The Essential Guide to Semiconductors

Customer Reviews:

Great Book for first time semiconductor lovers.......2007-02-03

Simple, easy to read and to understand, good pictures at appropriate places to help you visualize the details.

This is a great book for first time semiconductor lovers. The author takes you through a time line of the semiconductor industry and also talks about the industry trends etc. The books talks about semiconductor components and its functions in an "easy to understand" format.

It's a good read especially if you are new to the semiconductor industry and want to get a good understanding of the industry.

waste of money.......2006-03-15

Should be called 'The Coffee Table Overview to the Semiconductor Market'! It talked more about people who make them than how to make them.

It burned well!!

WOW - I feel 10 times smarter right now..........2004-11-23

This book is a must read for anyone in the technology industry - even a software guy like me found the content and processes explained fascinating! I would also urge anyone investing in public companies like Intel, Sun, etc.... to read this and truly understand what those companies do. There were several points in the book where the author would explain something, and the curious side of my brain would question "hrm, I wonder why it's called that... or how that came to be" - and without fail... the next paragraph of the book knew exactly what my curiosity would be and spelled it out. A HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BOOK!

Best book for quickly getting the basics that I am aware of.......2004-05-17

The title and editorial reviews live up to their billing (with one very minor exception - see below).

As a former CEO of a software company who has been asked to consult to a fabless semiconductor design company, I needed to get up to speed on the basics of semiconductor technology as well as the value chain of the industry. This book provided the technology basics and then related it all to the general business world, something that is important to me as the company is supported by venture capitalists whose focus is both technology and economic success.

The author explains technology concepts in a very readable fashion for the layman. For example, in describing FPGAs, he writes, "Programmable logic chips are like electronic Etch-a-Sketches, ready to use but not really finished. Customers imprint their own design onto them, making their own semicustom chips. . . Like a Etch-a-Sketch, you can erase the chip and start over any time you want, so there's no risk."

This book provides a great overview and starting point. I've searched and bought several books related to the basics of semiconductors and found most of them to be too high-level or too much like a text book with a lot of math exercises. This one delivers what is claimed. In fact, I rated another book 1-star, so my 5-stars for this book indicates an uninflated opinion of its helpfulness to me.

A minor drawback is the editorial review claims it is sufficiently detailed for technical readers. Technical readers who want to understand the business of semicon or aspects outside of their direct field of work will likely find this book valuable, but if they are seeking technical details, there are better books out there.

There are a few things I wish the book covered in more depth, such as more about specific applications that the author believes is going to be hot; however, that is more of a personal preference and I would not downgrade the book on this account.

Finally, this book is part of a library of books in the Essential Guide Series by Prentice Hall. Other titles include Essential Guide: - to XML, - to Storage Area Networks, - to Telecommunications, etc. I will know where to look next time I need overviews on industries I am unfamiliar with.

Book Description

Beginning in 1939, Superman reigned as the lead- ing hero of both comic books and newspaper comic strips. These formative stories star a Man of Steel who boldly tackles the social injustices of his day. This hardcover volume comes in a handsome slipcase.

Customer Reviews:

It's Fun Read.......2007-06-12

Since I wasn't around when these strips were first printed it's nice to know Superman early adventures.

Terrific look into the past.......2007-05-13

Back to the earliest visions of the "Man of Steel", before he even learned to fly! (Although he was certainly faster than a locomotive and could leap tall buildings) Not completely invulnerable, either, as in one of the early episodes presented, he's knocked unconcious by a bomb) By today's "elightened" standards, it's often politically incorreect, but let's face it, it's the way things were back then, and no point in trying to whitewash it. Fun reading, and a true period piece.

Beautiful Presentation Of This Historic Material.......2003-02-13

When comics publishers want their material presented just right, they go to Denis Kitchen, and that's what DC has done here. Jerry Siegel's and Joe Shuster's early "Superman" work was not terribly sophisticated, but it is historically important for its cultural impact and for the genre it created. It's also fun to read, and in this very attractive slipcased, hardcover edition, fun to own. The early newspaper version of Superman may have been superior to the contemporary comic book version- there is an excellent, very funny lookalike story in which Superman trades places with an even meeker and milder Clark Kent type for a day and makes trouble for various bullies.

The presentation here gets an A plus, with extra material, informative commentary, and another beautiful cover (and interior) design by the ever-excellent Peter Poplaski. This book, as well as the Sundays volume, perfectly compliments a similar treatment afforded to the "Batman" dailies and Sundays of the same period. Marvel should go this route with the early "Spider-Man" strips by Stan Lee and John Romita.

Superman the Superchauvanist!.......2002-12-19

These comic strips are a document of their times. Violent and chauvanistic. Superman terrorizes one criminal into having a heart attack, which doesn't stop him from giving the same treatment to another criminal. Lois Lane strives to get off the LoveLorn page - "Stay there, it's safer." Makes you want to grit your teeth. Doesn't mean these strips should be censored or made 'politically correct.' Not at all. Read, and realize how far we've come. But - how far have we come??

