides and each review of each chapter takes a while to read.

Comprehensive Introduction.......2004-06-20

Ok, firstly this book has excellent presentation and pedagogy. Somebody took some serious care to ensure this book is visually pleasing and well organized. It contains a CD-rom with summaries of each chapter as well as well as weblinks, glossaries of each chapter and chapter outlines. There are no design tools CASE tools however.

Content: This book is a very good introduction to systems analysis and design: the operative word being INTRODUCTION. It paints a very broad picture in reasonable detail. There are enough examples and explanation to be able to extrapolate how to do very basic structured systems analysis. Object oriented analysis on the other hand while covered, is done so in a fairly rudimentary manner (in a toolkit- ie. appendix- rather than in the body of the book). This book is less about the mechanics of how and more about the why and why not and what you're likely to need before you do do some systems analysis. Personally I think the book by WHitten (isbn 0072552360) provides more bang for your buck in that it covers functional decomposition, functional primitives, decision tables, databases, ERDs, prototyping, OO analysis and design in greater depth and with more reality and for significantly less money. WHitten is far less accessible though, the price of being far more technical than this one- and it is fairly old now. This book is very accessible, but that comes at the cost of content. If you want deeper how-to, try Whitten...if you want a easier overview then try this. However the price is quite significant for this book.

Pedagogy wise, this book is very good. Lots of pratical examples and expositions of real life situations, review questions (no answers) directions to a web site to chase down further understanding and knowledge. A case study permeates the book which makes it very accessible because the case study I found was interesting and quite 'likely'. The toolkits (ie. appendices) are quite interesting, if somewhat 'lite'. To me, they seemed more of a checklist and point of reference than a substantive learning source.

So, in all, a nice, neat book, if rather expensive though. Look at it if you're looking for a broad overview and/or a jumping off point for systems analysis and design. ELsewhere may provide you with work of a more concrete, down to brass-tacks (leveling) nature. It can also serve as a reasonable adjunct to a more technical text, to clarify concepts and provide a philosophical overview of systems analysis and design as well as clarifying some concepts in a clear, concise way. It probably won't teach you 'deep thought' systems analysis and design however.

Practical Research: Planning and Design (8th Edition)
Average customer rating:

Very Well Written; Awkward Size

Add to your Reference

Helpful guide

Practical Research Book Review

Required Reading

Practical Research: Planning and Design (8th Edition)
Paul D. Leedy , and Jeanne Ellis Ormrod
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Study Skills | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Assessment | Education Theory | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
General | Mental Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Research | Education | Reference | Subjects | Books
Research | Education | Science | Subjects | Books
Methodology & Statistics | Experiments, Instruments & Measurement | Science | Subjects | Books
General | Science | Subjects | Books
General | History & Philosophy | Science | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Health Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Look Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Look Inside Reference Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Look Inside Science Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Qualifying Textbooks - Spring 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

International Relations Theory: Realism, Pluralism, Globalism, and Beyond (3rd Edition)

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Fifth Edition

Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences (6th Edition)

Political Analysis: Technique and Practice

Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (2nd Edition)

ASIN: 0131108956

Book Description

Written in uncommonly engaging, lucid, and elegant prose, this book is an âunderstand-it-yourself, do-it-yourselfâ manual designed to help readers understand the fundamental structure of quality research and the methodical process that leads to genuinely significant results.

It guides the reader, step-by-step, from the selection of a problem to study, through the process of conducting authentic research, to the preparation of a completed report, with practical suggestions based on a solid theoretical framework and sound pedagogy. This book will show readers two things: 1) that quality research demands planning and design; and, 2) how their own research projects can be executed effectively and professionally. For researchers and research analysts in any discipline.

Customer Reviews:

Very Well Written; Awkward Size.......2007-06-11

Excellent choice for a short (6-week) graduate research and report writing course. Extremely well written: doesn't put me to sleep immediately and succinctly conveys concepts. Extensive bibliography at the end of each chapter.

Only two observed drawbacks: price and physical size. While I know that (almost) all students think that their textbooks are overpriced, I don't quite understand how a new 8.5 x 11 inch paperback text, running 324 pages, with few line-art illustrations and no photographs or images, and 2 color text should be priced in the $80 range?

The size, 8.5 x 11 inches, as a paperback makes the book awkward for reading in an easy chair or when in bed.

Add to your Reference.......2007-03-08

This book was a require text in one of my research classes during my graduate studies. Its very easy to read, follow and understand. If you are student beginning your graduate studies, I would highly recommend you add this book to your reference.

Helpful guide.......2006-07-27

Although I've written many research papers, I found this book to be a great guide to help me 'fill in' the missing pieces in my work. It provides useful guidelines in all phases of research writing, from picking the right topic to statistical techniques.

Practical Research Book Review.......2006-02-02

Great book, it is very easy to follow and understand. It provides great samples and guides on how to do a research paper. I certainly would recommend it to anyone that needs help or guidance on research project writing.

