Pearson Technology Group

ActionScript 3.0 game programming university, 2d ed.

The second edition of this guide to programming games in Adobe Flash provides updated information on the latest features of ActionScript 3.0. Through a series of example game projects, the volume teaches basic game mechanics and concepts and includes new sections on creating 3D games and programming for the Apple iPhone. Numerous screen shots, illustrations and coded examples are provided along with access to extensive online resources, including sample game files. Rosenzweig is a software engineer specializing in web-based flash games. (Annotation ©2011 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Microsoft Lync server 2010 unleashed.

This guide to Microsoft's Lync Server 2010 provides comprehensive instructions for the deployment and maintenance of this popular enterprise level instant messaging, voice over IP and video conferencing framework. Beginning with an overview of the product and the uses of Lync Server 2010, the volume examines install dependencies, administration and management, migration from older versions, voice services, Exchange 2010 and SharePoint 2010 integration, user client software and deployment planning. The work includes numerous illustrations, screen shots, cautions and tips and access to additional online resources is provided. Lewis and Abbate are consultants for Convergent Computing and Pacyk is a systems engineer and trainer. (Annotation ©2011 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Microsoft Sharepoint 2010 business intelligence unleashed.

This guide to the integration of Microsoft SharePoint 2010 with SQL Server 2008 R2 examines the interactive nature of Microsoft's current offerings in business intelligence software and provides step-by-step instructions for performing common tasks with these useful reporting and collaboration tools. Topics discussed include setup and management of reporting services, performance monitoring, PowerPivot integration, Visio graphics services, building management dashboards and basic process troubleshooting. Chapters included numerous screen shots, tips and tricks as well as concise summaries and discussion of best practices related to each subject area. Mann, Rivel, Barley Pletscher and Ismaily are experienced data management and database professionals. (Annotation ©2011 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

PowerShell for SharePoint 2010; how to.

For system administrators in a Microsoft Windows SharePoint environment, this small guide provides practical advice for using the PowerShell command line console to perform common server automation and scripting tasks. The volume is divided into sections covering server management, development and administration, service application management and Microsoft Office application integration and chapters cover such topics as SharePoint installation and configuration, site content deployment, business data connectivity services and Excel and Word integration. The work includes numerous screen shots, code example and tips and tricks and access to additional online resources is provided. Mann is an experienced enterprise application engineer focusing on collaboration and business intelligence processes. (Annotation ©2011 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Sams teach yourself SQL in 24 hours, 5th ed.

This self teaching guide to the industry standard Structured Query Language (SQL) for accessing and working with relational databases provides step-by-step instructions for performing basic and intermediate tasks with many commercial and open source, standards compliant database systems. The volume covers building databases, writing effective results driven queries, advanced queries, performance tuning, and managing database users and security with SQL. Also included is a chapter on advanced topics as well as several appendices containing an index of common commands, exercises, and code samples for example projects. Stephens and Plew are partners at a database consulting firm and Jones is a custom database builder. (Annotation ©2011 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Sams teach yourself SAP in 24 hours, 4th ed.

The fourth edition of this self paced beginner's guide to the SAP collection of business management applications provides step-by-step instructions for understanding common features with this multifaceted enterprise infrastructure software. Beginning with an introduction to SAP concepts, the volume covers applications and components, SAP for business users, SAP for IT professionals and career opportunities in the SAP management field. The work includes numerous screen shots and each chapter provides a case study with review questions. Anderson is a SAP Basis consultant for Microsoft Services. (Annotation ©2011 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Sams teach yourself the Twitter API in 24 hours.

This guide provides intermediate-level and experienced programmers with 24 one-hour sessions that show how to build new social applications using Twitter API. It explains how to create a functional Twitter client, including all HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP needed, as well as making API calls on the iPhone and Android operating systems for mobile applications. It explains setting up an account; registering an application; types of users and applications; creating a development environment and Twitter API framework; building a simple reader and client; Twitter OAuth; direct messages; lists; favorites and user methods; search trends and GEO methods for filtering; friendship, notification, block, and account methods; documentation; streaming API; and FailWhale. Knowledge of the basics of LAMP, including how to set up a basic server, PHP, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS is assumed. Peri, who works in rich media web-based applications, created a web-based Twitter management application and developed Twitter "bots." (Annotation ©2011 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Sams teach yourself Windows 7 in 10 minutes.

Sope, who writes books on technology topics and has consumer and corporate training experience in Windows, application software, networking, and hardware upgrading and repair, helps users of Windows 7 learn the program in 11 10-minute lessons that guide them through its major features: managing the desktop, working with libraries, managing photos and media, managing devices and printers, connecting to a wireless network, browsing the web using Internet Explorer 8, creating and using a homegroup, connecting to other Windows computers, and using Windows Backup and Action Center. An online edition of the book is included. (Annotation ©2011 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Statistical analysis; Microsoft Excel 2010.

This guide to statistical analysis using Microsoft's Excel spreadsheet application provides instruction in foundational statistical functions and examines how they can be used within the software environment. The volume covers core topics such as variables and values, variance, covariance and regression analysis and relates each topic to how it could be implemented within Excel. Chapters include numerous illustrations, screen shots formulas and notes. Carlberg is a consultant specializing in the development of statistical and forecasting software tools. (Annotation ©2011 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Using Microsoft Visio 2010.

This guide explains how to use Microsoft Visio 2010 to create charts, diagrams, and other illustrations that can be linked to data. Roth discusses essentials of diagramming, shortcuts, special features, and advanced techniques, with a focus on the Standard edition. He explains how to assemble and manage connected drawings from premade libraries of shapes; manage, search, and create shape libraries and incorporate graphics from external sources; organize, annotate, and add structure using containers, multiple pages, layers, and other features; incorporate data into diagrams, link to external sources, and add visualizations based on data; print in different formats; share through email, exporting, and web publishing; and program basic shapes and write simple macro code to automate the program. The book includes a web edition with video tutorials and audio sidebars, as well as an online chapter on developing custom Visio solutions. Roth, a developer and independent contractor who worked for Visio, runs a website devoted to the application. (Annotation ©2011 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Windows 7 portable command guide; MCTS 70-680, and MCITP 70-685 and 70-686.

This syntax guide for Microsoft Windows 7 provides a collection of practical command line examples for system administrators. Designed to cover problems found in the Microsoft Certified Professional Technology Specialist 70-680 and IT Professional 70-685 and 70-686 examinations, this volume includes command line commands for scripting with batch files, managing and maintaining Windows 7 installation, troubleshooting, remote administration, imaging, managing user data and using PowerShell. Numerous screen shots and code examples are provided and access to an online edition is included with purchase. Gibson is a security consultant and trainer. (Annotation ©2011 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)