Teach Yourself Electricity and Electronics, Fourth Edition Review

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(More customer reviews)Just to make this clear, I'm writing this as somebody who does NOT have a degree in Electrical Engineering. I've been trying to get into electronics for years and have tried many different books.
I'll break this review into three sections as I think this book needs three different ratings.
1. 5 stars for teaching basic electronics theory and concepts. The majority of the theory is in the first two sections of the book. After wrestling with "The Art of Electronics" and the 1st edition of "Practical Electronics for Inventors" for years this was the book that finally made sense. The chapters are well paced and the tests are a good way to help think about what you've learned.
2. 3 stars for Section 3. This is an issue because section 3 is where the book starts with diodes, transistors, and electronics circuits. As far as helping us understand electronics, this section is not even near the level of the first two sections of the book. More importantly, the author does not adequately explain the circuits presented.
3. 1 or 2 stars for teaching "Practical" skills. After moving through almost 3 sections of this book, I understand a lot of theory but can't understand what is going in a basic circuit when I look at one. This book is completely lacking in the practical aspect. I assumed all this would be explained in the third section but it isn't.
I think this would be a great first book. You will, however, need other books to learn some practical skills, which is why you wanted to get into electronics in the first place.

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Learn the hows and whys behind basic electricity, electronics, and communications without formal training
The best combination self-teaching guide, home reference, and classroom text on electricity and electronics has been updated to deliver the latest advances.Great for preparing for amateur and commercial licensing exams, this guide has been prized by thousands of students and professionals for its uniquely thorough coverage ranging from DC and AC concepts to semiconductors and integrated circuits.
Written by Stan Gibilisco, an electronics legend and McGraw-Hill's most popular TAB author
Perfect for hobbyists, students, and those of you who want to get ahead in tech-related careers
Packed with everything needed to enhance learning: 600+ illustrations, practical examples, and hundreds of test questions

NEW TO THIS EDITION:Updated to reflect the latest technological advances in: * Computers * Robotics * Artificial Intelligence * Amplifiers * Transmitters * The Internet * High-fidelity
EXPERT HOW-TO GUIDANCE ON SOLVING PROBLEMS SUCH AS:
Simple current-voltage-resistance determinators
Power calculations
Designing acoustical and audio systems
Designing circuits and systems

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Windows 7 For Dummies Book + DVD Bundle Review

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(More customer reviews)Very well written with a gentle humor. The book is written for all levels of computer knowledge. You can skip around and read subjects where you need help or have an interest. I chose to start studying at the beginning and even found the basic level of information interesting. Andy has a way of pointing out the secrets of Windows 7. He even taught me several points about Windows XP in the process.
The DVD is excellent and covers the basics of Windows 7. The book deals in the depth but the DVD gets you off and running and you can learn from there. Windows 7 is a good operating system but when you jump from XP to Win7 there are gaps that are not obvious. The DVD gets you up to speed quickly.
I think the DVD and book package are well worth the price. I have recommended it to several people already. They agree with me that it is a good purchase.

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Windows 7 is Microsoft's much-anticipated new release of the operating system that powers nearly 90% of the world's computers. This two-for-one package provides the step-by-step guidance that will get you up and running with all the exciting new features.
This bundle includes the complete Windows 7 For Dummies book plus a DVD with two hours of video training. Featuring the expert advice you get in the book, the DVD shows you how to accomplish various Windows tasks and displays the screens you'll see as you proceed.

A two-for-one value - the full-size Windows 7 For Dummies book plus two hours of video training on DVD
Windows 7 has new features, an interface with more graphical elements, better interactivitiy with other devices, and faster speed
Whether you're new to computers or just to Windows 7, this handy package provides a simple, easy-to-use guide plus video illustration to help you accomplish basic tasks in Windows
Covers the things most books assume you already know, as well as how to work with files and programs, get things done online, and customize Windows 7
Shows you how to use movie, music, and photo management features, how to upgrade your system, and how to fix common problems you'll encounter
DVD shows you what you'll see on the screen as you master each step

This great book-and-DVD package will have you comfortably using Windows 7 faster than you can say 1-2-3!

