I am the author of this book. Publication of this version (hard cover) has been terminated and the book removed from print due to failure of the publisher (Butterworth-Heinemann) to update it in a timely manner. This version is two years out of date (Year 2000 version).

This edition has been superseded and replaced by ISBN: 0966124820, 'Practical CM: Best Configuration Management Practices for the 21st Century', Fourth Edition, Year 2002 version, spiral bound with CD-ROM.

This is a brief, but information-packed, book on configuration management from a systems engineering perspective. If you are seeking a book on software configuration management you would do better with A Guide to Software Configuration Management by Alexis Leon, or my personal favorite (but out-of-print), Configuration Management for Software by Stephen Compton and Guy Conner.

The first chapter is a 1 page summary of change philosophy, followed by a chapter that sets the scope of this book with an in-depth treatment of how CM and engineering development interrelate, with an emphasis on design control. This segues into a chapter on developing a CM plan and tailoring it to your specific requirements. The fourth chapter covers CM basics (in my opinion this should have been chapter 1), and also provides some advanced techniques and approaches. This chapter draws heavily from MIL-STD-973 and the related EIA standard 649, both of which are excellent foundations of a good CM program. A highlight of this chapter is the section on configuration control boards (CCB), which covers in depth roles and responsibilities, as well as key processes such as problem resolution and the change life cycle from the CCB point of view. This section is further augmented by chapter 8, which sets forth the roles, responsibilities and processes of a problem resolution board (PRB). The CCB and PRB are key organizational components of a strong configuration management process and this information makes this book valuable.

Another strong chapter, 5, is devoted to transitioning to production. While this book is not specifically about software configuration management, this chapter provides guidance and techniques with respect to release management that are missing from most books on software configuration management. Chapter 6, which covers production and support, are also as applicable to SCM as it is to system engineering.

The appendices are invaluable. In particular, appendices A (configuration management plan preparation guidelines) and B (questions and answers) provide clarity to some aspects of CM that usually take years of experience to master.

This book will not replace any of my books on SCM, but it nicely augments them. It is definitely must reading for system engineering practitioners, and should also be in the reference libraries of IS/IT production support and data center management professionals.

In the past, Configuration Management (CM) shared the dubious distinction, along with cod liver oil and dental fillings, as one of those things you know are "good for you" yet not very pleasant to go through. And whenever anyone raised the topic, the response was, at best, polite smiles or feigned interest and, at worst, open hostility. Ultimately, the concern centered around implementation costs: "how do we reap the benefits of CM without incurring such a dear price".

The answer, as David Douglas Lyon points out in this eminently readable text, lies in automating the CM process with well-adapted software tools. From a clear examination of the conventional, classical CM process in a manufacturing environment, he then proceeds to describe the stepwise implementation of the new CM process using tools such as Product Data Management (PDM) systems. The result builds on best CM practices and, through the use of specific procedures and guidelines, maps out the steps to implement a fully automated CM environment in a cost-effective manner.

This is a practical, "how-to" book written by an experienced practitioner. There is something here for every reader providing food for thought across the spectrum from basic to advanced level. The complete planning, implementation and integration process for a PDM system is clearly laid out in a series of templates and the annex material. As a roadmap and invaluable guide to implementing a configuration management program, Mr. Lyon devotes an entire annex to the development of a Configuration Management Plan and another to tool selection.

In sum, this volume serves as a valuable guide to those seeking to combine powerful, computer-based tools to complement a mature, proven configuration management process. This is recommended reading for those seeking a CM process appropriate to enter the Twenty First Century.

I had trouble finding this book using your author search function due to your incorrect spelling of their names. The correct spellings areas follows 1) Rebell, Gerbert and 2) Taplin, David

I think since by bringing this to your atttention, I thwarted unseccessful searches in the future and made future sales possible. How about a complimentary copy of this fine book for a poor Veterinary student? In return, I will submit a thorough review which will include my findings from a practical, clinical perspective.

As scary as the reality of prison is it is something that I have to face. DOWNTIME was highly recommended by my attorney. He made it clear that as much as he knew about the law he was at a loss when it came to what I would be facing after sentencing.

