Computing Internet Books

This book is great for Ajax newbies who are confused with all the frameworks available out there. Provides a quick overview of a lot of them with working examples. I would have prefered if it included more advanced scenarios.

Web programmers working with Java will appreciate this guide, which tells how to make a Java web application more responsive and dynamic by incorporating new Ajaxian features, from suggestion lists and drag-and-drop modes to producing third-party tag libraries and using Ajax with Struts. The idea is to streamline operations and use Java developer backgrounds to understand Ajax's strengths: AJAX ON JAVA is the place to begin the process, and is a pick for any library strong in web programming topics in general and Java in particular.

I was looking for a book on to explain the underpinnings of Ajax technology. What I purchased was little more than an advertisement for several Ajax development projects. Additionally, the author covers, in equally superficial detail, many side technologies which do not drive the subject matter forward; cascading style sheets (CSS) and Ant, for example.

The code examples have many bugs and references code/methods that have yet to be presented in the book. Meanwhile, the text explaining the examples discusses the actual methods that should have been in the code examples. The author does not take the time to discuss good object-oriented programming techniques or why this would be important.

All in all, this is a very disappointing offering.

'Ajax on Java' by Steven Olson is a nice intro book to learning how to use Ajax with your Java code. Nothing more than a quick overview (certainly not a reference) at just over 200 pages, this book will help Java programmers get their feet wet and start learning how to program the Ajax way with instant responsiveness in the Web 2.0 world.

If you program with Java and want to begin to learn how to use Ajax to make your apps hit the "turbo" button, pick up this book and start your engines!!!

**** RECOMMENDED

Sad to say, this book is little more than a code dump, and the code does not run without debugging.

There are no explanations of technologies and concepts that surround Ajax, therefore, given the state of the code, there is not a lot of reason to work through the book. In fact, this is the first computer book that I returned to the seller, simply because I found so little reason to keep it on my bookshelf.

The writing in the introductory chapter gives promise, but as the book progresses the code quickly becomes dense and the organization and writing becomes unacceptably thin. I expected more from O'Reilly.

Before I gave up on this book, I was half way through it, and only one code set had ran correctly from build on. For example, the author's code has at least four variations of the basic application URL sprinkled among the Javascript and build files of the first four examples. Finding and correcting the URL was annoying but not difficult, but even after that, the examples did not run without further debugging.

I finally threw up my hands and surrendered... defeated by the author's rush to publication.

I have always been an advocate of the O'Reilly line of "...In a Nutshell" books but Sybex has tipped the scale. HTML Complete is a COMPLETE collection of markup that is easy to referrence when needed. The book is an easy (although long) read packed full of tips and tricks. Most importantly, the 1,000 page collection is under $20! Amazing.

This book is light weight and very portable in the briefcase. I take it everywhere I might need to deal with the web. Very user friendly with comprehensive index to find information. It covers practically all topics regarding excellent web technologies (including perl, unix and CGI and xml) with comprehensive definitions to make the not-so-technical individuals grab an instant understanding . Brilliant HTML and CSS reference for people who don't have much time to spend hours finding quick solutions for front end coding.

HTML Complete teaches the essentials that every Web Designer should know, both beginner and expert alike. For experts it serves as a great reference book.

Beginners will find themselves interested in HTML instantly. HTML Complete breaks passed the boundary of teaching programming through text. It comes off as more of a teacher than a text book - just like it should be.

Later on other topics such as Perl, ASP, Java, and much more are introduced after a significant portion of HTML is covered. While those topics are left in the dark, they do not hinder the overall feel of the book and the knowledge it shares.

I bought this book at a local bookstore and it's one of the best computer books I've purchased. It starts from the beginnings of HTML, covers CSS and everthing inbetween, and finishes with an introduction to advanced HTML. There are also numerous reference tables (color, tags) for the more experienced web designer.

This book is not bad, but by the author's own admission, much of what is being explained is deprecated. The book is quite good at telling you what NOT to use, but keeps referring the reader to Chapt 16 (CSS). Unfortunately the CSS chapter does not show all the correct ways to implement the deprecated features (use of justification - left, right, center - in tables, for example).

