Computer Book Reviews
PHP Programming for Windows by Andrew Stopford
New Riders, May, 2002Trade Paperback, 336 pages
ISBN: 0735711690
Ordering information:
Amazon.com
PHP is a versatile programming language that
is most commonly associated with open source
server software such as Apache and Linux, and
open-source database tools such as MySQL.
However, PHP can also be used with Windows
platforms. This reference focuses on using PHP with
Windows technologies and covers everything from
PHP installation to advanced PHP programming. There is
detailed coverage on topics such as COM, .NET, SOAP,
XML and ASP, and information about how to use PHP
with databases such as Access, Oracle and SQL Server.
This is an excellent book for windows developers interested in
taking advantages of PHP's ease-of-use for working with
popular Windows developer tools such as ASP.
MTIV: Process, Inspiration and Practice for the New Media Designer by Hillman Curtis
New Riders, May, 2002Trade Paperback, 239 pages.
ISBN: 0735711658
Ordering information:
Amazon.com
Best known for his web design books, Flash
Web Design and Flash Web Design: The v5 Remix,
and his own design firm, Hillman Curtis has returned with an
inspirational guide for new media designers.
Curtis, who defines new media as "anything that
is digital and plays on a screen", has
developed new media designs for a number of high-profile
clients, including MTV, Rolling Stone, Intel and Adobe
Systems. Part design textbook and part autiobiography,
Curtis' latest book provides thoughts to motivate creativity,
tips for designers and a look at some unique new media designs.
Curtis focuses on three things in MTIV: process, inspiration
and practice. In the first section, Curtis tells readers about a
unique seven-step process for new media design developed
at his company, hillmancurtis, inc. In the second part
of the book Curtis discusses inspiration and design and provides
a look at what motivates him as an artist. The practice section
of the book includes design tips from industry experts including
Steve Krug on usability; Ellen Shapiro on grids; Leatrice Eisman
on the use of color and Katharine Greene on fonts and typefaces.
To the non-artist, this book might seem too focused on the exploration of ideas and the craft of new media design; however, it is often this creative mindset that helps inspire great artists to do their best work. This book can act as a great motivational book for the new media artist: Hillman Curtis explains what motivates him to communicate through his new media art. Curtis also includes the seven-step process his company, hillmancurtis, inc., uses to concept and design new media features. Curtis' ideas should help to motivate "blocked" artists and his discussion about how he comes up with his many ideas and how he first sketches and storyboards his designs is interesting reading.
What Your Computer Consultant Doesn't Want You to Know by Joshua Feinberg
Small Biz Tech Talk Press, October, 2002Paperback, 276 pages.
ISBN: 0971415382
Ordering information:
Amazon.com
Business managers and owners
are always looking for a way to minimize those expensive
computer consultant bills. Joshua Feinberg's latest book
gives away the secrets which will allow
non techies to avoid hiring a computer tech consultant every time
there is a problem.
Feinberg also provides practical advice and suggestions for
things that can be done in the office that can minimize
downtime, confusion and tech calls.
The book is organized as a series of tips. Each tip contains a
detailed description of the problems and possible solutions,
plus additional tips, facts and web links where appropriate.
101 tips are included in the book
covering topics like buying computers and software, printer
maintenance, modems, Microsoft Office and Windows
software, data backups
and disaster plans, virus protection and upgrading
Windows software. The main focus on the book is saving
money through smart purchases and proper maintenance
of equipment: great goals for any business.
This is a terrific tool for lessening outsourcing costs, preventing
disasters and freeing
up work time for your employees. Highly recommended.
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Return to the October 2002 issue of The IWJ.
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