[vox] [fwd] Newsletter from O'Reilly UG Program, March 3
Bill Kendrick
nbs at sonic.net
Fri Mar 4 14:51:15 PST 2005
----- Forwarded message from Marsee Henon -----
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O'Reilly News for User Group Members
March 3, 2005
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Book News
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-Jakarta Struts Cookbook
-Apple I Replica Creation
-Programming Flash Communication Server
-The Linux Enterprise Cluster
-Programming C#, 4th Edition
-Pragmatic Version Control Using Subversion
-PC Hardware Buyer's Guide
-Game Coding Complete, Second Ed.
-Office 2004 for Macintosh: The Missing Manual
-Linux in a Windows World
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Upcoming Events
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-Bonnie Biafore ("Online Investing Hacks") San Francisco Investors'
Forum, San Ramon, CA--March 5
-O'Reilly at PhotoShop World, Las Vegas, NV--March 9
-Steve Bass ("PC Annoyances") on the Radio with ComputerAmerica
March 7, April 4, May 2, and June 6
-Steve Bass ("PC Annoyances") on "AirTalk with Larry Mantle,"
KPCC (89.3FM), Pasadena, CA--March 15
-Greg Kroah-Hartman, ("Linux Device Drivers, 3rd Ed."), Powell's Technical
Bookstore, Portland, OR--April 16
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Conference News
----------------------------------------------------------------
-Register for the 2005 O'Reilly Emerging Technology Conference,
San Diego, CA--March 14-17
-Register for the 2005 MySQL Users Conference,
Santa Clara, CA--April 18-21
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News
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-How Paris Got Hacked?
-SafariU Revolutionizes the Textbook
-Remixing Culture: An Interview with Lawrence Lessig
-O'Reilly Learning Lab: $200 Instant Rebate
-MAKE Subscriptions Available
-Trouble in the Kernel, VMware, and PostgreSQL
-Building the PostgreSQL BuildFarm
-Display Your Favorite Album Artwork in iTunes
-Build an iTunes Remote Control
-Mac Books in Newsweek
-Understanding Administrative Templates
-Data Binding in ASP.NET 2.0
-A Look at Commons Chain: The New Java Framework
-Aspect-Oriented Annotations
-Rid Yourself of Digital Media Annoyances
-Build a Simple MP3 Player for Your Site
-Actions for Photoshop Elements 3
-Yahoo! Web Services
-Not the Usual Suspects: Recruiting Usability Test Participants
-Logs, Browsers and Statistics: The Decline of Internet Explorer 5
================================================
Book News
================================================
Did you know you can request a free book to review for your
group? Ask your group leader for more information.
For book review writing tips and suggestions, go to:
http://ug.oreilly.com/bookreviews.html
Don't forget, you can receive 20% off any O'Reilly, No Starch,
Paraglyph, Pragmatic Bookshelf, SitePoint, or Syngress book you
purchase directly from O'Reilly.
Just use code DSUG when ordering online or by phone 800-998-9938.
http://www.oreilly.com/
***Free ground shipping is available for online orders of at
least $29.95 that go to a single U.S. address. This offer
applies to U.S. delivery addresses in the 50 states and Puerto Rico.
For more details, go to:
http://www.oreilly.com/news/freeshipping_0703.html
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New Releases
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***Jakarta Struts Cookbook
Publisher: O'Reilly
ISBN: 059600771X
"Jakarta Struts Cookbook" is an amazing collection of code solutions to
common--and uncommon--problems encountered when building web applications
with the Struts Framework. With solutions to real-world problems, this
look-up reference is perfect for independent developers, large development
teams, and everyone in between who wishes to use the Struts Framework to
its fullest potential. Plus, it is completely up-to-date with the latest
versions of Framework, so readers can be sure the information is viable.
