In fact, generating accurate estimates is straightforward—once you understand the art of creating them.In his highly anticipated book, acclaimed author Steve McConnell unravels the mystery to successful software estimation—distilling academic information and real-world experience into a practical guide for working software professionals. Instead of arcane treatises and rigid modeling techniques, this guide highlights a proven set of procedures, understandable formulas, and heuristics that individuals and development teams can apply to their projects to help achieve estimation proficiency.

    Whether you are... -A student struggling with reams of lecture notes, references, and recordings of talks -A journalist who needs to compile ideas, log interviews, and communicate on the move -A busy individual who wants to keep and share photos, store business cards and notes “Evernote is your new, virtual filing cabinet.” Mastering Evernote will show you how to navigate and enhance your experience of this wonderful tool in just two hours. Start slicing through the multi-layered functions and various possibilities within Evernote. Discover the tool that will change the way you remember things forever. Whether you are an advanced user wanting to push Evernote to its limits or a beginner ready to explore the impact of this free app on your life, Mastering Evernote will evolve your proficiency by stacking up tip after trick till you reach the top. We are committed to providing an up-to-date experience. Buy the book once and get access to unlimited updates as they are released. Keep reading to see how the book has already been improved and expanded since the original release in October 2012. Let us know what you think should be added in future editions! What's included in Mastering Evernote? -Amazing and creative ways to use Evernote to its fullest -Charts, and illustrations for understanding the inner workings of Evernote -How to use both the web, Desktop, and Mobile version of the Evernote application -Evernote vs. OneNote, Google Docs and other systems of organization and why it crushes the competition -How to use Evernote along with other social media including Facebook, Twitter, and blogs -How to use Evernote as file storage facilitator - never use file trees again! -How to dominate the Evernote search feature to find everything in your digital library including office documents or personal pictures -How to set up an "Evernote scanner" to get rid of all the paper in your life -How to set up the perfect Evernote user interface -Tagging best practices -The "Temporary Notebook System" that organizes any project -BONUS: The Evernote Cheat Sheet! A quick look guide for advanced searches Each section of the book takes you deeper into the functionality and inner workings of Evernote, making this book an excellent reference guide. If you’re an advanced Evernote user skip the beginner sections and jump straight to the advanced. If you’re new to Evernote just read the book front to back as each new strategy, technique, and Evernote tip builds on the one before it.

    Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) is a key component of the .NET Framework 3.0, giving you the power to create richer and more compelling applications than you dreamed possible. Whether you want to develop traditional user interfaces or integrate 3D graphics, audio/video, animation, dynamic skinning, rich document support, speech recognition, or more, WPF enables you to do so in a seamless, resolution-independent manner. Windows Presentation Foundation Unleashed is the authoritative book that covers it all, in a practical and approachable fashion, authored by .NET guru and Microsoft developer Adam Nathan. - Covers everything you need to know about Extensible Application Markup Language (XAML) - Examines the WPF feature areas in incredible depth: controls, layout, resources, data binding, styling, graphics, animation, and more - Features a chapter on 3D graphics by Daniel Lehenbauer, lead developer responsible for WPF 3D - Delves into non-mainstream topics: speech, audio/video, documents, bitmap effects, and more - Shows how to create popular UI elements, such as features introduced in the 2007 Microsoft Office System: Galleries, ScreenTips, custom control layouts, and more - Demonstrates how to create sophisticated UI mechanisms, such as Visual Studio-like collapsible/dockable panes - Explains how to develop and deploy all types of applications, including navigation-based applications, applications hosted in a Web browser, and applications with great-looking non-rectangular windows - Explains how to create first-class custom controls for WPF - Demonstrates how to create hybrid WPF software that leverages Windows Forms, ActiveX, or other non-WPF technologies - Explains how to exploit new Windows Vista features in WPF applications

    You'll also learn tips and tricks to help you unlock the true potential of your device.Here are just some of the essentials you'll learn from this book:- Master the settings of your Kindle Fire HD device- Drastically reduce charge time & boost battery life - Setting up and using wireless networks- Utilizing security features to safeguard your device- Increase productivity: Skype, Email, Cloud Storage, Reading Documents, File Explorer- Sync your Kindle Fire HD to your computer, transfer your music and video seamlessly - Enhance your shopping and entertainment experience on Amazon and more... Kindle Fire HD Manual: The Complete Guide To Getting The Most Out Of Your Kindle Device is a comprehensive step-by-step, no fluff guide to help you master your device in no time. Get it while it's still available at this low price! **Scroll to the top of the page and click the buy button on the right to download this book now!**

    Now featuring more than 250 color illustrations throughout, this perennially popular guide is a must for novices who want to work with HTML or XHTML, which continue to be the foundation for any Web site The new edition features nearly 50 percent new and updated content, including expanded coverage of CSS and scripting, new coverage of syndication and podcasting, and new sample HTML projects, including a personal Web page, an eBay auction page, a company Web site, and an online product catalog The companion Web site features an eight-page expanded Cheat Sheet with ready-reference information on commands, syntax, colors, CSS elements, and more Covers planning a Web site, formatting Web pages, using CSS, getting creative with colors and fonts, managing layouts, and integrating scripts