Everybody in my family read this book and although I am still apprehensive the majority of my questions have been answered. David Novak - the author of the book - writes in a way that makes it clear he knows what he is talking about. I highly recommend this book. I also highly recommend speaking with David (I was surprised by how available he was). As strange as it sounds speaking to somebody who has been there has made all the difference for me and my family.

Ms. Dannan's day planner "Seasons of the Witch" is simply awesome. The art is beautiful and the planner is what every busy witch needs. Discreet enough for the boardroom, you can plan your ceremonies along with your business meetings and family appointments. I have the "filler" version to incorporate into my own day timer, however the bound version is handy too. I highly recommend this product. Now it's easy to keep track of the special days of the year. Thank you, Ms. Dannan, for a great product.

The book 'Techniques in Microbial Ecology'edited by R.S.Burlage et.al. consists of two parts. The first part describes microorganisms of different physiological groups such as nitrifiers, sulfur-oxidizers, methanotrophs, methylotrophs etc. In addition each chapter gives information about identification, cultivation and media. Not only bacteria are described, there are also chapters about fungal communities, protozoa and bacteriophages. The second part deals with environmental techniques generally applicable to environmental research. These techniques comprise sampling, enumeration, lipid analysis, isolation of nucleic acids and molecular techniques. Special topics are discussed in the third part of this book. These topics are biofilms, bioremediation, statistics, numerical classification, all important issues in environmental microbiology. Each chapter is written by a well-recognized microbiologist, such as R.S.Hanson, R. Colwell or D.White. The book is comprehensive, comprehensible and very well structured. The reference list at the end of each chapter gives valuable information for further reading. I had a lot of fun reading this book, because it contains valuable information necesssary for hands-on microbiologists. Overall, I highly recommend this book for every environmental microbiologist.

I'm a musician and songwriter with a degree and many years' experience. But when I took on a project to create an opera with a playwright friend I found that my theory was rusty -- and I was also venturing into types of composition I'd never done before. I wanted a good solid book that would help me review my long-ago theory classes and layout a framework that would help me structure my composition.

The book's been a very pleasant surprise. It's quite intermediate in level. If you're not comfortable with a lot of theory basics, it would be a hard place to start. Similarly, experienced composers looking for inspiration for new directions probably won't find it here (or not enough to make it worthwhile). However, especially for composers with some experience, the book is an valuable way to brush up on theory, begin to apply that theory to examples and exercises and try some new approaches to writing.

If that's the type of book you're looking for, I heartily recommend this title.

This is one of the best "How to" books I have ever read on any subject.

It works on several levels. Even though it takes a "beginners" approach to introducing many topics, it doesn't shy away from "real" music. For example, even the first simple exercise contains something different - 5/4 time. A beginner will simultaneously learn the basics of chord progressions and melody writing, stripped down to the bare essentials, while delving into modern techniques like 12-tone rows and picture music.

The key to the book is the concept of restricting the musical palette by some simple rules, to prevent the budding composer being overwhelmed by the possibilities. Right from the first page, you are working on real composition examples.

Even though the book is not particularly aimed at computer music or sequencing, electronic music enthusiasts should find it useful. A lot of the minimalist techniques are ideal for sequencing. Plus, if your musical background is pretty basic, and you are looking to broaden it with a mix of traditional and contemporary techniques, this book should take you a long way.

By its very nature, a book like this can only touch on some areas. So you will probably want to supplement it with some other material if, for example, you want a bit more detail on counterpoint. Still, it manages to cover a huge amount of ground, with the most detail where it counts most - developing and harmonising melodies, and a very good section on writing music to lyrics (ie songwriting).

One last point - a lot of theory and composition books miss the mark with contemporary musicians because they approach the subject from the purely "classical" angle of cadence and resolution. This book is soundly classical in its approach to harmonisation and melodic development, but uses the comfortable pop/jazz approach to chord progressions, so it shouldn't lose any reader.

Highly recommended!

