Vibrational & Rotational Spectrometry of Diatomic Molecules (Theoretical Chemistry; a Series of Monographs)

Book Description

This work is a systematic description of the analysis of molecular spectra of diatomic molecules, particularly infrared and Raman spectra, to extract precise information about molecular structure and electric and magnetic properties. A number of subjects are covered in depth, with reviews of miscellaneous topics important in the future progress of experiment and theory in this field. Because of its coverage and scope in relation to physical chemistry and molecular physics, this work serves as a useful reference for all researchers in chemistry, physics, spectroscopy, and related fields.

Key Features
* Explains the empirical basis of spectra, providing many equations useful to generate spectral parameters
* Provides a concise review of general principles and detailed explanation of particular theoretical techniques
* Analyzes wavenumber data
* Contains methods to evaluate parameters in various radial functions
* Presents an analysis of intensity of spectra
* Covers the effects of nuclear spin, electronic spin, and orbital angular momentum of diatomic free radicals and molecular ions
* Illustrates the operation of diatomic lasers on vibrational-rotational transitions

Customer Reviews:

Strange book.........2007-06-23

I started reading this book, and I am puzzled by its style! While the information seems to rely on a huge compilation of data from many books, there is a lot of rather crude QM stuff (ordinary QM and AMO). Its style is rather pretentious, hard to follow, jumping from one thing to another..

Vibrational & Rotational Spectrometry of Diatomic Molecules (Theoretical Chemistry; a Series of Monographs)

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Vibrational & Rotational Spectrometry of Diatomic Molecules (Theoretical Chemistry; a Series of Monographs)
J.F. Ogilvie
Manufacturer: Academic Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OHO7P8

Book Description

In recent years, the use of molecular data to build phylogenetic trees and sophisticated computer-aided techniques to analyze them have led to a revolution in the study of cospeciation. Tangled Trees provides an up-to-date review and synthesis of current knowledge about phylogeny, cospeciation, and coevolution. The opening chapters present various methodological and theoretical approaches, ranging from the well-known parsimony approach to "jungles" and Bayesian statistical models. Then a series of empirical chapters discusses detailed studies of cospeciation involving vertebrate hosts and their parasites, including nematodes, viruses, and lice. Tangled Trees will be welcomed by researchers in a wide variety of fields, from parasitology and ecology to systematics and evolutionary biology.

Contributors:
Sarah Al-Tamimi, Michael A. Charleston, Dale H. Clayton, James W. Demastes, Russell D. Gray, Mark S. Hafner, John P. Huelsenbeck, J.-P. Hugot, Kevin P. Johnson, Peter Kabat, Bret Larget, Joanne Martin, Yannis Michalakis, Roderic D. M. Page, Ricardo L. Palma, Adrian M. Paterson, Susan L. Perkins, Andy Purvis, Bruce Rannala, David L. Reed, Fredrik Ronquist, Theresa A. Spradling, Jason Taylor, Michael Tristem

Customer Reviews:

Coevolution.......2007-08-09

The book is a series of mongraphs by different authors, all discussing various aspects of coevolution.

Creating relationships between trees.......2004-08-17

Parasites are often quite choosy about the species that they infect. In some cases, even slightly different hosts have very different parasites - the connections can be very close. Hosts change, though. They migrate to new ranges and split, through evolution, into new species. The parasites that depend on those hosts must adapt or die.

This creates fascinating relationships between the family trees of the host and parasite species. That is the subject of this book: the study of the parasite's phylogeny, in terms of the host's. (The reasoning can be applied to symbionts or to species with other dependency relationships, as well.) The book is a series of mongraphs by different authors, all discussing various aspects of coevolution. The actual times and places of speciation events are lost to history, so much of the discussion centers on ways to create credible phylogentic histories, and to estimate the probability of any guess being accurate.

About 2/3 of the book is biologically oriented: case studies of various host/parasite relationships, actually families of hosts and related families of parasites. Some of these are very interesting. One uses presence of a single parasite to argue for a close relationship between two rodent clades. Others describe coevolution at different scales, subject to different forces, or in different biological systems. I have to admit, though, that the biology is tangential to my own interests.