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/jakartastrutsckbk/index.html
Chapter 14, "Tiles and Other Presentation Approaches," is available
online:
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/jakartastrutsckbk/chapter/index.html
***Apple I Replica Creation
Back to the Garage
Publisher: Syngress
ISBN: 193183640X
Computers like the Apple I are incredibly simple machines. Even if you
have no experience with electronics, this book will teach you how to build
your own replica of the Apple I, show you how to program it yourself, and
introduce you to exciting ways to expand your Apple I to control lights,
motors, and more.
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/193183640X/index.html
***Programming Flash Communication Server
Publisher: O'Reilly
ISBN: 0596005040
"Programming Flash Communication Server" not only explains how to use the
pre-built FCS components to construct a simple application, it also
explains the architecture so that developers can program custom components
to make even more advanced applications. In addition, the book explains
how to truly optimize performance and talks about considerations for
networked applications as well as the media issues pertaining to FCS.
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/progflashcs/index.html
Chapter 1, "Introducing the Flash Communication Server," is available
online:
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/progflashcs/chapter/index.html
***The Linux Enterprise Cluster
Publisher: No Starch Press
ISBN: 1593270364
"The Linux Enterprise Cluster" is a practical guide for building and
installing an enterprise-class cluster for mission critical applications
using commodity hardware and open source software. Includes information on
how to build a high-availability server pair using the Heartbeat package,
how to use the Linux Virtual Server load balancing software, how to
configure a reliable printing system, and how to build a job scheduling
system with no single point of failure.
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/1593270364/index.html
***Programming C#, 4th Edition
Publisher: O'Reilly
ISBN: 0596006993
Aimed at experienced programmers and web developers, this fourth edition
of the top-selling C# book focuses on the features and programming
patterns that are new to C# and fundamental to the programming of web
services and applications on Microsoft's .NET platform. This edition has
also been updated to reflect the C# ISO standard as well as changes in
Microsoft's implementation of the language.
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/progcsharp4/index.html
Chapter 12, "Delegates and Events," is available online:
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/progcsharp4/chapter/index.html
***Pragmatic Version Control Using Subversion
Publisher: Pragmatic Bookshelf
ISBN: 0974514063
Half of all project teams in the U.S. don't use any version control at
all, and many others experience problems. Version control is the lifeblood
of software projects, but it doesn't have to be complicated or time
consuming. This recipe-based book covers the theory behind version control
and shows how it can help developers become more efficient, work better as
a team, and keep on top of software complexity.
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/0974514063/index.html
***PC Hardware Buyer's Guide
Publisher: O'Reilly
ISBN: 0596009380
This handy guide is the ideal shopping companion for people who wish to
build their own desktop computer. Loaded with valuable information, the
"PC Hardware Buyer's Guide" helps you choose which parts are best for you
by linking compatibility and performance with your own particular profile.
This book features a component overview, valuable rules of thumb, and a
quick-lookup reference chart with recommended brands and models.
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/pccbg/index.html
***Game Coding Complete, Second Ed.
Publisher: Paraglyph Press
ISBN: 1932111913
"Game Coding Complete, Second Ed." is the essential hands-on guide to
developing commercial quality games written by master game programmer Mike
McShaffry. This must-have second edition has been expanded from the
bestselling first edition to include the absolute latest in exciting new
techniques in game interface design programming, game audio development,
game scripting, 3D programming, and game engine technology.
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/1932111913/index.html
***Office 2004 for Macintosh: The Missing Manual
Publisher: O'Reilly
ISBN: 0596008201
Whether you're an Office beginner eager to understand the applications in
the suite or a longtime Office user looking for power-user techniques and
detailed coverage of what's new in Office 2004, this book delivers
everything you need to master all four Office 2004 programs for Mac--Word,
Excel, PowerPoint, and Entourage. According to Microsoft, the average
Office user taps into less than 15 percent of the suite's features. Get
100 percent out of Office 2004 by getting the Missing Manual.
