Review of The Home Executive's Guide to Computer Security (Paperback)

Colarik's advice is pretty sensible and presented in as nontechnical a manner as possible. I don't think anyone can quarrel about the proferred advice. Though I'm a little dubious of "Executive" in the book's title. Perhaps he's trying to appeal to the ego of the reader. Or perhaps it's just a way to underline that this is not a specialised technical book.

There are explanations of various types of attacks that your computer might meet. And protective, largely preventive countermeasures on your part. For this, the best advice might be to install an antivirus scanner and regularly run it. Along with having it connect to its vendor's website, to download the latest virus signatures. Another good advice is to consider running a firewall. These days, you might not even need a dedicated device. Software firewalls are now quite refined.

Product Description
Whether you operate a home-based business or bring your company's business home, this book establishes a functional understanding of security, and teaches its application in securing personal computers.

About the Author
Real, long lasting security requires expertise. Andrew Colarik has a thorough knowledge of the foundations, architectures, and protocols of computer and Internet fundamentals and their associated vulnerabilities. With over twenty-three (23) years utilizing computerized information systems, Andrew has and continues to provide simple, step by step explanations of the risks businesses face and how to protect systems from computer attacks. Andrew Colarik was awarded a Ph.D. in Information Systems (Security), and is the holder of a Masters in Business Administration (MIS). The combination of his credentials with over eight years of college teaching, providing training seminars to business, legal, and law enforcement professionals, and over eight years as an independent consultant brings a well balanced insight on key security issues facing organizations today. Throughout Andrew\'s career, he has taught management of information systems, multimedia communications, database management, programming languages, application software packages, and business courses. Andrew also continues to provide systems design, network administration, equipment review and selection, troubleshooting, and hands-on training of installed systems for businesses in the financial, manufacturing, and government industries. As a researcher, author, and inventor, Andrew has been published in top-tier security conferences, authored several information security books, and is an inventor of both utility and design patents. The latest of these publications by Andrew include: Managerial Guide to Handling Cyber-Terrorism and Information Warfare (January 2005), Update/Patch Management Systems: A protocol taxonomy with security implications (August 2004), A Secure Patch Management Authority (2003), World Framework for Security Benchmark Changes (May 2003), and An Integrity Mechanism for File Transfer in Communication Networks (May 2002). Additional publications are currently under development as Andrew\'s ongoing research into the security arena continues.

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Review of Green Beginnings: The Story of How We Built Our Green & Sustainable Home (Paperback)

Going Green is "the Next Big Thing" after the invention of the internet. It is one of the most important trends of this century. "Green Beginnings: The Story of How We Built Our Green & Sustainable Home" is an important contribution to the revolutionary trend of Going Green.

"...Although earliest cultures had built their dwellings with respect to natural world, in modern times little attention had been given to situating homes on sites in relation to nature; that is, to the sun, the prevailing winds, and other natural world elements that had sustained even primitive man for centuries in the most rudimentary of dwellings since the beginning of time...

Another way of introducing you to the concept of sustainable housing and greener living is to understand that up until the present what has been the standard, acceptable way to build housing just wasn't working anymore...

Finally, the economic pressure from our dependence upon fossil fuels as a people has been the single most influential factor in changing the status quote today. Simply stated, we no longer have a choice. The time has come to replace the status quo with alternative solution. And, the time is now."Avrim Topel and Vicki Topel write in "Green Beginnings: The Story of How We Built Our Green & Sustainable Home."They continue to use their real life experience of building a LEED-Silver home to introduce the green buildings to ordinary people in plain and simple English.

"Green Beginnings: The Story of How We Built Our Green & Sustainable Home" include nine chapters: Assembling the Creative Team; Defining Green and Sustainable; The Conceptual Design Plan; Sitework and Permitting; Products, System and Materials; Construction Documents: The Working Drawings; The Construction Process: A Photo Essay; Reflections in Hindsight: Notes from the Interior; and Notes from the Garden.

I particularly like the Chapter of "Reflections in Hindsight."For example, Avrim Topel and Vicki Topel mention their experience of trying to use reclaimed wood, but cannot get structural engineer's stamp of approval on it because there is no grading system for reclaimed wood yet. Another example is Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPS). While they are great products for insulation and preventing mold, they also present challenges for running plumbing lines and electrical conduits within the walls. All these are very valuable lessons learn, and you have the benefits of knowing them in advance if you read this book before building your green home.

