So many books discuss networks, but somehow distort subtle points. Authors Oppenheimer and Bardwell know their material inside-out and explain key points in clear, concise prose. Ever hear of the "37% utilization rule for Ethernet?" It's false. Think that TCP sequence numbers count packets? Wrong -- they count bytes of data. And why are sequence numbers seemingly "off by one?" Look at the difference between ordinal and cardinal numbers, described in ch. 9.
TCN displays an uncanny ability to include just the information that is needed. "Reversible half-ASCII," which accounts for odd-looking NetBIOS traces, appears in ch. 12. The sections on Windows networking are first-rate, with helpful comparisons of NetBIOS with IPX, TCP, and NetBEUI. Even theoretical but damaging attack methods, like corrupting Hot Standby Router Protocol messages (ch. 8), are illuminated.
I have two complaints. I would have liked more attention paid to the mechanics of analyzing traffic, including the use of taps. Also, the Windows chapter seemed to end abruptly, just when the dynamics of Windows 2000 networking and port 445 should have appeared.
TCN is designed to educate protocol analysts. People with this skill set can administer LANs, analyzer network-based IDS traffic, and deploy network infrastructure. I thank the authors for their efforts and look forward to their next endeavor.
The topics are presented in a logical, easy-to-read order. There is a wealth of valuable material that will keep you reading from beginning to end. The table of contents and index have sufficient depth of scope (two of my prime evaluation items) to make this a good reference book as well.
I intend to make it required reading for my CCNP CIT students at our Cisco Networking Academ
The two authors have been in the industry since it's inception and bring a passion for networking to the table with a focus on teaching those of us who do not have 20+ years in the trenches.
This book is not only a reference book, but a well written, easy to read explanation of networking and troubleshooting. With real-life scenarios from the authors and practical situations played out. I felt as though I had a mentor walking me through the logical steps of analysis.
Buy reference books and keep them on your selves for when you need them. Buy this book, read it and keep it close because you will need it!
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For those new to the daunting task of writing a novel, this book can pigeonhole you into thinking this is the only way to tackling writing. I came across that dilemma. After getting halfway through the book, doing the exercises and starting to write my own novel I began to abandon my old habits of writing and started to adopt Mr. Ray's. I started to feel that I couldn't put pen to paper UNLESS I completely plotted my novel, developed my characters and set up every scene. This didn't work for me. The natural flow I usually feel when writing was taken away and eventually I completely gave up on the process returning to my methods of writing: sitting down with a pad and pencil and allowing the ideas to flow. Then fine tuning the story only after I have a huge chunk of it written and some idea of what I want to convey. Not all novels are structured in Mr. Ray's manner, not all novels use Aristotle's incline to develop plot and storylines and not all novels can be written in 52 weekends.
Not to say this is a bad book at all. It's a wonderful reference book full of ideas and exercises to help you strengthen your writing. For example, it never occurred to me to create backstories and timelines for each of my characters giving them dimension and realism. Ray also offers exercises to help you set up scenes, write dialogue, write action and plot your novel. I now find that I refer to these exercises to help me develop my writing but I no longer follow the program.
This book is a great starting point for those interested in writing a novel but do not have an idea how to start (one more thing: you definitely have to have some idea of what you want to write BEFORE you start). However, for experienced writers you will find that this book is more useful as a reference guide rather than a program to follow.
First, this book taught me that what really drives a novel is the characters and their relationships to each other and to events. I looked at Grisham and Clancy and thought that smooth prose filled with action would make a novel into a bestseller. Although that is sometimes true, Robert Ray showed me that the real key to a compelling, meaningful story is a stellar character through which the reader can identify. A good character can drive the whole novel.
The second thing this book taught me, which was perhaps the most valuable for me, is that the basic building block of the novel is not the chapter or even the major plot points, but the individual scenes. Robert Ray shows that each scene is like a compact story within your story, with a set-up, a middle part for conflict and development, and a climax which pushes the story into the next scene. The section on scene building in this book was excellent, and it gave me the breakthrough I needed in understanding how to give a story real structure.
