Windows 7 Annoyances: Tips, Secrets, and Solutions Review

Windows 7 Annoyances: Tips, Secrets, and Solutions
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...or maybe after a generation of Windows operating systems, we're simply immune to assaults by Windows products on the sensibilities of computer users (especially users more interested in doing things with their data files than tweaking their operating systems).
In either case, "Windows 7 Annoyances" is less a catalog of serious Windows 7 annoyances, and more a compendium of advanced Windows 7 features, trips and tricks.
The features and solutions it offers are thorough, and described in superb technical detail. The target audience for this book is clearly power users confident in the deep (and sometimes scary) areas of Windows 7. Proof of this is found in Chapter 3, 72 pages devoted exclusively to the Windows registry. David Karp offers exhaustive descriptions and prescriptions of the Windows 7 registry. He does this very well, but in giving registry tweaks this much emphasis he is speaking to advanced power users of computers. Most Windows users are probably better served by avoiding working in the registry except for last-ditch efforts to correct their worst problems. Registry modifications bring with them the true potential to inflict serious unintended consequences to your computer, and I suggest that the book's biggest shortcoming is in not giving this potential risk enough emphasis.
Similarly, Chapter 9 is focused entirely on use of text-based command prompts. These are arguably tools of the power user looking to work faster (or deeper) than a GUI permits.
Otherwise, the book is a delightful guide to things about Windows 7 that Microsoft forgot to tell us. It describes the different versions of Windows 7, gives sound advice on making files and folders behave consistently, provides a tutorials on media files, offers troubleshooting and diagnostic tools, and walks you patiently through networking/Internet concepts and security issues.
Two appendices provide overviews of the BIOS (the basic input output system, which allows a personal computer to boot into ANY operating system), and TCP/IP, the standards that allow data to flow over the Internet regardless of the hardware and software packages that are sending and receiving them.
If you're not *seriously* annoyed by Windows 7, then this book may be more than you need, and you might want to consider Windows 7: The Missing Manual instead.
But if you're a power user and want to increase your control over Windows 7 (or if you are the go-to person for fixing the computer problems of family and friends), then this book will be a good addition to your troubleshooting toolkit.

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Windows 7 may be faster and more stable than Vista, but it's a far cry from problem-free. David A. Karp comes to the rescue with the latest in his popular Windows Annoyances series. This thorough guide gives you the tools you need to fix the troublesome parts of this operating system, plus the solutions, hacks, and timesaving tips to make the most of your PC.

Streamline Windows Explorer, improve the Search tool, eliminate the Green Ribbon of Death, and tame User Account Control prompts
Explore powerful Registry tips and tools, and use them to customize every aspect of Windows and solve its shortcomings
Squeeze more performance from your hardware with solutions for your hard disk, laptop battery, CPU, printers, and more
Stop crashes, deal with stubborn hardware and drivers, fix video playback issues, and troubleshoot Windows when it won't start
Protect your stuff with permissions, encryption, and shadow copies
Secure and speed up your wireless network, fix networking woes, make Bluetooth functional, and improve your Web experience
Get nearly all of the goodies in 7 Ultimate, no matter which edition you have

"Blunt, honest, and awesome." --Aaron Junod, Manager, Integration Systems at Evolution Benefits

"This could be the best [money] you've ever spent." --Jon Jacobi, PC World

"To use Windows is to be annoyed -- and this book is the best way to solve any annoyance you come across. It's the most comprehensive and entertaining guide you can get for turning Windows into an operating system that's a pleasure to use." --Preston Gralla, author of Windows Vista in a Nutshell, and Computerworld contributing editor


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MCITP Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-685): Windows 7, Enterprise Desktop Support Technician (Pro - Certification) Review

MCITP Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-685): Windows 7, Enterprise Desktop Support Technician (Pro - Certification)
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Bear in mind, I have several certifications:
I studied this book, forwards, backwards and sideways.
I understand the content, and tested repeatedly high with the enclosed test prep materials.
There is not one concept or item in this book that I do not understand.
None the less, this book did not prepare me for this exam.
The authors did a good job of covering Windows 7 in the enterprise.
There's just one problem, THIS EXAM WHICH I JUST FAILED is weighted heavily in knowledge of Windows Server 2008 R2.
The case scenarios all have at least 25 variables each, and most, if not all of those variables center around the server O.S.
Microsoft should split this exam into 2 parts. 1 part for Windows 7, and one part for Windows server.
I've never felt so cheated in my life.
--Update--
I went through this book cover to cover a second time, did all the exercises and case scenarios.
Just failed the test a second time.
I wonder if there are any stats on the pass rate for this 70-685?
Between the two failed exams and the cost of this book, I'm out about $275.00
After 17 years, I'm finished with Microsoft Press material of any kind.
The 70-680 Microsoft press book was a disaster with the sheer volume of errors. (18 full pages of errata)
This book has no bearing whatever in the actual exam that MS publishes for the 70-685.
I'll stick with Cisco, Novell and CompTIA from now on.