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/officemactmm/index.html
***Linux in a Windows World
Publisher: O'Reilly
ISBN: 0596007582
An invaluable companion for any system administrator interested in
integrating Linux into their Windows environment, this book takes an
in-depth look at exactly how Linux can be brought into an organization
that's currently based on Microsoft Windows systems. Featuring a litany of
insider tips and techniques, "Linux in a Windows World" dispenses all the
practical advice you need to migrate to this revolutionary open source
software.
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/linuxwinworld/index.html
Chapter 7, "Using NT Domains for Linux Authentication," is available
online:
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/linuxwinworld/chapter/index.html
================================================
Upcoming Events
================================================
***For more events, please see:
http://events.oreilly.com/
***Bonnie Biafore ("Online Investing Hacks"), San Francisco Investors'
Forum, San Ramon, CA--March 5
Bonnie will be teaching a workshop at this event.
SBC Center, San Ramon, CA
http://www.better-investing.org/chapter/sanfran/
***O'Reilly at PhotoShop World, Las Vegas, NV--March 9
Come by and say hi and check out our latest Digital Media books at our
booth (#220).
Mandalay Bay Resort, Las Vegas, NV.
http://www.photoshopworld.com/
***Steve Bass ("PC Annoyances") on the Radio with ComputerAmerica
March 7, April 4, May 2, and June 6
He will be on the radio from 7:00-8:00pm (PST) Call in during the show!
The number is 866-606-8255.
To listen to the show live, go to:
http://www.computeramerica.com/listen.htm
To chat while Steve's on the air, go to:
http://www.computeramerica.com/interact.htm
Check for a local station here on "Business Talk Radio":
http://snipurl.com/computeramerica3
***Steve Bass ("PC Annoyances") on "AirTalk with Larry Mantle,"
KPCC (89.3FM), Pasadena, CA--March 15
Click "Listen Live" to hear the show 11:00am through 12:00pm (PST):
http://www.kpcc.org
***Greg Kroah-Hartman, ("Linux Device Drivers, 3rd Ed"),
Powell's Technical Bookstore, Portland, OR--April 16
Come on by and listen to Greg talk about his new book.
Saturday, April 16th at 1:00pm
Powell's Technical Books
33 NW Park Avenue
Portland, OR 97209 USA
http://www.powells.com/technicalbooks
================================================
Conference News
================================================
***2005 O'Reilly Emerging Technology Conference,
San Diego, CA--March 14-17
This year's conference theme is "Remix," which infuses ETech's
roll-up-your-sleeves tutorials, to-the-point plenary presentations, and
real world focused breakout sessions. Come to ETech and discover how
applications and hardware are being deconstructed and recombined in
unexpected ways. Learn how users and customers are influencing new
interfaces, devices, business models, and services. For all the scoop on
tutorials, featured speakers, and conference events, check out:
http://conferences.oreillynet.com/etech/
User group members use code DSUG when you register, and receive 20% off
the registration price.
To register for the conference, go to:
http://conferences.oreillynet.com/cs/et2005/create/ord_et05
***Register for the 2005 MySQL Users Conference,
Santa Clara, CA--April 18-21
The MySQL Users Conference, co-presented by O'Reilly Media and MySQL AB,
brings together experts, users, and industry leaders with unique MySQL
insights, offering attendees a detailed look into new features in MySQL
5.0, sessions and workshops designed to teach best practices, and exposure
to new open source technologies.
For more information, go to:
http://www.mysqluc.com/
User Group members who register before Febuary 28, 2005 get a double
discount. Use code DSUG when you register, and receive 20% off the
early registration price.
To register for the conference, go to:
http://conferences.oreillynet.com/cs/mysqluc2005/create/ord_mysql05
================================================
News From O'Reilly & Beyond
================================================
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General News
---------------------
***How Paris Got Hacked?
Like many online service providers, T-Mobile requires users to answer a
"secret question" if they forget their passwords. For Paris Hilton's
account, the secret question was "What is your favorite pet's name?" By
correctly providing the well-known answer, any internet user could change
Hilton's password and freely access her account.
