Posted: October 15th, 2008, 5:35pm CEST
Hi. Welcome to the book. We hope you like it.
If you’re a student just starting out on your first programming course, this book is for you. This book contains what we think you’ll need to know as you go through your course. We very much hope you’ll enjoy reading it and come to enjoy programming.
Because we want to get something absolutely clear before we go any further; programming is enjoyable. It’s a creative pastime, and has been called by some a craft. Writing a program is the process of creating something from nothing – the process of creating something that solves a real problem and hopefully makes the world a better place. Acomplete and correct program can be a source of great satisfaction to a programmer. Even the appearance of the lines of a program laid out on a sheet of paper can be a thing of beauty, almost like a poem.
But enough of these fine words. We would be lying to you if we didn’t admit that many people do not especially enjoy learning to program. Many people do find it difficult, but just as many take to it quickly and easily; we suppose that you’ll be finding out which one you are in the next few weeks. Whichever turns out to be you, just keep in mind that anyone can get there eventually; there’s nothing special about people who can write computer programs.
This book is not like many of the other books on programming that you can see on shelves in the bookshops or libraries. For a start there’s no chapter on the history of computers, gloriously illustrated with highly amusing photos and hairstyles from the 1950s. No. We’ll be assuming that if you want to look at that sort of stuff you know where to find it, and you’ll go and seek it out. No. This is a book about programming.
Posted: October 15th, 2008, 5:33pm CEST
This book constitutes the refereed joint proceedings of seven workshops on evolutionary computing, EvoWorkshops 2007, held in Valencia, Spain in April 2007.
The 55 revised full papers and 24 revised short papers presented were carefully reviewed and selected from a total of 160 submissions. In accordance with the seven workshops covered, the papers are organized in topical sections on evolutionary computation in communications, networks, and connected systems, evolutionary computation in finance and economics, evolutionary computation in image analysis and signal processing, interactive evolution and humanized computational intelligence, evolutionary music and art, evolutionary algorithms in stochastic and dynamic environments, as well as evolutionary computation in transportation and logistics.
Posted: October 15th, 2008, 5:32pm CEST
This book constitutes the thoroughly refereed post-proceedings of the 5th International Workshop on Task Models and Diagrams for User Interface Design, TAMODIA 2006, held in Hasselt, Belgium in October 2006.
The 23 revised full papers presented together with 1 invited paper were carefully reviewed and selected from numerous submissions for inclusion in the book. The workshop focused on different forms of models, diagrammatic and formal notations, and analytic frameworks used to understand human tasks and activities with computers and technology. The papers are organized in topical sections on tool support, model-based interface development, user interface patterns, bridging the gap: driven by models, task-centered design, multi-modal user interfaces, reflections on tasks and activities in modeling, as well as context and plasticity.
Posted: October 15th, 2008, 5:32pm CEST
We describe in this book, new methods and applications of hybrid intelligent systems using soft computing techniques. Soft Computing (SC) consists of several intelligent computing paradigms, including fuzzy logic, neural networks, and evolutionary algorithms, which can be used to produce powerful hybrid intelligent systems. The book is organized in five main parts, which contain a group of papers around a similar subject. The first part consists of papers with the main theme of intelligent control, which are basically papers that use hybrid systems to solve particular problems of control. The second part contains papers with the main theme of pattern recognition, which are basically papers using soft computing techniques for achieving pattern recognition in different applications. The third part contains papers with the themes of intelligent agents and social systems, which are papers that apply the ideas of agents and social behavior to solve real-world problems. The fourth part contains papers that deal with the hardware implementation of intelligent systems for solving particular problems. The fifth part contains papers that deal with modeling, simulation and optimization for real-world applications.
Posted: October 15th, 2008, 5:31pm CEST
This volume contains the final proceedings of the Sixth International Andrei Ershov Memorial Conference on Perspectives of System Informatics (PSI 2006), held in Akademgorodok (Novosibirsk, Russia), June 27-30, 2006.
The conference was held to honour the 75th anniversary of a member of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrei Ershov (1931–1988) and his outstanding contributions towards advancing informatics. The role of Andrei Ershov in the establishment and development of the theory of programming and systems programming in our country cannot be overestimated. Andrei was one of the founders of the Siberian Computer Science School. He guided and took active part in the development of the programming system ALPHA and the multilanguage system BETA, and authored some of the most remarkable results in the theory of programming. Andrei is justly considered one of the founders of the theory of mixed computation. In 1974 he was nominated as Distinguished Fellow of the British Computer Society. In 1981 he received the Silver Core Award for services rendered to IFIP. Andrei Ershov’s brilliant speeches were always in the focus of public attention. Especially notable were his lectures “Aesthetic and Human Factor in Programming” and “Programming—The Second Literacy.” He was not only an extremely gifted scientist, teacher and fighter for his ideas, but also a bright and many-sided personality. He wrote poetry, translated the works of R. Kipling and other English poets, and enjoyed playing guitar and singing. Everyone who had the pleasure of knowing Andrei Ershov and working with him will always remember his great vision, eminent achievements and generous friendship.
