Information Theory, Inference & Learning Algorithms

Book Description

Information theory and inference, often taught separately, are here united in one entertaining textbook. These topics lie at the heart of many exciting areas of contemporary science and engineering - communication, signal processing, data mining, machine learning, pattern recognition, computational neuroscience, bioinformatics, and cryptography. This textbook introduces theory in tandem with applications. Information theory is taught alongside practical communication systems, such as arithmetic coding for data compression and sparse-graph codes for error-correction. A toolbox of inference techniques, including message-passing algorithms, Monte Carlo methods, and variational approximations, are developed alongside applications of these tools to clustering, convolutional codes, independent component analysis, and neural networks. The final part of the book describes the state of the art in error-correcting codes, including low-density parity-check codes, turbo codes, and digital fountain codes -- the twenty-first century standards for satellite communications, disk drives, and data broadcast. Richly illustrated, filled with worked examples and over 400 exercises, some with detailed solutions, David MacKay's groundbreaking book is ideal for self-learning and for undergraduate or graduate courses. Interludes on crosswords, evolution, and sex provide entertainment along the way. In sum, this is a textbook on information, communication, and coding for a new generation of students, and an unparalleled entry point into these subjects for professionals in areas as diverse as computational biology, financial engineering, and machine learning.

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding book, especially for statisticians.......2007-10-02

I find it interesting that most of the people reviewing this book seem to be reviewing it as they would any other information theory textbook. Such a review, whether positive or critical, could not hope to give a complete picture of what this text actually is. There are many books on information theory, but what makes this book unique (and in my opinion what makes it so outstanding) is the way it integrates information theory with statistical inference. The book covers topics including coding theory, Bayesian inference, and neural networks, but it treats them all as different pieces of a unified puzzle, focusing more on the connections between these areas, and the philosophical implications of these connections, and less on delving into depth in one area or another.

This is a learning text, clearly meant to be read and understood. The presentation of topics is greatly expanded and includes much discussion, and although the book is dense, it is rarely concise. The exercises are absolutely essential to understanding the text. Although the author has made some effort to make certain chapters or topics independent, I think that this is one book for which it is best to more or less work straight through. For this reason and others, this book does not make a very good reference: occasionally nonstandard notation or terminology is used.

The biggest strength of this text, in my opinion, is on a philosophical level. It is my opinion, and in my opinion it is a great shame, that the vast majority of statistical theory and practice is highly arbitrary. This book will provide some tools to (at least in some cases) anchor your thinking to something less arbitrary. It's ironic that much of this is done within the Bayesian paradigm, something often viewed (and criticized) as being more arbitrary, not less so. But MacKay's way of thinking is highly compelling. This is a book that will not just teach you subjects and techniques, but will shape the way you think. It is one of the rare books that is able to teach how, why, and when certain techniques are applicable. It prepares one to "think outside the box".

I would recommend this book to anyone studying any of the topics covered by this book, including information theory, coding theory, statistical inference, or neural networks. This book is especially indispensable to a statistician, as there is no other book that I have found that covers information theory with an eye towards its application in statistical inference so well. This book is outstanding for self-study; it would also make a good textbook for a course, provided the course followed the development of the textbook very closely.

Great wish it had more n option inverse problems.......2007-07-16

This is fantastic book. Really takes an intuitive approach to the material. The explanation of occam's razor is worth the price of the whole book. Highly recommended.

Great Book As Far As It Goes.......2006-03-27

I have used this to get a good background in the topics covered, especially inference theory, and in general I found it to be great book which fills a market gap. The only sins I see are sins of omission. I personally would have enjoyed seeing a more task driven organization. I seem to need these methods periodically but I never seem to need the same method twice. Also, many of the techniques are heavily iterative, i.e., monte carlo, neural networks, etc. This is fine but much of what I do is in the context of simulations where 100,000 step iterative methods don't work so well because of resource constraints. Historically, that has been the problem with many of these methods. They are useful for relatively small domains but don't necessarily work that well for "real" problems. That is probably why more task oriented books are not available. Of course the author is following the outline of the current research into the subject manner which in turn is largely determined by "interesting" and "doable" problems. The real progess in this field will come when the problems are formulated more by what is needed in the nontraditional domains of application. A good example of a useful compression (and identification in some cases) technique that is not covered is Principal Component Analysis. Technically, it is in none of the technique domains covered in this book, but it would have been nice to see some of the methods in the book compared with PCA. The author does make the statement at one point that image recognition is an interesting problem for which the method being discussed at the time is used. Nevertheless, this is a great overview of the subject manner and is very entertaining. That in the long run probably explains the problem: it is a textbook.

