The Data Warehouse Toolkit: The Complete Guide to Dimensional Modeling (Second Edition)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • A tool rather than a toolkit
  • Building a Data Warehouse
  • Great Book
  • very bad....
  • Very solid book
The Data Warehouse Toolkit: The Complete Guide to Dimensional Modeling (Second Edition)
Ralph Kimball , and Margy Ross
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0471200247

Book Description

Single most authoritative guide from the inventor of the technique.

Download Description

"The latest edition of the single most authoritative guide on dimensional modeling for data warehousing! Dimensional modeling has become the most widely accepted approach for data warehouse design. Here is a complete library of dimensional modeling techniques--the most comprehensive collection ever written. Greatly expanded to cover both basic and advanced techniques for optimizing data warehouse design, this second edition to Ralph Kimball's classic guide is more than sixty percent updated."

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A tool rather than a toolkit.......2007-07-03

This book delivers exactly what it says. Except that word "toolkit" in its title - you'd better think about this book being a single tool, not a whole toolkit. Ralph Kimball actually has a whole lot of books on data warehousing published, this is one of them, a tool in the toolkit. This one seems like a good starting point to the entire series, and it only shows a single facet - the dimensional modeling.

The book explains the basic principles of creating dimensions and fact tables in a data warehouse (assuming a relational star schema), and then dedicates a chapter per industry to show how those principles apply to sales, order management, CRM, accounting, human resources, financial services, telecoms, logistics, education, health care, e-commerce, insurance etc. Each one appears to be significantly different from the others.

There is a couple of teaser chapters starting with "we have that other book covering this, but will brief you out". Nice and makes you want to read the other books too.

The book also includes guidelines to the warehouse building process, in terms like "know your business sponsor", "talk to your users" and so on. Difficult to say what it has to do with dimensional modeling, perhaps it's included in all the books in the series.

There is no word on software, hardware, physical architecture, tuning or performance in this book. It is a textbook in dimensional modeling, period.

The book is written clearly, has a handful of simple and uniform diagrams and is easy to follow. It only leaves you wondering just how exactly large is the whole data warehouse area, how many pieces you need to collect yet.

Recommended.

4 out of 5 stars Building a Data Warehouse.......2007-03-09

Excelent book, it shows how to build a good data warehouse by using the best patterns. I recommend the book to you, it is not as boring as another books regarding this issue, in addition it is cheap.

5 out of 5 stars Great Book.......2007-03-08

This is a great book. Wish there was something like this for relational(3NF) modeling as well.

Raman Marwah.

1 out of 5 stars very bad.... .......2006-12-11

whatever pioneer or genius he is in the DW industry, the book is pretty bad, i wouldn't recommend it at all. the way he tries to convey concepts, explain techniques....
very bad organization, not clear but confusing sometimes, and very poor logical flow... he tries to make a big deal out of DW, when in fact it's not such a fancy or intellect intensive subject. very simple concepts are even hard to understand. someone else would be able to write a book more powerful and straight to the point in 100 pages MAX, and be much more useful....
it sucks when leaders don't know how to express themselves, maybe he was looking forward to have readers learn enough in DW to get projects started but not be able to do squat, and get some business from consulting...

5 out of 5 stars Very solid book.......2006-06-14

As someone new to OLAP, I found this book to be VERY helpful really getting a solid handle on OLAP. My company needed to understand and move forward on building a OLAP solution. This book helped my get a handle on what we needed to do, and a high level of how to go about it.

This is the first book I'd recommend to anyone interested in OLAP.
File System Forensic Analysis
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • The bible for File System Forensics
  • super
  • Accept no substitutes -- THE book to read on file systems
  • The best work on the topic
  • Very deep
File System Forensic Analysis
Brian Carrier
Manufacturer: Addison-Wesley Professional
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0321268172

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The bible for File System Forensics.......2007-08-15

Great Book. Great job Brian. A must have in your bookshelf if you are serious about computer forensics.
It only lacks two things to be perfect: a reiserfs and a HFS+ sections.

Only an error. GPT partition schema isn't used only in big servers. New Intel Macintoshes use it by default for their boot drive.

5 out of 5 stars super.......2007-03-08

Thanks a lot, we are very happy to have this book in our library!

5 out of 5 stars Accept no substitutes -- THE book to read on file systems.......2006-10-10

I decided to read and review three digital forensics books in order to gauge their strengths and weaknesses: "File System Forensic Analysis" (FSFA) by Brian Carrier, "Windows Forensics" (WF) by Chad Steel, and "EnCase Computer Forensics" (ECF) by Steve Bunting and William Wei. All three books contain the word "forensics" in the title, but they are very different. If you want authoritative and deeply technical guidance on understanding file systems, read FSFA. If you want to focus on understanding Windows from an investigator's standpoint, read WA. If you want to know more about EnCase (and are willing to tolerate or ignore information about forensics itself), read ECF.