http://www.macdevcenter.com/pub/a/mac/2005/01/01/paris.html
***SafariU Revolutionizes the Textbook
With SafariU, you can you create and publish your own textbook, selecting
exactly the book chapters, sections, or articles you need from the
impressive Safari database. SafariU costs you nothing to use and offers
your students more focused course content at less cost. Sign up now, get a
jump on your summer and fall course prep, and your first custom textbook
could be ready to print before spring break. Visit SafariU to view a video
demo and sign up for access.
http://academic.oreilly.com/safariu-more.csp
***Remixing Culture: An Interview with Lawrence Lessig
What do you get when you mix P2P, inexpensive digital input devices, open
source software, easy editing tools, and reasonably affordable bandwidth?
Potentially, you get what Lawrence Lessig calls remix culture, which he
explains in this extensive interview.
http://www.oreillynet.com/pub/a/policy/2005/02/24/lessig.html
The concept of remixing culture is also the topic of his keynote at
O'Reilly's upcoming Emerging Technology Conference, March 14-17
in San Diego.
http://conferences.oreillynet.com/etech/
***O'Reilly Learning Lab: $200 Instant Rebate
Learning programming languages and development techniques has never been
easier. Using your web browser and Useractive's Learning Sandbox technology,
the Learning Lab gives you hands-on, online training in a creative
environment. This month, receive a $200 instant rebate (and a Certificate
from the University of Illinois Office of Continuing Education upon course
completion) when you enroll in any Certificate Series.
http://www.oreilly.com/redirector.csp?link=UACert&type=news
***MAKE Subscriptions Available
The annual subscription price for four issues is $34.95. When you
subscribe with this link, you'll get a free issue--the first one plus four
more for $34.95. So subscribe for yourself or friends with this great
offer for charter subscribers: five volumes for the cost of four.
Subscribe at:
https://www.pubservice.com/MK/Subnew.aspx?PC=MK&PK=M5ZUGLA
The MAKE blog is available at:
http://www.makezine.com/blog/
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Open Source
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***Trouble in the Kernel, VMware, and PostgreSQL
Noel Davis looks at problems in the Linux kernel, VMware, PostgreSQL,
Squid, MySQL, mailman, Apple OSX HFS+, movemail with GNU Emacs or XEmancs,
KStars, typespeed, awstats, and synaesthesia.
http://www.linuxdevcenter.com/pub/a/linux/2005/02/28/security_alerts.html
***Building the PostgreSQL BuildFarm
Managing a cross-platform open source project is difficult; how do you
test on all the platforms you support? Leverage the time and resources of
your users! Andrew Dunstan took a tip from the Samba team and recently set
up a build farm for the PostgreSQL project to report build successes and
failures from interested users. Here's how he did it.
http://www.onlamp.com/pub/a/onlamp/2005/02/24/pg_buildfarm.html
---------------------
Mac
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***Display Your Favorite Album Artwork in iTunes
Love your iPod but miss the album art? In iTunes 4, you can associate an
album's artwork with a song so it can be displayed while you play the
song. Wei-Meng Lee shows you how to use two free programs, Clutter and
art4iTunes.com, to simplify the task. For more tricks and tips on using
your iPod photo, check out Wei-Meng's latest eDoc, All About Your iPod
Photo.
http://www.macdevcenter.com/pub/a/mac/2005/02/22/albumart.html
***Build an iTunes Remote Control
AirPort Express is great for streaming music from your Mac, except when
you have to change tracks from another room. There are commercial
solutions available, but here's a great evening project using your
web-enabled cell phone and the power of Mac OS X.
http://www.macdevcenter.com/pub/a/mac/2005/03/01/itunes_remote.html
***Mac Books in Newsweek
No Starch's "The Cult of Mac" and O'Reilly's "Revolution in the Valley"
were mentioned in Newsweek's Quick Read, February 21 Issue.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6934650/site/newsweek/
"The Cult of Mac"
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/1886411832/index.html
"Revolution in the Valley"
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/revolution/
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Windows/.NET
---------------------
***Understanding Administrative Templates
Administrative templates are a key management component of Group Policy on
Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003. Mitch Tulloch, author
of "Windows Server Hacks," shows you how they work and how to use them.
http://www.windowsdevcenter.com/pub/a/windows/2005/03/01/Admin_templates..html
***Data Binding in ASP.NET 2.0
Not only has Microsoft made radical changes in how data binding is done
between ASP.NET 1.x and 2.0, but it has also created significant
differences between how it is done in Windows Forms and ASP.NET in 2.0.