Another aim of the conference was to provide a forum for the presentation and in-depth discussion of advanced research directions in computer science. For a developing science, it is important to work out consolidating ideas, concepts and models. Movement in this direction was a further goal of the conference.
Posted: October 15th, 2008, 5:28pm CEST
From the simple VR games found in upscale video arcades, to the ultimate "immersion"--the CAVE, a surround screen, surround sound system that projects 3 D computer graphics into a ten-foot high cube--virtual reality has introduced what is literally a new dimension of reality to daily life. But it is not without controversy. Indeed, some say that a collision is inevitable between those passionately involved in the computer industry and those increasingly alienated from (and often replaced by) its applications. Opinions range from the cyberpunk attitude of Wired magazine and Bill Gates's commercial optimism to the violent opposition of the Unabomber. Now, with Virtual Realism, readers have a thought-provoking guide to the "cyberspace backlash" debate and the implications of cyberspace for our culture.
Michael Heim first offers a thoughtful discussion of what virtual reality is "in the strong sense." He outlines its essential characteristics -including the "Three I's" of immersion, interactivity, and information intensity--and introduces readers to such virtual reality technologies as head mounted displays; SIMNET, a networked simulation of tanks rolling over a virtual terrain; and flight simulators in which a trainee can experience conditions approximating those of actual flight. He also leads us through a fascinating gallery of virtual art experiences, including Marcos Novak's Virtual Dervish, in which the viewer wears a head mounted display and is immersed among and interacts with drifting, shifting "transhuman figures" and other virtual entities. And he describes various side effects of immersion in virtual reality, including types of relativity sickness known as Alternate World Syndrome (AWS) and Alternate World Disorder (AWD). Perhaps most important, Heim suggests ways of living with technology and harmonizing computers with culture. For instance, he offers a philosophical reconciliation between the conflicting views of "naive realists," who regard computer systems as a suppression of reality rather than an extension of it, and "idealists" who seem to think computers and software can cure all ills. Heim argues convincingly that in order to have an accurate view of the relationship between "natural nature" and cyberspace, we must balance the idealist's enthusiasm for computerized life with the need to ground ourselves more deeply in primary reality. This "uneasy balance" he calls virtual realism.
In this wide ranging exploration, Michael Heim draws on an incredibly eclectic range of sources, from the lyrics of Jim Morrison, to the wisdom of the Tai Chi masters, to the works of philosophers and writers as varied as Heraclitus, Descartes, William Gibson, and Jacques Ellul. The result is an ambitious and provocative commentary on the ways in which virtual reality and associated technologies are increasingly influencing our lives.
About the Author
Michael Heim is the author of the award winning The Metaphysics of Virtual Reality and the ground breaking Electric Language.
Posted: October 15th, 2008, 5:28pm CEST
You're about to come down with a case of mod
Face it—you're just not a boring beige box person. If you were, you'd never have picked up this book. So if you've even fantasized about making your computer case scream "cool," don't put it down. Part I shows you the tools you need and how to use them. Part II frees your creativity, with detailed instructions from the inventors of nine incredible mods. You can build any of those, or use them as a launch pad to create your own.
Meet the mods
Each includes detailed, illustrated instructions and the story behind the mod.
- Matrimony mod
- The mad scientist
- Picture frame PC
- Framed 8.0 custom PC
- miniMAME
- $3000 Fish tank
- UFOs have landed
- Millennium Falcon PC
- Aircraft carrier PC
About the Author
Russ Caslis has been hacking, modifying, and tricking out computers since long before modding got mainstream. You'll see his creations on all the popular online case modding sites, in tech magazines, and even on TV.
Posted: October 15th, 2008, 5:27pm CEST
Multimedia has become a very large and diverse field of activity. Its fuzzy boundaries merge into Information Technology. Disk storage, creative aspects like authoring, transmission protocols, standards, politics, and networks called superhighways are examples of activities where technical matters, creative work, applications, politics, and marketing hype are intermingled.
Two particular problems have been encountered in trying to arrange this book.
First, technical explanations may be unwanted. For example, a reader interested in the effectiveness of multimedia systems for teaching may not want to wade through technical data. Accordingly, technology is mainly confined toseparate chapters. However, it is not possible to explain, for instance, certain CDI applications without constant reference to the technology.