The first third of the book is more mathematical, the material that's closer to my own needs. It starts with a basic discussion of the events - branching in the family tree, jumping between branches, and so on. This includes discussion of approaches to take for resolving two trees, scoring mechanisms for evaluating conjectured relationships, and more. It's also a logical next step in bioinformatics. Historically, solved problems turn into steps in larger problems. Once, just getting a sequence was an achievement. Next, the sequence was taken for granted and comparison of two was the achievement. Successively, comparisons became steps in tree-building algorithms, then individual trees became pieces of "consensus trees", statistically graded estimates of history. This study takes different trees as the inputs, and creates histories of coevolution between them.

This would be a good second or third book on coevolution and computational support for the study. Unfortunately, there does not currently seem to be a first book - this just leaps into advanced discussions that assume a large base of knowledge. The references are all to current journal articles, in biology, evolution, and mathematical graph theory. Well, that's a normal part of the progression from a specialist study to a widely-known body of practice. Introductory material may not exist for some years to come.

For now, this seems to be the only book around that describes computational analysis of coevolution at all. This is not for the cut-and-paste programmer, but serious software developers will find some good basics and references.

//wiredweird

Tangled Trees : Phylogeny, Cospeciation, and Coevolution

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Tangled Trees : Phylogeny, Cospeciation, and Coevolution
University Of Chicago Press
Manufacturer: University Of Chicago Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OPVM44

Book Description

Scanning Tunneling Microscopy II, like its predecessor, presents detailed and comprehensive accounts of the basic principles and the broad range of applications of STM and related scanning probe techniques. The applications discussed in this volume come predominantly from the fields of electrochemistry and biology. In contrast to those in STM I, these studies may be performed in air and in liquids. The extensions of the basic technique to map other interactions are described in chapters on scanning force microscopy, magnetic force microscopy, and scanning near-field optical microscopy, together with a survey of other related techniques. Also discussed here is the use of a scanning proximal probe for surface modification. Together, the two volumes give a comprehensive account of experimental aspects of STM and provide essential reading and reference material. In this second edition the text has been updated and new methods are discussed.

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Better an Old Fart than a Young Shithead
Herbert, I. Kavet
Manufacturer: Boston America Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 1889647381

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Free Stuff for Old Farts

Manufacturer: Information USA Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 1878346318

Product Description

Free Government Stuff For Those Golden Years. 50, or 50 Plus? Tap into 2,500 sources of money, services, freebies, discounts publications, help and information.

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Who let HIM out?!
Old farts yay

Happy Birthday You Old Fart!
Herb Kavet , and Herbert I. Kavet
Manufacturer: Ivory Tower Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0880324317

Customer Reviews:

Who let HIM out?!.......2004-01-09

WHY this man is permitted to write, and HOW his "work" gets published is a mystery to me-and surely any other poor soul who has had the misfortune to stumble painfully upon his excuse for prose. Perhaps there is a good use for his "books"-severe punishment for wrong doers. Anyone who has to sit and be forced to listen to or read these books (and yes, there is quite a bibliography) will rapidly recant and get back on the path of straight and narrow in short order. A good gift for someone you utterly detest.