Every keyboard player should buy this book. This book contains the most straightforward explanation of diatonic harmony in print. It can transform your keyboard playing.

Great book-has info on each song - country of origin, style, albums including the song, etc... Easy to read notation including chords. A Must!

This is the third and LAST "fakebook" I will buy.
It should be called "the Fiddler's Realbook"
While the other fakebooks are just that, this one actually uses sheet music rather than tab. Now I can play the tunes with any instrument, or any other musician (who can read sheet music) I very much recommend it.

This is the tune book to get. It contains most of what is being played, and in the key and style and version you are most likely to hear it. Sure there are other tune books you will want, but this one will always be the core of your collection.

I am on my second one, the first one got so weathered and beaten, and the binding eventually broke and fell away, and I carried the pages held together with a large binder clip for awhile, hesitating to buy a new one because I did not want to lose all the hand written notes I had scribbled. Ok ok, I also did not want others to see the shiny pages free of the coffee stains and sun dried water stains.

After reading all the great reviews, I must say that I was disappointed with this book. You can get the same effect by just writing in a diary every day about how you feel about the pain, what it prevents you from doing, how others responded to you, etc. I also thought it was overpriced. I returned it.

If you suffer from chronic back pain, give this a go, what do you have to lose. It worked for me after a year of hell and near immobility.

This is a structured approach to figuring out the psychological causes for your pain. It really works.

What more can I say, I have resumed all activities and new ones to boot. I never consider my back before trying something anymore. This has been a complete about turn.

JG

"I'm a chiropractor and interested in the totality of healing--mechanical, chemical, and psychological. I find that Dr. Schechter's 'MindBody Workbook' is unique in that in provides a simple, easy to follow, format for my patients to focus their energies on healing emotionally. The workbook is concise and to the point. The questions provide a starting point for journalling and gently guide the patient to deeper levels of emotional insight.

In my experience, and the research supports this, the emotional healing greatly enhances the structural and chemical healing. It all works together. This helps my treatments be more effective.

Compared to even a single psychotherapy session, the price is a bargain. I highly recommend the book for psychological insight and emotional healing."

Gerald Edwards, D.C., Q.M.E. Los Angeles

I've read this cookbook cover to cover and have cooked several of the recipes--all were great, and the Whole Wheat Bread was excellent. Kellam's recipes are straightforward, clear and targeted to a middle American taste. Her advice on saving money is sensible and lends itself well to those who seek a more simple, low impact and frugal lifestyle.

If you have children, the craft and gift recipes alone are worth the price of the book. I'm very happy to have, in one place, recipes for craft dough, slime, brightly dyed pasta for crafts and more. There are excellent suggestions and recipes for edible gifts and making gift baskets, so helpful for teacher gifts, and so fun to make with children. This cookbook is a valued and much referred to part of my cookbook collection. A must have!

I am a cookbook junkie and since adding Not Just Beans to my collection, I find myself turning to it before all the others. All the recipes that I've tried have been wonderful. I've easily been able to adapt many of them to lower fat recipes using 2% milk, light cheese, fat free sour cream, etc... The Jar Mixes section came in especially handy over the holidays and I received rave reviews for all the "Gifts in Jars" that I gave out. My daughter and I have had tons of fun in the Kids section making Slime, Play Dough, Finger Paints and Christmas Ornaments.

Best of all are all the time and money saving tips spread through out the book. I'm even making my own household cleaners thanks to this book. Bottom Line: Not Just Beans is a MUST HAVE for Frugalites everywhere!

I use this book ALL THE TIME!! No need to make a special trip to the grocery store for ingredients, they're found right in your pantry. Tawra Jean Kellam has a freezer guide, tips on how to save $$ at the grocery store, time-saving household tips, a freezer guide, how to set a table, and how to save on herbs, to mention a few.

There are 16 chapters which include: breakfast, breads, soups and sandwiches, meats and main dishes, desserts, candies, sauces, beverages, jar mixes, a kid's section (edible play dough, slime, face paint, tub crayons recipes, etc), ingredient substitutions, herb guide, conversions, and much, much more!!

A definite must in anyone's kitchen!