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Announcing an all-new SELF-PACED TRAINING KIT designed to help maximize your performance on 70-685, the required exam for the new MCITP certification: WINDOWS 7, ENTERPRISE DESKTOP SUPPORT TECHNICIAN. This 2-in-1 kit includes the official Microsoft® study guide, plus practice tests on CD to help you assess your skills. It comes packed with the tools and features exam candidates want most-including in-depth, self-paced training based on final exam content; rigorous, objective-by-objective review; exam tips from expert, exam-certified authors; and customizable testing options. It also provides real-world scenarios, case study examples, and troubleshooting labs to give you the skills and expertise you can use on the job. Work at your own pace through the lessons and lab exercises. The official study guide covers identifying and resolving desktop application, networking, security, and performance issues; supporting mobile users; and providing support for hardware failures.Then assess yourself using the 200 practice questions on CD, featuring multiple customizable testing options to meet your specific needs. Choose timed or untimed testing mode, generate random tests, or focus on discrete objectives. You get detailed explanations for right and wrong answers-including pointers back to the book for further study. You also get an exam discount voucher-making this kit an exceptional value and a great career investment. A Note Regarding the CD or DVD The practice test materials are available as a download along with your ebook version of the kit, and will be located in your account. Please direct any questions or concerns to booktech@oreilly.com.


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CNET Do-It-Yourself Laptop Projects: 24 Cool Things You Didn't Know You Could Do Review

CNET Do-It-Yourself Laptop Projects: 24 Cool Things You Didn't Know You Could Do
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I like the subtitle: 24 cool things you didn't know you could do! This book is a useful checklist of things you can do, and not just with laptops.
The first project suggests the audience: "Make a Killer Car Stereo." In other words, teens and twenty-somethings. It starts with Easy projects--fun stuff like "Make Free Phone Calls" (use Skype). Then it takes up Challenging and Advanced projects that are mostly not-fun but practical (and not so challenging), like "Protect Your Laptop from a Data Disaster" (back it up) and "Make Your Laptop Safe for Surfing" (use anti-virus and other security software). This is either padding or useful beginner's stuff, depending on how you look at it.
I bought the book for Project 7: "Transfer an LP or Cassette Tape to CD." I liked the approach: download a crippleware application, hook up the laptop to your amp, play and record, test, then decide if you want to upgrade the software to the full version. It's a good way to find out if you really want to do this stuff. (And, by the way, it's Chaka Khan, not Chaka Kahn.)
There was one problem in Project 7, though, and it foreshadowed perils to come. The note on p. 55 reads: "If you have a standalone turntable, you can't just connect it directly to the laptop. . . . Your record player is probably already hooked up to a stereo receiver or amplifier, so just connect the laptop to the receiver's RCA output jacks. Alternatively, you can get an inexpensive preamp that will do the job."
There's a better way to put this: "Almost all modern amplifier/receivers have no phono inputs at all, i.e. no built-in phono preamp. So if you're going to rip your old LPs using your old turntable, use your old amplifier/receiver, or buy a $25 preamp from Radio Shack." And this should have been on the first (project) page, so you don't gallop past it. For most interested parties, it's a constraint, not a casual comment.
The perilous projects come at the end: "Upgrade Your Operating System," "Upgrade Your Memory," "Upgrade Your Hard Drive," "Upgrade Your Processor." Yeah, you can do it. I've done some. I'm interested in doing others. But this is NOT the place to find out how.
I'm certainly interested in upgrading my hard drive, and this book tells me how to take my laptop apart sufficiently to view, remove, and replace the part. It tells me to have my Windows operating system reinstallation disks handy and to do a full backup of all my data. And it reassures me: "Once you've installed the new hard drive, you'll still be able to access your old drive using an external USB enclosure."
Frankly, I'm not greatly confident that eight pages of instructions and nine steps are going to tell me everything I need to know to expand my mission-critical laptop, especially when Step 8: "Bring Back Those Apps" tells me to "grab all those old installation CDs and reinstall all of your applications." I have good reason to expect that I will run into innumerable licensing and configuration problems, lose the old applications that I can't replace or can't afford to update, and be forced to spend loads of money for new copies of essentials.
In sum, it's a Hansel-and-Gretel story: go out for a romp in the woods, wander deep into the forest, and find a pretty gingerbread house.


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Networking for Home and Small Businesses, CCNA Discovery Learning Guide Review

Networking for Home and Small Businesses, CCNA Discovery Learning Guide
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Purchased this as a textbook for an Introduction to Networking course. Only negative is that CISCO is still using Windows XP on ALL their labs. If you are using Vista or Windows 7, you will need to adapt to different screen shots. As this is a thick text, I took it to FedEx Office [formerly Kinko's] and had it spiral bound into 3 sections: 1. Textbook, 2. Labs & 3. Answers, glossary & index. Good basic intro book.