Old farts yay.......2003-09-14

This book made me very happy. Because old farts are silly. It made me laugh so hard I farted. I also tooted. Then I made flatulence. Then the old fart farted and i laughed so hard I farted. I also tooted. Then I made flatulence. Then the old fart farted and i laughed so hard I farted. I also tooted. Then I made flatulence. Then the old fart farted and i laughed so hard I farted. I also tooted. Then I made flatulence. Then the old fart farted and i laughed so hard I farted. I also tooted. Then I made flatulence. Then the old fart farted and i laughed so hard I farted. I also tooted. Then I made flatulence. Then the old fart farted and i laughed so hard I farted. I also tooted. Then I made flatulence. Then the old fart farted and i laughed so hard I farted. I also tooted. Then I made flatulence. Then the old fart farted and i laughed so hard I farted. I also tooted. Then I made flatulence. Then the old fart farted and i laughed so hard I farted. I also tooted. Then I made flatulence. Then the old fart farted and i laughed so hard I farted. I also tooted. Then I made flatulence. MY DAD IS THE OLD FART AS I WROTE THIS BOOK FOOL! MY DAD IS THE OLD FART AS I WROTE THIS BOOK FOOL! MY DAD IS THE OLD FART AS I WROTE THIS BOOK FOOL! MY DAD IS THE OLD FART AS I WROTE THIS BOOK FOOL! MY DAD IS THE OLD FART AS I WROTE THIS BOOK FOOL! MY DAD IS THE OLD FART AS I WROTE THIS BOOK FOOL! MY DAD IS THE OLD FART AS I WROTE THIS BOOK FOOL! MY DAD IS THE OLD FART AS I WROTE THIS BOOK FOOL! MY DAD IS THE OLD FART AS I WROTE THIS BOOK FOOL! MY DAD IS THE OLD FART AS I WROTE THIS BOOK FOOL! MY DAD IS THE OLD FART AS I WROTE THIS BOOK FOOL! MY DAD IS THE OLD FART AS I WROTE THIS BOOK FOOL! MY DAD IS THE OLD FART AS I WROTE THIS BOOK FOOL!

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Nursery Rhymes for Old Farts
Cam Harlan
Manufacturer: Wimzkl Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Comic | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0976255308

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This Old One Still Lingers

The Old Fart
John Halvorsen , and John O. Halvorsen
Manufacturer: Vantage Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Comic | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0533133157

Customer Reviews:

This Old One Still Lingers.......2003-11-09

As an old gasser myself, I was immediately drawn to this book. With the notable exception of Scrooge, there's just not a lot of fiction out there centering around cranky curmudgeons. So imagine my delight when this Vantage title graced my doorstep!

And then. . .disappointment. Tedious writing, uneven plot development, glaring editorial glitches: the gaseous bane of subsidy publishing! At least I liked the chapter titles, all named after baseball innings, and I'll give the author two stars for trying to spin a romantic comedy about a corporate accountant and his attractive, ambitious coworker--a story that ultimately turned out to be neither romantic nor funny. I did, however, manage to finish this book in the bathroom.
--D. Mikels

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Uses the popular search engine Google as its root

Aaron Rosenzweig's Old Fart's Guide to Internet Searches

The Ultimate Guide to Searching, and Surfing, the Net

A worthy addition to the old farts series.

Let This Book Be Your Guide To The Internet

Old Fart's Guide to Internet Searches (Old Fart's Guide)
Aaron Rosenzweig
Manufacturer: Cocoa Nuts Technology
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Online Searching | Internet | Home Computing | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0974218839

Book Description

Everyone can benefit from interaction with the World Wide Web. This book takes the unique approach of introducing the art of searching for information on the Web to those people who did not grow up using a computer during the early days of the Internet. Of particular interest are those of us who are over fifty years young.

Imagine a newspaper with color photographs. That's not so hard. Most Sunday papers come in color these days. Now visualize that the newspaper has video and audio. Instead of just seeing a photograph of an event, you could actually see part of, or perhaps all of, the event just by touching a part of the newspaper which said "show me." Suppose this newspaper not only showed headlines from today's New York Times, but also showed headlines from the Washington Post and nearly every other newspaper in the world! Wouldn't it be nice if this super newspaper could define a word for us that we didn't understand just by touching it? Wouldn't it be grand if after reading an article about a new product, we could immediately be given a list of places to buy it? Now the toughest part, envision that such a marvel of a newspaper exists and is available every time your computer is connected to the Internet.

The World Wide Web is a cute name which implies that there is information available across the world and connected together in a zillion different ways just like a spider web.

This guide book is special. It explains the history of the World Wide Web. You learn why the Web was invented and how it has evolved. A new "case study" approach shows you how to search the Web with concrete examples. When you are ready, there is an in depth explanation of how to milk the best searches out of "Google," the most popular search tool. Additionally, many search tools are presented with the special features of each pointed out. For those without Internet access, a chapter is devoted to helping you find an Internet provider.

Customer Reviews:

Uses the popular search engine Google as its root.......2004-05-06

Old Fart's Guide To Internet Searches uses the popular search engine Google as its root, showing older computer users how to understand the World Wide Web and its potentials. From an introduction on its initial invention and how it's evolved to a new case study set of examples which walk users through the basics of making an effective Internet search, this is a highly recommended pick.

