Introductory & Beginning Books - Page 2

The New Oxford Picture Dictionary CD-ROM: Bilingual English-Spanish Edition (single user licence): Bilingual English/Spanish (Windows/Macintosh) (New Oxford Picture Dictionary (1988 Ed.))

Oxford University Press, E. C. Parnwell

Amazon Price: $47.25 List Price: $52.50 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Oxford University Press, USA Amazon Marketplace: 14 new & used starting at $39.96

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Programming -> Introductory & Beginning -> Computer Dictionaries
Subjects -> Literature & Fiction -> Genre Fiction -> Anthologies
Subjects -> Literature & Fiction -> Contemporary

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 18 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

ESOL class 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This picture dictionary is one that is most requested by my students. It is easy to use when they want words by subject. I find it useful in helping me to understand their languages as well. It's not of much value for looking up words alphabetically, but for that we have bilingual dictionaries. It's worth keeping in my classroom library, but is a frequent theft item. Other teachers might need to keep this in mind.

Very Good resource for learning English as a Second Language 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This picture dictionary is an excellent resource for learning English as a Second Language for native Spanish speakers. The only reason I didn't give it five (5) stars is because I would like the print to be a little bit bigger, but even as it is, it is still readable.

Great for teachers 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I use this book in my classroom with my students who are new in the country. It is an awesome tool.

Oxford Dictionary 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

The Million Word Crossword Dictionary

Es un excelente auxiliar en el aprendizaje del idioma inglés. Incrementa el vocaboluari con enorme facilidad.

Editorial Review:

The full-color "NOPD CD-ROM makes the illustrations from the "Dictionary come alive through sound, animation, and interactive exercises.

Microsoft Windows PowerShell Programming for the Absolute Beginner

Jerry Lee Ford Jr.

Amazon Price: $19.79 List Price: $29.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Course Technology PTR Amazon Marketplace: 37 new & used starting at $18.75

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Microsoft -> Operating Systems -> Windows - General
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Microsoft -> Operating Systems -> General AAS
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Operating Systems -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 11 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

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. Topics covered include the Windows PowerShell Command Line, object based scripting with .NET, writing PowerShell Scripts, working with variables, arrays and hashes, implementing conditional logic, using loops to process data, organizing scripts using functions, basic system administration, and much more.

Beginning Programming For Dummies (Beginning Programming for Dummies)

Wallace Wang

Amazon Price: $16.49 List Price: $24.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: For Dummies Amazon Marketplace: 56 new & used starting at $10.62

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Programming -> Introductory & Beginning -> General
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Programming -> Introductory & Beginning -> General AAS
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Programming -> Languages & Tools -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 39 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Do you think the programmers who work at your office are magical wizards who hold special powers that manipulate your computer? Believe it or not, anyone can learn how to write programs, and it doesn’t take a higher math and science education to start.

Beginning Programming for Dummies shows you how computer programming works without all the technical details or hard programming language. It explores the common parts of every computer programming language and how to write for multiple platforms like Windows, Mac OS X, or Linux. This easily accessible guide provides you with the tools you need to:

• Create programs and divide them into subprograms
• Develop variables and use constants
• Manipulate strings and convert them into numbers
• Use an array as storage space
• Reuse and rewrite code
• Isolate data
• Create a user interface
• Write programs for the Internet
• Utilize JavaScript and Java Applets

In addition to these essential building blocks, this guide features a companion CD-ROM containing Liberty BASIC compiler and code in several languages. It also provides valuable programming resources and lets you in on cool careers for programmers. With Beginning Programming of Dummies, you can take charge of your computer and begin programming today!

JavaScript: A Beginner's Guide, Second Edition

John Pollock

Amazon Price: $16.49 List Price: $24.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: McGraw-Hill Osborne Media Amazon Marketplace: 50 new & used starting at $10.85

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Programming -> Introductory & Beginning -> General
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Programming -> Introductory & Beginning -> General AAS
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Programming -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 25 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Pretty Good. 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This book is great for beginning javascript programmers who have a clue how to program. It is definitely not great for someone to learn the skill of computer programming. Additionally the excersices are not very challenging(I've only gotten up to the chapter on arrays, but the other chapter excersices leave little room for creativity).

The good thing about this book is that it is a great way to learn the syntax of javascript. It does not have a lot of information and it has about three excersices per chapter(of what I have read so far. Overall it is worth the price though.

Great for beginners 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

As the name states ... it's for beginners -- and if you're an absolute beginner, it's five starts (I bought this for my 7th grader.)

The first third is painfully basic -- assumes virtually no knowledge of web pages -- anyone with even a basic knowledge of Javascript will be put to sleep.

The second third picks up the pace a bit -- someone with preexisting basic Javascript knowledge can pick up some new information fairly quickly.

The final third gets a little meaty -- for example how to change images in response to mouseovers, etc.