A must have..........2005-03-01

Uniting information theory and inference in an interactive and entertaining way, this book has been a constant source of inspiration, intuition and insight for me. It is packed full of stuff - its contents appear to grow the more I look - but the layering of the material means the abundance of topics does not confuse.

This is _not_ just a book for the experts. However, you will need to think and interact when reading it. That is, after all, how you learn, and the book helps and guides you in this with many puzzles and problems.

Good value text on a spread of interesting and useful topics.......2005-02-20

I am a PhD student in computer science. Over the last year and a half this book has been invaluable (and parts of it a fun diversion).

For a course I help teach, the intoductions to probability theory and information theory save a lot of work. They are accessible to students with a variety of backgrounds (they understand them and can read them online). They also lead directly into interesting problems.

While I am not directly studying data compression or error correcting codes, I found these sections compelling. Incredibly clear exposition; exciting challenges. How can we ever be certain of our data after bouncing it across the world and storing it on error-prone media (things I do every day)? How can we do it without >60 hard-disks sitting in our computer? The mathematics uses very clear notation --- functions are sketched when introduced, theorems are presented alongside pictures and explanations of what's really going on.

I should note that a small number (roughly 4 or 5 out of 50) of the chapters on advanced topics are much more terse than the majority of the book. They might not be of interest to all readers, but if they are, they are probably more friendly than finding a journal paper on the same topic.

Most importantly for me, the book is a valuable reference for Bayesian methods, on which MacKay is an authority. Sections IV and V brought me up to speed with several advanced topics I need for my research.

Average customer rating:

Helpfull at most.
Excellent wireless network security guide and reference.
A comprehensive, concise IT reference bible
Wireless Frenzy
Timely book- must read for IT professionals

Guide to Wireless Network Security
John R. Vacca
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Communications | Skills | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

High-Tech | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Wireless Networks | Networking | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

Network Security | Networking | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Certification Central | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

Information Theory | Computer Science | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

Wireless Security | Security & Encryption | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Business Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Computer Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All Deals | Blowout Books | Stores | Books

Business & Investing | Blowout Books | Stores | Books

Computers & Internet | Blowout Books | Stores | Books

All Amazon Upgrade | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Business & Investing | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Computers & Internet | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Business & Investing | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Computers & Internet | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Accessories:

ASIN: 0387954252

Book Description

With the rapid deployment of wireless networks in business environments, IT professionals must implement security mechanisms that are equivalent to those existing today for wire-based networks. This volume is an authoritative, clearly-presented guide to key foundation topics and technology frameworks for designing and maintaining secure, reliable operations. From basic concepts to designing principles to deployment, all critical concepts and phases are explained in detail. The book also includes coverage of wireless security testing techniques and intrusion prevention techniques.

Through extensive hands-on examples, Guide to Wireless Network Security demonstrates how to install, configure and troubleshoot firewalls and wireless network security applications; evaluate, implement and manage wireless secure remote access technologies; and deploy a variety of Virtual Private Networks, intrusion detection systems and intrusion prevention systems, in conjunction with information warfare countermeasures.

Customer Reviews:

Helpfull at most........2007-08-03

I only gave this book three stars because the author is rather jaded, and I am not entirely sure how much of what he says does what he says.

As an example: He spoke of remotely erasing data from devices to prevent someone who stole the device from obtaining data somewhere in the first chapter. That is simply not going to help you. If some one steals a device for the data, erasing it is not going to help you, they are just going to use a utility to rewrite all the allocation table indexs back to 1's, and whalla the data is back (if there smart they wont even have to buy anything to do it, because DOS has that utility built in). When it comes to file protection, encryption is the only way to go... unfortunately when someone has the device, if there good enough they can get at the key.

Making data hard to get at is one thing, but believing that there is an absolute solution is obsurd.

The book was helpful in that it introduced me to many if not most or all of the concepts. As with every one else that is most likely reading or going to read this book, I have not messed with wireless to terably much, and I now have a good bases to start researching the topics further... because I definitely do not trust this mans judgement.