Aaron Rosenzweig's Old Fart's Guide to Internet Searches.......2004-05-04

This is another of Aaron Rosenzweig's 5-star books. Aaron is an expert researcher and teacher. He has filled his book with loads of good information and advice on searching the Internet.

For more of my comments, see my more comprehensive review in the Washington Apple Pi (Mac users' group) Journal for May/June 2004.

The Ultimate Guide to Searching, and Surfing, the Net.......2004-03-02

Once again, author and computer wiz Aaron Rosenzweig has come up with THE comprehensive field guide to navigating the wide world of Internet searches. This book leaves absolutely no stone unturned when it comes to detailing the different search engines, tips and techniques for getting the most out of your searches, using the ever-popular Google, discovering NEW search engines and the right key words and phrases to use to get you to your destination with less frustration and wasted time.

For ANYONE who has a computer, this book is a must, and will no doubt become one of your most-used books on your shelf. Keep it right alongside your computer. You will not only need this book, you will be grateful for it! An awesome step-by-step guide for Old Farts, Young Farts and those of us Farts that fall somewhere in between!
MARIE JONES, Reviewer for BookIdeas.com

A worthy addition to the old farts series........2004-03-02

So you ended up getting your loved ones their fist computer for christmas, and you included a copy of "Old Farts Guide to the Macintosh" in their stocking. Of course they love the computer (it's a Mac, who wouldn't) but they just can't seem to get around on the internet quite as efficiently as they should.

In other words; it's been 2 months, and you're damn sick of getting calls asking where they can find cast and crew credits from the movie "The Big Lebowski", or where to find a picture of a rabbit with a pancake on its head.

That is where the newest book in the "Old Farts Guide" series comes in; "Old Farts Guide to Internet Searches" by Aaron Rosenzwig. Like the books predecessor ("Old Farts Guide to the Macintosh") this book fills a void other books seem to miss. It breaks things down in plain english. No term is mentioned with out a definition on the very same page, and no prior knowledge is assumed.

The book is aimed at the older crowd who are still intimidated by computers, and does an excellent job at explaining things that a lot of us take for granted. I know how hard it is to accomplish this task. I've worked about 5 years in phone tech support, and I have talk more first time computer users through how to use a mouse then I care to count. The way the author conveys these "basic" concepts is extraordinary. I would suggest "Old Farts Guide to Internet Searches" to anyone new to the internet.

"Old Farts Guide to Internet Searches" is available from Cocoa Nuts and is priced at $19.95. For the books ability to explain things in a easy to read manor, and for the giant void this book fills, I give it 5 out of 5 Stars

-iKen
www.2guysamacandawebsite.com

Let This Book Be Your Guide To The Internet.......2004-02-20

Product Review
From the foreword by Brian Pinkerton to the index at the end, this is a superb book. I have to thank Aaron for writing this Internet guide. If you enjoyed the Old Fart's Guide to the Macintosh and also use the Internet, then this is the book that you MUST HAVE! It is very easy reading, and Aaron's sharp sense of direction paves an easy path through the Internet jungle. He provides easy to understand overviews of the Internet, browsers, and search engines. Aaron suggests scanning through the book and then reading it in it's entirety from cover to cover. Although all of the chapters are independent of each other, it would be well worth your while to absorb the information presented in all of the chapters.

First things first, the guide is equally applicable to the Macintosh operating system, Microsoft Windows, and Linux operating systems, and covers not only the most popular browsers (Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape), but also over a half dozen additional browsers. Aaron includes many screenshots of his examples, in order to familiarize the reader with the particular topic that he is covering throughout the book.

The book starts out by describing the Internet, various Internet Service Providers, and different types of Internet connections. A number of search engines are covered, starting with Google and continuing through a "No-Search Search Engine", called "BrainBoost", which by-passes the "key word" concept and allows the user to directly type in a simple question in plain english. Aaron covers simple searches with how to find specific types of information, such as finding friends, financial information, books, recipes, movie listings, acronyms and driving directions, to name a few. Next Aaron covers advanced searching techniques, and how to save your search preferences in Google so that you can easily customize and repeat your individualized options the next time that you search. Last, but not least, Aaron covers various types of Internet hoaxes that crop up from time to time, and includes tips on how to identify and avoid them.

