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Applied Cryptography (2nd ed) by Bruce Schneier [Recommended]

Chris Hills writes:
In conclusion, this is a great introduction to cryptography and a suitable starting point for all levels of interest.

Assembly Language Programming and Computer Architecture by Joe Carthy [Recommended with Reservations]

Aaron Ridout writes:
In summary, this is an excellent student text, but it is a read-once book, due to the lack of a Glossary and a weak index.

Bugs in Writing by Lyn Dupre [Highly Recommended]

Francis Glassborow writes:
This book is almost essential reading for those who wish to learn to improve their writing, technical or otherwise. I think Addison-Wesley should send a free copy to all whose book proposals they accept.

Building Multimedia Applications with Visual Basic 4 by Michael Regelski [Recommended]

Eddie Boyle writes:
I can thoroughly recommend this book to anyone wishing to dip their toes into the world of Multimedia and find out just what is capable in terms of building and controlling the various media environments.

C Programming FAQs by Steve Summit [Recommended]

Francis Glassborow writes:
...If you haven't already worked it out, I think 'C Programming FAQs' is well worth the extra £1.45.

C and UNIX (Tools for Software Design) by Martin L Barrett & Clifford H Wagner [Recommended]

Jon Wilks writes:
...whoever buys it will have book marks everywhere in no time!

Computer User's Survival Guide, The by Joan Stigliani [Recommended]

Francis Glassborow writes:
Buy a copy, read it and if you are not satisfied that your management is providing you with a safe working environment, give a copy to your manager.

Developing Your Own 32-Bit Operating System by Richard Burgess [Recommended]

Francis Glassborow writes:
Rest assured that the title is not a joke. The author leads you through writing your own 32-bit OS based on the one he wrote for himself.

FAX Modem Sourcebook, The by Andrew Margolis [Recommended]

Ruben Galea writes:
This book gives an in-depth insight into the world of faxes and fax modems providing a guide which allows the reader to acquaint himself with the standards of fax transmission and reception.

Intelligent Hybrid Systems by Suran Goonatilake & Sukhdev Khebbal [Recommended]

Ruben Galea writes:
Although this book might be difficult to understand by the novice, it provides an in-depth view in this rapidly expanding area.

More Effective C++ by Scott Meyers [Highly Recommended]

Francis Glassborow writes:
I could go on at length, but those who have already bought 'Effective C++' will be lining up to buy this volume.
...Scott knows his subject and the clarity of his writing is an example to all.

More Programming Pearls by Jon Bentley [Recommended]

Francis Glassborow writes:
If you have any pretensions to being a serious programmer you will have well thumbed copies of both this book and its companion somewhere in your work space.

Mother of All Windows 95 Books, The by Woody Leonhard & Barry Simon [Recommended]

Francis Glassborow writes:
If you do and have to use Windows 95 you will need little encouragement from me to buy this book.

OS/2 Warp Administrator's Survival Guide by Bret Curran [Recommended]

Francis Glassborow writes:
If you are a serious user chapters such as the one on fine- tuning and tweaking will soon justify your purchase of this book.

Object Solutions by Grady Booch [Highly Recommended]

Francis Glassborow writes:
If you are involved in software development, buy this book, read it then do all you can to get others managing your work to read it as well.

Software Quality, Assurance and Measurement by Fenton & Whitty & Iizuka [Recommended]

Chris Hills writes:
The information is high quality with references and contact information for all the contributors. Recommended.

Windows NT 3.51 Unleashed by Robert Cowart [Recommended]

Francis Glassborow writes:
This book is a valuable tool for the full time system administrator.

World Wide Web Handbook, The by Peter Flynn [Recommended]

Brian Bramer writes:
In summary this is an easy to read book written in a tutorial style.
...Recommended!

Please note that opinions are those of the individual reviewers.

Bookshops

During an interesting evening meeting at Blackwells in Oxford the point was raised as to what the customer should do about bad or inappropriate books. Unfortunately many techinically very bad books become best sellers and bookshops need to sell bestsellers if they are to stay in business. The sad thing about such technically deficient books is that usually neither the seller or the buyer realise how bad they are.

But what should you do if you find that you have bought a lemon? One thing is certain, if you say/do nothing you can hardly blame the seller for ignorance. The very least you should do is to go back to the seller and explain why you think the book is unsuitable. It may just be that the contents of the book does not match the cover description, but it may be something more serious. Whatever you do, do not blame the book retailer, there is no way that she can select only good books. None the less, make your point fumly and clearly so that the message can be passed back to the publisher.

There is a reverse side to this. How often have you mentioned to a retailer that a book you bought was excellent? This kind of feedback works well. It helps the best retailers to know what is good so they can help customers. I often hear the English complain about the quality of service they get from shops (with considerable justitifcation) but what quality of customer are you. Establish a positive relationship with the bookshop of your choice, let them know of your interests and expertise, let them make use of you for advice and as they gain confidence in your discernment they will act as a point of contact for others who share your interests.

In our case they will become promoters of ACCU. They will also be more receptive to refunding your money for the odd had book you buy. If you discover that the assistant in a department knows nothing about the stock and doesn't want to know write a polite letter to the manager. Such assistants are doing nothing to promote their employers business. Try to be a considerate customer, don't start a long conversation at five minutes before closing time, or when there is a growing queue waiting to be served on the other hand don't just dump your books and money on the counter with a grunt. If you want service, deserve it.

Francis Glassborow
Editor, C Vu