In the spirit of full disclosure I should mention I am co-author of a forensics book ("Real Digital Forensics") and Brian Carrier cites my book "The Tao of Network Security Monitoring" on p 10. I tried to not let those facts sway my reviews.

FSFA has received lengthy and glowing reviews, so I will keep my comments brief. Of the three books I cited earlier, FSFA was the only one which really grabbed my attention. I am a network-centric security practitioner, but Brian Carrier's organization, thoughtfulness, and delivery really hooked me. I very much appreciate authors who define a framework and explain potentially complicated topics within that framework.

For example, Brian is very keen to promote the scientific method. His emphasis on hypotheses and looking for evidence to refute them made me take a second look at my own practices. Brian differentiates between "essential" and "nonessential" data, where the former must be accurate in order for a user to access data and the latter not necessarily needing to be accurate. Again, this is a great way to think about digital evidence in any form. Investigation is grouped into preservation, search, and event reconstruction phases. Finally, Brian's separation of data structures into five categories (file system, content, metadata, file name, and application) facilitates comparisons of file systems in the third part of FSFA.

Besides being well-organized, FSFA does an excellent job covering material not addressed elsewhere. Server partitions, RAID, and LVM are examples. It is important to understand what is NOT present in FSFA, however. Brian very clearly stops at the application level of data, saving that for other books. I think this is a great idea, since it lets FSFA concentrate on its core topics (file systems) and saves the data on those file systems for other books. At the risk of self-promoting, I think FSFA is a powerful companion to "Real Digital Forensics" (RDF), since we provide sample file system images in dd format suitable for analysis using FSFA techniques. RDF also cares more about content than structure, which is where FSFA stops.

Anyone who even pretends to be a host-centric forensics practitioner must read FSFA. I expect it has the power to save you on the stand should you encounter intense questioning from a defense attorney.

5 out of 5 stars The best work on the topic.......2006-08-29

Carrier's book has proven invaluable to this digital forensics trainee, and I expect many of the old hands in the field will be keeping it on hand as well. If you're serious about computer forensics, you need a copy.

4 out of 5 stars Very deep.......2006-05-24

I'm pretty technical, so I enjoyed this book. The author has more on file systems than just about anywhere, and I found it helpful in non security work also just to understand how the different systems work.
I was able to use the book Windows Forensics, Corporate Computer Investigations by Chad Steel more in daily use, but this book would have been a better as a starting point in learning about disk based analysis and does a much better job of diving deep into file system specifics.

Some of the programming level content was tough to follow, but if you are ever going to court and really need to know your stuff this is buy far the book you need. I recommend it throughly.
MCTS Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-431): Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Implementation and Maintenance (Pro-Certification)
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Excellent for Getting Certified
  • Good book
  • Not applicable to the exam as of August '07
  • All Technical Books should be written like this
  • Fast shipping
MCTS Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-431): Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Implementation and Maintenance (Pro-Certification)
Solid Quality Learning
Manufacturer: Microsoft Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 073562271X

Book Description

Announcing an all-new MCTS Training Kit designed to help maximize your performance on Exam 70-431, a core exam for the new Microsoft IT Professional certifications. This kit packs the tools and features wanted mostincluding in-depth, self-paced training based on final exam content; rigorous, objective-by-objective review; exam tips from expert, exam-certified authors; and a robust testing suite. It also provides real-world scenarios, case study examples, and troubleshooting labs for skills and expertise that you can apply to the job. Focusing on SQL Server 2005, this official study guide covers topics such as installing and configuring SQL Server, implementing database mirroring, managing database snapshots, working with XML and flat files, managing replication, backing up and restoring a database, and more.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Excellent for Getting Certified.......2007-10-01

I bought this book for the sole purpose of passing this test. Well, I passed the test with using the practice tests and spending a lot of time with this book. I didn't buy any type of testing software that a lot of people are getting. I had bought the Sybex version before the Microsoft book, but it had too many mistakes. I also found the other book to cover a lot more than what you need for the certification. I have 9 years of SQL Server experience, but I was pretty worried about taking my first certification test. I think this book is perfect for preparing you for the test. In my opinion, the XML chapter could have been a lot smaller and then they could have expanded on the Mirroring chapter.