Required Reading.......2005-09-10

Practical Research actually is required reading for my Ph.D. Since it is a text book is does cost a lot. It was the same price at Amazon as it would have been to order it through my university. However, the shipping was free with Amazon, so I came out ahead. The book is well written, in plain English. The advice is practical. Some of the advice about using technology is a bit behind the times, but that is to be expected. The font size is small, but this would not be a problem for most people under 40.

Adobe Illustrator CS2 Classroom in a Book

Average customer rating:

Helpful
EXCELLENT ILLUSTRATOR BOOK
As a beginner, this book helped me a lot
Needed for a graphic design class.
great buy

Adobe Illustrator CS2 Classroom in a Book
Adobe Creative Team
Manufacturer: Adobe Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Programming | Games & Strategy Guides | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Graphic Design | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Software | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Computer Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Qualifying Textbooks - Spring 2007 | Stores | Books

General | Software Books | Custom Stores | Stores | Software
Similar Items:

Adobe Photoshop CS2 Classroom in a Book
Adobe InDesign CS2 Classroom in a Book
The Adobe Illustrator CS2 Wow! Book (WOW!)
Adobe Creative Suite 2 Classroom in a Book
Adobe Acrobat 7.0 Classroom in a Book

ASIN: 0321321839

Book Description

How often have you wished you had access to the team behind your favorite software--in this case, Adobe Illustrator--so that you could really pick their brains about all of its coolest features? With this book, you do. In these pages, the Adobe Creative Team gives you a guided tour of the graphics powerhouse, Adobe Illustrator CS2. Best of all, it does so at your pace. Whether your beautifully designed graphics end up in print, the Web, broadcast video, or even cell phone displays, this book shows you how to get them there--easily, elegantly, and efficiently. You'll find step-by-step, project-based lessons in all of Illustrator's key features, including those that are new to CS2: Live Trace, Illustrator’s powerful bitmap-to-vector tracing tool; Live Paint, a revolutionary paint tool that lets you apply color to vector graphics intuitively and easily; the new Control Palette, which makes tools easier to locate and select, the Adobe Bridge file browser, tighter integration with Photoshop CS2, and more. Each chapter contains a project that builds on your growing knowledge of the program, while the companion CD includes all the files you need to complete the book's lessons.

Customer Reviews:

Helpful.......2007-05-08

I ordered this book for work so I could gain a better grasp of Illustrator CS 2. So far the book has been very helpful with easy to follow instructions and lessons on a CD. I haven't completed every lesson, but I like what i've learned so far. It lists short cuts too which is a big help!

EXCELLENT ILLUSTRATOR BOOK.......2007-02-16

Excellent Book for Illustrator.
Very easy to learn with cd-rom.
Highly recomended.

As a beginner, this book helped me a lot.......2007-01-24

Being a newbie in the graphics arts department, I have purchased a few books on the subject (forget the Adobe help section!), and while "CS2 In A Classroom" is more or less "official" Adobe stuff, it is written so that one like myself with just a little experience with Illustrator can duplicate and understand the material, having to "fill in" on occassion when a subject seems to be a bit glossed over. If you're on my level, get the book. You'll be glad you did.

Needed for a graphic design class........2007-01-23

I needed the book asap for a class cheap and fast. The bookstore at campus had the book for 45-50 bux. Amazon had it for 30. I payed 34 total w/ normal shipping. I ordered it on wednesday and got it saturday. Fast shipping. I was ready w/ the book when I had class on Monday. Awesome.

great buy.......2006-11-08

I'm happy with the condition of the product.
And the fast delivery and low price

Professional Practice for Interior Designers, 3rd Edition

Average customer rating:

Read before you practice
Get It!
Must Have!
Fantastic!
A must-read

Professional Practice for Interior Designers, 3rd Edition
Christine M. Piotrowski
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Professional Reference | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Design | Architecture | New & Used Textbooks | Stores | Books

General | Architecture | New & Used Textbooks | Stores | Books

All Amazon Upgrade | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Business & Investing | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Home & Garden | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Professional & Technical | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Qualifying Textbooks - Spring 2007 | Stores | Books

Look Inside Art Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Business Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Home & Garden Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

The Codes Guidebook for Interiors
Interior Design Reference Manual: A Guide to the NCIDQ Exam (3rd Edition)
Estimating for Interior Designers
Business and Legal Forms for Interior Designers
The Interior Designers Guide to Pricing Estimating and Budgeting

ASIN: 0471384011

Book Description

The tools needed to create and manage a thriving interior design practice

This essential sourcebook provides all of the information needed to establish and manage a productive, profitable interior design firm. Filled with savvy business and career advice, Professional Practice for Interior Designers, Third Edition delivers updated and expanded coverage of the full range of legal, financial, management, marketing, administrative, and ethical issues faced by sole practitioners, firm principals, and managers.

This comprehensive reference lays out clear, practical guidelines on how to structure a contract and prevent legal problems; work with other designers, allied professionals, clients, and vendors; and calculate fees that are both fair and profitable. Recommended reading for NCIDQ candidates, it offers easy-to-follow tips and instruction on how to:

Establishing a comprehensive foundation for effective business practice, Professional Practice for Interior Designers, Third Edition is the one-stop resource that no interior designer can afford to be without.