After the main topics section Aaron has compiled a handy list of useful web sites, arranged into helpful popular categories, each with a brief descriptive paragraph, a comprehensive Glossary of computer terms, and an alphabetical Index at the end.

Summary
While the book is designed for an older person who is new to the Internet, I would suggest it for a someone in any age category. The book is enjoyable to read, and it is very informative. All of the technical terms are in plain english, and Aaron has left handy margins on each page for the reader to record notes. Even though I have used the Internet for many years myself, I enjoyed reading this book and I never felt bored with it. Aaron has put together a great book, and it is a valuable asset to anyone who wants to learn more secrets on how to use the Internet.

One of my biggest pleasures with this book is both the presence of an index and plenty of cross-referencing. Another really nice feature of this book is that it explains the definitions of many technical words throughout the book along the side of the pages where the word is used. These side areas also have pictures, for instance a picture of the browser window with arrows pointing to the appropriate place corresponding to the text description.

I enjoyed the book's clear sense of order, thoroughness, and accuracy. I highly recommend this book not only to us Old Fart's, but to any user, new or old, who is using the Internet. This very powerful book is invaluable to read and you are sure to keep it nearby your computer whenever you use the Internet. I look forward to more books in Aaron's "Old Fart's Guide" series. The "Old Fart's Guide to Internet Searches" is available for $19.95 from the Cocoa Nuts web site and I would rate it 5 out of 5 farts(the good kind).

Average customer rating:

Best used on a step-by-step basis for new learners

A great read for oldies with iMacs

Excellent Book for New Mac Users of Any Age

"Old Fart's Guide" excellent resource for young at heart

Review from www.2guysamacandawebsite.com

Old Fart's Guide to the Macintosh (Old Fart's Guide, 1)
Aaron Rosenzweig
Manufacturer: Trafford Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Macs | Hardware | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1553953584

Book Description

Learn how one computer will unleash your unlimited creative potential. A book for those who recognize the word "computer" but do not know exactly what they can do, specifically written for those who are fifty years wise and wiser

Customer Reviews:

Best used on a step-by-step basis for new learners.......2004-05-06

The second and updated edition of the Old Fart's Guide To The Macintosh caters to the new senior citizen computer user and the retiree who wants to get a quick handle on the Mac. The basics become as plain as where to buy one, whether to consider a new or used one, and how to turn on/off the machine. Don't expect this to be a slim handbook of quick reference: it's best used on a step-by-step basis for new learners and is packed with the building blocks of computer knowledge.

A great read for oldies with iMacs.......2004-02-01

Macintosh users, of which I am one, have been quite well provided for by helpful manuals (the iMac for Dummies and How to do Everything with your iMac spring to mind). But there's always room for more, if they add something new to our knowledge of these user-friendly and constantly evolving computers.

Well, Aaron Rosenzweig has done just that, in a very thorough, clear and logical way, especially when explaining AppleWorks, which he describes as the greatest single piece of software ever created because it is easy to use and can do so many things.

Aaron's manual assumes no knowledge of computers, and starts from scratch with a comprehensive run-down of what computers are (not just Macs), their software, hardware, viruses and gadgets, such as mice. He then leaps straight into a discussion about Operating Systems, and a thorough exposition of the Macintosh itself. A description of the Internet follows, then AppleWorks, printing, information and storage, software categories, digital hubs, user groups, computer problems, advanced topics and, right up to date, what's new in OS 10.3 (Panther). The book concludes with a description of some useful web sites and a comprehensive glossary.

I would recommend this book-part manual and part commentary-to any Mac user, though I must warn that it's primarily aimed at the US market and to those who are using OS X. As one who is in neither category, I would yet argue that this is a small price to pay for a well-written, comprehensive, easy to read and understand guide. And if it's any consolation, Aaron is prepared to write a specifically Australian version, if he can find a co-author. Any takers?

Excellent Book for New Mac Users of Any Age.......2004-01-04

This book is written by a young man named Aaron Rosenzweig who has a keen understanding of how to explain the essentials of computers in ways that people born before the era of computers can understand.