4 out of 5 stars Good book.......2007-08-31

I used this book in addition to Tom Carpenter's 70-431 prep book and this is a good book. I feel that the book by Tom Carpenter is a better reference, but there is no question that both books will help prepare your for the exam. If I were you, I would use both books that way you will have the lite and sometimes detached coverage (you might say fact-based) that is in this book and the real-world type coverage that is in the McGraw-Hill book.

1 out of 5 stars Not applicable to the exam as of August '07.......2007-08-26

I installed the evaluation edition of SQL Server that came with the book. Then I went through the book, read every page, did every sample test and more than half of the practice items (many were redundant).

Then I went to take the test and I was shocked. Many, many questions were not covered by the material in this book! I have a very good memory, and read the book while laid off so it only took me two weeks to get through it, so my memory is not the issue here. Microsoft produced a book and represents it's purpose as prep for the test, but it doesn't cover all the material the test does!

Most of the questions were covered so it is possible to pass from this book, but I couldn't.

One particularly galling question on the exam involved a port number that was not in the book, I checked.

Needless to say, I am disappointed. I hope that if I need another certification the kit is more representative of the exam content.

5 out of 5 stars All Technical Books should be written like this.......2007-07-24

I'm only up to page 244 - but I got to say it's a very, very good book. Good size font. Easy to read, it just flows. Theory broken up into short lessons, followed by practice tasks.

I used to freak out at SQL Server 2005 software. Using this book has faded those fears away.

5 out of 5 stars Fast shipping.......2007-07-17

I received the book in new condition with all the training CD's in about 4 days (save more than going buying local)
Supervision of Police Personnel (6th Edition)
Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
  • Drawn out and boring, hard to understand
  • Supervision of Police Personnel
  • Don't pay for this book...
  • Sleeping Material
  • Some good info... but rambling and poorly written
Supervision of Police Personnel (6th Edition)
Nathan F. Iannone , and Marvin P. Iannone
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0136492290

Book Description

This book offers complete coverage for leadership training of supervisors in law enforcement and allied fields. The relationships involved in individual and group management methods and the practical techniques for carrying out the various responsibilities of the supervisor are explored. Everyday problems faced by the police supervisor in interpersonal, operational, and administrative relationships with subordinates are also covered in detail. Chapter topics include the supervisor's role, and function in organization, administration, and management; leadership, supervision, and command presence; interpersonal communications; principles of interviewing; psychological aspects of supervision; employee dissatisfaction, grievances, and complaints; discipline principles, policies, and practices; tactical development of field forces; and conference leading. For the training of managerial and supervisory personnel in police departments and law enforcement agencies.

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars Drawn out and boring, hard to understand.......2007-05-13

I found Supervision of Police Personnel (6TH) to be pretty much drawn out and boring. It is painfully evident that the same information could have been relayed in a lot less then 400 boring pages. It was difficult to follow and often repetitive. A lot of detail was focused on irrelevant material. This was a difficult book for me to swallow (as a 12 year LEO), but it certainly rated high as a sleep aid for me.

5 out of 5 stars Supervision of Police Personnel.......2007-03-10

It is a very good informational source for anyone that wants to pursue a promotion in police work. The review questions at the end of each chapter are convenient and helpful.

2 out of 5 stars Don't pay for this book..........2006-11-29

Don't spend a dime...borrow it from a fellow Officer. I am a firm believer in capitalism, but these guys are really pushing the envelope. $99.00?! Nathan can keep the book!
Is the content any good? Yes, it is solid, however basic, leadership for Police Officers. But $99.00?! Go read something by Covey...it is a hell of a lot cheaper and far less boring.

1 out of 5 stars Sleeping Material.......2006-11-10

This book is so dry and painful to look at. It's great to look at right before you go to bed to ensure a great nights sleep.

2 out of 5 stars Some good info... but rambling and poorly written.......2006-10-23

This text is required reading for many taking police promotional exams. While there is some good information in it, it is rambling and poorly written. There are some indications that the book is not properly reviewed and edited before each new reprint. I hope the seventh edition is better and ties together the concepts clearly. There are several chapetes that are seperated but could easily dovetail into one. I found a 107 word run-on sentence (p.139), and it was by no means an exhaustive search -- there are many such examples. You can make it enjoyable to a degree by trying to find the number of times "catharsis" and "splendid" appear, but other than that, have your asprin bottle handy. I'd recommend a study guide such as Sgt. Walker recommends, or try to outline the thing yourself. Good luck.
MCITP Self-Paced Training Kit (Exams 70-431, 70-443, 70-444): Microsoft  SQL Server 2005 Database Administrator Core Requirements (Pro Certification)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Lots of information for DBAs
  • Satisfatory...
  • Nothing more to add
  • Good Resource & Study Book
  • MCITP
MCITP Self-Paced Training Kit (Exams 70-431, 70-443, 70-444): Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Database Administrator Core Requirements (Pro Certification)