"Green Beginnings: The Story of How We Built Our Green & Sustainable Home" has 186 pages, 100 sequenced color photographs, and a glossary of green and sustainable terms and language. It is a valuable book for anyone interested in going green or building a green home.

Gang Chen, Author of "LEED AP Exam Guide" & "Planting Design Illustrated." LEED AP, AIA



Product Description
This book is the first of its? kind to present the subject matter both experientially and from a homeowner?s perspective. Using non-technical, easy-to-understand, plain English, the authors identify and define green and sustainable concepts, materials and systems, and explain how these various components come together and relate to each other in today?s green homes. Their homespun narrative style of storytelling makes readers feel as though they are conversing with two old friends and simplifies learning and comprehension. Following the projects timeline, the authors inject experiential advice at key planning and construction phases when applicable. Topics include selecting architects, builders and other professionals, the LEED For Homes program, and cite the benefits green homes avail homeowners. Construction activities are illustrated with 100 sequenced color photographs, and a glossary of green and sustainable terms and language provides the reader with a reference guide.

From the Back Cover
"Finally, a simple green guide written by someone who's been there. GREEN BEGINNINGS is a delightful departure from difficult-to-understand construction books. Written in plain English, Ave and Vicki guide homeowners in ways to work with architects and builders on their new green home" --Amy Cornelius, Green Builder/Construction Manager Hugh Lofting Timber Frames

"GREEN BEGINNINGS provides a common sense and meaningful approach to understanding green homes for the newcomer and professional alike. Sequenced photography takes the guesswork out of the equation and fulfills the readers expectations completely. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking entry into this new and rewarding way of homebuilding." --Matthew Moger, AIA, Lyman Perry Architects

"A story and a lesson, brilliantly crafted, easily understood, and documented with photography. Avrim and Vicki Topel have created a simple approach to teaching the essence of green homes for everyman." --Tad Radzinsky, P.E., LEED APPresident, Sustainable Solutions Corporation



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Review of Homeopathy, Sweet Homeopathy: Coming home to perfect health (Paperback)

I highly recommend reading Homeopathy, Sweet Homeopathy to others who are interested in pursuing Homeopathic treatments. The book is written with the layman in mind so everyone can gain more knowledge and understanding of Homeopathy. The explanation is simple yet very informative and the case studies clearly indicate how successful Homeopathy can be to obtain ultimate health.
The author of the book, Mr. Pierre Fontaine is highly experienced in his field. We are fortunate to have him as our Homeopath and have been looking forward for this book for a long time.This is the first book that actually takes the reader inside the consultation room as it relates each case. That is highly beneficial since it provides each person with a much better understanding about how Homeopathy works.
Thank you Mr. Fontaine for all your work.

Product Description
With this book you are peeking in my consultation room and witnessing part of the process of restoring health in an effective and natural manner.People seek a homeopath because friends or partners tell them how much better they feel. That's great, but I often hear: "I tell everybody about homeopathy but I can't explain what it is that you do."So here it is, "Homeopathy Sweet Homeopathy" answers these questions about what it is, what it can do, and how it should be practiced. You may find yourself saying "Oh, that sounds like me!" or "I think so and so has this." That is good because this is about how one is affected by disorder and how it can be reversed with homeopathy.There are 33 conditions from Lupus to Crohn's to Migraines. Each case covers the physical, emotional, mental totality and the experience of one's disorder. A commentary column explains the logic of homeopathy so that the reader can get a deep understanding of what is for most people an enigmatic health profession.

About the Author
Pierre Fontaine, RSHom (NA), CCH, is a registered and certified professional Homeopath in New York City since 1994. Before studying Homeopathy he spend five years investigating alternative health care modalities such as:Acupuncture, herbs, supplements and Ayurvedic medicine. He found little logic in their principles. After briefly enrolling in a School of Nutrition he discovered Homeopathy. It was "love at first sight".Pierre graduated from the four-year program School of Homeopathy in England.Some of it pursued in New York, some of it in England. "I wanted to have the best education so I did not hesitate to go to England. It was the right thing to do because the educational system in the field is more sophisticated." Consequently, his dedication to homeopathy and to people is obvious. His leadership qualities were instrumental in the birth of the New York State Homeopathic Association of which he was the Vice President.

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