"Old Fart's Guide" excellent resource for young at heart.......2003-12-11

When categorizing books, it would be easy to say that the technical genera is something that one "has" to read, rather than "gets" to read. There is good reason for that. Technical books are too long, too boring and don't give any perspective. Thankfully for Mac users, there is one glowing exception: Aaron Rosenzweig's Old Fart's Guide to the Macintosh.

Now in its second edition, this ultra up-to-date book stands out for its ability to gather and feed a sea of Mac information in a different way-with personality and luster. Although the title may be a put-off to those who don't consider themselves an "old fart," let me assure you, this book is for anyone who wants to learn more about the Mac.

Aaron's keen sense of direction plots a well-defined path through the jungle of computer literacy. Starting right from the beginning, he uses these great analogies to relate confusing digital ideas to everyday life. Whether talking about New York chefs and operating systems or small towns and passwords, the most confusing ideas are brought down to level that can be understood and related to by all.

Although it might sound like this book is geared just to Mac tyros, it provides a wealth of information and background that even seasoned users will appreciate. From typing letters to creating your own internet radio station, the number of plausible solutions to accomplish almost anything on the Mac is impressive. What's taken me over a decade of trial and error to figure out, Aaron has put on the table for anyone to utilize in only minutes. Many other Mac resources, computer classes, and even personal tutors give you the "how," but not the "why." Aaron makes sure the reader understands how to do something by backing up a few steps and explaining the underlying reason for why it needs to be done. This applies an incredible mental adhesive to the information in the book.

The first chapter, "What is a Computer?," starts with the basic idea of a computer, and why people need one. Those of us new to computers, or the Mac, will appreciate this the most. The basic parts of a computer and what they do are explained in this chapter. Fundamental terms such as hardware and software are also defined along with examples. Adjusted users might wish to skip ahead, but this chapter provides an easy first step for those with no prior computer knowledge.

Gradually getting deeper into the Mac, the second chapter is dedicated to operating systems. It's only fitting that this is a unique chapter for a unique OS. It starts by explaining why an OS is a vital part of a computer, and how it directly affects the user. After the basic concept of an OS is established, the chapter segues into the differences of Mac OS 9 and X. An informative synopsis of the NeXT evolution tells how it played a major role in fabricating today's Mac OS. Additionally, the concepts of Mac "system software" and "OS" are differentiated in addition to some tips on when to use Mac OS 9 and "Classic mode."

Chapter three pulls concepts from the first two chapters and uses them to explain why Mac is the superior computing platform. If you're not a Mac fan, this chapter should pull you over from the Dark Side. For the rest, it points out why PCs are substandard computers. After establishing that concept, the different models of both Mac desktops and portables are compared and contrasted. This provides a nice guide for people who want a new Mac, but aren't sure which model serves their needs best. If a new Mac isn't your thing, don't worry. There are also tips for getting a used system, and what to watch out for.

The next chapter gets into working with the Mac through the desktop. Basic concepts such as clicking, drag and drop, windows and the Finder are explained with very helpful screen shots for reference.

Chapter eight is a whopper of a chapter that covers almost everything about using the internet, and then some. Keeping with style, it explains what the internet is, how it works and why it affects you. The chapter covers how to get online, what email is and how to use it, different ways to browse the web, using Sherlock, video conferencing and instant messaging... just to name a few. Each topic is nicely broken down by concept followed up with suggestions of good software to use.

Word processing nowadays may seem much more complicated than punching keys on a typewriter. But with a little help, anyone can reap the benefits of modern word processing. "Typing Letters with AppleWorks" is a whole chapter dedicated to getting the most out of Apple's free productivity software. From setting margins to checking spelling, you'll be whipping out letters in no time.

The final and most in-depth chapter truly adds the icing to the cake. Whereas most of the book up until now has been geared for people new to the Mac, this chapter rips loose and lets comfortable users really get their hands dirty. The chapter goes into many aspects of UNIX, including the terminal, X Window systems and GNU. There's even a section on how to get started with computer programming. If you're the artistic type, don't pass up the "Computer artwork and graphics" section, which goes into 3D and video effects software. If words or melody are your thing, don't feel left out. There's section on desktop publishing and a great music section that includes how to create your own recorded music as well as an internet radio station.