Manufacturer: Microsoft Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: DVD-ROM

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ASIN: 0735623775

Book Description

Get in-depth training and practice with the skills measured by the core exams for Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Database Administrator certificationall in one box! Covering Exams 70-431, 70-443, and 70-444, these three training kits include exam prep and practice tests to help you maximize your performance. You get official Microsoft study guides, plus practice tests on CD to help you assess your skills. They come packed with the tools and features that exam candidates want mostincluding in-depth, self-paced training based on final exam content; rigorous, objective-by-objective review; exam tips from expert, exam-certified authors; and customizable testing options. They also provide real-world case scenarios and practice exercises for skills and expertise you can apply to the job.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Lots of information for DBAs.......2007-09-11

I purchased this for the 70-431 training, and since it was a good deal for the remaining two books, I got this package. Thsi was not a weekend study guide for me, but a two week adventure. The book is a good read, especially with the authors' real world experience. I have used the information in my consulting practice, and it has paid dividends. With this book and other resources included, I scored 940 on the 70-431 test.

4 out of 5 stars Satisfatory..........2007-08-18

The kit provides the necessary tools to prepare for the exam. I'm a little disappointed with some of the rudimentary database topics covered (for example - T-SQL, Creating Tables). Someone preparing to be a certified DBA would already know most of this basic material. If they don't - it's a little late to start learning. However that seems to be status quo with most training kits out on the market.

5 out of 5 stars Nothing more to add.......2007-07-27

Superb tri-pack for Microsoft SQL Server 2005 DBAs. It is almost you have to know to provide serious MS SQL server 2005 administration and maintenance.

5 out of 5 stars Good Resource & Study Book.......2007-07-20

This book is very good in the fact that it steps you through real world examples. The examples in this book can be used for the real world work place.

Some of the many examples from the ground up are Clustering, Database Mirroring, Log Shipping and much more.

It helped me so much for the Exam 70-443.

Good stuff!

3 out of 5 stars MCITP.......2007-07-18

The book lack illustration and examples. From a point of view it does prepared you for the exams, however, there is nothing new in compared to others programs.
The Complete Taj Mahal
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Excellent book!
  • A Ten-Star Book that Is Without Parallel
  • Agra the Extraordinary
The Complete Taj Mahal
Ebba Koch
Manufacturer: Thames & Hudson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0500342091

Book Description

The greatest monument to love, and the lost world of the Agra gardens and their characterful owners, re-created through superb scholarship and evocative illustrations.

The Taj Mahal is the epitome of Mughal art and one of the most famous buildings in the world. Yet there have been few serious studies of it and no full analysis of its architecture and meaning.Ebba Koch is the only scholar who has been permitted to take measurements of the complex. She has been working on the palaces and gardens of Shah Jahan for thirty years and on the Taj Mahal itself—the tomb of the emperor's wife, Mumtaz Mahal—for a decade.

The tomb represents the house of the queen in Paradise, and the author shows how its setting was based on the palace gardens of the great nobles that lined both sides of the river at Agra. She leads the reader through the entire complex of the Taj Mahal, with an explanation of each building and an account of the mausoleum's urban setting, its design and construction, its symbolic meaning, and its history up to the present day.

The book features hundreds of new photographs plus drawings by the Indian architect Richard Barraud that include plans and reconstructions of Agra and the Taj complex as they looked in Shah Jahan's time.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Excellent book!.......2007-09-26

Having visited the Taj Mahal, I wanted to have an authoritative book on the history behind its construction and this book is not only an excellent souce, but also a very good photographic record of this amazing Wonder of the World!

5 out of 5 stars A Ten-Star Book that Is Without Parallel.......2007-04-15

Having read a number of books about the Taj Mahal, including the recently published "Taj Mahal: Passion and Genius...," I would bet good money that if given a copy of Ebba Koch's book to preview, those truly interested in India's national treasure will buy "The Complete Taj Mahal," even if they have to skip lattes or lunches to afford it, even if they have already done so to afford Okada/Joshi/Nou's "Taj Mahal" with its stunning photography.

One reason, of course, is that TCTM is so complete. To others' overviews of the material covered, I would add only that Koch does not neglect the human element. For example, in eight introductory pages of text, Koch provides excellent background information about Shah Jahan, his wife and his predecessors; later, she details Jahan's passion for building. Koch also includes interesting information about the artisans, craftsmen and laborers who did the actual work as well as details about others associated with the Taj-related structures/gardens of Agra. Further humanizing the story of this garden city are colorful Mughal paintings of its nobility and rulers.

