O’Reilly News for User Group Members
February 18, 2005

—————————————————————-
Book News
—————————————————————-
-Head First Java, 2nd Edition
-Linux Device Drivers, 3rd Edition
-Surviving PC Disasters, Mishaps, and Blunders
-Linux Network Administrator’s Guide, 3rd Edition
-Windows XP in a Nutshell, 2nd Edition
—————————————————————-
Upcoming Events
—————————————————————-
-Adam Goldstein (“AppleScript: The Missing Manual”), Apple Store,
Short Hills, NJ–February 25th
-Jim Aspinwall (“PC Hacks”), Golden Gate Computer Society,
San Rafael, CA–February 28
-O’Reilly at PhotoShop World, Las Vegas, NV–March 9
-Gordon Meyer (“Smart Home Hacks”), North Coast Mac Users Group,
Rohnert Park, CA–March 15
-Sarah Milstein (“Google: The Missing Manual”), Golden Gate Computer
Society, San Rafael, CA–March 28

—————————————————————-
Conference News
—————————————————————-
-Register for the 2005 O’Reilly Emerging Technology Conference,
San Diego, CA–March 14-17
-Register for the 2005 MySQL Users Conference,
Santa Clara, CA–April 18-21
—————————————————————-
News
—————————————————————-
-MAKE on Slashdot
-Getting Real-Time Data From the Web in Excel
-Stewart Butterfield on Flickr
-Jolt Awards Finalists
-500 O’Reilly Books on Safari
-Fear and Loathing in Information Security
-Object Oriented PHP Programming & Performance
-Michael Stutz on Computer Outlook/KLAV Radio
-Writing Apache’s Logs to MySQL
-iPod shuffle Tips and Tricks
-Apache and AppleScript
-Encrypting Connection Strings in Web.config
-Building the Perfect Budget PC, Part 1
-JDMK and Legacy IT Management
-Eclipse Plugins Exposed, Part 1: A First Glimpse
-High Definition in Focus at 2005 Sundance Festival
-Raymond Soemarsono: Natural Eye
-Introduction to Browser Specific CSS Hacks
-Web Programming Certificate Series Extended until February 28

================================================
Book News
================================================
Did you know you can request a free book to review for your
group? Ask your group leader for more information.

For book review writing tips and suggestions, go to:
http://ug.oreilly.com/bookreviews.html

Don’t forget, you can receive 20% off any O’Reilly, No Starch,
Paraglyph, Pragmatic Bookshelf, SitePoint, or Syngress book you
purchase directly from O’Reilly.
Just use code DSUG when ordering online or by phone 800-998-9938.
http://www.oreilly.com/

***Free ground shipping is available for online orders of at
least $29.95 that go to a single U.S. address. This offer
applies to U.S. delivery addresses in the 50 states and Puerto Rico.
For more details, go to:
http://www.oreilly.com/news/freeshipping_0703.html

—————————————————————-
New Releases
—————————————————————-
***Head First Java, 2nd Edition
Publisher: O’Reilly
ISBN: 0596009208
“Head First Java, 2nd Edition” delivers a highly interactive,
multi-sensory learning experience that lets new programmers pick up the
fundamentals of the Java language quickly. Through mind-stretching
exercises, memorable analogies, humorous pictures, and casual language,
“Head First Java” encourages readers to think like Java programmers. This
revised second edition focuses on Java 5.0, the latest version of the Java
development platform.
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/hfjava2/

Chapter 2, “A Trip to Objectville,” and Chapter 8, “Serious
Polymorphism,”
are available online:
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/hfjava2/chapter/index.html

***Linux Device Drivers, 3rd Edition
Publisher: O’Reilly
ISBN: 0596005903
Over the years, this best-selling guide has helped countless programmers
learn how to support computer peripherals and how to develop new hardware
under the Linux operating system. Now, with this third edition, it’s even
more helpful, covering all the significant changes to Version 2.6 of the
Linux kernel. The guide even includes full-featured examples that
programmers can compile and run without special hardware.
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/linuxdrive3/

Chapter 13, “USB Drivers,” is available online:
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/linuxdrive3/chapter/index.html