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Networking for Home and Small BusinessesCCNA Discovery Learning GuideAllan Reid•Jim LorenzNetworking for Home and Small Businesses, CCNA Discovery Learning Guide is the official supplemental textbook for the Networking for Home and Small Businesses course in the Cisco® Networking Academy® CCNA® Discovery curriculum version 4. The course, the first of four in the new curriculum, teaches networking concepts by applying them to a type of network you may encounter in a home or small office. The Learning Guide, written and edited by instructors, is designed as a portable desk reference to use anytime, anywhere to reinforce the material from the course and organize your time. In addition, the book includes expanded coverage of CCENT™/CCNA exam topics.The book's features help you focus on important concepts to succeed in this course:Chapter Objectives–Review core concepts by answering the focus questions listed at the beginning of each chapter.Key Terms–Refer to the lists of networking vocabulary introduced and highlighted in context in each chapter. The Glossary defines each key term.Summary of Activities and Labs–Maximize your study time with this complete list of all associated exercises at the end of each chapter.Check Your Understanding–Evaluate your readiness with the end-of-chapter questions that match the style of questions you see in the online course quizzes. The answer key explains each answer.Challenge Questions and Activities–Apply a deeper understanding of the concepts with these challenging end-of-chapter questions and activities. The answer key explains each answer.Hands-on Labs–Master the practical, hands-on skills of the course by performing all the tasks in the course labs and additional challenge labs included in Part II of the Learning Guide.Allan Reid is the curriculum lead for CCNA and a CCNA and CCNP® instructor at the Centennial College CATC in Toronto, Canada.Jim Lorenz is an instructor and curriculum developer for the Cisco Networking Academy.How To–Look for this icon to study the steps you need to learn to perform certain tasks.Interactive Activities–Reinforce your understanding of topics with more than 50 different exercises from the online course identified through-out the book with this icon. The files for these activities are on the accompanying CD-ROM.Packet Tracer Activities– Explore and visualize networking concepts using Packet Tracer exercises interspersed throughout some chapters. The files for these activities are on the accompanying CD-ROM. Packet Tracer v4.1 software developed by Cisco is available separately.Hands-on Labs–Work through all 26 course labs and 3 additional challenge labs included in Part II of the book. The labs are an integral part of the CCNA Discovery curriculum, so you can review the core text and the lab material to prepare for all your exams.Companion CD-ROMThe CD-ROM includesInteractive ActivitiesPacket Tracer Activity filesIT Career InformationTaking NotesLifelong LearningOSI Model OverviewThis book is part of the Cisco Networking Academy Series from Cisco Press®. Books in this series support and complement the Cisco Networking Academy curriculum.

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Computer Networks (5th Edition) Review

Computer Networks (5th Edition)
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The book maintain the classic structure of subjects based on the OSI model (which is good and proven to work for those who learn about networking)...you will notice the author has updated contents in several sections of the book: from entire new paragraphs, going trough the examples to the jokes itself, adapting them to the modern context in which we live.
New interesting topics as RFID and 3g-4g cellular networks are also commented in good detail...I would say not "mile wide, inch deep", but "mile wide, two inches deep"
I do not give them 5 stars because the problems and exercises at the end of each chapter do not have the solution (or at least the correct answer)...why not sharing the information once and for all???...

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Computer Networks, 5/e is appropriate for Computer Networking or Introduction to Networking courses at both the undergraduate and graduate level in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, CIS, MIS, and Business Departments.

Tanenbaum takes a structured approach to explaining how networks work from the inside out. He starts with an explanation of the physical layer of networking, computer hardware and transmission systems; then works his way up to network applications. Tanenbaum's in-depth application coverage includes email; the domain name system; the World Wide Web (both client- and server-side); and multimedia (including voice over IP, Internet radio video on demand, video conferencing, and streaming media. Each chapter follows a consistent approach: Tanenbaum presents key principles, then illustrates them utilizing real-world example networks that run through the entire book—the Internet, and wireless networks, including Wireless LANs, broadband wireless and Bluetooth. The Fifth Edition includes a chapter devoted exclusively to network security. The textbook is supplemented by a Solutions Manual, as well as a Website containing PowerPoint slides, art in various forms, and other tools for instruction, including a protocol simulator whereby students can develop and test their own network protocols.