Another aspect of TCTM that makes it a must-have are the many photographs of sites, structures and architectural ornamentation, photographs "The Hindu" declared "often brilliant" as well as "judiciously chosen." Just how apt these descriptions are is suggested by the following: There were only seven pages of O/J/Nou's photographic extravaganza of the Taj complex that I photocopied to tuck into Koch's book, and of them, five were additional close-ups of floral inlays and calligraphy. Adding to the appeal of TCTM is that the camera goes beyond the splendors of the Taj complex. Of special interest to those who have been in Agra, for instance, will be the realistic photographs of the Taj Mahal peeking above the "agglomeration of haphazard constructions" that have "almost obliterated" its bazaar and caravanserai. Shown, too, are its architectural precedents as well as artisan workshops and quarries. Though most of the photographs in this book are in color, even those in black and white are revealing.

Also making TCTM next to impossible to resist are the "company drawings," most of which are in color as well. Forerunners of postcards, they were "made by local artists in the early days of the Raj" for European tourists, who bought them "to illustrate their journals." Works of art in themselves, often the drawings are so detailed that they could easily be photographs. But they do not serve as mere eye candy: many are of Taj-related structures that no longer exist or have been stripped of all that made them magnificent; some are juxtaposed with recent photographs to show the toll time has taken on the brilliance of color and intricacy of design. Evocative paintings and watercolors of the Taj Mahal by foreign artists are included as well.

What may ultimately sell people on TCTM, however, is that it is a book they will actually enjoy reading much if not all of. Not only is Koch's narrative writing fluid and easy-to-digest. Even her descriptions of architecture will be relatively easy for laymen to understand, provided that they are willling to refer to the glossary of terms and look at the many visual aids, including Barraud's "precise and clear" line drawings, that accompany the text. So well done is this book, in fact, that as "The Hindu" noted, even "information which is more technical and not at face value so interesting to general readers will, in fact, be found by them to be equally absorbing." (All I would personally exclude from this are the two pages of precise measurements of the Taj complex.)

To another reviewer's assertion that TCTM is a book that "should be in the library of anyone fascinated by the Taj Mahal, not just historians and architects," I add a thousand "Amen's."

5 out of 5 stars Agra the Extraordinary.......2007-03-16

A superlative volume showing in detail and with historic drawings, maps, and photos, as well modern illustrations and reconstructions the unsurpassed achievements of the Mughal in residential garden architecture. The riverbanks of the Yamuna River as it passes through Agra was where this artistic impulse achieved culmination in the seventeenth century garden residences and tombs sponsored by the nobles and rulers of the Mughal state and built by the craftsmen of India. One of the signal contributions of this book is the inclusion of the stories of the architects, carpenters, and masons who left their signatures and marks on the individual elements of the overall project. The residential and tomb gardens which stretched along the river and are now mostly gone gave way at midpoint to the grandest residence of all, the Red Fort which remains today the second greatest landmark of Agra. And at the southern end of the development stands today the greatest tomb ever built, one of the architectural wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal. The work is so complete that it documents not only the construction efforts but also the tourism that followed and the depth to which the Taj Mahal became embedded in the consciousness of the world. The culmination of three decades of meticulous research this substantial volume tells an engrossing story of the planning, development, and eventual decline of a unique garden city. It more than fulfills the adjective "complete" and should be in the library of anyone fascinated by the Taj Mahal, not just historians and architects. A truly extraordinary accomplishment.
Design of Wood Structures-ASD/LRFD
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Design of Wood Structures ASD/LRFD
  • The Most Connon typ of Construction
Design of Wood Structures-ASD/LRFD
Donald E. Breyer , Kenneth J. Fridley , Jr., David G Pollock , and Kelly Cobeen
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Professional
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0071455396

Book Description

The leading text and reference on wood design, updated to include the latest codes and data

Continued the sterling standard set by earlier editions, this indispensable reference leads you through the complete design of a wood structure (except for the foundation), following the same sequence used in the actual design/construction process.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Design of Wood Structures ASD/LRFD.......2007-03-12

Excellent. Very well organized and numerous examples. I have followed this author from 3 of his previous editions of this book.

5 out of 5 stars The Most Connon typ of Construction.......2007-03-03

Now in it's sixth edition, this book has become the standard text on the design and construction of buildings made of wood. While most wooden structures are residences, the book also covers multi story wooden structures such as apartment houses, commercial buildings with wooden roofs, and to a limited extent newer techniques such as glue-laminate beams.