***Surviving PC Disasters, Mishaps, and Blunders
Publisher: Paraglyph Press
ISBN: 1932111980
“Surviving PC Disasters, Mishaps, and Blunders” is the must-have survival
guide for every PC user. Written in an engaging, reassuring, and fun
style, it gives you the answers you need immediately to fix the thorniest
PC problems. It also provides valuable insight on measures that can
prevent a difficult and often expensive cure. (Who’s got money to waste
these days on fixing mishaps and blunders anyway?)
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/1932111980/index.html

***Linux Network Administrator’s Guide, 3rd Edition
Publisher: O’Reilly
ISBN: 0596005482
This refreshed resource takes an in-depth look at everything you need to
know to join a network. Topics covered include all of the essential
networking software that comes with the Linux operating system, plus
information on a host of cutting-edge services including wireless hubs,
spam filtering, IPv6, OpenLDAP, and more.
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/linag3/

Chapter 18, “Wireless Networking,” is available online:
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/linag3/chapter/index.html

***Windows XP in a Nutshell, 2nd Edition
Publisher: O’Reilly
ISBN: 0596009003
“Windows XP in a Nutshell, 2nd Edition” documents everything there is to
know about the world’s most widely used operating system. Updated to
include information on the security technologies featured in Service Pack
2 (SP2), this must-have desktop reference is dedicated to making your
time at the computer safer, easier, and more fun. It’s the ultimate
resource for IT professionals and Windows XP power users everywhere.
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/winxpnut2/

Chapter 8, “The Registry,” is available online:
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/winxpnut2/chapter/index.html

================================================
Upcoming Events
================================================
***For more events, please see:
http://events.oreilly.com/

***Adam Goldstein (“AppleScript: The Missing Manual”), Apple Store,
Short Hills, NJ–February 25th
Adam will be giving and talk and signing books. Adam was a technical
editor for O’Reilly’s “Mac OS X: The Missing Manual.” When he’s not
writing books or code, Adam attends high school in New Jersey, where he
is captain of the Debate and Quizbowl teams and an editor of the school
paper.

Read a recent review of Adam’s book on Slashdot:
http://books.slashdot.org/books/05/02/06/222219.shtml?tid=156&tid=6&tid=3

Apple Store Short Hills at 7pm February 25th
1200 Morris Turnpike
Short Hills, NJ 07078
(973) 467-4890
http://www.apple.com/retail/shorthills/week/20050213.html

***Jim Aspinwall (“PC Hacks”), Golden Gate Computer Society,
San Rafael, CA–February 28
Jim will be giving a talk on “Computer Security, PC Hacks, and
Troubleshooting Tips.”
The meeting starts at 7:15 pm at the Embassy Suites Hotel,101 McInnis
Parkway, San Rafael.
http://www.ggcs.org/thismonth.html

***O’Reilly at PhotoShop World, Las Vegas, NV–March 9
Come by and say hi and check out our latest Digital Media books at our
booth (#220).
Mandalay Bay Resort, Las Vegas, NV.

Photoshop World | Replay Sale

***Gordon Meyer (“Smart Home Hacks”), North Coast Mac Users Group,
Rohnert Park, CA–March 15
Gordon will be presenting automation tips and hacks from his book. The
meeting starts at 7pm at the Rohnert Park Senior Center, 6800 Hunter
Drive–Suite A, Rohnert Park.
http://www.ncmug.org/

***Sarah Milstein (“Google: The Missing Manual”), Golden Gate Computer
Society, San Rafael, CA–March 28
An O’Reilly editor and author, Sarah will start with the Google basics
and quickly move on to the sophisticated ways to search, covering
search syntax, techniques, and hidden tricks to hone in on relevant
content. The meeting starts at 7:15 pm at the Embassy Suites Hotel,
101 McInnis Parkway, San Rafael.
http://www.ggcs.org/gen-next.html

================================================
Conference News
================================================
***2005 O’Reilly Emerging Technology Conference,
San Diego, CA–March 14-17
This year’s conference theme is “Remix,” which infuses ETech’s
roll-up-your-sleeves tutorials, to-the-point plenary presentations, and
real world focused breakout sessions. Come to ETech and discover how
applications and hardware are being deconstructed and recombined in
unexpected ways. Learn how users and customers are influencing new
interfaces, devices, business models, and services. For all the scoop on
tutorials, featured speakers, and conference events, check out:
http://conferences.oreillynet.com/etech/

User group members use code DSUG when you register, and receive 20% off
the registration price.