One nice feature in the book was the "Widely Supported" yes/no indicator for HTML syntax in the Appendix A.

I think the author should have spent more time on non-deprecated usage of HTML and CSS, instead of saying "Here's how to do this, but don't do it this way." This book is probably useful to someone who is trying to READ older HTML code, but is not so useful for someone trying to write new HTML code.

In summary, although it has useful information surrounding the use of HTML, this book should probably be re-titled to "HTML Deprecated", or "Reading Deprecated HTML Code", or alternatively needs a much-expanded section on use of CSS.

Routing TCP/IP, Vol 1 - 2nd Edition

I have used the first edition of Jeff Doyle's Routing TCP/IP volumes 1 and 2 for some time now. I consider them essential to studying for the CCIE lab exam. They also act as an ongoing reference for any networking professional. I was anxious to review the second edition and have not been disappointed.

I was impressed that this second edition appears to be a well thought out re-presentation of the material. By that I mean it is not just the first edition with some bolt-on additions but rather a fresh covering of the material with the updates that inundate our industry woven in as opposed to added on to the existing text.

I find rare cases to employ RIP in my current work but as an old dog, I tend to monitor its evolution. The book does one of the best jobs of conveying RIPng and its exclusive use with IPv6 that I have seen. An important note that other writers seem to overlook is the reliance of RIPng on IPv6 authentication mechanisms. Coverage of EIGRP's approach to IPv6 was lacking but I am told this was due to press dates vs. standards publishing or some such. Separate research for this technology would be required for those that need it.

In typical Doyle fashion, information is presented in a very matter of fact way, diagrams are clear and correctly annotated. Command output is easy to follow and well trimmed of content that does not apply directly to the point being illustrated. I have chastised other Cisco Press books for failure to hit this level of clarity and correctness. It is a peeve of mine to have to flip back and forth several pages (or even chapters) to reference a diagram or a table that is being discussed in the current chapter.

Overall: As expected I was quite pleased with the book and will recommend it to anyone pursuing their CCIE certification. I will also recommend this book (as I have the first edition) to anyone involved in higher level network design and administration. I heartily give the book five stars as I believe most reviewers will.

I read the original edition of Jeff Doyle's "Routing TCP/IP, Volume I" (ISBN 1587052024) a few years back while studying from my CCIE. The first edition was a "must read" for any CCIE candidate. I am happy to say that the second edition improves upon and updates this essential classic in Cisco and network architecture.

Let's face it, internetworking has evolved tremendously since the original edition was published in 1998. The CCIE lab has also changed enormously since the first edition. For example, gone is IGRP, IPv6 is on the horizon. "Routing TCP/IP, Volume I, Second Edition" reflects these changes.

For new Doyle readers, the book covers the essential Interior Routing Protocols (IGP) for IP version 4 and IPv6, including static routing, RIP (version 1 and 2), EIRGP, OSPF, and IS-IS. The chapter on IGRP from the first edition is dropped, and instead is briefly discussed from a historical perspective in the EIGRP chapter. The second half of the books discussed the intricacies of routing protocol redistribution and introduces the reader to the concepts and uses of distribution lists and route-maps. Readers interested in BGP and Multicast should look to Doyle and Carroll's Routing TCP/IP, Volume II (ISBN 1578700892).

I especially loved the IPv6 content incorporated throughout the book. Prior to reading this new edition, my knowledge and understanding of IPv6 was at an elementary level. I found Doyle's explanation of routing IPv6 and examples to be concise, practical, and very helpful. I was easily able to walk through most of the configuration exercises on my home lab. Guess what, routing IPv6 isn't much different than routing IP version 4.

Who would have guessed that you could improve upon a classic? If you are a season veteran, the updated version is well worth the purchase price. For the aspiring CCIE, the book is an absolute "must have".