A really good read!.......2002-05-23

This wonderful book is a collection of Superman comics from the newspapers. (You know, one horizontal strip of three or four black-and-white frames.) There are nine *complete* episodes here: Episode 11 (1/8/40-2/8/40) through Episode 19 (12/2/40-3/8/41). Episodes 11 and 12 entangle America and Superman in a European war. (The dictator of Rutland has a funny uniform and sports a small moustache, looking vaguely familiar.) But my favorite is definitely the last, where Superman decides to help a meek, downtrodden man find his confidence, rise to his true level of competence, and marry the woman he loves.

This is a very nice collection of cartoons. Superman is not as "super" as in later stories: the newest Superman has biceps bigger than this one's head, and his flying isn't always 100%. However, the stories are interesting and fun to read. I like the comic-strip format, which makes the book easy to put down and pick up again. Most of all, though, I enjoyed a really good read! If you like Superman, or super-heroes in general, then I highly recommend this book to you.

Book Description

The more legendary the rock band, the harder it is to cut through the myth. And the more debauched and unpredictable their behaviour, the harder it is for a photographer to gain their confidence while still remaining capable of operating a camera. Given these conditions, Neal Preston had to be a worker of subtle magic in order to get up close and remain on good terms with Led Zeppelin during the height of their '70s reign as heavy blues' Lords Of Misrule. Preston has worked for 25 years perfecting his abilities as a portraitist and "rare glimpse" hunter, acquiring memorable, candid images of Madonna, Springsteen, The Eagles and Bono. His collection of Led Zeppelin insider shots are some of the most revealing and entertaining ever seen, showing Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Bonham and John Paul Jones rocking out, crashing out, dreaming away, hunkering down and fooling about in their underwear. Preston was right there, on the private jets, at the recording sessions and at the aftershow, and his record of the band at their pagan, Hammer Of The Gods peak reverberates loudly enough to reach both serious Zeppelin fans and the casually curious.

Customer Reviews:

This book is amazing.......2003-11-25

Mr Prestone does a great job here in compiling the magic moments of this legend band. The pictures are amazing and the quality is very good. If you are a Led Zeppelin fan - this book is for you,

A Seemingly Rushed Release.......2002-12-04

For those who've been Zep fans for years, many (if not most) of the pictures contained in this book have been seen before now. That's part of why this book seems, to me, to be a rushed release just before the gift giving season. Another reason is that some of the better pix, such as one of the close-ups of Jimmy and Robert on Ceasar's Chariot looking together at something with Jimmy propping a J.D. bottle on his right knee while gesturing as Robert observes, Jimmy's face in the 2-page picture is split in half by the book's spine! I have to spread the book flat just to get a glimpse of both people in the picture, which is unfortunate because the picture's a classic. Yet another reason why this seems rushed is that some of the dates for pictures are wrong, like 2/12/75 in NYC being mistakenly labelled as 2/25/75 in NYC, and even Dave Lewis's text has errors in it. Not a 5 star book by any stretch, and not a 2 because of what's in it. A 3 because of the reasonable price, but definitely not a must have in my humble opinion.

Book Description

What does it mean when decision making has speeded up beyond imagining? When life and work are fused rather than relegated to their own places and times? What about the impact of the serial career on industries built with the expectation that they were training employees for the long haul?Based on unique research and interviews, THE CHANGE AGENTS is a clear-eyed examination of what living in a wired world really means to organizational behavior and individual empowerment. The media has been full of stories of the dizzying ascents and fast falls of dot-commers over the last few years, but THE CHANGE AGENTS shows how the rest of the world -- from top CEOs to the guys in the mailroom -- is irrevocably affected by a paradigm shift as wrenching as the industrial revolution. Nickels has identified a self-empowered group she labels "Change Agents" who are demanding more power in the workplace than previous generations were granted after years with a company - and they are getting it. THE CHANGE AGENTS shows how they do it and why it matters. Backed by exclusive statistical research and scores of personal interviews, FASTER FORWARD is a revealing and significant look at the future for everyone who works today.

Download Description

How despite the ups and downs of the NASDAQ -- the new economy has irrevocably changed life and the way things work.

Customer Reviews:

Good profile, but lacks critical eye.......2002-06-27

This book offers a detailed, and sometimes humorous profile of the driving force behind the New Economy. In some respects, this book is inspiring in its take-no-prisoners approach to ambition and success.

However, in as much as it glorifies the dress-down, work-till-you-drop, super ambitious types who drive the New Economy, the author never asks the critical questions of cost. Nickles describes people postponing weddings, having no time for friends or romance. These are people who practically live in their offices because a home is not condusive to the frenetic pace of e-commerce. I admire the ambition and innovation of the Change Agents, but I'm not sure I want to see these people thirty years from now.

Apparently Ms. Nickles (who I assume didn't go through such a lifestyle) finds none of this disturbing.

A fascinating read........2002-01-26

A fascinating read about today's internet driven world and the young turks behind the wheel. I thought the book might be a bit too statistical, but it was not at all. Nickles explains the behavior and psychology of the new technology-fluent generation and their far-reaching influences, from traditional corporate environments to culture changing dot coms like wedding planners and on-line magazines. A lot of intellegence gathering research went into the book, but it is presented in an enjoyable, anecdotal fashion.