To register for the conference, go to:
http://conferences.oreillynet.com/cs/et2005/create/ord_et05

***Register for the 2005 MySQL Users Conference, Santa Clara, CA–
April 18-21
The MySQL Users Conference, co-presented by O’Reilly Media and MySQL AB,
brings together experts, users, and industry leaders with unique MySQL
insights, offering attendees a detailed look into new features in MySQL
5.0, sessions and workshops designed to teach best practices, and
exposure to new open source technologies.
For more information, go to:
http://www.mysqluc.com/

User Group members who register before Febuary 28, 2005 get a double
discount. Use code DSUG when you register, and receive 20% off the
early registration price.

To register for the conference, go to:
http://conferences.oreillynet.com/cs/mysqluc2005/create/ord_mysql05

================================================
News From O’Reilly & Beyond
================================================
———————
General News
———————
***User Groups Benefit from Safari
When O’Reilly developers needed someone to user-test the new Safari
Affiliate Program, Stephen Henry from the North Coast Mac Users Group was
the ideal choice. Situated 40 miles north of San Francisco, NCMUG has
been active since the Mac first arrived in 1984. Henry created an excellent
working example of how user groups can implement the Affiliate Program to
benefit their members. Ed Stephenson brings you the details.
http://oreilly.com/news/ncmug.html

****MAKE on Slashdot
http://books.slashdot.org/books/05/02/17/1958221.shtml?tid=222&tid=159&tid=126&tid=6

The MAKE blog is available at:
http://www.makezine.com/blog/

MAKE Subscriptions Available
The annual subscription price for four issues is $34.95. When you
subscribe with this link, you’ll get a free issue–the first one plus
four more for $34.95. So subscribe for yourself or friends with this
great offer for charter subscribers: five volumes for the cost of four.
Subscribe at:
https://www.pubservice.com/MK/Subnew.aspx?PC=MK&PK=M5ZUGLA

***Getting Real-Time Data From the Web in Excel
Did you know that you can use Excel for more than just storing and
organizing static data? In this article, Matthew MacDonald, author of
“Excel: The Missing Manual,” shows you how to use Excel as a tool to
handle up-to-the-minute information like sales figures and currency
exchange rates.
http://www.windowsdevcenter.com/pub/a/windows/2005/02/08/xcel_mm.html

***Stewart Butterfield on Flickr
Not even a year old and still in beta, Flickr is a revolutionary photo
storage, sharing, and organization application boasting roughly 270,000
members. Richard Koman catches Flickr CEO Stewart Butterfield for a few
words on what has made Flickr so revolutionary and where it may be
headed.

http://www.oreillynet.com/pub/a/network/2005/02/04/sb_flckr.html

***Jolt Awards Finalists
“Software Development Magazine” recently announced the finalists for the
15th Annual Jolt Product Excellence Awards. Several O’Reilly titles and
sites were nominated: “Head First Design Patterns” in the General Books
category; and “Better, Faster, Lighter Java,” “Head First Servlets &
JSP,” “Hibernate: A Developer’s Notebook,” and “Mono: A
Developer’s Notebook” in the Technical Books category. Java.net
and the O’Reilly Network were named finalists in the Web
Sites and Developer Networks category.
http://www.sdmagazine.com/jolts/15th_jolt_finalists.html

***500 O’Reilly Books on Safari
O’Reilly now boasts over 500 books on Safari, the premier electronic
reference library for IT professionals and programmers. With Safari, you
can search electronic versions of a broad range of the best technical
books from leading publishers including O’Reilly. Check out our newest
title, “All About Your iPod Photo,” and learn how to get the most out of
your favorite toy. Give Safari a try today with a free trial
subscription.
http://www.oreilly.com/go/safari-ug

———————
Open Source
———————
***Fear and Loathing in Information Security
“Society has always treated innovators and whistle blowers with
ambivalence,” writes author Michael D. Bauer in reference to hackers. In
this article, Michael discusses why information security professionals
demonize hackers and why that tendency is both irrational and
counterproductive. Michael is the author of “Linux Server Security, 2nd
Edition.”
http://www.oreillynet.com/pub/a/network/2005/02/11/mbauer_1.html

***Object Oriented PHP Programming & Performance
Harry explores the trade-offs between object oriented and procedural
programming in PHP in a lengthy discussion on the pros and cons of each.
http://www.sitepoint.com/blog-post-view.php?id=223760