    In the months since, the group have been getting by, slowly adapting to the ways of survival in the new world.But just when Scott's group are beginning to find their feet, they are attacked by a rival group, who kidnap several of Scott's friends. And this rival group are not playing around. They have their own morbid ideas of how the new world should be, and they aren't going to quit until their image becomes reality...With his friends abducted and facing foes in every direction, Scott is forced on a dangerous journey of rescue. But in a world without power and order, Scott soon realises that this journey may cost him his most treasured possession... his life.The World After: Book Two is the second book in a new post apocalyptic trilogy by Ryan Casey, author of Dead Days and Infection Z. It is sure to delight fans of the author's trademark complex characters, rapid pacing, and unexpected twists and turns.

    Written by noted experts with years of real-world experience building very large systems, this book covers every aspect of MySQL performance in detail, and focuses on robustness, security, and data integrity.High Performance MySQL teaches you advanced techniques in depth so you can bring out MySQL's full power. Learn how to design schemas, indexes, queries and advanced MySQL features for maximum performance, and get detailed guidance for tuning your MySQL server, operating system, and hardware to their fullest potential. You'll also learn practical, safe, high-performance ways to scale your applications with replication, load balancing, high availability, and failover. This second edition is completely revised and greatly expanded, with deeper coverage in all areas. Major additions include: Emphasis throughout on both performance and reliability Thorough coverage of storage engines, including in-depth tuning and optimizations for the InnoDB storage engine Effects of new features in MySQL 5.0 and 5.1, including stored procedures, partitioned databases, triggers, and views A detailed discussion on how to build very large, highly scalable systems with MySQL New options for backups and replication Optimization of advanced querying features, such as full-text searches Four new appendices The book also includes chapters on benchmarking, profiling, backups, security, and tools and techniques to help you measure, monitor, and manage your MySQL installations.

    Written for both experienced and new programmers alike, Learning Ruby is a just-get-in-and-drive book -- a hands-on tutorial that offers lots of Ruby programs and lets you know how and why they work, just enough to get you rolling down the road. Interest in Ruby stems from the popularity of Rails, the web development framework that's attracting new devotees and refugees from Java and PHP. But there are plenty of other uses for this versatile language. The best way to learn is to just try the code! You'll find examples on nearly every page of this book that you can imitate and hack. Briefly, this book:Outlines many of the most important features of Ruby Demonstrates how to use conditionals, and how to manipulate strings in Ruby. Includes a section on regular expressions Describes how to use operators, basic math, functions from the Math module, rational numbers, etc. Talks you through Ruby arrays, and demonstrates hashes in detail Explains how to process files with Ruby Discusses Ruby classes and modules (mixins) in detail, including a brief introduction to object-oriented programming (OOP) Introduces processing XML, the Tk toolkit, RubyGems, reflection, RDoc, embedded Ruby, metaprogramming, exception handling, and other topics Acquaints you with some of the essentials of Rails, and includes a short Rails tutorial. Each chapter concludes with a set of review questions, and appendices provide you with a glossary of terms related to Ruby programming, plus reference material from the book in one convenient location. If you want to take Ruby out for a drive, Learning Ruby holds the keys.

    That's what happens to many bloggers. They work hard and create great content, but there's no way their blog will succeed. Why? Because they failed to research their blog topic ahead of time. In "How to Find a Profitable Blog Topic Idea" you'll learn a proven formula for locating a winning idea that merges YOUR personal passion with something that will actually make money. Start Your Blogging Journey... Finding a great niche is one of the first steps you'll take as a blogger. That's why it's important to get it right. Everything you do online depends on locating a topic that actually has profit potential. Fortunately, it's not hard to research a blog niche. Really, it's a simple process that anyone can do - even if you don't have computer experience. Follow the Six-Step Plan for Starting a Blog "How to Find a Profitable Blog Topic Idea" provides a step-by-step strategy that can be applied TODAY. Here's what's covered: Learn the 3 B's of Demonstrating Authority Complete the Four-Step Plan for Identifying Your Passion Use Four Tools to Find a "Hook" for Your Blog Follow the Seven-Step Plan to Determine the Profit Potential of ANY Market Ask Five Simple Questions to Finalize Your Blog Decision Learn How to Make LOTS of Mistakes and Still Succeed as a Blogger It's not hard to find a great blog idea. Just follow this blueprint and you can do it today. Would You Like To Know More? Download now and locate that perfect blog idea.