The author also often feels that he can predict the future and tell you with in a good 3-6 month period of when certain vulnerabilities are going to be exploited... such as wireless viruses being written on a regular basis in mid 2006. That one has already been proven false... I suppose that is more of an annoying writing style though, I am sure that at some point they will start poping up more readily... just not in mid 2006!

Excellent wireless network security guide and reference........2006-09-12

This book provides the knowledge necessary to master wireless technology quickly and, more importantly, guide an individual/organization through the pitfalls of deploying the technology securely and rapidly.

A comprehensive, concise IT reference bible.......2006-09-01

John Vacca has brought to light, and more importantly, into focus all the underlying issues related to securing a wireless network in his new book Guide to Wireless Network Security. This all encompassing book belongs in the hands of all active IT professionals and "C" level executives needing to keep abreast of our ever changing technical environment.

A comprehensive, concise IT reference bible.

Wireless Frenzy.......2006-08-23

As a professional consultant, increasingly I have to deal with wireless networks. This book provides for me the details about wireless networking, all at my fingertips.
No, it's not a complete guide on how to setup and install a wireless network, but it's not supposed to be. A book like that would be out of date before it went to print! Rather, this book lays out the necessary information for integrating wireless platforms into corporate and business enterprise--securely! It's all about the tools to use and what job to use them for. Knowing the right tool for the right job is half of what this book is about. The other half is about scenarios and procedures and security and the theory behind the technology. Everything you need to know whether you are involved in corporate firewalling of wireless networks, security, integration, etc. This book is a must-read for anyone involved in network architecture and planning.

Timely book- must read for IT professionals.......2006-08-15

I couldn't put the book down. Vacca's Guide to Wireless Network Security is the one-stop-shopping reference to everything you need to know about the security impacts associated with wireless technology. Just back from a roadtrip across the US, I was astonished to find almost every motel/hotel now equipped with wireless access. Upon use, I would always wonder about their implementations regarding the *real* protection of my data exchanges. This book has educated me and frankly has scared me quite a bit. IT professionals, this is a terrific read. Highly readable and highly recommended

The Practice of System and Network Administration

Average customer rating:

It's a top pick
Awesome!
Awesome!
A Mentor in a Book
Best book in its class.

The Practice of System and Network Administration
Thomas A. Limoncelli , and Christine Hogan
Manufacturer: Addison-Wesley Professional
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Network Administration | Networking | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Certification Central | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Computers & Internet | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0201702711

Customer Reviews:

It's a top pick .......2007-09-08

The first edition of PRACTICE OF SYSTEM AND NETWORK ADMINISTRATION covers modern IT methodology, and this updated second edition provides a revision of four major areas of knowledge relating to system administration, reviewing key elements of successful network systems, how to build and run reliable services, building data centers and addressing security issues, and more. It's a top pick for any library serious about catering to advanced web programmers, computer professionals, and students of network administration - as well as for practicing administrators.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Awesome!.......2005-02-08

The Practice of System and Network Administration shows you how to become a great SA.

This is no 'for dummies' book.

The Practice of System and Network Administration is a great guide.

Awesome!.......2004-10-11

I agree with some of the worse reviews: This book addresses all the touchy-feely stuff not found in other manuals.

That, however, is what it's for (It's plainly stated on the book! Read the friendly Meta-Manual!) and it is in fact a wonderfully lucidly written cornucopia of information in that field. It also is delightfully platform-independent, even if it is perceivable that the authors have a UNIX background (but which Sysad doesn't?).

It's a simple fact that Sysads get other things wrong more often than the tech stuff: Communicating changes, seeing it all from the user's POV, negotiating (yes, they deal with salary, too), saying "yes" so that it isn't understood as "yes to all"; saying "no" so that it isn't understood as "fsck you!".

That's why we're often hated as arrogant BOfHs. This manual endeavours to fix that, and it just might succeed.

A Mentor in a Book.......2004-08-30

The book market is flooded with books that will tell you all about the technical details of administering various software products and operating systems. Their scope is usually limited to whatever technical product is being written about and they become outdated as quickly as the technology becomes outdated. This book is very different. It gives guidelines in a very readable, coaching style, that can be applied to many different aspects of the System Administration trade.