Finally, this book helped me understand the importance of the major plot points, and what has to happen in the scenes at these points in order to make your writing tight.
In addition to the above, this book has many basic tips on how to organize yourself, how to approach your writing, and how to work through the major revisions of your story. There's even an appendix at the end with tips on getting published.
For an amateur like me who has never had any classes in story writing, this book was the most helpful guide that I was able to find.
Before I read this book, I wrote lots of short stories and the start of a few novels. I used this book to turn some of my old ideas into the reality of a manuscript.
I felt myself getting bogged down at first by following his program of hashing out the details of the lives of the characters. But I quickly realized the commitment that is involved in writing a novel. It's important to develop meaningful characters/structure before you start writing.
Thanks, Mr. Ray! I highly recommend this book to any aspiring writer.
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These are just random thoughts I had. I enjoyed reading the book. This book does not require prior knowledge like some biographies.
Many people who have heard of George Preddy, the great Ace, might be surprised to learn that it was a real struggle and accomplishment for him to even get into military aviation. Through his personal determination Preddy overcame the obstacles that his small stature presented and worked his way into the Air Force. Once this happened, "the rest is history."
Authors Noah and Sox utilized official records, family records and diaries, and interviews with many of the "Bluenosers of Bodney" to prepare this outstanding! story of George Preddy's life. Joe Noah, Preddy's cousin, was able to access George's diary, letters, and other family material and gave this book the personal touch that few others could have. Sam Sox has long been interested in the George Preddy story, and played an important role in the city of Greensboro, North Carolina's decision to name a boulevard after the Preddy brothers, both of whom lost their lives in World War II. Additionally, Sam Sox has produced an excellent video covering the life of George Preddy. Along with an interesting narrative, this book is enhanced with over 100 quality photos.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the history of World War II, and suggest that they add it to their library.
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In this book, we reteam with two slightly scrupulous characters, lyricist Phillip and flitting Gilbert, who somehow get themselves involved in hijinx of the extremes. It seems that two rival magazine publishers and societal magnates are engaged in a feud that would make the Hatfields and the McCoys cringe. Phillip and Gilbert get themselves involved through the vocal desires of one Elsa Champion, whom I managed to see as Leony Helmsly with a Suzanne Pleshette voice. Toss in level-headed and intelligent Claire, who comes out as a mastermind while being the only one who manages to retain an ethical base throughout the story. What ensues is spying, counterspying, deceit, lying, and a plot that joyful shreds the borders of human decency into digestable bits. And Keenan obviously has great fun in doing so.
While this book doesn't quite live up to the promises made in his first laughfest, Keenan still manages to deliver us quite a tale of misgivings through the story. What seems to lack in this book is a Moira character, who appears in his first book making Judas seem like Jesus' best friend. While Elsa is just as nasty, you are never really surprised about her actions. In fact, as this tale spins along, there are just a few surprising in this fairly predictable read.
However, one thing I did appreciate about this book is Keenan's leaving the heart of the first story along with this second story, that is, the relationship between Philip and Gilbert. Friends and rivals at the same time, it is their relationship that is both endearing and real, and you know these two will be with each other no matter what.
With that, I heartily hope for a third installment, whatever Joe Keenan can construct. Until then, I'll joyfully return to these two books whenever I need an uplifting and easy read.
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Unlike Yeager, Anderson's tenure at flight test was not so glamorous. Instead of the sonic barrier, Anderson's experience included the "parasite-fighter", a fatally flawed idea for linking dimunitive fighters to larger motherships like the B-36 and typical of the "anything goes" atmosphere bred by cold-war demands and postwar prosperity. In that era, even General Curtis Le May knew the project was crazy, that it would never work, but that somebody would just have to try it anyway. When the tests result in tragedy, Anderson doesn't fail to include himself as deserving blame.
Anderson goes to command a Fighter Wing in Thailand flying missions nto Vietnam. Although Anderson gives the war litle treatment, he doesn't neglect his ignominous debut - barely in command when one of his new unit's F-105's makes an emergency, wheels-up landing.
Much of "Fly' is anecdotal, but the anecdotes are priceless, ...
