Popular among both novice and experienced AutoCAD users, this comprehensive book begins with an overview of the basics of AutoCAD, such as creating drawings, using commands, and specifying coordinates. Coverage becomes more in-depth as each chapter builds off the previous one, with discussions of 2D and 3D drawing techniques, using layers, creating dimensions, 3D coordinates, and rendering. You ll learn to customize commands and toolbars; program AutoCAD using AutoLISP and VBA; and review AutoCAD LT. A "Quick Start" will have beginners creating a CAD drawing on their first day. The accompanying CD-ROM provides before-and-after real-world drawings, bonus appendices, freeware and shareware programs, the book in searchable PDF format, and a 30-day trial version of AutoCAD software.

This book covers every significant AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT feature. If you’re a beginning user, you’ll find everything you need to start out; if you’re already using AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT regularly, the book covers advanced material as well. Although you can use this book as a tutorial if you’re just starting out or learning a new set of features, it also provides a solid reference base to come back to again and again. The short tutorials on almost every topic will quickly have you drawing professionally. The CD-ROM is chock-full of drawings, a trial version of AutoCAD 2007, and add-in programs (which are mostly for AutoCAD only). This book should be all that you need to make full use of either program.

Written by an experienced PHP expert who is in sync with the most common uses of PHP and MySQL, this tutorial presents basic code for twelve functional projects that exemplify the basic concepts and syntax of PHP and MySQL that are used to develop web-based applications.

As you walk through the detailed steps of each project, you'll learn the many aspects of design as well as how to properly secure your applications for real-world implementation. While some projects build upon previous projects, others stand alone. Whether you are looking for guidance in how to program different applications, seeking inspiration to write projects of your own, or planning to modify and reapply the featured projects, you can look forward to expanding your skill set with these projects.

If you’re curious, but hesitant, about finding your way around Microsoft’s new Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 For Dummies is the book for you. This friendly reference shows you everything you need to know — from installation and deployment to building and running a Windows Server 2008 network.

Server-based networking really is a big deal, and this 1000lain-English guide helps you make the most of it. You’ll find out about Windows Server 2008’s important functions, capabilities and requirements; develop a network implementation plan; take a step-by-step walkthrough of the installation process; and get valuable tips on how to boost your bandwidth beyond belief! Before you know it, you’ll be configuring connections to the Universe, working with active directory, and treating domains and controllers like old pals.

The Photoshop CS3 Restoration and Retouching Bible is a full-color comprehensive reference to retouching and restoring photographs using Adobe Photoshop CS3. Written by an Adobe Certified Expert and Adobe Certified Instructor in Photoshop CS & CS2, Mark Fitzgerald, the Photoshop CS3 Restoration and Retouching Bible provides training, tips, and techniques for amateur to professional photographers who want to complete expert quality photo restorations and retouchings.

The book begins by reviewing the fundamentals of working with digital images - covering adjusting image brightness and contrast, working with color, understanding RAW and high-bit files, working with layers, and getting organized. Fitzgerald guides readers through all of the relevant Photoshop tools and techniques including a full chapter on creating flexibility with layer masks. A robust four-chapter section on rescuing damaged photos enables readers to bring their damaged images back to life. The final section of the book focuses on adding the final touches to images - retouching, with hands-on examples of retouching portraits and architectural projects.

Are you looking for a deeper understanding of the Java™ programming language so that you can write code that is clearer, more correct, more robust, and more reusable? Look no further! Effective Java™, Second Edition, brings together seventy-eight indispensable programmer’s rules of thumb: working, best-practice solutions for the programming challenges you encounter every day.
This highly anticipated new edition of the classic, Jolt Award-winning work has been thoroughly updated to cover Java SE 5 and Java SE 6 features introduced since the first edition. Bloch explores new design patterns and language idioms, showing you how to make the most of features ranging from generics to enums, annotations to autoboxing.
Each chapter in the book consists of several “items” presented in the form of a short, standalone essay that provides specific advice, insight into Java platform subtleties, and outstanding code examples. The comprehensive descriptions and explanations for each item illuminate what to do, what not to do, and why.