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CompTIA A+ Cert Guide (220-701 and 220-702) (2nd Edition) Review

CompTIA A+ Cert Guide (220-701 and 220-702) (2nd Edition)
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I have been reading books authored and co-authored by Scott Mueller since 1998. I have sworn by his Upgrading and Repairing PCs books (now in its 19th Edition with over two million copies sold from the book series) for my own use and for the use of my students in the classes that I teach. I always tell them "if you are going to buy any additional companion book for this A+ certification class, be it for studying for the exam itself or for your reference down the road, get a book written by Scott Mueller - he is THE subject matter expert for all things relating to computer hardware."
Having a CompTIA A+ certification guide written by this master is the best of both worlds - you have a comprehensive study guide for the certification exams as well as a solid reference book for future use.
The publishers found the only way I could think of to up this ante by combining the talent from two additional experts in the field - Mark Edward Soper and David L. Prowse - to make this book a great pick to anyone that is looking to learn more about computer hardware and / or take the CompTIA certification exam for the 220-701 and 220-702 series exams.
The book covers all the topics in the 220-701 and 220-702 series exams which has been updated to include information on the Windows 7 operating system from Microsoft.
The 18 chapters of the book are succinctly broken down by topic and subject matter.
The chapters include a study feature that I have often recommended to my students. There is a pre-assessment quiz at the beginning of the chapter that allows you to gauge your knowledge of the material being covered in the chapter. If you take the pre-assessment quiz and are able to get a very high score you discover that you already have most of the in-depth knowledge for the subject matter of that chapter. That would allow you to safely gloss over the information in quick review fashion. If you were unable to score very well this would allow you to understand that full study of the material in that chapter would be needed in order to better understand the material. This approach benefits the up and coming student as it allows them to focus on areas with additional study time where they are weak with respect to the material which is a huge time saver. Time is also saved by underscoring the limited need to "cram" an area where they are already proficient.
The DVD that accompanies the book includes 2 complete practice exams that can be executed in different testing modes (study mode and practice exam mode) as well as e-book pages for the glossary and appendixes from the main guide.
The CompTIA A+ Cert Guide (220-701 and 220-702) (2nd Edition) is a "must have" for anyone starting out on a new IT career and / or for anyone that has a need for a solid reference and resource guide for computer hardware.

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Includes Coverage of Windows 7Start-to-finish A+ preparation from the world's #1 PC hardware expert, Scott Mueller!Master every topic on both new 2011 A+ exams.Assess your knowledge and focus your learning.Get the practical workplace knowledge you need!Master every A+ topic!Essential concepts and troubleshooting principlesBIOS and CMOSMemory types and characteristics I/O ports and multimedia devicesVideo cards and displaysMotherboards, CPUs, and adapter cardsLaptop componentsNetworking SecurityWindows 7, XP, and 2000Power supplies and system coolingPrintersSafety and environmental concernsTest your knowledge, build your confidence, and succeed!Packed with visuals to help you learn fastDozens of troubleshooting scenariosReal-world A+ prep advice from expertsEasy-to-use exam preparation task listsDo I Know This Already? quizzes help you gauge your knowledge, focus your study, and review the materialDVD Features 2 COMPLETE SAMPLE EXAMSDetailed explanations of correct and incorrect answersMultiple test modesRandom questions and order of answersSample videos from CompTIA A+ Cert KitMark Edward Soper has taught computer troubleshooting and other technical subjects since 1992. He is the author of Sams Teach Yourself Windows 7 in 10 Minutes, Absolute Beginner's Guide to A+ Certification, and many other titles on Windows, networking, and hardware upgrades. He is a CompTIA A+ Certified technician.Scott Mueller is the PC industry's most trusted, authoritative hardware expert. He has personally taught PC repair to thousands of pros and enthusiasts. His book, Upgrading and Repairing PCs, has sold more than 2.2 million copies, making him the world's most successful PC hardware author.David L. Prowse is a computer network specialist, author, and technical trainer. He has taught CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ certification courses to more than 2,000 students, both in the classroom and via the Internet. As a consultant, he installs and secures the latest in computer and networking technology. He has authored and coauthored a number of networking and computer titles for Pearson Education, including CompTIA A+ Exam Cram, Fourth Edition.

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Data and Computer Communications (9th Edition) Review

Data and Computer Communications (9th Edition)
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For the stated audience -- academics and self-study professionals -- it is hard to envision a better single volume study of datacom principles. Divided into five primary parts (overview, data communications, WANs, LANs, and Networking Protocols), it can provide excellent first course source material to provide a general overview of datacom principles and techniques.
Note that, with as much information as being presented, the book is much more useful as a course text for study than for casual reading. However, it covers sufficient areas to be useful as a reference for the data & computer communications professional. Additional information is maintained by the author on his web site which provides more up-to-date information than can ever be maintained in a printed volume.

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Data and Computer Communications, 9e, is a two-time winner of the best Computer Science and Engineering textbook of the year award from the Textbook and Academic Authors Association. It is ideal for one/two-semester courses in Computer Networks, Data Communications, and Communications Networks in CS, CIS, and Electrical Engineering departments.With a focus on the most current technology and a convenient modular format, this best-selling text offers a clear and comprehensive survey of the entire data and computer communications field. Emphasizing both the fundamental principles as well as the critical role of performance in driving protocol and network design, it explores in detail all the critical technical areas in data communications, wide-area networking, local area networking, and protocol design.