Customer Reviews:

Read before you practice.......2005-09-23

I have practiced interior design for over 20 years and still found this book to be invaluable. The information about legal ramifications and insurance coverage was enlightening but also sobering. It's a must read for any design firm principal or freelance designer.

Get It!.......2004-07-03

This book reads like a friend whispering all the good advice and secrets of the interior design business in your ear. I wish my Professional Practices class had used this text. It's a lot of information but Christine Piotrowski truly takes you by the hand and lets you know what you need to prepare for in a budding interior design business as well as how the interior design business is done in general. I will be referencing this book again and again. A huge thank you and bravo to Christine Piotrowski

Must Have!.......2002-12-16

This book was used for both Business Practice For Interior Design & Sales and Marketing. I had no need to consult any other source. "This is a great book" THANKS..

Fantastic!.......2002-10-28

Outstanding, fabulous, fabulous book. Extremely helpful to me in starting my own firm. Well written. Well organized. Invaluable.

A must-read.......2002-07-09

This one is a must read if you are considering a degree in interior design. I found it extremely helpful in planning my career path.

Patterns of Enterprise Application Architecture

Average customer rating:

Must read
Great reference for building business apps
Educates you on Enterprise Architecture
Good so far
Key book on enterprise patterns

Patterns of Enterprise Application Architecture
Martin Fowler
Manufacturer: Addison-Wesley Professional
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

PCs | Hardware | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Software | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Computer Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Qualifying Textbooks - Spring 2007 | Stores | Books

General | Software Books | Custom Stores | Stores | Software
Similar Items:

Enterprise Integration Patterns: Designing, Building, and Deploying Messaging Solutions (The Addison-Wesley Signature Series)
Refactoring: Improving the Design of Existing Code
Domain-Driven Design: Tackling Complexity in the Heart of Software
Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software (Addison-Wesley Professional Computing Series)
Head First Design Patterns (Head First)

ASIN: 0321127420

Customer Reviews:

Must read.......2007-04-05

This is a must read book if you are a developer, architect or in anyway related to technology.

Great reference for building business apps.......2007-03-13

For me, this book is an invaluable reference for building business apps.

Want help choosing a framework? Want some guidance for solving common business problems? These patterns help solve these kinds of problems.

NOTE: I have tried to find other sources for these patterns, and I have only found Fowlers website, which is really only a summary and recommends purchasing the book.

This book has examples in both Java and C#. You can certainly use these patterns in .NET.

Under .NET you are not actually forced to use the Table Model. I think the purpose of this book is to help you realize this.

There are frameworks for .NET that use the Domain Model and Data Mapper patterns, but you would never know this unless you were familiar with the patterns in this book.

For me, reading this book didn't allow me to write new code, but it did allow me to understand my choice to use a particular framework/technique over another.

Educates you on Enterprise Architecture.......2007-03-10

As a newcomer to enterprise architecture this book educated me on possibilities for decisions to be made in designing an enterprise architect. It will also give you a language for describing existing characteristics of an existing enterprise application which may use some combination of the patterns describe in this book. The discussion of where to keep session state for a webapp was particularly helpful to me.

Good so far.......2007-01-10

I haven't been able to read it cover to cover, but i read the mapping chapter and it was good. Explain a complex subject in relly simple way.

Also the hard cover is nice!

Key book on enterprise patterns.......2006-07-30

Even if you find enterprise stuff immensely dull, dealing with databases and web pages is a pretty common task, most of the action in software development revolves around it, and who wants to be completely ignorant of the the alphabet soup of various technologies the IT blogs, books and websites are floating in?

So if you must immerse yourself in this area, what better than a Martin Fowler book? The code is mainly in Java, with a fairly large smattering of C#. It would probably help if you understood some basics of enterprise development in those languages, e.g. servlets and JDBC for Java.

The patterns in this book cover organising domain logic, database mapping and access, web presentation, concurrency, and the book finishes by covering base patterns, a mixture of lower level abstractions of the sort covered in Fowler's first book, Analysis Patterns (e.g. Money), and those that bear a close resemblance to the classic Gang of Four patterns, with an enterprise twist (e.g. Plugin and Gateway). Nearly all the other patterns refer to these, so I don't know why these didn't appear first. Apart from that though, the book is very well organised. And the opening essay, that discusses the trade offs of every pattern and how they fit together in an application, is immensely helpful.

Wizened enterprisers looking for new material will not find much new here, but surely the point of patterns catalogues are to get down on paper the practices of those same wizened enterprisers, not to strike off in new directions. Therefore, an experienced developer should see this as a way to organise what they already know, and maybe in doing so, reveal some new insights.

A newcomer to enterprise development will definitely get a lot out of this, as the underpinnings to the plethora of modern enterprise applications are laid bare. You're not going to become a Hibernate, Struts or EJB expert from this book, but you should at least have a clue about what problems they're trying to solve.

As usual, Fowler manages to be a model of clarity, while still injecting regular touches of wry humour, quite an achievement given the potentially bone-dry material. If you want to know the basics of enterprise software, start here.

Books:

Books