    There can be so much information available that you can't even decide where to start. Or worse, you start down the path of learning and quickly discover too many concepts, commands, and nuances that aren't explained. This kind of experience is frustrating and leaves you with more questions than answers.Python Programming for Beginners doesn't make any assumptions about your background or knowledge of Python or computer programming. You need no prior knowledge to benefit from this book. You will be guided step by step using a logical and systematic approach. As new concepts, commands, or jargon are encountered they are explained in plain language, making it easy for anyone to understand. Here is what you will learn by reading Python Programming for Beginners: When to use Python 2 and when to use Python 3. How to install Python on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Screenshots included. How to prepare your computer for programming in Python. The various ways to run a Python program on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Suggested text editors and integrated development environments to use when coding in Python. How to work with various data types including strings, lists, tuples, dictionaries, booleans, and more. What variables are and when to use them. How to perform mathematical operations using Python. How to capture input from a user. Ways to control the flow of your programs. The importance of white space in Python. How to organize your Python programs -- Learn what goes where. What modules are, when you should use them, and how to create your own. How to define and use functions. Important built-in Python functions that you'll use often. How to read from and write to files. The difference between binary and text files. Various ways of getting help and find Python documentation. Much more... Every single code example in the book is available to download, providing you with all the Python code you need at your fingertips! Scroll up, click the Buy Now With 1 Click button and get started learning Python today!

    The open nature of the Android OS offers programmers the freedom to access the platform's capabilities and this straightforward guide walks you through the steps for creating amazing Android applications. Android programming expert Donn Felker explains how to download the SDK, get Eclipse up and running, code Android applications, and submit your finished products to the Android Market. Featuring two sample programs, this introductory book explores everything from the simple basics to more advanced aspects of the Android platform.Takes you soup through nuts of developing applications for the Android platform Begins with downloading the SDK, then explains how to code Android applications and submit projects to the Android Market Written by Android guru Donn Felker, who breaks every aspect of developing applications for the Android platform into easily digestible pieces No matter your level of programming experience, Android Application Development For Dummies is an ideal guide for getting started with developing applications for the Android platform.

    And now, with the release of the 5.0 version of Java, O'Reilly has given the book that defined the "in a Nutshell" category another impressive tune-up.In this latest revision, readers will find "Java in a Nutshell," 5th Edition, does more than just cover the extensive changes implicit in 5.0, the newest version of Java. It's undergone a complete makeover--in scope, size, and type of coverage--in order to more closely meet the needs of the modern Java programmer.To wit, "Java in a Nutshell," 5th Edition now places less emphasis on coming to Java from C and C++, and adds more discussion on tools and frameworks. It also offers new code examples to illustrate the working of APIs, and, of course, extensive coverage of Java 5.0. But faithful readers take comfort: it still hasn't lost any of its core elements that made it such a classic to begin with.This handy reference gets right to the heart of the program with an accelerated introduction to the Javaprogramming language and its key APIs--ideal for developers wishing to start writing code right away. And, as was the case in previous editions, " Java in a Nutshell," 5th Edition is once again chock-full of poignant tips, techniques, examples, and practical advice. For as longas Java has existed, "Java in a Nutshell" has helped developers maximize the capabilities of the program's newest versions. And this latest edition is no different.

    Offering a comprehensive review of a wide array of technical and analytical concepts, Excel Reports and Dashboards helps Excel users go from reporting data with simple tables full of dull numbers, to presenting key information through the use of high-impact, meaningful reports and dashboards that will wow management both visually and substantively.Details how to analyze large amounts of data and report the results in a meaningful, eye-catching visualization Describes how to use different perspectives to achieve better visibility into data, as well as how to slice data into various views on the fly Shows how to automate redundant reporting and analyses Part technical manual, part analytical guidebook, Excel Dashboards and Reports is the latest addition to the Mr. Spreadsheet's Bookshelf series and is the leading resource for learning to create dashboard reports in an easy-to-use format that's both visually attractive and effective.

    High Dynamic Range photography is the process of taking several pictures of a scene at various exposures, then merging them into one file. So the entire photo can look crisp and detailed, from highlights to midtones to shadows—and photographers needn’t sacrifice any part of their image. And the best way to master this exciting technology is with this thorough, easy-to-follow, and visually spectacular guide. No other title does justice to these cutting-edge techniques, which actually take the viewer into worlds far beyond normal photography—sometimes even beyond normal human perception. Ferrell McCollough, a widely respected photographer, pushes the boundaries and inspires others to pursue their artistic vision, too. The amazing results simply can’t be achieved any other way.

    The second addition to the Clients From Hell series taps freelance veterans for even more material. Interviews, resources, and particularly poignant tales of client insanity are all included alongside the fan-favourite anecdotes of freelancing dysfunction.For the first time, Clients From Hell takes a step back from finger-pointing and clever name-calling to inform the audience of how to make it as a creative professional. Step one: buy this book. Step two: take heed of these cautionary tales. Step three: we haven't thought of a step three yet. We'll worry about that when revisions come around.Anyone who has ever worked with clients may find these tales frighteningly familiar. New freelancers may think twice about their chosen profession - or at least find relief in the fact that they're not alone in absurd client interactions.And the rest of you? You can just laugh and enjoy your day job.