***Michael Stutz on Computer Outlook/KLAV Radio
Listen to the author of No Starch’s “The Linux Cookbook, 2nd Edition.”
http://computeroutlook.com/audiostudio.html

***Writing Apache’s Logs to MySQL
Adding a few performance statistics to your Apache httpd logs can help
you profile your applications. Digging through flat files for information is
a drag, though. Logging to a relational database can make reporting and
analysis much more convenient. Chris Josephes demonstrates how to install
and configure mod_log_mysql and shows off what you can do with it.
http://www.onlamp.com/pub/a/apache/2005/02/10/database_logs.html

———————
Mac
———————
***iPod shuffle Tips and Tricks
The iPod shuffle is the easiest-to-use iPod to date. But that doesn’t
mean you can’t customize how you listen and upload music. Scott
Knaster shows you some very handy tips and tricks for the shuffle
and iTunes 4.7.1.
http://www.macdevcenter.com/pub/a/mac/2005/02/15/shuffle.html

***Apache and AppleScript
AppleScript traditionally interacts with Mac applications and Apache is
the web server that powers most of the Internet. David Miller shows you
how AppleScript can invoke Unix utilities through its do shell script
command, thereby creating some interesting intersections with Apache.
http://www.macdevcenter.com/pub/a/mac/2005/02/11/applescript.html

———————
Windows/.NET
———————
***Encrypting Connection Strings in Web.config
One of the best practices in ASP.NET is to save your database connection
strings in the Web.config file instead of hard-coding it in your code.
It’s not such a good idea to save your connection strings as plain text
in Web.config–you should ideally encrypt the connection strings so it
leaves no chance for a potential hacker to easily get more information
about your database server. In ASP.NET 2.0, Microsoft has taken this further
by allowing you to encrypt the connection strings in Web.config, all without
much plumbing on your part. In this new article by Wei-Meng Lee, he shows
you how it works.
http://www.ondotnet.com/pub/a/dotnet/2005/02/15/encryptingconnstring.html

***Building the Perfect Budget PC, Part 1
You can build a powerhouse system without breaking the bank. In this
first part of a two-part article, Robert Bruce Thompson and Barbara Fritchman
Thompson, authors of “Building the Perfect PC,” show you which components
to buy.
http://www.windowsdevcenter.com/pub/a/windows/2005/02/15/Perfect_BudgetPC.html

———————
Java
———————
***JDMK and Legacy IT Management
Keeping a network with legacy (and possibly unreliable) devices is nearly
impossible without some automated help. Stephen Morris shows how to use
the Java Dynamic Management Kit to keep tabs on your network and find
potential points of failure.
http://www.onjava.com/pub/a/onjava/2005/02/16/jdmk.html

***Eclipse Plugins Exposed, Part 1: A First Glimpse
Many developers use Eclipse out of the box as an IDE, never investigating
its powerful extensibility. But as Emmanuel Proulx shows in this first
installment of a new series, Eclipse’s modular system of plugins allow
you to customize it to your suit your development needs.
http://www.onjava.com/pub/a/onjava/2005/02/09/eclipse.html

———————
Digital Media
———————
***High Definition in Focus at 2005 Sundance Festival
Cheaper than film, bigger and better than plain, old digital video,
high-definition digital video definitely came into its own during this
year’s Sundance Film Festival. According to Sony, nearly half of the
features, documentaries, and shorts screened in Park City were shot in
HD.
Susan Boyer reports.
http://digitalmedia.oreilly.com/2005/02/09/hd.html

***Raymond Soemarsono: Natural Eye
Some people are meant to be artists. Self-taught photographer Raymond
Soemarsono has a natural eye for composing stunning landscape scenes,
then taming his digital camera to record them according to his vision. His
gallery features many places with which you’re probably familiar. Maybe
it’s time to get in the car and revisit them?
http://digitalmedia.oreilly.com/2005/02/16/featured.html

———————
Web
———————
***Introduction to Browser Specific CSS Hacks
CSS leaves your layout open to interpretation by browsers…or does it?
In this hands-on trouble-shooter, Trenton explains why and how different
browser-specific CSS hacks work–and provides code to help you regain
control over your layouts.
http://www.sitepoint.com/article/browser-specific-css-hacks