Second, not all of the information about a particular subject can be covered in one place—some aspects of it may be more appropriately covered in another chapter. On the other hand, a subject becomes fragmented if separate aspects of it are made to fit the ‘right’ chapter. In this book an attempt has been made to put major aspects of a subject in the chapter where a reader would expect to find it. The ambiguity of its different aspects sometimes makes this a difficult choice, but the book has a comprehensive index.
In those parts of the book where technical explanations are required I have tried to keep them simple. If jargon or acronyms are used, their meaning will be found in the glossary. I hope that the large collection of references will be useful.
Posted: October 15th, 2008, 5:27pm CEST
Synchronized Multimedia Integration Language (SMIL), an XML-based language, allows designers to synchronize and position video, pictures, animations, audio, and text to stream presentations via the Web. Recently, the W3C finalized SMIL 2.0, which offers a more advanced set of controls. Although RealPlayer, QuickTime and Internet Explorer all support for SMIL, each supports a slightly different set of commands from SMIL 1.0 and SMIL 2.0.SMIL: Adding Multimedia to the Web is for designers and developers who want to deliver multimedia content on the Web. The book begins with an overview of SMIL and the various authoring and delivery platforms. Then, it moves on to cover the SMIL Specification Modules, starting with the basic structure of a SMIL document and building on that knowledge to use SMIL for presentation layout, to create timed animations and links, and to generate transitions and effects. There are concrete code examples for each Module, and a complete Tag reference as well. Finally, there are real world projects that detail how SMIL is implemented in each.The book is a thorough introduction to SMIL, as well as an excellent reference. By the time you finish SMIL: Adding Multimedia for the Web, you will be able to create complex multimedia presentations using this exciting new technology.
About the Author
Tim Kennedy is the originator of Just SMIL (JustSMIL), the first major informational Web site about the SMIL language. His company, Online Delivery, created the original Streaming Media World (streamingmediaworld) site for Internet. His speaking appearances include informational sessions at Internet World and RealNetworks conferences. An enthusiast for all types of media production, he is currently Chair of the Media Communication and Technology program at Bellevue Community College.
Mary Slowinski is a full-time faculty member at Bellevue Community College (bcc.ctc) instructing in Web design, digital video editing, and streaming technologies. In the summer, she teaches intensive workshops for teachers and other educators to assist them with mastering and incorporating new technologies into their course curriculum. Her other interests include distance speed skating, world music, and viewing vistas.
Posted: October 15th, 2008, 5:46am CEST
Sams Teach Yourself DHTML in 24 Hours provides a friendly, accessible way to learn DHTML. Beginning with the basic concepts, it will proceed with concise lessons on the DOM and style sheets. Later lessons will present real-world examples of useful DHTML applications, such as cascading menus, and continue with advanced techniques, such as animation and dynamic fonts.
After finishing this book, readers will be able to add advanced, interactive features to their Web pages, while adhering to standards and ensuring that older and alternate browsers will still be supported.
About the Author
Michael Moncur is the owner of Starling Technologies, a network consulting firm, and an independent Web developer. He has written a number of books, including Sams Teach Yourself JavaScript in 24 Hours and several other best-selling books on networks and MCSE training.
Posted: October 15th, 2008, 5:45am CEST
XML in Flash is an excellent introduction to creating state-of-the-art Flash applications with XML. XML is quickly becoming the most popular way to store and manage data. Flash's XML Socket makes it possible to network Flash front-ends to an application server. This allows developers to use a Flash interface for applications such as message boards, real-time chats, surveys, news feeds, and games.XML in Flash begins by illustrating the basics of XML and the Flash XML Object. In Part I, Flash is used as a teaching aid as you learn the basics of Flash/XML integration. Part II covers how Flash works with middleware languages, such as PHP and ASP, as well as performance and optimization. You will also create a Flash message board with a database. Part III delves into the advantages of XMLSocket. Hands-on projects include creating a stock market ticker to receive XML data from servers. Finally, the appendixes include invaluable reference information on XML, XMLNode objects, and XMLSocket objects, as well as Frequently Asked Questions. The example applications also illustrate the key concepts necessary for understanding the Flash/XML relationship. You will be able to use the applications on the accompanying Web site regardless of whether or not you spend the time to read and learn about their inner workings.
About the Author
Craig Swann has been an active member of the Flash community since it's early days and formed CRASH!MEDIA in 1997 as a way to express and explore this non-linear and interactive digital landscape. CRASH!MEDIA is a Toronto-based Interactive Design Agency that specializes in integrating fresh ideas with cutting edge technology. CRASH!MEDIA has worked on a wide range of Flash projects for the following companies: Coca-Cola, Intel, Alliance Atlantis, YTV, General Mills, University of Toronto, The Canadian Gemini Awards, MGI Software and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. As well as creating Flash rich-media ads for the Excite @ Home Network, Last year, CRASH!MEDIA's Flash site received the Best National/International Design award at the South by Southwest Interactive festival, and so far this year has received the coveted Macromedia Site of the Week Award. CRASH!MEDIA is currently extending into new wireless markets, creating wireless applications for Flash enabled devices including PocketPC, set-top boxes and PDA's.