This book is well worth reading and is something to keep around by the Mac for those times when it seems like you can do no right. In addition to Aaron's great voice, I also enjoyed this book for its completeness, accuracy and clarity.

Review from www.2guysamacandawebsite.com.......2003-12-08

It's Christmas time. A very special time of the year, when family and friends just seem more important. It's a time when you sit back and think about how good life is, and how much you really love the people around you. Your family, your friends, that weird guy who always walks around town wearing the top half of a superman costume, screaming things about the Bible. And most importantly, Christmas time is a time of giving. I'm talking gifts, baby. Some of you may be giving the gift of a Macintosh to a loved one, and that may be the first computer for some of those loved ones. Handing them, perhaps, the greatest gift you could give. A doorway into the information super-highway. The means to express their ideas and creativity in ways other gifts could never provide. The ability to be entertained with music, movies, reading, and more!

Well, if you are giving the gift of a Mac to someone who isn't familiar with Macintosh, or if you know someone who has a Mac, and doesn't really understand how to use the computer effectively, then I have the perfect book for them: "Old Fart's Guide to the Macintosh" by Aaron Rosenzweig.

As the book states on the front cover, "A book for those who recognize the word 'computer' but do not know exactly what they can do". It does a good job of that. Aaron Rosenzweig took great care to explain not only how to use the software on the Mac, but also how to use things that seem so trivial to an "advanced user". There is a whole section on how to use a mouse, another just on how to turn the computer on. Also, the author doesn't just tell you how to use these things, he explains them, along with alternatives, and even the history of them. For instance, he explains the differences between a mouse, a trackball, a trackpad, and a tablet. He not only explains the differences, but the advantages and disadvantages to each, along with suggestions on which would be best for what type of person.

Another really nice feature of this book is that it has the definitions of "technical words" throughout the book on the side of the pages that the word is used. And it continues to put those definitions there, so that you don't have to flip back if you forget a word. These side areas also have pictures, for instance, a picture of the "command" key on the keyboard for when he mentions a keyboard command using the "command" key.

The book doesn't stop at the basics. It teaches how to use the Finder, how to change the way your computer behaves with System Preferences, how to save things to disks, (hard drive, CD, DVD-R, etc.) and all the things a person would need to know to use a Mac on a regular basis. There is even a 60-page section on the Internet, including some helpful links (2 Guys was mysteriously missing for some reason). The book even goes on to teach how to use AppleWorks, and all the iLife applications. (iTunes, iPhoto, iChat, iMovie, iDVD)

At the end is an advanced topics "for the curious", that delves in to things like .Mac, UNIX, Computer Artwork, Different Processors, etc.. And there is even an entire section on Panther at the end that discusses the differences between it, and previous versions of OS X.

Throughout the entire book, you can tell that the author really has a love for the Macintosh, and really knows not only how to use a Mac, but also the history of the Mac. He explains why things are the way they are and how it got that way, but does it in a way that doesn't seem like it would be too much information or become boring for a beginner. He also does a very good job of explaining alternatives. He talks about Windows and Linux, and explains why he thinks the Macintosh is the best choice. He talks about the different models Apple offers, and which model would be the right model for what type of person. He talks about software alternatives, and more.

While the book is designed for an older person who is new to computers, I would suggest it for a beginner of any age. It is enjoyable to read and very informative. Even though I know the Mac pretty well, I enjoyed reading it and never felt bored. Aaron Rosenzweig has put together a great book, and is a valuable asset to anyone who wants to "Learn how one computer will unleash your unlimited creative potential".

"Old Fart's Guide to the Macintosh" is available for $29.99US from Cocoa Nuts website and I give it 4 out of 5 pants.

Book Description

Bookstores are remarkable places filled with the crisp scent of new books, freshly ground coffee, and endless possibilities. And yes, there’s a secret thrill of danger, because you never know what might happen when you browse the shelves.

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Two Old Farts in the Night
Barry Cryer , and Willie Rushton
Manufacturer: Argo
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette

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ASIN: 1858498341

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