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Seeing What's Next: Using Theories of Innovation to Predict Industry Change Review

Seeing What's Next: Using Theories of Innovation to Predict Industry Change
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Seldom do I remember a book that totally replaces the old and popular business literature quite as effectively as Seeing What's Next does in superceding The Innovator's Dilemma and The Innovator's Solution. If you have not read either of those books, you can skip them now and read Seeing What's Next instead. If you have already read those books, you will be delighted to see how much more practical the advice is in Seeing What's Next than in the earlier two efforts.
Before going into the details of what the book covers, I want to especially compliment Professor Christensen for overcoming in Seeing What's Next two of the three most serious weaknesses of The Innovator's Solution -- the lack of discussing business model innovation and the omission of leading technology business model innovation examples.
In Seeing What's Next, the authors take on the challenge of helping executives and managers consider the likelihood of disruptive technology changes occurring and how they should evaluate their potential responses in light of current information. The analysis looks at both the perspective of the companies that will be disrupted and displaced as well as those who are leading the disruptions.
The book is a remarkable combination of theory, process suggestions and detailed case histories to explain the suggested process. As a result, this book will be the most practical guide available for technology executives until Professor Christensen brings out the next installment of his thinking in a future book.
In Part I, the authors use existing theories about disruptive innovations to suggest which signals to pay attention to as suggesting that opportunities exist, how to determine if competitors will be a factor in disruption, choosing an appropriate response and considering how government and other nonmarket influences can affect the result.
In Part II, the process of applying the Part I theories are exemplified in higher education, commercial aviation, semiconductor customer benefits, health care productivity, non-U.S.-based innovations and strategies, and the telecommunications industry.
The book also contains a stimulating conclusion and helpful summary of key concepts in the appendix.
As usual, Professor Christensen and his colleagues have provided many interesting and valuable footnotes. I usually found them to be as interesting as or more interesting than the text.
Having said so many nice things, you are probably wondering what the book's weaknesses are. I found a few that are worth considering before you start reading the book . . . which everyone should do.
1. The proposed analysis of signals and competitors is extremely elementary. It reminded me of the state-of-the-art in strategic thinking in 1971 when I first started as a strategy consultant at The Boston Consulting Group. Today, much better sources of information and means of analysis are available. I was surprised to see such primitive suggestions to such important questions.
2. In the competitive analysis, the book assumes rational competitors who understand where they are. In my experience, innovative situations have everyone confused and they mill about aimlessly . . . often acting against their own rational best interest.
3. The authors take the rationalist view that the future can be predicted well enough in one direction that you can plan and act based on that. Most experienced business people would not agree with that assessment. The opposing view is that you should develop scenarios of what might happen along a number of different extreme lines, and then look for directions that leave you better off regardless of which scenario occurs.
4. While the authors do a wonderful job of describing many disruptive innovations, they do a relatively poor job of discussing how to develop, nurture and accelerate the impact of such innovations. Hopefully, the next book will be much more of a "how to" effort in this direction.
5. Finally, while business model innovations are described in abundance, there's little connection in the book to a process for pursuing business model innovation along with technical innovation. As a result, the table is set . . . but no meal is served in this area.
How good is this book? Many people tell me that Good to Great is the most helpful business book they have ever read. I found Seeing What's Next to be a vastly better and more useful book. Try it.



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Zapped: Why Your Cell Phone Shouldn't Be Your Alarm Clock and 1,268 Ways to Outsmart the Hazards of Electronic Pollution Review