***Web Programming Certificate Series Extended until February 28
This six-course series from the O’Reilly Learning Lab teaches you the
skills needed for web programming, web administration, and web site
development. You’ll learn HTML, JavaScript, XML, SQL, Perl, and Unix.
Upon completion of the series, students receive a Certificate of Professional
Development from the University of Illinois Office of Continuing Education.
Sign up today and save 40% on all Web Programming Certificate courses.
Offer extended until February 28.
http://www.oreilly.com/redirector.csp?link=UAWeb&type=news

================================================
From Your Peers
===============================================
Don’t forget to check out the O’Reilly UG wiki to see what user groups
across the globe are up to:
http://wiki.oreillynet.com/usergroups/index.cgi

Until next time–

Marsee

O’Reilly News for User Group Members
February 3, 2005

—————————————————————-
Book News
—————————————————————-
-AppleScript: The Missing Manual
-Creating Photomontages with Photoshop: A Designer’s Notebook
-Internet Annoyances
-Google Hacking for Penetration Testers
-Home Networking Annoyances
-Linux Server Security, 2nd Edition
-Buffer Overflow Attacks
-Configuring NetScreen Firewalls
—————————————————————-
Upcoming Events
—————————————————————-
-Hadley Stern (“iPod & iTunes Hacks”), Boston Macintosh User Group,
Boston, MA–February 9
-Tim O’Reilly, EclipseCon, Burlingame, CA–February 28-March 3
-O’Reilly at PhotoShop World, Las Vegas, NV–March 9
—————————————————————-
Conference News
—————————————————————-
-OSCON Call For Proposals Now Open
-Register for the 2005 O’Reilly Emerging Technology Conference,
San Diego, CA–March 14-17
-Registration Is Open for the 2005 MySQL Users Conference,
Santa Clara, CA–April 18-21
—————————————————————-
News
—————————————————————-
-Hacking Google
-Get Your Hands Dirty!
-“Make” subscriptions now available
-Don’t Miss O’Reilly at LinuxWorld, Boston, MA–February 15-17
-Programming eBay Web Services with PHP 5 and Services_Ebay
-Freevo: Freedom For Your TV
-Michael Stutz On Using Linux For Everyday Activities
-Top Ten AppleScript Tips
-Output Like a Pro with iPhoto 5
-Fix Hot Spot Annoyances
-Working with Roaming User Profiles
-IRC Text to Speech with Java
-Internals of Java Class Loading
-Build Your Own PVR (for Free) with HackTV
-Featured Photographer–Ofer Halevi: The Art of Juxtaposition
-Learning Lab: Save 40% on Web Programming Certificate Courses
-A-Z Web Site Indexes Explained

================================================
Book News
================================================
Did you know you can request a free book to review for your
group? Ask your group leader for more information.

For book review writing tips and suggestions, go to:
http://ug.oreilly.com/bookreviews.html

Don’t forget, you can receive 20% off any O’Reilly, No Starch,
Paraglyph, Pragmatic Bookshelf, SitePoint, or Syngress book you
purchase directly from O’Reilly.
Just use code DSUG when ordering online or by phone 800-998-9938.
http://www.oreilly.com/

***Free ground shipping is available for online orders of at
least $29.95 that go to a single U.S. address. This offer
applies to U.S. delivery addresses in the 50 states and Puerto Rico.
For more details, go to:
http://www.oreilly.com/news/freeshipping_0703.html

—————————————————————-
New Releases
—————————————————————-
***AppleScript: The Missing Manual
Publisher: O’Reilly
ISBN: 0596008503
Macintosh’s ultimate scripting tool, AppleScript, has one major
shortcoming: it comes without a manual. This Missing Manual fills the
void. While its hands-on approach, with dozens of scripting examples,
certainly keeps novices from feeling intimidated, this book is also suited
for professionals from system administrators to musicians, ensuring that
anyone can learn how to control Mac applications in timesaving and
innovative ways.
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/applescripttmm/index.html

Chapter 5, “Controlling Files,” is available online:
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/applescripttmm/chapter/index.html

***Creating Photomontages with Photoshop: A Designer’s Notebook
Publisher: O’Reilly
ISBN: 0596008589
This collection of groundbreaking digital creations by well-known French
artists is a visual smorgasbord for digital imaging professionals, graphic
artists, photographers, and anyone involved in the creation of digital
images and animations. But it’s more than a full-color feast for the eyes:
reflecting the very best of French graphic design, it guides Photoshop
users through all aspects of the photomontage creation process, from
initial concept through step-by-step execution.
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/photoshopadn/

***Internet Annoyances
Publisher: O’Reilly
ISBN: 0596007353
Recognizing the universal nature of the Net, “Internet Annoyances” strives
to make using the internet as stress-free as possible for everyone. This
insightful guide effectively addresses and presents solutions for the many
glitches that still complicate the internet experience. You’ll learn how
to thwart would-be hackers, ensure greater security while surfing,
eliminate pop-up ads, maximize online services, conduct effective
searches, and much more.

