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 This version is two years out of date (Year 2000 version).

This edition has been superseded and replaced by ISBN: 0966124820, 'Practical CM: Best Configuration Management Practices for the 21st Century', Fourth Edition, Year 2002 version, spiral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

This is the best book about congenital malformations available for general pediatricians. It is highly accessible and fairly easy to use. It really helps one put together a differential diagnosis for children with dysmorphic features. The price makes it a bargain that should be in every general pediatric clinic.

I do have one suggested improvement: This book is perfect for conversion into a searchable CD-ROM so that one could simply key in the list of features and get back a list of possible syndromes ranked by likelihood.

This is the best book about congenital malformations available for general pediatricians. It is highly accessible and fairly easy to use. It really helps one put together a differential diagnosis for children with dysmorphic features. The price makes it a bargain that should be in every general pediatric clinic.

I do have one suggested improvement: This book is perfect for conversion into a searchable CD-ROM so that one could simply key in the list of features and get back a list of possible syndromes ranked by likelihood.

This is a really outstanding clinical reference. It is of particular relevance to genetic counselors, pediatric specialists, dermatologists, and other clinicians who frequently encounter patients with congenital anomalies and uncommon syndromes. Although the clinical photos are in black and white (no color), they are well chosen to illustrate the features of the (many) syndromes discussed. I have seen several texts that cover roughly the same subject matter as Smith's Recognizable Patterns of Human Malformation; however, none are as comprehensive or nearly as easy to use. I expect this text will replace MEDLINE as my initial go-to reference when I need to get info regarding patients with uncommon congenital syndromes. This text would be a bargain at twice the price! I recommend it most highly

its conviction that ADD/ADHD is a complex condition that can't be reduced to a single point of origin. Ken Vegotsky, one of the books contributors believes "It is unfortunate for children diagnosed with ADD/ADHD that the North American perspective tends to take a 'one-size-fits all' approach."

Most of the focus is on natural choices and options that are less intrusive than Ritalin, dextroamphetamine, bupopropin, and other drugs used to treat these learning disabilities. There is an impressive amount of information about the ten major drugs currently used, and their potential side effects. This includes an 'At-a-Glance Quick Reference(TM) Interaction Chart and Side Effects Reference Chart. In addition...

A preliminary study by doctors from Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Bronx, NY use of acupressure to reduce drug use, and even get children on Ritalin and dextroamphetamine completely free of these drugs - plus over 30 more chapters with powerful information from health care professionals on the inner ear/cerebellar-vestibular origins, healing the hyperactive brain through the science of functional medicine, essential fatty acids, thyroid gland and hyperactivity, environmental factors and organic acids, Chinese medicine, diet and nutrition, herbs, parasites and detoxification, mercury poisoning and chelation, homeopathy, Bach Flower Remedies, neurofeedback, music and guided imagery, exercise, tools to empower teachers and parents, plus more, including an overview chapter with an easy to use plan of action...

I discovered the full range of choices for dealing with ADD and hyperactivity and the first documented cure for autism and how it is linked to some cases of hyperactivity. From natural remedies and diet, to drug options and treatment plans, it is clearly and easily spelled out for your use.

Top experts from around the world include doctors from Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Bronx, N.Y. use of acupressure beads to reduce Ritalin use; Harold Levinson, M.D., successful treatment of 35,000 patients; Mike Lyon, M.D. protocols for the new science of Functional Medicine; the Feingold diet contributed by Jane Hersey, President of the Feingold Association, pharmacists clear explanation of the top 10 pharmaceutical drugs used by doctors, with easy-to-use-lists for side-effects and warnings, plus a quick reference drug-interaction chart, and top experts in the areas of herbs, essential fatty acids, parasites and detoxification, Chinese Medicine, pharmaceutical drugs, homeopathy, social and psychological tools, and much more are all tied together in the overview chapter on how to use this unique book.

Book includes a clear explanation of the top 10 pharmaceutical drugs used by doctors, with easy-to-use-lists for side-effects and warnings, plus a quick reference drug-interaction chart.

Social and psychological tools that empower parents, teachers, and ADD/Hyperactive children and adults.

An overview on how to effectively use the information in this book. Extensive listings of complementary and traditional support groups, resources for finding trained professionals, legal rights sources, books, music CDs, supplements, At-a-Glance Quick Reference™ charts, and more.