Mark G. Reyero
CCIE 12932

Doyle's first edition of Routing TCP/IP, Volume 1 became the gold standard of TCP/IP routing preparation for prospective CCIE candidates. With the new content of the CCIE lab, the expectation was very high that this book would also become part of a CCIE candidate's "required reading" list. It went on mine.

The things I like about this book:

While much of the content of this book was first published in the first edition, there were nevertheless many enhancements spread throughout, reflecting on newer IOS versions, newer features, etc. Much changed during the seven year stretch between the two so the second edition was refreshed to reflect that, even though much of the core content stayed the same.

Notably, the major additions to this book center on IPv6 and related technologies, such as RIPng and OSPFv3. Doyle has historically shown strong ability to break down technically difficult material and present it in such a way as to appeal to both novice and expert alike. This book did not disappoint as it provided a basic but detailed discussion of IPv6. From addressing to integrated services, the reader will have a firm grasp of IPv6 from a Cisco IOS perspective. The reader will also find numerous references to IPv6 configuration and functionality differences where applicable throughout the other chapters of this book.

The first edition of this book was fairly clean as editorial errors are concerned and this edition follows in its footsteps. Certainly there are some minor mistakes here and there but I was not able to identify any that were notable.

The things I do not like about this book:

This book lived up to my expectations and there was nothing that disappointed me.

Jeff Doyle's 2nd edition of his best-selling book - "Routing TCI/IP Volume 1" is a welcome revision to the cannon required for any CCIE Routing & Switching candidate. Jeff Doyle, along with Jennifer Carroll, has done an excellent job at updating what is considered by many to be THE book on routing. In particular, the new edition does a terrific job at describing the white-elephant in the room - IPv6, IPv6's packet format and how to configure some routing protocols to advertise IPv6 prefixes.

The primary focus of this book discusses the most popular routing protocols - RIPv1 & RIPv2, EIGRP, OSPFv2 and, particular to IPv6, RIPng and OSPFv3. Dedicating over 450 pages to these topics alone makes the book worth itself. A further 130 pages are used to discuss route control (redistribution, filtering and route-maps).

In particular, I was impressed by:
* The book is fully-updated, and is not just a copy-and-paste of subject matter from the first book. For instance, on page 439 is discussed the use of a much misunderstood newer command `area nssa translate type7 suppress-fa'. This is just an example of complex and new commands that are documented.
* Of all the books I have looked at, this book does the best job at introducing oneself to RIPng.
* The book wastes little time discussing site-local addresses for IPv6. As the difficulties of using of IPv6's site-local addresses has rendered ths address as too complex to implement (and was, in fact, deprecated in RFC 3879), this books notes this and moves on. This goes against other recent books that that wastes pages and time discussing IPv6 site-local addresses. As any CCIE candidate will attest, studying time comes at a premium.

There are few cons worth mentioning:
* The book repeatedly incorrectly documents IPv6's link-local addresses as FF80::/10. Link-local addresses start as FE80::/10.
*IS-IS is discussed (which is no longer on the CCIE R&S lab). The book went to press too late to discuss EIGRP for IPv6 and is sorely missed.
*The book does bypass some interesting subtleties that you know Doyle is aware of but are, for the most part, undocumented. For instance, the differences between EIGRP and RIP when using the neighbor command.

The path to the CCIE R&S can be a long (and costly) road. While this book is focused towards candidates for CCIE Routing & Switching Lab, I believe this book would be a welcome addition to any Networkers' bookshelf.

I give this book 5 pings out of 5:
!!!!!

Well ideally any CCIE (R&S) preparation has to start with this book as in my case. Though a IE level book the book is very clear,precise and easy to comprehend. I really liked the language which is very easy to understand so anybody with basic knowledge should be able to read this book.
Lot of examples is another great feature of this book. Each concept is followed by topology with lot of configuration illustartion showing routing tables and OSPF database. The best part of this book is the coverage of OSPF v2 which is in great detail showing all the formats of LSA and other packet types. The new topics included are IPv6 ,RIPng and OSPF v3.