The book is suitable for use either as a text for a course or as a reference for self study. The sixth edition of this book was promoted by five major developments:

1. Publication of new dual-format (ASD/LRFD) wood design criteria in the 2005 National Design Specification for Wood Construction.

2. Publication of the new Special Design Provisions for Wind and Seismic (SDPWS) Supplement to the NDS.

3. Publication of the comprehensive ASD/LRFD Manual for Engineered Wood Construction.

4. Publication and increased adoption nationally of the 2006 International Building Code. ==5. Publication of updated load standards in the 2005 edition of Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures.
Deal Terms - The Finer Points of Venture Capital Deal Structures, Valuations, Term Sheets, Stock Options and Getting VC Deals Done (Inside the Minds)
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • A Quick Guide to Venture Capital Thinking
  • Great Book - But Even Better is Author DVD Called Negotiating Term Sheets & Valuations in VC Deals
  • Very Disappointed
  • Solid reference for entrepreneurs
  • Helpful, practical, and brilliant!
Deal Terms - The Finer Points of Venture Capital Deal Structures, Valuations, Term Sheets, Stock Options and Getting VC Deals Done (Inside the Minds)
Alex Wilmerding
Manufacturer: Aspatore Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1587622084

Book Description

Deal Terms is the first ever in-depth look at valuations, preferred stock, stock options and other variables that affect deal structure, written by Alex Wilmerding (a venture capitalist at Boston Capital Ventures and best selling author of Term Sheets & Valuations). Written from a venture capital perspective, however applicable for all types of financings, Deal Terms includes actual term sheets, valuation methodology and analysis, assessment of stock option programs and their impact on valuations and capital structures and other real world documents used by leading venture capitalists and lawyers analyzed from multiple perspectives. A must have book for any executive, entrepreneur, or financial professional, this timeless classic is an unprecedented resource that will help you avoid costly mistakes, understand various structures and terms, and understand wording and language from other deal sheets to help you get deals done.

According to Graham Anderson, General Partner at Euclid SR Partners, "Deal Terms provides critical, in-depth, first-hand perspective on the crucial terms and factors which influence financing decisions." Clifford Schorer, Entrepreneur in Residence, Columbia Business School remarks, "Deal Terms is an indispensable reference for entrepreneurs and finance professionals." And Andrew McKee, General Partner at Webster Capital notes, "Deal Terms is a really important resource."

Download Description

Deal Terms is the first ever in-depth look at valuations, preferred stock, stock options and other variables that affect deal structure, written by Alex Wilmerding (a venture capitalist at Boston Capital Ventures and best selling author of Term Sheets & Valuations). Written from a venture capital perspective, however applicable for all types of financings, Deal Terms includes actual term sheets, valuation methodology and analysis, assessment of stock option programs and their impact on valuations and capital structures and other real world documents used by leading venture capitalists and lawyers analyzed from multiple perspectives. A must have book for any executive, entrepreneur, or financial professional, this timeless classic is an unprecedented resource that will help you avoid costly mistakes, understand various structures and terms, and understand wording and language from other deal sheets to help you get deals done.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A Quick Guide to Venture Capital Thinking.......2006-06-21

This book, one claimed by the publisher to fall into the need-to-read category rather than the nice-to-read, is aimed at giving the businessman the information he needs to know to be able to hold an intelligent conversation with a venture capitalist.

It's a pretty quick and easy read, but the businessman who has gotten his business up to the stage where outside money is needed is probably not a financial type but an engineer, or scientist or perhaps just plain businessman. This book, written from the venture capitalist standpoint, will explain to him such things as how to value a company, verious types of stock, dilution of the ownership, in short, all of the things that will need to be understood when a big time financial deal goes down.

It's not an in depth book, each of these subjects can and has several books describing them 'in depth.' Instead it is a small book that gives you what you need to know quickly.

5 out of 5 stars Great Book - But Even Better is Author DVD Called Negotiating Term Sheets & Valuations in VC Deals.......2006-05-17

This author definitely knows his stuff - but even better is author's new product called Negotiating Term Sheets and Valuations in Venture Capital Deals (ISBN 1597010987). It is a 100 minute DVD that has a lot of different material in it that is critical for doing venture capital deals. It also covers specific negotiation strategies and roles and motivations for each key deal participant - which is not covered in this book or the authors other book (Term Sheets & Valuations).

1 out of 5 stars Very Disappointed.......2006-05-15

After enjoying his first book, Term Sheets and Valuations, I was looking forward to this one. I regret to say that I found it a big waste of time and a bigger waste of money.