Chapter 8, “Searching Annoyances,” is available online:
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/internetannoy/chapter/index.html

***Google Hacking for Penetration Testers
Publisher: Syngress
ISBN: 1931836361
“Google Hacking for Penetration Testers” explores the explosive growth of
a technique known as “Google Hacking.” This simple tool can be bent by
hackers and those with malicious intent to find hidden information, break
into sites, and access supposedly secure information. Borrowing the
techniques pioneered by malicious “Google hackers,” this book aims to show
security practitioners how to properly protect clients from this often
overlooked and dangerous form of information leakage.
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/1931836361/index.html

***Home Networking Annoyances
Publisher: O’Reilly
ISBN: 0596008082
Need a cure for the headaches associated with running a home network? This
book tackles all the common annoyances your network dishes up, whether
it’s wired or wireless, Mac or PC. With a friendly, off-the-cuff approach,
this book guides you safely through common home networking glitches,
including file sharing, printing, security, and more. Take a stand against
annoyances now: this book is your ticket to serenity.
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/homenetannoy/

Chapter 4, “File-Sharing Annoyances,” is available online:
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/homenetannoy/chapter/index.html

***Linux Server Security, 2nd Edition
Publisher: O’Reilly
ISBN: 0596006705
“Linux Server Security, 2nd Edition” expertly conveys to administrators
and developers the tricks of the trade that can help them avoid serious
security breaches. The book covers both background theory and practical,
step-by-step instructions for protecting a server that runs Linux. Geared
toward Linux users with little security expertise, the author explains
security concepts and techniques in clear language, beginning with the
fundamentals. Stay one step ahead of potential adversaries.
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/linuxss2/

Chapter 12, “System Log Management and Monitoring,” is available online:
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/linuxss2/chapter/index.html

***Buffer Overflow Attacks
Publisher: Syngress
ISBN: 1932266674
The SANS Institute maintains a list of the “Top 10 Software
Vulnerabilities.” Currently, over half of these vulnerabilities are
exploitable by buffer overflow attacks, which allow an attacker to run
arbitrary code on a victim’s machine. This is the first book specifically
aimed at detecting, exploiting, and preventing the most common and
dangerous attacks. It provides specific, real code examples on exploiting
buffer overflow attacks from a hacker’s perspective, and on defending
against these attacks for the software developer.
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/1932266674/

***Configuring NetScreen Firewalls
Publisher: Syngress
ISBN: 1932266399
“Configuring NetScreen Firewalls” delivers an in-depth look at the
NetScreen firewall product line. It covers all of the aspects of the
NetScreen product line from the SOHO devices to the Enterprise NetScreen
firewalls. Advanced troubleshooting techniques and the NetScreen Security
Manager are also covered.
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/1932266399/index.html

================================================
Upcoming Events
================================================
***For more events, please see:
http://events.oreilly.com/

***Hadley Stern (“iPod & iTunes Hacks”), Boston Macintosh User Group,
Boston, MA–February 9
Come join this O’Reilly author to find out all the cool things that you
can do with your iPod!
Boston Macintosh User Group
MIT Building E51
Room 315
Cambridge, MA
http://www.bmac.org/meetings.html

***Tim O’Reilly, EclipseCon, Burlingame, CA–February 28-March 3
Tim is a keynote speaker at this event.
http://www.eclipsecon.org/2005/index.htm

***O’Reilly at PhotoShop World, Las Vegas, NV–March 9
Come by and say hi and check out our latest Digital Media books at our
booth (#220).
Mandalay Bay Resort, Las Vegas, NV