Overall, the explanations are very clear -- this book was written thoughtfully -- so many books these days seem to be haphazardly written in the rush to market.

So, if you have little or no starting knowledge, this book is the right place to start. If you already know JS fairly well ... don't bother with this book -- it doesn't even have an appendix with a comprehensive reference list of all objects and properties -- though lists are scattered through the book as objects are covered.

Editorial Review:

Step-by-step instruction teaches beginning JavaScript programmers and Web designers to create windows, display moving text, and generate sound or other multimedia elements with ease. Uses the successful Beginner's Guide teaching system, which countless new users have praised for giving them a solid foundation in technology.

Absolute Beginner's Guide to C (2nd Edition) (Other Sams)

Greg Perry

Amazon Price: $23.09 List Price: $34.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Sams Amazon Marketplace: 52 new & used starting at $10.37

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Microsoft -> Development -> C & C++ Windows Programming
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Programming -> Introductory & Beginning -> General
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Programming -> Introductory & Beginning -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 103 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Good, but there are better alternatives 3 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

Let me first say that this book is by no means bad. It makes C as simple (I would bold "simple" if I could) as possible, breaks the topics up into bite sized chunks based on topics, warns you about common mistakes, and provides the code for a lengthy blackjack program at the end for your personal dissection and analysis. My main problem with the book is that it does not provide problems for you to solve. It just explains the language. If you couple it with a book that includes a large number of problems, then you're all set.

That being said there are better (and cheaper) alternatives out there. Probably the best method of learning C is to subscribe to Harvard's CS 50 podcast. The RSS feed can be found at http://cs50.tv/ , or you can search for "Harvard Computer Science 50" within the itunes store and subscribe to it from there. The podcast includes separate video and audio tracks from lectures conducted by the courses' instructor, David J. Malan. The podcast also provides PDF's of the problem sets along with copies of the class's quizzes and answers. The best part is that you can get this all for free. The course filmed is fall 2007 I believe, so all of the lectures are up (meaning that you don't have to wait for them, go ahead and download them all). The first few episodes from week 0 are a bit slow, but the course quickly picks up speed after that. If you want to get right into C, then I recommend that you start at week 1 (Week 0 is spent going over the basic workings of computer hardware components and some time is spent on a program called "Scratch").


Another good, free place to start is the online tutorial found at

http://www.eskimo.com/~scs/cclass/asgn.beg/index.html

Reading, problem sets, and solutions to the problem sets are provided. Once you finish, you can move on to the intermediate section of the course found at

http://www.eskimo.com/~scs/cclass/asgn.int/index.html


The only weakness of these courses is the number of problems provided for you to work on. Across all of the material from both sources I have mentioned, there is probably no more than 40 dedicated coding problems. Another review mentioned thatC Primer Plus (5th Edition)had a large number of examples, so I plan to look into it.


As for this book I may keep it around for use when I do not have access to a computer, but most likely I will give it away or sell it.

Editorial Review:

For beginning programmers, this updated edition answers all C programming questions. This bestseller talks to readers at their level, explaining every aspect of how to get started and learn the C language quickly. Readers also find out where to learn more about C. This book includes tear-out reference card of C functions and statements, a hierarchy chart, and other valuable information. It uses special icons, notes, clues, warnings, and rewards to make understanding easier. And the clear and friendly style presumes no programming knowledge.

Learning Java

Pat Niemeyer, Jonathan Knudsen

Amazon Price: $29.67 List Price: $44.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: O'Reilly Media, Inc. Amazon Marketplace: 68 new & used starting at $11.94

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Programming -> Introductory & Beginning -> General
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Programming -> Introductory & Beginning -> General AAS
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Programming -> Java -> Beginner's Guides

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 63 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Version 5.0 of the Java 2 Standard Edition SDK is the most important upgrade since Java first appeared a decade ago. With Java 5.0, you'll not only find substantial changes in the platform, but to the language itself-something that developers of Java took five years to complete. The main goal of Java 5.0 is to make it easier for you to develop safe, powerful code, but none of these improvements makes Java any easier to learn, even if you've programmed with Java for years. And that means our bestselling hands-on tutorial takes on even greater significance. "Learning Java" is the most widely sought introduction to the programming language that's changed the way we think about computing. Our updated third edition takes an objective, no-nonsense approach to the new features in Java 5.0, some of which are drastically different from the way things were done in any previous versions. The most essential change is the addition of "generics," a feature that allows developers to write, test, and deploy code once, and then reuse the code again and again for different data types. The beauty of generics is that more problems will be caught during development, and "Learning Java" will show you exactly how it's done. Java 5.0 also adds more than 1,000 new classes to the Java library. That means 1,000 new things you can do without having to program it in yourself. That's a huge change. With our book's practical examples, you'll come up to speed quickly on this and other new features such as loops and threads. The new edition also includes an introduction to Eclipse, the open source IDE that is growing in popularity. "Learning Java," 3rd Edition addresses all of the important uses of Java, such as webapplications, servlets, and XML that are increasingly driving enterprise applications. The accompanying CD includes the Java 5.0 SDK for Windows, Linux, and Solaris, plus the Eclipse IDE, the NetBeans IDE, and the many example programs from the book.