Book Description

Three designers find different solutions for each of 18 rooms in the book. All three design options are shown as thumbnail sketchs, watercolors, or floorplans along with photographs of the finished room showing the homeowner's final design choice.

Detailing the most popular rooms from the show, the book ranges from redecorating to complete remodeling.

Packed with ideas to refresh rooms by changing surface treatments and rearranging furnishings—all without a designer.

Solutions for almost every room: kitchens, bedrooms, baths, and more.

Shows how to budget for large projects and survive the remodeling process.

Tips and techniques from the design professionals featured on Designers' Challenge.

Creative room renovations for problem spaces.

Customer Reviews:

Money well spent.......2006-02-25

The book was awesome. It was great getting a sneak preview into all of the work that went into the designs. You learn so much more from the book than the actual show depicts. I truly enjoyed the book.

Average customer rating:

The Best of designers' challenge

Manufacturer: HGTV Yhe Best of Designer's Challenge
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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Candice Olson on Design

ASIN: 0696225883

Book Description

This course is designed to teach from basic to advanced reporting techniques and skills. People taking this course should have experience using some sort of reporting tool, such as BusinessObjects, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, or one of the similar reporting applications. This course is unlike any other available today, because it offers more than 30 real-life examples that help students understand how to use BusinessObjects to provide solutions to corporate reporting demands. The course is introduced in a logical and simplified manner, enabling students to grasp concepts and techniques in a more relaxed atmosphere.

Customer Reviews:

BusinessObjects: Complete Report Writing Course.......2007-05-15

I would highly recommend the purchase of this book for any level of BusinessObjects user. The content is outstanding, especially the chapter on formulas. The book allows you to work at your own pace to understand key concepts in BusinessObjects. The book gives realistic, easy-to-understand examples to explain key concepts. As I read and worked through the book, I gained valuable information that no one from my company took the time to explain to me. I am amazed at how many tips I am gaining from this book as I continually use it as a resource to better understand how BusinessObjects works. I am much more productive in BusinessObjects since I have read and worked through this book, and I am adding more value to our company with the knowledge that I have gained because of this outstanding resource. - Kristy Evans

Another Outstanding Resource from Robert Schmidt!.......2006-09-26

I just used this book for training last week, it's truly outstanding in the BO training space. I strongly disagree with C Townsend - this training covers everything from beginning to advanced Business Objects topics. I've taught Business Objects' own advanced training classes, and this book covers topics that aren't even mentioned in BO's training materials.

One big benefit of this book is that it includes resource files that can be used for training. The combination of a PowerPoint Presentation, BO Universe, BO Report Files, and Access Database give you just about everything you need to conduct a training class. All you need is a licensed copy of the software, and someone to teach the class. When you consider the price point, this book is a training bargain.

I'd highly recommend this book to anyone looking to learn Business Objects Reporter, or anyone looking to conduct Business Objects Reporter training.

Very impressed with this one - dBGuys.......2006-09-16

I am a Database developer and I work as a consultant for an International Company. Robert, the author of this course, has been training this company for almost a year. He has trained them virtually through Placeware and on-site at various locations. He has trained 100's of people and everyone that I speak to is greatly satisfied with this training manual. They say that it is very easy to comprehend. They also say that even though they have only been using Business Objects for a short time, it has helped them to create advanced reports that they previously thought impossible.

I have also had the occasion to meet Robert on his training visits. He is one of the most sincere people that I have ever met. He really seems concerned that the students understand his training manual and they are really able to advance their skills through it. On his last visit, he actually gave me one of each of his manuals. I have worked through this manual (Business Objects: Complete Report Writing Course) and now I know why his students are so happy.

He has a way of introducing complex topics and making them seem so easy. For example, he introduced subqueries after talking about combination queries. Since combination queries deal with simple data sets, they were easy to understand. Later, he showed how to use subqueries to reach the same solutions and even improve upon them.

He also talked about contexts in reports and how to use operators to work with these contexts to summarize information in a table. While working with these operators, I created several powerful reports that I can adapt here at our company.

Speaking about example reports, the course had many exercises that helped me to understand most of the topics. These reports showed me many different ways to present to same data to focus on different information in a report. For example, one report may show the average sales per month, while another showed the normalization of sales across several different portfolios.

Robert, it is a pleasure knowing you and a pleasure to write this review. It is one of the truest things that I have ever done.

Excellent Starting Point.......2006-09-16

I've used this book for the last three months on a project for work. I didn't know anything about Business Objects other than how to retrieve and refresh reports. This book gave me a great foundation to learn the fundamentals of BO reporting and the best use of the Business Objects tool.

A USER'S Beginner's Book.......2006-09-08

If you're a developer looking for some handy tips and tricks...well, keep looking. This is definitely a beginner's book, and may be useful for users brand new to BusinessObjects. Honestly, based on the price of this book I'd pass.

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