I have been a System Administrator for a few years now, but this book clarifies many of the issues that I work with daily. It's like a having a mentor on my bookshelf that I can pull down and consult for advice. I especially like the whole section of seven chapters dealing with different aspects of management. These chapters should be mandatory reading for every SA -- and their bosses.

The book is written in a very readable style and has many useful and insightful real-world examples that show that the authors have been around and learned a lot on the way. The book is worth reading just for these examples. I read the book from cover to cover.

I first heard about this book when I attended a seminar Tom Limoncelli
taught at the 2003 LISA conference titled "Time Management for System Administrators: How to Keep from Going (More) Crazy". Many of the topics in the seminar are covered in detail in the book.

If you're a system administrator, you should read this book.

Best book in its class........2002-11-11

If you are looking for a fundamentals book on Unix or Windows 2000 operating systems, go elsewhere. This book is completely about the methodologies for architecting, running and maintaining your IT data center. It's the best book in its class hands down.

Network Flows: Theory, Algorithms, and Applications

Average customer rating:

the best network flow book for computer scientists
Good Introductory Book
Great book for Network Theory and Application
Great book for Network Theory and Application
PLEASE, write a corrected edition!

Network Flows: Theory, Algorithms, and Applications
Ravindra K. Ahuja , Thomas L. Magnanti , and James B. Orlin
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Decision-Making & Problem Solving | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Certification Central | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

General & Reference | Technology | Science | Subjects | Books

Algorithms | Computer Science & Information Systems | New & Used Textbooks | Stores | Books

General | Business & Finance | New & Used Textbooks | Stores | Books

Quantitative Business | Business & Finance | New & Used Textbooks | Stores | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Business & Investing | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Computers & Internet | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Professional | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Science | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Look Inside Business Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Computer Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 013617549X

Book Description

Bringing together the classic and the contemporary aspects of the field, this comprehensive introduction to network flows provides an integrative view of theory, algorithms, and applications. It offers in-depth and self-contained treatments of shortest path, maximum flow, and minimum cost flow problems, including a description of new and novel polynomial-time algorithms for these core models. For professionals working with network flows, optimization, and network programming.

Customer Reviews:

the best network flow book for computer scientists.......2004-12-18

I've been using this book as the primary text for my class in
"Network Flow Programming" (senior & graduate level) at the
University of Tennessee for about 10 years. Prior to that time
I had used Jensen & Barnes' Network Flow Programming (now long out
of print). The code in Jensen & Barnes is in FORTRAN (not so fun
or useful for CS majors) and the intended audience seemed to be OR.
Ahuja's code is pascal pseudo-code for the most part, which usually
translates easily into the C language that most of our students
use.

For CS students, there is excellent use of algorithm analysis
(big-O) throughout the book, and there are long discussions
about different approaches and algorithms and the complexity of
each. There is a lot of mathematical notation, but my students
have never had to worry about PDEs and the like here. Any good
advanced CS student (graduate or undergraduate) will find the
book very worthwhile. In my course the students must implement
min-cost spanning trees, shortest paths, critical path/PERT
networks (not in Ahuja), max flow, and min-cost flow. I would
also recommend (for CS majors) Tarjan's excellent (and
succinct) Data Structures and Network Algorithms.

Good Introductory Book .......2004-12-13

This is a good introductory book. I particularly liked the applications of the problems, introduced in the book. The main negative point that I could mention is, the redundant explanations and discussions you might see in different chapters. I would say the volume of the book could have been reduced by some 15%-20%, if the authors had chosen to be more concise.
The book, Combinatorial Optimization by William J. Cook, et al, is an alternative. It covers a whole lot of topics and is just too succinct, a little more elaboration would have been appreciated !

Great book for Network Theory and Application.......2003-09-25

This book contains a lot of great algorithms for network flow theory and it also contains many of the great applications, which are very useful in practice. This book is very completed. Personally, I learn a lot of new things about Multi commodity Flow, which are the use of Lagrangian Relaxation, Column generation, Resource allocation techniques for solving multi commodity flow. There are also the good chapters in Convex cost flow and Generalized Flow and good appendix in complexity. Beside this book is very easy to read and understand. It is a great idea to have if you are in OR or IE major. :)

Great book for Network Theory and Application.......2002-08-01

PLEASE, write a corrected edition!.......2002-02-28

First of all, I am not surprised that the book
got so many good reviews: at first look, it is truly
impressive, and it is clearly a work of love. I was
looking forward to teaching from it.