Zapped: Why Your Cell Phone Shouldn't Be Your Alarm Clock and 1,268 Ways to Outsmart the Hazards of Electronic Pollution
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I've followed the terrific work of Ann Louise Gittleman, MS, CNS, PhD for years, and it's clear that after 30 books, many of them bestsellers, she has established herself as a leader in identifying the latest health challenges, as well as in presenting cutting-edge, common sense approaches to help resolve them.
Zapped is an eye opener. A fascinating, well-researched, and well-referenced book that looks at the health consequences of our constant exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and electronic pollution.
We are marinating in electromagnetic fields -- with homes and offices filled with wireless wi-fi internet, smart phones, laptops, electronic games, cordless devices and appliances everywhere. In Zapped, Dr. Gittleman makes a compelling argument for the health impact of this constant exposure, and outlines the research and studies behind the latest health concerns related to electronic pollution. In particular, Dr. Gittleman talks about -- and includes in her references list -- many of the studies that have found that exposure to electromagnetic fields may be associated with Alzheimer's disease, ALS, heart disease, miscarriage, birth defects, infertility, mood disturbances such as depression, and quality of sleep. Of particular concern is the link between EMFs and cancer, especially brain tumors in cell phone users. She also outlines her concerns about the particular danger that electronic pollution poses for children.
The most practical part of the book is the room-by-room guidelines to help you minimize exposure. And, as a holistic nutritionist by training, recognizing that some exposure can not be avoided, Dr. Gittleman also provides strategies -- including nutritional and lifestyle approaches -- that may help physically shield us against the negative health effects of electronic pollution and EMFs.
In the book, Dr. Gittleman asks you to mentally take a walk through your grandparents house, and count up the number of electric and electronic appliances. In most cases, there are very few -- a television, a radio, a phonograph, some electric lamps, maybe a few electric kitchen appliances, and perhaps an alarm clock in the bedroom. Then, you think about just your own bedroom, and you realize the extent of the electronic pollution.
In just my own bedroom, there's a tv, a DVD player, a cable box, an alarm clock, my laptop, my Kindle, a cell phone charging, an Ipod charging, not to mention the cordless phone, and the wi-fi that goes throughout the house. I have to admit that after I read Zapped, I felt so uneasy about the extent to which my family and I are exposed to various electronic devices that I already started making changes recommended by Dr. Gittleman, including:
* When making cell phone calls, switch sides frequently
* Use "Electronic Feng Shui" to reposition appliances and electronics in the home to minimize exposure to EMFs
* Remove Wi-Fi and cordless phone chargers in the bedrooms
* Do not locate sofas and beds on the other side of a wall from a refrigerator
* Don't cradle your laptop in your lap, and especially not when pregnant
* Keep cell phone calls short
* Get the cell phone out of your pocket
* Text rather than call whenever possible
* Use the phone in hands-free mode versus up to your head/ear
As a patient advocate, I know how important it is to overall health that we identify and minimize our exposure to toxins and chronic environmental stressors. While we are surrounded constantly by electronic pollution, Dr. Gittleman has given us a practical program to help us identify the greatest risks, minimize exposure, and protect ourselves and our families from the needless and potentially harmful dangers of electronic pollution.
~ Mary Shomon, Thyroid Patient Advocate, Author

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Agent Zigzag: A True Story of Nazi Espionage, Love, and Betrayal Review

Agent Zigzag: A True Story of Nazi Espionage, Love, and Betrayal
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Over and over through the years as I've read books about real life spies ("Comrade" Kim Philby and Sidney Reilly among others) I've been struck by how much more amazing these non-fiction stories were than those concocted as would-be pulp fiction thrillers. I've also been struck at how all the best spies were anything but good people, and they shared traits of cruelty and self-love that bordered on sociopathic narcissism. Ben Macintyre's biography of Eddie Chapman gives us a man who continues that dubious tradition. This page-turner is fact-filled and well-written and the life it tells of outdoes anything fiction has cranked out in quite a while. It's a very enjoyable read that presented the history of someone I personally had never heard of before I was introduced to him in this book.
Eddie Chapman was no James Bond or even a Sidney Reilly, but he was one of the boldest, most brazen con men ever to serve a nation or a cause, and in so doing he found some redemption from the wrongs of his earlier life. From his days as a roguish charmer who infiltrated high society and first infatuated and later blackmailed rich women in the most callous and base ways imaginable, this safecracker, thief and extortionist found himself sprung by the Germans early in the war when he was then serving a fifteen-year sentence in an English prison in the Channel Islands.
The charismatic Chapman, as liked by his German liberators as by those who'd known him back home, was then recruited by the Nazis as a spy who agreed to do their bidding and sabotage a British aircraft factory in Hertfordshire. He parachuted back onto his native soil during the busy Christmas season of 1942, only to prove his ultimate loyalty by going to the British and offering to in turn spy on the Germans. Ultimately faking the attack in Hertfordshire and returning to Germany through neutral Portugal, Chapman concocted a plan in which he would assassinate Adolph Hitler at a political rally. Although this plan obviously never came to fruition, Chapman bravely continued his double agency thru to the war's conclusion, an astounding feat of skill, luck and sheer courage all the more amazing considering the short lifespan of most other double agents.
So skilled was he at his falsehoods that Chapman was befriended by a number of well-placed Nazi personnel, and was decorated for his service to the Third Reich. Eventually after a posting in German-held Norway, late in the war Chapman was again smuggled into the United Kingdom where in his most noble deed he saved countless lives by concocting false reports to the Germans on the accuracy of their V1 and V2 rockets. In his communiqués Chapman claimed these flying bombs were landing beyond their intended targets, causing the Luftwaffe to re-adjust them to locations the British deemed less populated and therefore safer.
Incredibly after this the gifted liar and actor Chapman returned yet again to Nazi-controlled Norway, where he continued to be of service to his government in London, this time by turning over misleading information to the by-then moribund German military.
Chapman's life was one of amazing luck, daring, and amorality, but his story is also one of a man who betrayed nearly every friend who ever trusted him, and who ruined many lives, even as his service record shows he saved many others. He went on to not only survive the Second World War but live to old age, profiting from an MI5 pension and from the proceeds of the book and film royalties to his remarkable story. Macintyre skillfully takes us into the deeds and era of this confidence man turned double agent, and in doing so has given his readers a fine work of non-fiction that is a pleasure to complete.