If you are new to Affiliate Marketing and got the job to manage your companies Affiliate Program or want to get this job, you should buy this book. It is also an item that should be in the library of a bigger company with a large in-house managed Affiliate Program as reference for new Employees but also for your Veterans.

Marketing and/or technical skills and background certainly help with the job as Affiliate Manager, but most important are communication skills and the knowledge about what makes affiliates "tick".

This book, although in certain areas a bit outdated, holds up as being the most comprehensive print work available to this day, with everything you need to know to start, manage and grow a successful Affiliate Program.

You will never get as much condensed knowledge and practical experiences made by the authors in one book for such a low price.

The only additional Item I can recommend is the just recently released product called "Affiliate Manager 1st Edition" which has a steep price tag but provides tons of video, audio and print material. Amazon does not carry it (yet) as I am writing this, but you can find it on the Internet.

You can't do anything wrong if you get both.

Well-written "How to" guide to building an affiliate program. A must read for new Internet entrepreneurs.

While there is some useful information in this book it is pretty outdated.

When it was released in 2001 I believe it was the definitive work on the subject.

However, now over 4 years later, most of the links to sites the book refer's to as resources you want to visit are now dead links.

If it was updated, and brought up to date with live links for the same subjects, maybe.

As is, a waste of time.

If you're in the Affiliate business, or want to be, you must read this book. Can you become a priest without reading the Bible? Probably not. So why do you think you can be a successful Affiliate Marketer without reading THE book on the subject?

Since I'm in the Affiliate Marketing Industry, I carry this book around with me everywhere I go with my laptop and business cards, just in case I need a reference or idea. Albiet a bit outdated by now, it is still the definitive piece of material on the matter.

Not too many things change faster than the internet. This book is chock full of good information and it is the only serious book on the subject available. Please issue a new edition! It is a couple of years out of date, which is a lifetime in web years.

This book will definitely leave you wanting more. This is very informative for those who like criminal justice and/or computers. It teaches you how to put both together in the up and coming field of computer forensics which is quickly picking up. Very well-written by someone who knows the material like the back of their hand.

While I'm not a computer security specialist, by any means, nor do I even
have a lot of in depth knowledge regarding computers in general, I was
surprised at how much I did understand, and also at the fact that I did learn quite a bit. The authors' intended audience obviously was not a neophyte such as myself, but even a beginner can find many aspects of computer security interesting and eye opening. Stopping often to look up
words and ideas that appeared Martian,(to this super-neophyte,) I laud the authors' clear and succinct writing style.

I must admit that some parts of this book are "over my head". However, this book packs quite a punch with much insight into forensics and explanations that are detailed and accompanied by MANY practical examples. The authors do a fine job of making this book interesting and they actually keep it rather short (believe me, most books on the subject are). One possible flaw is that I'd probably prefer for it to have a bit more theory and a bit less practical examples.

This book is full of information on every single step involved in forensic incident response. I've had articles published on this same topic, and found this book informative above and beyond my prior research and industry experience. If you haven't had much IR experience on the UNIX side, you need this book.

I read forensic discovery last week on the plane home from San Francisco. After a few chapters I was hooked and could barely put it down to eat. This book is absolutely recommended for anyone at all interested in security concepts as well as system administrators or anyone who would need to understand the way that information exists and persists on computer systems.

I came at this book from the point of view of a web designer. It is, unfortunately for me, written more for the business person (ie: divisional manager / executive within a mid to large sized company). It argues quite convincingly that the various applications & systems within a business need to be integrated for it have be a successful ecommerce presence. However it gives no technical insight into how this is to be achieved. The authors simply drop names of companies that provide software that can do whatever function they are talking about in that chapter. (Or at least, companies who were doing this several years ago, when the book was published. The book is really is a bit old now to be completely relevant on the topic of the present business environment).

I get the feeling that an executive or divisional manager reading this book would not understand half of what the authors are talking about. At least that has been my experience with business people at this level. They really don't have much of a grasp of the working of websites, or of software applications generally for that matter. They simply leave it all for their IT department to take care of.