If you are starting to look for information or have already read several books on learning disabilities, this book is for you! Authors of numerous books in this area contributed clear and concise information in their own chapters. Each chapter is a solid description of what they use successfully for dealing with these learning disabilities.

A must have for anyone interested in successfully choosing those options which they are most comfortable with!

Castles of Britain and Ireland by Plantagenet Somerset Fry is the most important and most used book in my library. Not only is it a great read front to back but is invaluable as a reference when reading any history book about Britain and Ireland. It covers every aspect of Castles; The History, the people, the construction, the defenses, and even the art of attacking a castle, including seige engines. When I travel to Britain this book will be in my backpack.

A very good book, Castles of Britain and Ireland: The Ultimate Reference Book contains exelent quality photographs, and contains information of almost every known castle on Britain and Ireland. It talks about their evolution through the years and about the people involved on their construction. I greatly recommend it to anyone interested on knowing more about british castles, its information is very clear and easy to understand. If you are a castle fan, this is a must-have book.

Charles Calhoun's MAINE is a departure from most travel guides. Rather than just pages and pages of lists of motels, restaurants, and things to see, Calhoun focuses on the state's people (past and present), natural history, and state-of-mind. Instead of simply an address and phone number for the famous L. L. Bean's (outdoor outfitters, for example, Calhoun gives us several pages, including the story of the founder of the company.

The book opens with a chapter entitled "Learning Maine" and is organized geographically into nine main sections which cover the entire state. The final chapter, "Practical Information" gives all the usual, plus "A Dozen Fun Places to Eat" and antiquarian booksellers. Scattered throughout the book are literary excerpts and topical essays by authors such as May Sarton, John McPhee, and Longfellow. There are maps, reproductions of period art, and plenty of gorgeous color photos. Whether the reader is planning a trip to Maine or merely wishes an intriguing armchair journey, this guide is a must.

Kimberly Borrowdale, Under the Covers Book Reviews

An excellent book to take along with you during your travels to Maine. The photos in this book are simply beautiful! The photographer, Thomas Mark Szelog actually lives in the lighthouse on the cover!! I was lucky enough to meet him and he was kind enough to show me some of his photgraphs. Absolutely beautiful work. This is a great book and I highly recommend it when you travel down east!

El autor hace una mirada objetiva respecto de el auge de la sociedad de la información y junto a ella una apreciacion etica de los problemas que conlleva la vigilancia del consumidor en el capitalismo posmoderno. Hace ademas un analisis Foucaultiano de los fenomenos de vigilancia y estudia la teoria de la vigilancia en Bentham, con su Panoptico.

David Lyon writes an interesting book, and reproduces about as much as is possible on the elements in the rapid development of the English TBD. The gaps in this work are caused by the gaps in the Royal Navy records, not by David Lyon. I look forward to successors to this work.

I have been reading iridology books for several years now, and I think Dr Bernard Jensen is probably the best, but Dorothy Hall is right up there with him. Of all the books I've seen by authors other than Dr Jensen, this book by Dorothy Hall is certainly the best. She even offers insights that I've not seen in other books. She really knows her stuff! I'm sorry to see that it's out of print, it's a fantastic book, packed with good knowledge and easy to read.

This is a very emotional story told by an 800-year-old Douglas fir tree in the Pacific rain forest. The Tree tells of his life in the forest and the wonders that he has experienced over his long lifetime. Lyons lives in the Pacific Northwest, and camps and hikes in the rain forests there. He was inspired by the ancient trees there, and may have been told the story by the Tree itself.

The stunning, full color, two page illustrations are a visual feast. Each illustration is richly detailed with new treasures to be seen each time you look at it.

Over 800 years, the Tree has survived the wind, fire and snow, and seen the wonder of a young owl learning how to fly, the yearly return of the salmon, and the great glaciers melting. He hears bulldozers coming and wonders if it is his time to die...but then children come and circle his trunk and save him from destruction.

Information for parents and teachers about the Pacific rain forest and the story of the Tree are included in the back of the book. A portion of the proceeds of the book will be donated to the Jane Goodall Foundation and the Circle of Life Foundation that fosters conservation and social solutions.