Gregg Caines has been a freelance Web developer for a number of years, pinch-hitting for a number of big name companies including RaceFace, Durex, Aramark, and Crash!Media. His specialties are Flash, ASP, and PHP, but he enjoys tackling new languages and technologies just as much. When he's not downing cola's and hacking out web apps, he enjoys snowboarding, punk rock, and long walks on the beach.
Posted: October 15th, 2008, 5:44am CEST
This book constitutes the refereed proceedings of the International Conference on Computational Intelligence, 6th Dortmund Fuzzy Days, held in Dortmund, Germany, in May 1999.
The 68 revised full papers presented were carefully reviewed and selected from an overwhelming number of submissions. Also included are three invited contributions and 13 poster presentations. The papers are devoted to foundational and practical issues in fuzzy systems, neural networks, and genetic algorithms and thus cover the whole range of computational intelligence.
Posted: October 15th, 2008, 5:44am CEST
The book describes color management for the print production with a focus on implementing standards for separation, soft proof, contract proof, data delivery and printing.
The basics and strategies are targeted at setting up vendor-independent color management workflows which can easily be realized with leading applications from e.g. Adobe, AGFA, GMG, Heidelberg, Kodak and X-Rite.
The author explains with a unique graphical concept how different standards such as ISO 12647, SWOP, GRACoL, G7, ICC profile format and PDF/X fit together.
He describes the main points for setting up color management and quality control from the print buyer over photography, agency and pre-press to the printer. The book has a strong focus on communication between print buyer, photographer, agency, pre-press and printers. Based on the best practice in communication it explains the important steps for quality control for digital data, contract proofs and prints.
Posted: October 15th, 2008, 5:43am CEST
…a comprehensive, practical cookbook of software testing with a slight mix of quality spices. …the book is a step-by-step guide of how to perform testing. It is practically focused and, in many of the chapters, the reader can follow the tasks (as if they were recipes) when performing testing activities.
-Software Testing, Verification & Reliability, Vol. 15, No. 3, Sept. 2005
Whether you are inheriting a test team or starting one up,
daily basis, explaining what you need to focus on strategically, tactically, and operationally.
Using a risk-based approach, the author addresses a range of questions about software product development. The book covers unit, system, and non-functional tests and includes examples on how to estimate the number of bugs expected to be found, the time required for testing, and the date when a release is ready. It weighs the cost of finding bugs against the risks of missing release dates or letting bugs appear in the final released product.
It is imperative to determine if bugs do exist and then be able to metric how quickly they can be identified, the cost they incur, and how many remain in the product when it is released. With this book,test managers can effectively and accurately establish these parameters.
Posted: October 15th, 2008, 5:40am CEST
The 9th ACIS International Conference on Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Networking, and Parallel/Distributed Computing, held in Phuket Thailand on August 6 – 8, 2008 is aimed at bringing together researchers and scientist, businessmen and entrepreneurs, teachers and students to discuss the numerous fields of computer science, and to share ideas and information in a meaningful way. This publication captures 20 of the conference’s most promising papers, and we impatiently await the important contributions that we know these authors will bring to the field.
Posted: October 15th, 2008, 5:40am CEST
This book constitutes the thoroughly refereed post-proceedings of the 13th International Workshop on Design, Specification, and Verification of Interactive Systems, DSVIS 2006, held in Dublin, Ireland in July 2006.
The 19 revised full papers presented together with 1 keynote paper, and 2 working group reports were carefully reviewed and selected from 57 submissions during two rounds of reviewing and improvement. The papers are organized in topical sections on HCI research, critical systems, model based development, cognitive aspects of interaction, use of models, haptics and multimodality, prototyping and evaluation, supporting user interface development, and group discussions.
Posted: October 15th, 2008, 5:40am CEST
This book constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 9th International Symposium on Practical Aspects of Declarative Languages, PADL 2007, held in Nice, France, in January 2007, colocated with POPL 2007, the Symposium on Principles of Programming Languages.
The 19 revised full papers presented together with 2 invited papers were carefully reviewed and selected from 58 submissions. All current aspects of declarative programming are addressed including implementational issues and innovative applications in areas such as database management, software engineering, functional logic, decision support systems, constraint programming, model checking, probabilistic programming, Java and Prolog programming.