From my experience, most execs reading this book would just be looking to be able to pick up enough of the jargon to be able to sound like they know what they are talking about. Customer relationshiop management, supply chain management, front office, back office, etc, etc... I think the book achieves this result. Perhaps that is why it had such hype around it. However the authors could have written a much slimmer book & achieved the same aim. They ramble on at length about the significance of each issue before actually broaching it. I don't know how many times a sentence like "the company that fails to do this will soon be left behind!" is used in each chapter. After a while, it starts to get a little ridiculous.

There is alot of rhetoric, which you eventually just start to switch off to, & look for the next actual point to arrive. (Fortunately, the points themselves are quite engaging).

There is also a section at the end of each chapter called "memo to the CEO". This revises what was dealt with in the chapter. I just found this "memo to the ceo" scenario kind of ridiculous too. It seems to suggest that only CEOs are going to be reading the book. Memo to AUTHORs, isn't that limiting your readership somewhat to assume this? Or to shape the material in this way? What about addressing us mere mortals too. We paid our money at the bookstore counter too!

Despite the heavy-handed prose (a bit of sensible editing would have done wonders for the flavour of the book) it is an interesting theoretical study of what ecommerce SHOULD be about. I would recommend it on this basis.


The book is basically about apllications integration, & how this can lead to cost savings (for the company) plus better experiences for customers. They can do more, faster, at lower cost, & with greater quality assurance.

It is interesting, reading it now, to see some things the authors mention have become the norm in ecommerce today. So they were clearly right on the general significance of this issue of integration.


You just have to switch off to the grandiose nature of their style occasionally. It really seems akin to an Anthony Robbins book at times ("You can do it! You can be the best. If you choose to succeed. But you must act. Many will fail. Will you be one of them?" etc, etc) I am exaggerating there, but if you read the book you will see what I mean.

I really liked this book. I am doing an MBA at the moment in the Michael Smurfit Business School and was trying to get an example for an eBusiness Model. The choice in the end came between Weil's Book 'Place and Space' and Kalakota's, but, there was no choice. Even though I have the greatest respect for Weil. Kalakota was pragmatic. At first as I staggered through the earlier chapters I thought, 'Hello' ... have you heard of dot.con ( we are talking about techie stuff...)and then it clicked , literally , this guy , or should I say lady and gent, have it all sussed. All eBusiness models should be based on sound business principles.
'e' has changed the principles but it is still the same message. Incorporate and get on with it. That's the message and do it as soon as possible. That's the reality! Business has not changed, just the tools, and the speed ...But beware once you do it, you have to keep on doing it, to come out on tops, it'a a reiterative cycle, OK babe...

After seeing all the glowing reviews of this book, I'm beginning to wonder if it's just me. I've only gotten through the first 3 chapters and already I've run into a multitude of terms that are not explained at all. My class uses this book for its text and I have to answer discussion questions about brand-intensive vs. capital intensive, disaggregation and reaggregation (Dictionary.com didn't even have 'reaggregation' in its database), etc. It sure would be nice to include a glossary of terms used. I'm really dreading the rest of this book.

This book still holds up rather well given all the changes that took place in the e-business space in the last couple of years.

The authors really seem to understand this space. I heard Ravi Kalakota speak at a seminar in Cincinati. He was fantastic. He is very articulate about the trends that are shaping the e-business and e-commerce landscape.

Highly recommend this book to those who want to understand the basics of e-business.

I read this for as a text for a course in ECommerce and I enjoyed the candid dialogue that the author used in this book. The examples and ideas are not outdated. Not a how to book, but more of a these are the main business concepts and opportunities you can benefit from, book.

Really enjoyed it.

Dear all,
I am totally satisfied with the contents of the book.Needless to say that fulfilled my expectations for an in-depth analysis of the security aspects on Cisco ASA Systems.

Thodoris,
Athens, Hellas

Excellent reference book. I wouldn't want to curl up with a cup of hot cocoa and read it from beginning to end, but it was an essential tool in a recent firewall migration at my workplace. It also seems to be just about the only book about the relatively new asa platform.