This is a marvelous book to enjoy with children, to be treasured and read again and again, and to inspire children to fully appreciate the wonders of nature.

At first glance, this book looks interesting and the first thing that pops into your head s "pretty cover," but as you turn the pages, and read, you are then automatically hooked to the stunning illustrations and the rhyming text.

Told through the eyes of an 800-year-old Douglas fir, THE TREE, depicts a life of wonder. Will the tree be here tomorrow? Will the tree be here in the future? For how long?

The breath-taking illustrations fit perfectly with the influential words. I was amazed! Mr. Danioth's drawings are so life-like, I could almost feel the night air on my face, then I flipped the page, and I swore I heard lightening crackle in the dark sky.

THE TREE is a delightful book that fills you with hope and delivers in the end.
After the story, you will find what inspired the book, and detailed information about the tree's home, the Pacific Rain Forest. If that isn't enough, you'll find forewords by Julia Butterfly Hill, and songwriter Pete Seeger that will make you smile.

This wonderful book keeps you turning the pages-but not too quickly, as you will want to savior the words and take a mental note of the beautiful illustrations. My children and I loved this book, and I am positive you will, too.
The author, Dana Lyons is an accomplished author and musician who lives with his car Oliver in Bellingham, Washington. The illustrator, David Danioth is an award-winning artist who lives in Washington State with his wife and two children.

AStoryWeaver's Book Reviews highly recommends THE TREE by two incredibly talented individuals, Dana Lyons and David Danioth.

***** Wow! Looking at the cover of this new book from Illumination Arts is like standing at the base of a giant tree, tilting your head backward, and looking toward the heavens. The scope is powerful and compelling, and the colors are breath-taking.

This story is told from the perspective of an 800-year-old Douglas fir in the Pacific Rain Forest. The Tree tells of its history and the many things it has seen over its lifetime, as well as the wildlife it has seen and sheltered. Each illustration is so realistic that it feels possible to reach in and touch the rocks or to actually hear the babble of tumbling water, experence the flash of lightning, and tremble at the mighty roar of a bear. Children will also enjoy finding the many tiny surprises hidden within the pictures: A Butterfly, Dragonfly, Spotted Owl, Tree Frog, Mouse, Bald Eagle, Bark Beetle, and many others.

At the end of the story, there is an informative page about the Pacific Rain Forest that impressed me a great deal. After reading that page, I asked several children what country came to mind when they heard the words rain forests. Most of them mentioned Africa and one or two said South America. They envisioned a tropical climate with hot, humid jungles, big broadleaf plants, monkeys, and brightly colored birds. None of them knew that there was such a place as the Pacific Rain Forest right here in the United States. A temperate rain forest that is cool and wet, filled mostly with cone bearing trees, and stretches along the coast from Southern Oregon to the Gulf of Alaska.

I cannot say enough good things about The Tree. I highly recommend it as a book to be treasured and reread for years to come. It entertains the reader while teaching a love for nature's delicate balance and the urgency to act now in order to save our valuable forests from disappearing forever. Read it with a child and enjoy the light in his eyes as he searches its pages for each of the tiny surprises...

This Eyewithness book is up-to-date and very practical. It contains a lot of pictures which is extremely usefull if you are planning a trip. When planning the trip it makes the book in a way easier to use than for example the Lonely Planet of Boston since you got a clear picture of the surroundings.

I live in New England and this is another of my favorite books from this region of the country. DK has always published quality books in their Eyewitness Travel Guides and they have done an excellent job with this volume on Boston. Unless you visit Boston on a frequent basis it is easy to get disoriented. I really found this book quite useful and the colorful layout of this book with maps, illustrations, photographs and text really inspired me to delve into its pages and check out one of New England's premier cities. The historical information on Boston was invaluable. I never realized some of the things I used to walk past. I think it is also very informative, not only from a historical perspective, but also as a point of reference for sightseeing, travel and enjoyment.

The Eyewitness Travel Guide to Boston was recommended to me in a bookstore and it was perfect for a recent 5-day trip to Boston. The guide is laid out by area, so you really get a feel for what else is around you when you are at a particular destination. The overall maps are very good and well detailed and the book is chock full of great photos. It also includes great history and background info. My Boston friend kept asking me "how do you know all this stuff?"