It appears as if the marketing of the book by the pblisher sought to take advantage of his first book by raising the price by 500%, giving the impression that this book was better or more comprehensive. However, nothing could be further from the truth.

4 out of 5 stars Solid reference for entrepreneurs.......2005-12-29

'Deal Terms' is a solid reference for entrepreneurs with 'need-to-read' (as opposed to 'nice-to-read') information regarding venture financing deals. I find Wilmerding's interviews with various relevant players (e.g. legal counsellor, venture capitalist, entrepreneur) to be a good differentiator of the book; the quick analysis of actual term sheet is also pragmatic. The 'Valuation' section is relatively generic & is the weaker part of the book.

5 out of 5 stars Helpful, practical, and brilliant!.......2004-05-07

I recently finished your book "Deal Terms" and found it extremely
helpful as we are looking into our first round of financing.

This book showed me numerous issues that I would have definitely overlooked or simply not thought of.
 
Thanks for writing Deal Terms. Definitely an invaluable
reference for anyone in business!
Architectural Graphic Standards for Residential Construction: The Architect's and Builder's Guide to Design, Planning, and Construction Details (Ramsey/Sleeper Architectural Graphic Standards Series)
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • A Must Own Book for Serious Residential Do-It-Yourselfers
  • Readers' Digest Version of AGS
  • One volume encyclopedia
  • A wonderful resource
Architectural Graphic Standards for Residential Construction: The Architect's and Builder's Guide to Design, Planning, and Construction Details (Ramsey/Sleeper Architectural Graphic Standards Series)
The American Institute of Architects
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0471241091

Book Description

Architectural Graphic Standards for Residential Construction is an all-new visual guide devoted exclusively to construction standards of residential structures. Created exclusively for professionals working in residential design and construction, this guide combines key information culled from the tenth edition of Architectural Graphic Standards with all-new material on residential design. This special volume provides thousands of standard architectural details and guidelines and is an easy reference for anyone designing or constructing a residential project.

From detailing foundations to designing home theaters, home offices, and other specialty rooms, Architectural Graphic Standards for Residential Construction is a resource that's as efficient as it is comprehensive. You'll find design details that incorporate best construction practices as well as guidelines for state-of-the-art wiring, heating, and cooling systems. In step with current practices, this volume includes the latest guidelines for:

An essential guide for designing in today's fast-paced and competitive building environment, Architectural Graphic Standards for Residential Construction is a critical resource if you're an architect, contractor, engineer, developer, home-builder, or other professional involved in designing residential buildings.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A Must Own Book for Serious Residential Do-It-Yourselfers.......2006-06-17

This book is an excellent reference book for use in designing, planning, and building a new house or remodeling an existing one. Whenever I plan on doing something on the house, I double check with this reference before finishing my designs and plans. It's a must own book for serious do-it-yourselfers.

1 out of 5 stars Readers' Digest Version of AGS.......2005-04-15

Although these editions change little, this review is based upon AGS 10th Ed. & AGSRC 2003.


Negative:
This is bascially a regurgitation of the more complete Architectural Graphics Standards, distilled to a "residential" focus but appears as volumous because some details have been photo-enlarged (in poor-average quality). Few, if any new residential details/information has been provided.

Positive:
Those ONLY interested in residential construction and NOT requiring a full brace of ALL details will find this quite a good value - compare its price to Architectural Graphics Standards.

Recommendation:
Anyone in construction should have one, but not both of these books as a prime resource. The content does improve every year, although some years it's like watching grass grow.

Challenge:
IF there are numerous portions of the Residential version that are unique and new to it, exclusive of passages in the larger AGS version - I would really appreciate a review that contains how to locate these passages, as I've spent enough time trying to find them. If enough of these exist, it would give thought of updating this resource once in awhile.

3 out of 5 stars One volume encyclopedia.......2003-11-25

Experienced readers will benefit from its brief summaries and drawings covering the broadest range of topics imaginable. Some economizing is evident in the paper and printing quality, some of the drawings look 50 years old, but there is lots of reference information, like span tables, solar position data, etc. Probably not the last word on every topic, but still worth consulting.