This book has been very helpful for me. The only issue that I ran into was that the VPN section was a little outdated.

This manual was excellent! Definitely something to keep at your desk as a reference.

This book helped me a lot. I recently deployed over 250 ASAs and was running into a lot of problems with the IPS SSM and VPN features. I got most of my answers from this book.

I thought I knew a lot about computers before reading this book. Turns out I really only knew a lot about Windows. However, this book has taught me a great deal about computers and I feel that, because of Mike Meyers, I am off on the path to the career I want. This book is very well written, using lively, active language to keep the book interesting. Unlike most textbooks, this one is written as if the author is speaking to you, and is very thorough and informative. The book goes in-depth into several areas of computer technology, devoting chapters to specific components such as processors, memory, input/output, etc...
I read this book one time all the way through, and passed the CompTIA A+ Certification exam because of it. I'd shake the authors hand if I had a chance to meet the guy. I definitely recommend this book to anybody who is interested in becoming CompTIA A+ Certified.

When i bought, I have in charge a little network (150 PCs) and I dont have a lot experience about Windows 2003 Security. This help me to give me directions about how resolve several issues, but its not a book to get foundations.

I run an e-commerce server with a very large Java application that I have developed, however, my knowledge of Windows Server is rather perfunctory, and I really don't want or feel I need extensive knowledge of the O/S. After a trojan trashed my server, I wanted to make sure that I had a better understanding of "best practices" and vulnerabilities, for example "back doors" in the O/S, so I could "lock it down." This book did not provide such an overview, and is written for the Windows system professional. It has this "You want to..." approach, like, "You want to encrypt the framzit block using the whoozit snap-in tool."
I was looking for a cook-book approach: e.g. you are running a web-server, here is how it gets hacked, so do A, B and C to secure the server. I don't think the book dedicated more than one page on using the Windows firewall tool. I guess the authors expected that you already know the basic tools.
In summary, lots of esoteric stuff that may or may not apply to your situation, explained in a way that only someone experienced with the O/S can use without digging much deeper than you may wish.

'Windows Server 2003 Security Cookbook' by Mike Danseglio is a great resource for any and all Windows 2003 IT administrators. Written in traditional O'Reilly uber fashion, this is a great desk reference that is easy to recommend.

Nuff Said!!

**** RECOMMENDED

Mike Danseglio & Robbie Allen's Windows Server 2003 Security Cookbook is for the IT pro and systems administrator concerned with Windows security. Windows 2003 is much more secure than prior versions but you have to know how to set it up properly - and that's where Windows Server 2003 Security Cookbook comes in, offering recipes and formulas sorted by task domain or system service for quick and easy access. Many topics here are more advanced coverages not seen in competing titles, such as auditing and event log usage.

Do you use Windows Server 2003 and perform security tasks as one of your primary job functions? If you do, then this book is for you! Authors Mike Danseglio and Robbie Allen, have done an outstanding job of writing a book that covers Windows Server 2003 and some amount of Windows XP security.

Danseglio and Allen, begin by setting the stage for the rest of the book by providing an introduction to Windows Server 2003 security concepts. Then, the authors show you how to secure an initial configuration. Next, they describe many techniques to help protect the computer at the TCP/IP protocol level. Then, the authors discuss how to protect local and network files with strong encryption. Next, they show you how to apply numerous options to your Active Directory forest. The authors continue by describing the use of Group Policy to configure and increase the security of both client and server computers. Then, the authors show you how to use security templates to save and deploy settings. Next, they focus on the tasks necessary to improve security on domain controllers. The authors then show you the vulnerabilities and security recipes you can use to defend against user account attacks such as password guessing or spoofing. Then, they describe how you can restrict rights and permissions to ensure that only desired users can perform specific needs. The authors continue by focusing on securing the grotesquely insecure DHCP component of Windows. Then, they describe how you can prevent several common DNS-based attacks. Next, the authors show you how to secure a file and print server, which is one of the most common uses of Windows Server 2003. The authors then discuss numerous methods that you can use to encrypt and sign network traffic using IPec. Then, they continue by covering the locking down of the much-maligned IIS. Next, the authors explore the remote access technologies of RRAS and IAS in depth, with a particular focus on improving their security. Then, they describe how you can help secure these remote access technologies, which are favorite attack vectors for evildoers. The authors then go into great detail describing how to plan, deploy, and use both PKI and certificates. They continue by showing you how to audit different types of events. Next, show you how to configure and manage event logs. Finally, they focus on and help simplify one of the most over-hyped security issues: patch management.