It is quite clear from the reviews though, that the
reviewers have not **used** it for teaching; they may
have browsed it at most.

The first disappointments came very soon in the course I
taught. The biggest flaw of the book is the really bad style
in which the proofs are written. They manage to be seemingly
overflowing with explanation, and at the same time difficult
to understand. They gloss over many details: if the teacher
tries to skip these, an alert student could easily make
him/her look pretty silly.

One case in point is the proof of the label correcting
algorithm's correctness starting on page 136. I knew this
material from before, so I thought preparing class from
here would be a breeze. I was wrong: after going back to
my notes, and breaking up the mess into several simple
claims did I manage to make notes from which I could teach.
Whoever missed the class was helpless, when they looked
for explanation in the book.

I only remark, that all classes that I taught from this book
were at some of the top 10 OR depts at the US... so this is
hardly the students' fault.

Many exercises are wrong as well, and although the authors
claim that they will try to fix the mistakes, they hardly ever
reply to reader's comments, as some of my fellow professors
told me.

I can only compare the style of the exposition to the
later written Combinatorial Optimization book by
Cunningham et. al. There is a WORLD of difference.
One can try to look up for instance, the proof
for the label correcting algorithm: the proof in the
Ahuja et. al book is practically creaking at the joints,
while in Cunningham et. al. it flows lucidly.
I suspect that the authors of the latter book wrote it, since
they were unhappy with this one; one can hardly be surprised.

On the positive side, the plethora of applications presented
is truly amazing, and the exercises (when correct) are excellent.

To sum it up: A good book, which could have become a great one,
but have not; one which is very useful, but at the
same time very hard to use... I think the community would thank
the authors for a second, revised edition, that would fix
all the mistakes, and all those terrible proofs.

Book Description

VSAT Networks: Second Edition covers all the important issues involved with the installation of VSAT systems.
Since the first edition was published, the VSAT market has continued to expand steadily. VSAT technologies have advanced, prompting an increase in the take-up of VSAT services.
Offering a comprehensive introduction to the topic followed by a detailed exploration of multiple access protocols, delay analysis and system dimensioning, this edition is a highly relevant update of VSAT Networks. Written by a well respected and established member of the satellite community, it will be welcomed be academics and engineers alike.

Covers important issues of services, economics and regulatory aspects
Provides a detailed technical insight on networking and radio frequency link aspects, therefore addressing the specific features of VSAT networks at the three lower layers of the OSI Reference Layer Model for data communications
This timely second edition is fully updated with new figures, improvements and revised chapter on future developments

This book will appeal to students of telecommunications, electronics and computer science. Practising telecommunications engineers and technical managers involved in the planning, design and operation of VSAT networks and systems will also find this book a valuable reference source.

Download Description

"VSAT Networks: Second Edition covers all the important issues involved with the installation of VSAT systems.
Since the first edition was published, the VSAT market has continued to expand steadily. VSAT technologies have advanced, prompting an increase in the take-up of VSAT services.
Offering a comprehensive introduction to the topic followed by a detailed exploration of multiple access protocols, delay analysis and system dimensioning, this edition is a highly relevant update of VSAT Networks. Written by a well respected and established member of the satellite community, it will be welcomed be academics and engineers alike.

Covers important issues of services, economics and regulatory aspects
Provides a detailed technical insight on networking and radio frequency link aspects, therefore addressing the specific features of VSAT networks at the three lower layers of the OSI Reference Layer Model for data communications
This timely second edition is fully updated with new figures, improvements and revised chapter on future developments

Customer Reviews:

A readable summary of a complex subject.......1997-10-28

Maral has summarised the most important points in a very readable and useful text. For both students and engineers who want to learn more this offers a very good reference. His treatment of link budget elements and system performance analysis is uncluttered and direct. It is not uncommon for engineers to write in a style that just demonstrates their depth of knowledge. Maral demonstrates and shares his knowledge then allows you to learn from it. Thats the real winning point of this book as in other texts he has written.