5 out of 5 stars A wonderful resource.......2003-03-27

Following in the terrific legacy of the benchmark Architectural Graphic Standards book, this edition clearly makes building for residences an easier task. I've found innumerable details that I've used in my residential practice on a daily basis, details not found in other reference books. Of particular help are the pages that give an overview of how parts of a house interconnect with each other, such as foundation-to-framing. Also, there is a wealth of info on HVAC, new window technology and other things I've found very, very helpful.
Design Basics
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Mediocre Text, Hideous "Art"
  • Hyper-glorified and shallow
  • excellent primer on design
  • An absolute classic for anyone working in the visual arts.
  • A wonderful book for hs seniors and college freshmen
Design Basics
David Lauer , and Stephen Pentak
Manufacturer: Wadsworth Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0534625592

Book Description

DESIGN BASICS is a popular introduction to two-dimensional design. Each concept is presented in a full two- or four-page spread, making the text practical and easy for students to refer to while they work. The modular format also gives instructors the utmost flexibility in organizing their course. Visual examples from many periods, peoples, and cultures are provided for all elements and principles of design, and the diversity of illustrations also includes examples from nature and non-art sources, encouraging students to see these principles in the world.

Customer Reviews:

2 out of 5 stars Mediocre Text, Hideous "Art".......2006-12-05

I'm a designer and read this book because it is highly praised in design circles. Firstly, it's not a book on design but on art, though there is some graphic design but not nearly enough to satisfy someone learning about design. The book is relevant to design however, and the subjects covered definitely deserve study by designers.

The text is for the most part clear and each principle is explained and illustrated fairly well. But... you'd better enjoy (or at least be able to tolerate) modern non-art. The examples used are hideous and far outweigh the genuine art of masters such as Michelangelo, Canaletto, or even Degas. This is the critical flaw in this book. All of the points could have been far better illustrated with real art, and the book would thereby be enjoyable. Instead, the reader is subjected to the pseudo profundity of scribbles, smears and conglomerations of junk, accompanied by an enunciation of the one [!] principle the so-called artist did implement. And this was probably an oversight on the part of the "artist".

Related to this is that the periodic discussions regarding representational and modern art is, in my opinion, very disingenuous. The authors are quick to raise (what they see as) objections to representational art but give the perpetrators of modern nonobjective "stuff" a free pass, never questioning its merits or validity.

I did learn something from this book, it's hard not to because it covers a lot of material, but it was an exceptionally unpleasant task and the learning didn't come from the junk "art" but from the text. There is nothing unique in this book that you won't find covered elsewhere. I recommend elsewhere.

2 out of 5 stars Hyper-glorified and shallow.......2006-04-05

If you're tempted to buy this hugely expensive book (for an over-sized, unwieldy paperback printed on medium-quality paper), think again.

Let me complement the book description for you: Each concept is VERY superficially presented in a full two- or four-page spread illustrated with pictures of works of art that are NOT examined in an enlightening way. The book is basically a long list of design principles so shallowly presented that it's just that: a list.

If a competent teacher were to transform this book into a slide show and orally explore each principle, it would probably make good material for three or four classes.

5 out of 5 stars excellent primer on design.......2006-03-20

We used this as a textbook in an "interdisciplinary approach" course at a photography school. The organization of the book and the illustrations are excellent. Much of the information seemed familiar to us all, but we found the book to be an excellent reminder and good focus for discussion. It helped us with our critiquing of each others' work in a variety of media (sculpture, drawing, painting, collage, photography and writing).

5 out of 5 stars An absolute classic for anyone working in the visual arts........2005-02-11

Back in college, two decades ago, one of my art professors required this book for every single one of his classes. He even offered to personally repay students who could not afford to keep their copy, if they promised not to sell it back to the bookstore. He told us that the best thing we could do for our careers in art was to keep this book. He was right. I've had my 2nd edition copy for twenty years, and no other book I've seen discusses visual theory so simply, logically and completely. The text is clear and straightforward and the examples are perfect, but it is Lauer's ability to organize a very complex subject into very specific, clearly-understood categories that makes this book remarkable.

4 out of 5 stars A wonderful book for hs seniors and college freshmen.......2003-03-26

this book is the foundation for understanding composition, but it is no substitute for continued research in art and art theory...this book is a superb starting point...if you're in high school i suggest starting your reading in art with this...if you are in high school and you have already read this...then GOOD, you're going to need to continue reading, and start by rereading this...if you're a freshman in college, read this and goto the library and check out every book you can by an artist that you enjoy and read what they have written about their art and other peoples art...and in the meantime read this book...another hint, write down the name of every book you hear mentioned in any art text that you think might interest you, hell write all of them down...and then read those books...and keep reading...read read read, and when you're not reading, work on your own art or whatever you want to call it...and do not neglect your other classes, ie english 101, math 101, sciences, history, etc...those classes are just as important as any art class you will ever take...we're all students for the rest of our lives (it's just that some people prefer the term "artist" avoid them if you can...) and we'll keep learning for the rest of our lives...so get used to reading...and get used to taking criticism about your work..

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