Learn Objective–C on the Mac (Learn)

Mark Dalrymple, Scott Knaster

Amazon Price: $26.39 List Price: $39.99 Not yet published By: Apress

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Operating Systems -> MacOS
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Operating Systems -> General
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Operating Systems -> General AAS

Editorial Review:

Take your coding skills to the next level with this extensive guide to Objective–C, the native programming language for developing sophisticated software applications for Mac OS X. Objective–C is a powerful, object–oriented extension of C, making this book the perfect follow–up to Dave Mark’s best–selling Learn C on the Mac, Mac OS X Edition. Whether you’re an experienced C programmer or you’re coming from a different language such as C++ or Java, leading Mac experts Mark Dalrymple and Scott Knaster show you how to harness the powers of Objective–C in your applications!

• A complete course on the basics of Objective–C using Apple’s free Xcode tools
• An introduction to object–oriented programming
• Comprehensive coverage of inheritance, composition, object initialization, categories, protocols, memory management, and organizing source files
• A brief tour of Cocoa’s Foundation framework and AppKit
• A helpful “learning curve” guide for non–C developers

What you’ll learn

• Learn Objective–C programming, the gateway to programming your Mac or iPhone.
• Write applications for the Mac OS X interface, the cleanest user–interface around.
• Understand variables and how to design your own data structures.
• Work with the file system.
• Connect to data sources and the Internet.

Who is this book for?

For anyone wanting to learn to program native applications in Mac OS X, including developers new to the Mac, developers new to Objective–C, or students entirely new to programming.

Beginning Linux Programming

Neil Matthew, Richard Stones

Amazon Price: $26.39 List Price: $39.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Wrox Amazon Marketplace: 57 new & used starting at $20.06

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Networking -> General AAS
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Operating Systems -> Linux -> Programming
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Operating Systems -> Linux -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 75 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Beginning Linux Programming, Fourth Edition continues its unique approach to teaching UNIX programming in a simple and structured way on the Linux platform. Through the use of detailed and realistic examples, students learn by doing, and are able to move from being a Linux beginner to creating custom applications in Linux. The book introduces fundamental concepts beginning with the basics of writing Unix programs in C, and including material on basic system calls, file I/O, interprocess communication (for getting programs to work together), and shell programming. Parallel to this, the book introduces the toolkits and libraries for working with user interfaces, from simpler terminal mode applications to X and GTK+ for graphical user interfaces. Advanced topics are covered in detail such as processes, pipes, semaphores, socket programming, using MySQL, writing applications for the GNOME or the KDE desktop, writing device drivers, POSIX Threads, and kernel programming for the latest Linux Kernel.

Beginning SQL Server 2005 Programming (Programmer to Programmer)

Robert Vieira

Amazon Price: $26.39 List Price: $39.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Wrox Amazon Marketplace: 51 new & used starting at $21.32

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Databases -> Database Management Systems
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Databases -> Beginning & Introductory
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Databases -> SQL -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 24 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Surely Disappointed. 2 out of 5 stars.
6 of 7 people found this review helpful.

I just bought 2 copies this book based on the reviews and the cost. I planned on using it to teach someone about SQL Server, using SQL Server 2005 Express edition. Well, for teaching purposes, this book is very disappointing. It is however, comprehensive in terms on making knowledgeable many aspects of SQL Server. But if you plan on self-teaching yourself SQL Server, this book lacks. The book does explain all the objects in SQL Server, including as it seems all software books, his personality laced diatribe. But it doesn't explain how to use the objects well. Just trying to learn T-SQL, it doesn't demonstrate or give any examples how to use each command or keyword in length. And there's just a hint of exercises in the back of the chapter to help the learner practice some more. And the book also assumes you have somewhat developed on SQL Server. What?! It's a beginners book.

Now I have to come up with full lesson plans, since this book doesn't even make a dent in doing so.

In conclusion, the book explains a plethora of objects. But if you are wanting to self teach, it will be difficult to learn with this book.

Just want a book that removes individual diatribes, gives many examples of each function, provides many exercises to further practice, with answers. This book doesn't fit the bill.

Editorial Review:

• After a quick primer on database design basics and the SQL query language (for those programmers who may be building their first database application), this book provides an overview of SQL Server itself, which has been dramatically redesigned with the 2005 release
• Once readers have grasped the fundamentals of database design and SQL concepts, they will then learn how to implement those concepts with Microsoft SQL Server 2005
• Addresses creating and changing tables, managing keys, database normalization, writing scripts, working with stored procedures, programming with XML, and using SQL Server reporting and data transformation services
• The companion Web site provides all of the code found in the book