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Radio Handbook, Twenty Third Edition Review

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(More customer reviews)The late Bill Orr, W6SAI, was a legend to many of us old timer hams. His books were always practical and helpful. Radio Handbook is no exception. This is a reprint of an older edition of Radio Handbook so its technology looks like 80's vintage. (Get the ARRL Handbook for recent stuff.) This book's strength is tube-type linear amplifiers. That's why I bought it and I'm happy with it. Very practical help and ideas. His general radio theory sections are quite clear as well. For other circuits and devices, I found the material rather dated. But for amps, it's my book!

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Written for the advanced engineer, technician, or advanced radio amateur, this popular guide to radio communications presents complete documentation on many technical topics.It studies HF, VHF, and UHF spectrums, covers theory and equipment design in detail, and explains construction techniques. For engineers, technicians and advanced radio amateurs.HF, VHF, and UHF spectrums.Detailed theory and equipment design.

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Wireless Networking Technology: From Principles to Successful Implementation Review

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(More customer reviews)Are you a wireless networking system developer? If you are, then this book is for you! Author Steve Rackley, has done an outstanding job of writing a book which aims to give the reader a detailed insight into the wide variety of wireless networking technology available today.
Rackley, begins by introducing you to the logical and physical architecture of wireless networks. In addition, the author describes the basics of wireless communications. The author then focuses on what perhaps is the most important operating scale for wireless networks: The Local area Network. Next, he takes a detailed look at wireless networking technologies on the personal area scale, including Bluetooth, wireless USB, ZigBee, IrDA and Near Field Communications. Then, he looks at how the metropolitan area networking challenges of scalability, flexibility and quality of service have been addressed by wireless MAN standards, particularly WiMax. The author continues by looking at four emerging technologies: wireless mesh routing, network independent handover, gigabit wireless LANs and cognitive radio. Finally, he provides a quick reference guide to some of the key online information sites and resources relating to wireless networking.
This most excellent book provides the reader with sufficient depth to gain an understanding of the fundamentals and diversity of the principles of wireless networking technologies. Perhaps more importantly, this book will serve as a foundation on which, a discussion of the principal aspects of wireless network implementation can be grounded!

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As the demand for higher bandwidth has lead to the development of increasingly complex wireless technologies, an understanding of both wireless networking technologies and radio frequency (RF) principles is essential for implementing high performance and cost effective wireless networks.Wireless Networking Technology clearly explains the latest wireless technologies, covering all scales of wireless networking from personal (PAN) through local area (LAN) to metropolitan (MAN). Building on a comprehensive review of the underlying technologies, this practical guide contains 'how to' implementation information, including a case study that looks at the specific requirements for a voice over wireless LAN application. This invaluable resource will give engineers and managers all the necessary knowledge to design, implement and operate high performance wireless networks. Explore in detail wireless networking technologies and understand the concepts behind RF propagation. Gain the knowledge and skills required to install, use and troubleshoot wireless networks. Learn how to address the problems involved in implementing a wireless network, including the impact of signal propagation on operating range, equipment inter-operability problems and many more. Maximise the efficiency and security of your wireless network.

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Wi-Fi Toys: 15 Cool Wireless Projects for Home, Office, and Entertainment (ExtremeTech) Review

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(More customer reviews)I was hoping that this book would help me boost my Wi-Fi signal around the house, since the reception downstairs is a little weak. Well, it did show me how to boost my signal - for up to 20 miles! Ok, seriously, long distance wi-fi is one of the 15 projects in this book, but my solution was actually in building the high-gain antenna project in chapter 4, which did indeed solve my reception problems.
The book is very well written, and has plenty of photos to guide you along the way. The projects are definately cool, and there are plenty to keep us geek types busy.
If you are using wireless networking, I would encourage you to take a look at this book.

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This ultra-cool volume invites readers to tap into your inner geek and build seventeen ultra-cool wireless devices including a solar powered access point, a wireless picture frame that dynamically changes its own photos, and even a wireless car-to-car audio and video system
With a few simple tools, some off-the-shelf parts, and this book, readers will be creating wireless devices they never thought were possible-toys that certainly can't be found at the local computer store
Written by the cofounder and members of the Southern California Wireless Users Group, this book provides readers with hands-on instruction and insider tips and tricks from those who are on the bleeding edge of wireless technology
New addition to the ExtremeTech line of books-books for serious technophiles

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