This most excellent book should not be considered the ultimate reference to Windows security--that's not the intention of the authors. More importantly, their intention is to provide efficient and innovative ways to complete tasks and resolve problems.

"Extreme Programming Explained" offers a thorough and good overview of the Extreme Programming (XP) approach to software development.

This book covers the fundamentals of XP and describes some of the benefits of this approach to developing software. While this approach may not suit all developers, project managers or companies, this book offers an interesting overview of XP.

I believe the basis in software development for business is in this book.
You can have the technique, the skills, and the money, but you will need the human side for any agile way of working.
This is not the silver bullet, but you NEED to read this book.

I came across this book in the Bibliography section of Scott Berkun's "The art of Project Management".

First, the structure. Well, this book is under 200 pages. So when Beck talks about keeping what is essential, he is surely applying it while writing books.

Second, the content. The book takes the reader from understanding business risks associated with software development, to understanding the changing economics of software development & why XP can fit the demands of an ever changing business scenario. The book then establishes what XP is, what are its features, what are the activities, who are the X players & then links the roles, activities, & features together across each phase in a typical XP project. While Beck is persuasive about the usefulness of XP, he has also included a chapter at the end of the book which talks about projects where using XP may not be advisable. And yes, such a project is an outsourced development project.

XP presents many interesting features. Traveling light - or code & tests together being all you need - sounds like a dream; nano-releases - or doing a daily or hourly build so that at any time you have a full system working, no matter the completeness of desired functionality - , building a system story by story, & going back & revisiting scope ever so often are all features that can be immensely valuable to the business & to the project team.

As a result of all this, & more such practices, XP resembles to an extent Darwinian evolution in some ways. Trying many things & keeping what works, designing for today's needs & changing that with tomorrow's requirements tomorrow but not today can be seen as interesting commonalities between Darwinian evolution & XP!

Overall, I think the book is great introduction to XP. I'd have liked case studies as well to understand how well good theory fits general projects of any kind, but this book does not cite too many such projects. Nevertheless, pick it up if you want to understand what the XP evolution is all about.

S!

This book is a good introduction to different aspects involved in extreme programming.

The author is the initial proponent of XP. First part of the book explains the present day software development realities(like deadlines etc) and the pitfalls that take place due to these time sensitive expectations. Author moves onto explain the necessity for XP and what are the basic guidelines of XP.

The author should be commened for covering where XP is impractical and should not be used. The book explains the life cycle of a XP project and different roles that are part of this radical process.

XP is not suitable for many present day organizations(due to age old approaches that are already implanted in the system); but should be considered for time sensitive deliverables. This book will definitely give a headsup on how to approach XP.

Small negative: The book takes too much time on what is wrong in other traditional approached to software development(for the size of the title:about 200 pages)

This is an excellent book, short, concise, and well-written. To derive the full benefit of the book, I recommend reading it three times.

The first time you should just try to grasp the concepts of XP and adapt your attitude to be willing to try XP on a real project. If you are a heavy-weight methodology old-timer, this might be a big step for you. Approach it with an open mind.

Only having read the book completely, should you attempt an XP project. That will prepare you for the second reading. Now you can begin to fully grasp the power of its concepts and their implementation. Reading the book retrospectively will shed new light on most of the books contents. Much of what was previously fuzzy or abstract will become lucid.

The third time through should be when you teach using XP. I found more benefit when teaching a formal course than when performing OJT, especially when training those who have more historically traditional development attitudes.
The reason Beck has experienced so much success with XP is because XP works. This book truly explains how to embrace change.