Computer Book Reviews
Privacy Defended by Gary Bahadur, William Chan and Chris Weber
Que, February, 2002Trade Paperback, 699 pages
ISBN: 078972605X
Ordering information:
Amazon.com
Everyone has some online privacy concerns, but few people
realize that connecting to the Internet
practically turns your monitor into a two-way
mirror. Your privacy can be breached through
your online orders, from the email you send and
simply by logging on and surfing the Web.
This book provides answers to numerous privacy
questions, such as what information
about you is being used and how, what happens
to your credit card information, how secure are
hotels and Internet cafes, hacker risks with
DSL and cable connections, misuse of
cookies, spam, viruses, cyber crime, databases of
personal information and online fraud.
The book also focuses on solutions to privacy
problems, including personal firewalls,
secure email, anti-virus software, privacy
organizations, anonymous surfing, browser
settings, encryption and parental controls.
The authors also introduce and discuss current
privacy laws, as well as legislation being
considered to help consumers.
The Internet is a powerful new entertainment, research and shopping tool for everyone, but -- like everything else in life -- it comes with its own specific dangers and risk. This book helps users minimize the potential hazards the Internet poses by helping make readers aware of the risks and dangers and teaching them how to protect their computers and personal information. Highly recommended for anyone using the Internet.
TCP/IP Unleashed by Karanjit S. Siyan, Ph.D. and Tim Parker, Ph.D.
Sams, February, 2002Trade Paperback, 1091 pages.
ISBN: 0672323516
Ordering information:
Amazon.com
This massive book provides over 1,000 pages of
detailed instruction and reference information for web
developers and networking professionals using
TCP/IP to set up and manage
Internet and Intranet connections.
The book includes TCP/IP instruction for
configuring Windows, Linux and UNIX
machines. It provides explanations
of all TCP/IP components, instructions for
using remote access protocols and coverage
of network security tools, TCP/IP applications, DNS,
protocols and network services. The book also includes
troubleshooting tips and solutions. An appendix
provides a reference section for RFC's
and standards.
This an excellent book for anyone looking to hook
up a network or connect a computer or network
of computers to the Internet. TCP/IP Unleashed
is also a reliable book for
professionals who need to quickly reference a
TCP/IP related topic.
Web Usability & Navigation: A Beginner's Guide by Merlyn Holmes
McGraw-Hill Osborne, January, 2002Trade Paperback, 548 pages.
ISBN: 0072192615
Ordering information:
Amazon.com
Web users won't waste their time on your website
if it isn't easy to use and the information is
difficult to find or read. Navigation and usability
are crucial in ecommerce or online subscriptions,
when you are trying to get the user to make a
purchasing decision. This book helps designers
understand usability concepts, why they are
important and learn different ways to apply
what they have learned. The book covers numerous
usability concepts, including user profiles, users'
hardware and software constraints, user-centric designs,
information architecture, navigation design,
user-friendly content and much more.
Most of the usability and navigation concepts introduced in the book are very practical and simple, but very powerful if followed properly. The book includes lots of examples and screenshots, allowing the reader many opportunities to grasp the concepts. It also provides quick self-assessment checks, quizzes and projects for readers to test their knowledge and apply what they have learned. Hints and answers to commonly-asked questions are also provided in shaded boxes and sidebars. The book's appendix includes answers to the quizzes, print and web resources and website functionality and usability checklists. All good web designers need to include at least one usability book in their reading. This is a great book to begin with, because it provides a solid introduction to usability concepts, it is easy to follow and it gives numerous suggestions and self-testing options. Author Merlyn Holmes, a founding partner of the web production company Hot Tea Productions, provides an excellent book on usability with clear, friendly writing that will make beginning designers feel right at home.
Return to Book Reviews Index
More from Writers Write
Stephen King Quotes
quotes from the master
quotes from the master
Grammar Tips
improve your writing
improve your writing
Writing Prompts
spark your creativity
spark your creativity