Virtualization: From the Desktop to the Enterprise (Books for Professionals by Professionals)

Average customer rating:

Virtualization: From the Desktop to the Enterprise (Books for Professionals by Professionals)
Great Virtualization Book for Microsoft and VMware
Great Book on Virtualization
Well worth the money
Better Together

Virtualization: From the Desktop to the Enterprise (Books for Professionals by Professionals)
Chris Wolf , and Erick M. Halter
Manufacturer: Apress
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Computer Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Computers & Internet | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Accessories:

ASIN: 1590594959

Book Description

Creating a virtual network gives network administrators a way to maximize the usage of their servers. This will be the only book on the market that outlines how to manage all aspects of virtualization across an enterprise. Other books focus on single aspects of virtualization, without delving into the interrelationships of the technologies. Coverage of all aspects of virtualization, including virtual machines, virtual file systems, clustering, and virtualized storage solutions, will enable readers to understand which virtualization technologies may be right for their environment.

Customer Reviews:

Virtualization: From the Desktop to the Enterprise (Books for Professionals by Professionals).......2007-05-26

Libro muy completo aunque practicamente solo habla de VMware

Great Virtualization Book for Microsoft and VMware.......2005-10-05

This book provides installation coverage for VMware (ESX, GSX, and Workstaion) and Microsoft Virtualization applications (Virtual PC and Virtual Server). The book also explores the use of these virtualization applications in different environments, as in "from the desktop to the enterprise". Though the book can be a bit academic, it is easy to read and is packed with practical information and devoid of marketing hype. Some vendor specific information is outdated; however, the publisher maintains updates on the web. The book provides background information to understand all aspects of virtualization applications, virtual file systems, clustering, and backup strategies. If you are trying to get a grip on virtualization, this book is well worth the money (used or new).

Great Book on Virtualization.......2005-09-18

This book is what I needed to bring me up to speed on virtualization. If you are an IT manager and whant to know what the buzz is all about, start with this book. It covers all aspects of virtualization.

Well worth the money.......2005-09-16

I recently was assigned to a newly created virtualization and storage division within my company and based on a recommendation from a friend bought this book. I must say that I have been very impressed with its content. The authors cover all of the major virtual machine software technologies, including VMware, Microsoft Virtual Server, and Microsoft Virtual PC. At first I was afraid that with so much coverage, this book would be a rehash of existing online docs, but this wasn't the case at all. While the book does offer some simple guidance to get you started with each technology (with both coverage on Windows and Linux), its real value comes in the many tips, tricks, and hacks discovered by the authors. For example, there is a chapter full of backup scripts that can be used for VMware VMs on each platform type, Microsoft Virtual Server, and Virtual PC. The book also describes how to resize virtual disk files. This is not supported, but pretty good to know if you have a virtual disk that is too small.

The book also covers distributed file systems and clustering. I had wanted to setup DFS on Samba for a long time, but didn't have time to do all of the research. After following the procedures in the book, the process was pretty easy. There are also steps provided for setting up Windows and Linux failover and load balanced clusters.

The book finishes up by describing SANs and storage virtualization. If you're like me and are faced with supporting a number of different virtualization technologies, you need this book.

Better Together .......2005-08-23

I bought this book and VMware ESX server: these books are great together! You will also want to visit VMware's website for cool tips and tricks. VMware really knows what is going on in the industry with virtualization. If you are looking for open source stuff, visit http://www.cl.cam.ac.uk/Research/SRG/netos/xen/.

Introduction to the Theory of Neural Computation (Santa Fe Institute Studies in the Sciences of Complexity)

Average customer rating:

Clear and logical exposition
Introduction to the Theory of Neural Computation
A Broad Survey

Introduction to the Theory of Neural Computation (Santa Fe Institute Studies in the Sciences of Complexity)
John A. Hertz , Richard G. Palmer , and Anders Krogh
Manufacturer: Westview Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Computers & Internet | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0201515601

Amazon.com

This book comprehensively discusses the neural network models from a statistical mechanics perspective. It starts with one of the most influential developments in the theory of neural networks: Hopfield's analysis of networks with symmetric connections using the spin system approach and using the notion of an energy function from physics. Introduction to the Theory of Neural Computation uses these powerful tools to analyze neural networks as associative memory stores and solvers of optimization problems. A detailed analysis of multi-layer networks and recurrent networks follow. The book ends with chapters on unsupervised learning and a formal treatment of the relationship between statistical mechanics and neural networks. Little information is provided about applications and implementations, and the treatment of the material reflects the background of the authors as physicists. However the book is essential for a solid understanding of the computational potential of neural networks. Introduction to the Theory of Neural Computation assumes that the reader is familiar with undergraduate level mathematics, but does not have any background in physics. All of the necessary tools are introduced in the book.