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Mike Meyers' CompTIA Network+ Guide to Managing and Troubleshooting Networks, Second Edition (Mike Meyers' Guides) Review

Mike Meyers' CompTIA Network+ Guide to Managing and Troubleshooting Networks, Second Edition (Mike Meyers' Guides)
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This book is very helpful!
I'm not very fit to criticize/applaud this book because I'm not a network guy but I'm trying to be!
That being said...
At a little more than halfway through I have a far better understanding about networks and network technology than I thought I would by this point. Some topics aren't covered in depth but I wasn't looking for an all-exhaustive reference book, I was looking for a "comprehensive understanding" book: a book that could tell me something about most things having to do with networking.
I'm really busy with homework but highly recommend this book for anyone but especially for two kinds of people:
-people starting from scratch in learning about networks
-people looking to fill in the gaps unfilled by their previous education(s)
I'm sorry if I'm not a very good reviewer but I've tried to elaborate my thoughts... however poorly.


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Essential Skills for a Successful IT Career

Written by CompTIA certification and training expert Mike Meyers, this instructive, full-color guide will help you pass the CompTIA Network+ exam and become an expert networking technician. Mike Meyers' CompTIA Network+ Guide to Managing and Troubleshooting Networks, Second Edition is completely up-to-date with the new CompTIA Network+ standards. Inside, you'll find helpful on-the-job tips, end-of-chapter practice questions, and hundreds of photographs and illustrations.

Learn how to:

Build a network with the OSI seven-layer model
Configure network hardware, topologies, and cabling
Connect multiple Ethernet components
Configure wireless networks
Work with network protocols, including TCP/IP, DNS, SIP, and IMAP
Configure IPv4 and IPv6 routing protocols
Share and access network resources
Interconnect network operating systems-Windows, Mac OS, UNIX/Linux
Set up clients and servers for remote access
Monitor and troubleshoot networks
Secure networks with firewalls, packet filtering, encryption, authentication, and other methods

The CD-ROM features:

CompTIA Network+ exam simulation available in Practice or Final mode
Video introduction to CompTIA Network+
A collection of Mike's favorite shareware and freeware networking tools and utilities
Complete electronic book

Each chapter includes:

Learning objectives
Photographs and illustrations
Real-world examples
Try This! and Cross Check exercises
Tech tips, notes, and warnings
End-of-chapter quizzes and lab projects


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Discovering Computers 2011: Complete (Shelly Cashman) Review

Discovering Computers 2011: Complete (Shelly Cashman)
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Since you're reading this review, I gather that you have managed to successfully navigate to Amazon and are considering making an online purchase. Congratulations! If you are able to complete tasks of similar difficulty, like using a keyboard, running a program, and finding information with a search engine, you already know everything in this book.
However, let's just imagine for a minute that you don't know how to get onto Amazon or use Google. Well, guess what!? This book manages to teach you how to do that in a mere 920 pages! That's longer than any world history text I have ever used. They manage to fit the entire history of civilization into fewer pages than this book.
If I had to choose between using this textbook and getting hit in the face, I would choose getting hit in the face. It's less painful and cheaper.

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Discovering Computers 2011; Complete, provides students with a current and thorough introduction to computers by integrating the use of technology with the printed text.

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Audio in Media Review

Audio in Media
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This was my college text for Broadcasting in 1984/85 and I taught Radio Production from this book. I am a video editor (Avid) and a freelance audio engineer having mixed/recorded over 500 music performances. I STILL reference this book. It is easy to understand, direct and thorough; maybe the only textbook you might keep.

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In AUDIO IN MEDIA, Ninth Edition, Stanley Alten-internationally recognized as a scholar and expert in the area of audio production-continues to provide students with an introduction to the basic techniques and principles necessary for audio production in today's media. The clear and current illustrations and photos and student-friendly writing in Alten's market-leading text have helped professors effectively teach this technically-based course to thousands of introductory audio production students. Comprehensive, technically accurate, and up-to-date, the text covers informational, perceptual, and aesthetic aspects of sound as they apply to each stage of the production process-from planning to post-production.

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The Essentials of Telecommunications Management: A Simple Guide to Understanding a Complex Industry Review

The Essentials of Telecommunications Management: A Simple Guide to Understanding a Complex Industry
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In the Introduction the Author draws the reader in by succinctly laying out the social and economic impact of the Telecommunications Industry. Starting from fundamentals the book then adds layers of additional material to provide a concise examination of the sector. Through clearly documented descriptions of the important milestones the reader is presented with a wealth of information that is supplemented by key insights into the industry.
Written in an informal style there is no assumption of prior knowledge, making the book is easy to digest and readily accessible to all, whatever their level. It can be dipped into, to extract the desired information, or read from cover to cover, to acquire a complete overview of the industry.
I would recommend this book to anybody who is interested in increasing their understanding of the Telecommunications Industry and would like to know where it might take us in the future.