This keeps life interesting (Jesse Liberty says, gnashing his teeth). In
this new column, he dives into data binding in the new Web Forms.
http://www.ondotnet.com/pub/a/dotnet/2005/02/22/liberty.html
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Java
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***A Look at Commons Chain: The New Java Framework
In part one of a two-part series, Bill Siggelkow covers the basics of
Chain, a promising new framework from the Jakarta Commons subproject that
lets you integrate Chain into the Struts build process. In part two, Bill
will cover how Chain is being applied to Struts and other projects. Bill
is the author of O'Reilly's "Jakarta Struts Cookbook."
http://www.onjava.com/pub/a/onjava/2005/03/02/commonchains.html
***Aspect-Oriented Annotations
Aspect-Oriented Programming (AOP) and attributes are two leading-edge
programming concepts, each with typical applications. By combining them,
using attributes to indicate where AOP code should execute, you can
effectively declare new Java syntax. Bill Burke introduces this new
technique.
http://www.onjava.com/pub/a/onjava/2004/08/25/aoa.html
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Digital Media
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***Rid Yourself of Digital Media Annoyances
Sometimes those little quirks in your favorite digital media toys can take
all the fun out of playing. Preston Gralla offers a baker's dozen fixes to
MP3, iTunes, and QuickTime annoyances, so you can get back to the fun.
Preston is the author of "Internet Annoyances."
http://www.windowsdevcenter.com/pub/a/windows/2005/02/22/internetannoy.html
***Build a Simple MP3 Player for Your Site
You don’t have to monkey with Flash, redundant windows, or unpredictable
plugins to deliver smart-looking audio playback for your visitors. With
this sneaky bit of JavaScript, you can generate pop-up music players on
the fly.
http://digitalmedia.oreilly.com/2005/02/23/mp3_embed.html
***Actions for Photoshop Elements 3
Want to automate a complicated artistic effect, like making a photo look
like a watercolor, or adding a 3-D frame? Photoshop Elements 3 makes these
tasks easy with actions. Barbara Brundage, author of "Photoshop Elements
3: The Missing Manual," shows you how to write, install, and troubleshoot
actions in Elements 3, for the Mac or Windows.
http://digitalmedia.oreilly.com/2005/02/23/PSelement3.html
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Web
---------------------
***Yahoo! Web Services
Paul Bausch takes a look at the new Yahoo! Web Services interface and
shows how to tap into the API with a sample application.
http://www.oreillynet.com/pub/a/network/2005/02/28/yahoo.html
***Not the Usual Suspects: Recruiting Usability Test Participants
Isn't usability testing a simple matter of getting pals or colleagues to
look over a site in exchange for free pizza? No, it's not... Liz explains
how easy it is to gather suitable, site-relevant test participants using a
number of possible sampling techniques.
http://www.sitepoint.com/article/usability-test-participants
***Logs, Browsers and Statistics: The Decline of Internet Explorer 5
Individual site logs on browser usage lie, contends Alex Walker. He
says a larger sample size is necessary for data and decision making.
http://www.sitepoint.com/blog-post-view.php?id=226319
================================================
>From Your Peers
===============================================
Don't forget to check out the O'Reilly UG wiki to see what user groups
across the globe are up to:
http://wiki.oreillynet.com/usergroups/index.cgi
Until next time--
Marsee
----- End forwarded message -----
--
-bill!
bill at newbreedsoftware.com "I'm anticipating an all-out tactical
http://newbreedsoftware.com/ dog-fight, followed by a light dinner."
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