Most aviator memoirs stress that the man in cockpit is just a normal guy, but Anderson makes it convincing. He is seldom judgemental, ... This will never be confused with "Baa Baa Blacksheep", the memoir of Marine ace Greg Boyingtin, ...
The descriptions and events as a P-51 pilot flying in the ETO are first rate. The first chapter grabs hold of you and doesn't let go with his account of a high altitude duel with an ME-109. It is a classic. He describes many of his combat missions and describes his growing friendship with Chuck Yeager. The story of his final mission with Yeager is priceless.
The book also includes some revealing sections about his tedious days as a recruiter and several stints with the Pentagon to heady days as a Test Pilot at Wright Field and later at Edwards. He also gives us some excellent insights into his days as a Squadron Leader flying F-86's in Korea and a Wing Commander flying F-105's from Okinawa and Thailand during the Vietnam Conflict.
I had the opportunity recently to meet Col. Anderson and his lovely wife Ellie. We spent several hours together discussing his flying days. It was a real priviledge. He is truly a humble man but has that touch of steel of man who has lived through a lot. He is still a hearty and it's great to think of him still tearing up the skies at Air Shows flying the Old Crow along side Chuck Yeager.
I highly recommend "To Fly and Fight" to all WWII aviation enthusiasts.
...
However, the novel is not perfect. The Adolescence of P-1 was written by and for those in the nascent computer industry of the mid 70's, an intensely male-dominated industry. As a result, the female character in the novel (the hero's girlfriend) seems a bit oversexed for reality, especially in the beginning. I read through the cheesy, unrealistic dialog and laughed at its wackiness. It seems as if the author dreamed desperately about a woman like this, and had to write her in somehow. Or Ryan might have done a little satire on the flat characters of pop culture by putting one in his novel. But I wouldn't rule out the first possibility. Later, however, when the plot's theme broadens to encompass the more philosophical scope of humanity, she is portrayed as the vital feminine counterpart to the hero.
I think of myself as quite the computer buff, with a comprehensive knowledge of the computer industry and its technological history. However, in my short 17 years of age, I had never encountered the level of computer competence that this book demands. The actual technology described in the book is ancient. Although the author clearly explains the concepts that are required for believability, a few explanations cover too much depth and move too quickly for any normal reader to follow.
But I thoroughly enjoyed the book despite these minor setbacks.
Ah, the wit of a computer geek.
Locating Mr. Jacobs' book in my library, I read a fascinating account of what the author and his family endured during World War II, and after the war with the expatriation and repatriation to Germany.
Interviewing Mr. Jacobs for my research paper, culminated in a better understanding of what our government did, and may do once again with Arab-Americans in the attempt to prevent future terrorism. It is tragic when a government does what it thinks right at the time, but then refuses to apologize for the injustices committed against its own citizens.
I recommend this book to every German-American, as well as all Americans who never learned the whole story during their formative education.
He narrarates this true story detailing his youth in school, boy scouts, and support for his ball club, the Brooklyn Dodgers. However, life will soon change for young Art and his family as his father is illegally taken from them and interned at Ellis Island as a "Nazi criminal". This is just the beginning of the Jacob's family internment journey that takes them from Ellis Island, to the Crystal City Texas Internment Camp, then to Germany where Art spends his 13th birthday in the Hohenasperg prison.
I believe that his intention and motive for writing his story is NOT for compensation, revenge, or to denounce the United States. As I read his story, I felt his sincerity, compassion, and most importantly his intention to MAKE THE TRUTH KNOWN. Because of Art's story, The United States Government has an opportunity to acknowlege Art and other internees that wrongdoings to Americans of German decent did occur.
I recommend this hard to put down, well documented book to those who are interested in WWII history, post WWII Germany, internment life, as well as those interested in reading a boy's burning desire to overcome and succeed under any circumstance to come back to his "Country 'tis of thee".
I believe this book should be an eye-opener. We need to be concerned that our government can give such power to one man such as Edward J. Ennis, that our military could treat even criminals the way this child was treated, and that most Americans still know nothing about the treatment of German Americans during World War II.