Customer Reviews:

Clear and logical exposition.......2007-08-18

It's not the latest book on this topic, so today, there are other texts that have more recent developments to be sure. I originally read this text about 15 years ago. But what I got from this book, that I didn't get from most, are important insights and clear understanding of the material that's covered. The authors have a deep understanding, and have teaching as their goal in writing. Most other texts in this area are lacking in one or both of those characteristics, and aren't worth the paper they are printed on.

Introduction to the Theory of Neural Computation.......2000-10-06

This book is written from a mathematical perspective. The book introduces the Hopfield Neural Network with history and applications. The authors solve the network problem and develop the Hebb Rule. Links are made to Ising Spin models and stochastic problems. I find this book to be one of the best written mathematical guides for Neural Networks.

A Broad Survey.......1997-11-08

This was a good survey, and well-grounded mathematically. It is kind of scattershot, and if you primarily want to do practical projects like predicting financial markets, a lot of the sections won't be relevant. But if you want a broad-based approach, emphasizing a variety of network designs fro different purposes, this book is very good.

Average customer rating:

quick reference on PKI
One Great Book
Wonderful book explaining all the secret s of secure communication
Simply THE BEST!!!
Good first book on security

Cryptography Decrypted
H. X. Mel , and Doris M. Baker
Manufacturer: Addison-Wesley Professional
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Privacy | Business & Culture | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

Network Security | Networking | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Software | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Reference | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Computer Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Reference Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Computers & Internet | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Reference | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0201616475

Customer Reviews:

quick reference on PKI.......2007-05-24

This book is just what I needed - a quick tutorial on PKI. It is easy to read and the examples are straight forward. The book is an excellent place to start if you need to get up to speed on cryptography.

One Great Book.......2007-03-26

Being a technical book about a heavy topic I was pleasantly surprised that this book was pretty much "unputdownable". Concepts related to digital certificates, private key/public key cryptography, SSL protocol etc. are lucidly explained and very well presented without for a moment losing track of the overall context. All the chapters are short and sweet and cover everything essential for moving forward with confidence to the next chapter. I would highly recommend reading this book from cover to cover to anyone who is not satisfied with the half-baked knowledge available out there on this subject.

Wonderful book explaining all the secret s of secure communication.......2006-03-04

Cryptography Decrypted is an easy to read and fun book that explains how cryptography has evolved from Caesar's time to now. The author goes over how encryption is used in all areas of communication, and what sequential systems have deveoped to stop hacker attacks along the way. It is detailed but fun to read, and explains how all the enigmatic parts, like Private Keys, Public Keys, Secret Keys, Digital Signatures, SMIME, PGP, RSA, SHA-1 ect. all fit together.
This is an excellent 300 page softback that takes the mystery out of encryption and cryptanalysis. I highly recommend it.
Would love to see H.X. Mel and Doris Baker update it from 2001 to include all that has changed and been added to the present time.

Simply THE BEST!!!.......2006-02-01

This book is phenomenal! I skimmed through countless books on cryptography before I settled on this one. The authors Mel and Baker have the unique ability to make a complex subject like cryptography completely accessible even to the mathematically challenged. This book is a MUST READ! If you work in the IT Security or Network Design field, this book gives you all the background you need to be more effective in your job without having the turgid style of most crypto books. It really does a fantastic job of explaining all the basic building blocks of cryptography as well as suites like SSL and IPSEC in plain everyday language. You will not be disappointed with this book!

Good first book on security.......2005-03-04

Excellent book for people who want to understand in nutshell what security is all about. If you are overwhelmed by several security terms and want to know how things fit in a bigger picture, this is the book for you.