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Tesla: Man Out of Time Review

Tesla: Man Out of Time
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I, like many others, have heard the name of Tesla and knew that he was far-sighted and a great inventor. Many rock fans will remember the group "Tesla" and their album "The Great Radio Controversy". I only mention this because I feel it opened the door for a great many young people to have an interest in Tesla.
This book was engrossing from start to finish. The number of patents, the ideas he presented so far ahead of his time and the inventions he brought forth literally changed the world. He does not get credit for most of what he did. He was just recently added to the Smithsonian Museum for his invention of the radio which many still believe was invented by Marconi. And children are still taught in school that "Thomas Edison invented electricity" but in fact the type of of electrity we use today was put forth by Tesla.
His awesome intelligence invented so many components of micro technology that inventors for years after did not comprehend. For instance, this book brings for the facts that "Inventors of modern computer technology in the last half of the twentieth century repeatedly have been surprised, when seeking patents, to encounter Tesla's basic ones, already on file."
To list Nikola Tesla's ideas, discoveries and inventions would take an entire book in itself but some included the Atom Smasher, X-Rays, Radio, electro-magnetic power, AC electricity, Solar Heating, Vacuum Tubes, Remote Control Vehicles, Torpedoes, Force Fields, Microwave Transmissions, Diathormy, High Voltage Conducters, Wireless Communications, World Wide Broadcasting Systems, Flying Saucers, Transisters, The Atomic Clock, Cosmic Rays, Phosphorescent Lighting, The Heating Pat, Robots, Liquid Oxygen, Under Ground Power LInes, Cryogenics, Radar, Guided Missiles, Automobile Speedometer, Highway Systems, Parking Garages, Interplanetary Communications, Laser Beams, Death Rays, Modern Warfare, Geothermal Steam Plants, and the list can go on and on. He once produced an earth quake in New York City and blew out electric plants in Colorado with his experiments. He was so far ahead of his time that the US Air Force is still researching his ideas and the US Government, in posession of his papers, denies that they have any of his notes. What they did acknowledge they had is still classified.
Nikola Tesla was a dapper man who spoke eight languages fluently and onced signed away riches for the benefit of a friend (George Westinghouse) who had supported him in the past. He was a naturalized U.S. citizen and this he considered his greatest accomplishement. His experiments through most of his life were constanty in need of funds and he approached the US Government several times. One can only wonder what might have come of his knowledge if the government had agreed to fund him. Thankfully his devotion was to the United States because both Russia and Germany approached him and he turned them down. As it turns out the US Government expressed much more interest in his experiments after his death than when he was alive. Apparently taking his notes and classifying them and also moving forward in his ideas.
This book presents a great overview with a little insight into his experiments. It covers the man, the experiments, his friends and his times. It's a great introduction to Nikola Tesla and I highly recommend it to anyone who is searching for the truth about historic inventions. Big companies and powerful men continued to keep Tesla's inventions either ignored, ridiculed (until later knowledge proved them right) or stolen so he could not profit to the full extent that he should have. A study in the down side of capitalism.
Buy this book, open your ideas, enjoy history and think about what you have been taught. Fascinating!

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Windows® 7 Inside Out Review

Windows® 7 Inside Out
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I am so accustomed to using the Missing Manual series by David Pogue for OS upgades and programs Windows 7: The Missing Manual but did not have the patience to wait for the printing of the MM book on Windows 7, so decided to buy and dive into this one instead. It is from the Microsoft Press and written by experts in the field of Windows. Who knows the operating system better than the developers themselves?? That said, it needs to be stated that this book is geared toward a more technical user who actually ENJOYS being technical and likes to tinker. If this is not your cup of tea, go with the Windows 7: The Missing Manual as it will humor you and suit your needs. The Windows Inside Out really delves deeply into customization, security, advanced file management and much more.
This book is labeled for the Intermediate / Advanced and contains a CD with tools, training and the book in e-book form. If this is your first technical book, it might be a bit intimidating. I would suggest the Missing Manual by David Pogue if you can wait for it to come to press or Windows 7 Bible which is really geared to the beginner to intermediate user.
5 Stars for Techies

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New Perspectives on the Internet: Comprehensive (New Perspectives (Course Technology Paperback)) Review

New Perspectives on the Internet: Comprehensive (New Perspectives (Course Technology Paperback))
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A typical text book with a huge amount of information and outrageously overpriced. I bought this book for $86 on Amazon, the school bookstore wanted $115. I needed this book only for the class that I was required to take. However, I am happy with Amazon.

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