Linear Network Optimization: Algorithms and Codes

Average customer rating:

Linear Network Optimization: Algorithms and Codes
Dimitri P. Bertsekas
Manufacturer: The MIT Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Decision-Making & Problem Solving | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Certification Central | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Mathematics | Science | Subjects | Books

General & Reference | Technology | Science | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Business Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Computer Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Business & Investing | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Computers & Internet | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Science | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Network Optimization: Continuous and Discrete Models (Optimization, Computation, and Control)

ASIN: 0262023342

Book Description

Large-scale optimization is becoming increasingly important for students and professionals in electrical and industrial engineering, computer science, management science and operations research, and applied mathematics.

Linear Network Optimization presents a thorough treatment of classical approaches to network problems such as shortest path, max-flow, assignment, transportation, and minimum cost flow problems. It is the first text to clearly explain important recent algorithms such as auction and relaxation, proposed by the author and others for the solution of these problems. Its coverage of both theory and implementations make it particularly useful as a text for a graduate-level course on network optimization as well as a practical guide to state-of-the-art codes in the field.

Bertsekas focuses on the algorithms that have proved successful in practice and provides FORTRAN codes that implement them. The presentation is clear, mathematically rigorous, and economical. Many illustrations, examples, and exercises are included in the text.

Dimitri P. Bertsekas is Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at MIT.

Contents: Introduction. Simplex Methods. Dual Ascent Methods. Auction Algorithms. Performance and Comparisons. Appendixes.

Performance of Computer Communication Systems: A Model-Based Approach

Average customer rating:

Probably the best modeling book around!

Performance of Computer Communication Systems: A Model-Based Approach
Boudewijn R. Haverkort
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Computer Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0471972282

Book Description

Performance of Computer Communication Systems A Model-Based Approach Boudewijn R. Haverkort Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen, Germany Computer communication systems and distributed systems are now able to provide an increasing range of services. As the timing requirements in the operation of these services are becoming crucial for the global community. performance assessment and selection of communication and distributed systems are, therefore, becoming more important. In this book, the author illustrates the techniques and methods used to evaluate the performance of computer communication systems, thereby covering all aspects of model-based performance evaluation. Unlike other books on this topic, there is no restriction to a particular performance evaluation technique. Notable features in this book include:
* coverage of all major techniques of performance evaluation
* non-mathematical problem solving approach, explaining and illustrating performance evaluation techniques
* assessment techniques for stochastic processes, single server queues, networks of queues and stochastic Petri nets
* numerous application studies, including token ring systems, client-server systems, and wide-area networks
* substantial number of practical exercises and examples.
For computer or electrical engineers who design and implement computer communication systems, this book provides an excellent overview of the methods and techniques used to construct and solve performance models. It is also a valuable source of information for postgraduate students in computer science and related subjects. Visit Our Web Page! http://www.wiley.com/

Customer Reviews:

Probably the best modeling book around!.......2007-01-22

I consider this book a lucky find. As you can probably guess, I have nearly every book remotely related to computer performance modeling, which you'll see if you look at my guide to building a web site that doesn't frustrate customers. But for some reason, I didn't have this one. When I did get a copy, it quickly became one of my favorites!

The book starts with a good foundation in stochastic processes (Part I) and single-server queuing models (Part II). The highlight of the second part is chapter 8 on phase-type distributions, quasi-birth-death processes and matrix geometric methods. I have not found much on this approach elsewhere that's accessible to a practitioner, so if you, like me, have a large collection and are looking for a reason to add this book, here's one!

Part III covers queuing networks. There isn't much here you won't find in other books, although it's explained in more detail and covers more of the history of the subject than many of the basic books. Few of today's books go beyond mean value analysis for closed networks, for example; it's very rare that the convolution algorithm is even mentioned.

Part IV covers stochastic Petri net models. Most of this, except for chapter 17 on infinite state stochastic Petri nets, is available in other books. But, like chapter 8, you won't find the material in chapter 17 in an accessible form anywhere else. And a number of the other books on stochastic Petri nets have gone out of print. So chapter 17 is reason two to add this one to a collection.

Part V consists of one chapter on simulation. I personally think simulation has gotten way too much bad press. Analytical modeling proponents are fond of whining about how long it takes to build simulation models, how long it takes to run them, etc. I don't personally do simulation, but there are numerous situations where it's the "right thing to do".

In summary, I think this is currently the best advanced modeling book available. If you want to go beyond mean value analysis, get this one. It covers stochastic processes, single queues, queuing networks, stochastic Petri nets and simulation.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books