Photoshop World | Replay Sale

================================================
Conference News
================================================
***OSCON Call For Proposals Now Open
Circle August 1-5 on your calendar and join us at the O’Reilly Open Source
Convention in beautiful Portland, Oregon. OSCON 2005 will be at the Oregon
Convention Center, where we’ll have tutorials, sessions, parties, BOFs,
and a huge exhibit hall.
http://conferences.oreillynet.com/os2005/

The call for participation is open, and you’re invited to submit a
proposal to lead tutorials and sessions. Visit the submissions page for
all the details on tracks and proposal guidelines. Proposals are due no
later than February 13, 2005.
http://conferences.oreillynet.com/cs/os2005/create/e_sess

***2005 O’Reilly Emerging Technology Conference,
San Diego, CA–March 14-17
This year’s conference theme is “Remix,” which infuses ETech’s
roll-up-your-sleeves tutorials, to-the-point plenary presentations, and
real world focused breakout sessions. Come to ETech and discover how
applications and hardware are being deconstructed and recombined in
unexpected ways. Learn how users and customers are influencing new
interfaces, devices, business models, and services. For all the scoop on
tutorials, featured speakers, and conference events, check out:
http://conferences.oreillynet.com/etech/

Hurry up before it sells out!

User Group members use code DSUG when you register, and receive 20% off
the registration price.

To register for the conference, go to:
http://conferences.oreillynet.com/cs/et2005/create/ord_et05

***Register for the 2005 MySQL Users Conference,
Santa Clara, CA–April 18-21
The MySQL Users Conference, co-presented by O’Reilly Media and MySQL AB,
brings together experts, users, and industry leaders with unique MySQL
insights, offering attendees a detailed look into new features in MySQL
5.0, sessions and workshops designed to teach best practices, and exposure
to new open source technologies.
For more information, go to:
http://www.mysqluc.com/

User Group members who register before Febuary 28, 2005 get a double
discount. Use code DSUG when you register, and receive 20% off the
early registration price.

To register for the conference, go to:
http://conferences.oreillynet.com/cs/mysqluc2005/create/ord_mysql05

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News From O’Reilly & Beyond
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———————
General News
———————
***Hacking Google
With access to more than three million documents in over 30 languages,
Google is a researcher’s dream. But like any invaluable tool, knowing the
insider tricks of the trade is a must to save time and needless effort.
Tara Calishain and Rael Dornfest, authors of “Google Hacks, 2nd Edition,”
have set out to educate the masses to the ins and outs of Google. In
today’s excerpt, they offer the inside scoop on scattersearching,
cartography, Google on the go, Gmail-lite, and AdSense. With over 150
million Google searches conducted every day, why be just a number?
http://www.oreillynet.com/pub/a/network/excerpt/ggl_hcks/index.html

***Get Your Hands Dirty!
Hackers of all stripes refuse to just take what they’re given. They’re
driven to remake it, and getting there is more than half the fun. Here at
O’Reilly, we’ve got the information you need to hack, remix, and master
technology at home and at work. In this letter for our Winter 2005
Catalog, Tim O’Reilly talks about how we’re celebrating the hacker
impulse.
http://tim.oreilly.com/articles/dirtyhands_0105.html

You’ll find all of Tim’s collected writings and speeches at:
http://tim.oreilly.com/

***”Make” subscriptions now available
The annual subscription price for four issues is $34.95. When you
subscribe with this link, you’ll get a free issue–the first one plus four
more for $34.95. So subscribe for yourself or friends with this great
offer for charter subscribers: five volumes for the cost of four.
Subscribe at:
https://www.pubservice.com/MK/Subnew.aspx?PC=MK&PK=M5ZUGLA

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Open Source
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***Don’t Miss O’Reilly at LinuxWorld, Boston, MA–Feb 15-17
Stop by our booth (#509) to check out our latest Linux and open source
titles and listen to our authors including Jonathan Corbet (“Linux Device
Drivers, 3rd Ed.”), Kyle D. Dent (“Postfix: The Definitive Guide”), Jay
Beale (“Snort 2.1 Intrusion Detection, 2nd Ed.”), Sam Hiser and Tom
Adelstein (“Exploring the JDS Linux Desktop”), and Adam Trachtenberg (“PHP
Cookbook”). We will have daily demonstrations on our new magazine “Make”
and SafariU (http://academic.oreilly.com/safariu-more.csp).

Here is our schedule of events:

Click to access linuxworld_speaker_sched.pdf

***Programming eBay Web Services with PHP 5 and Services_Ebay
PHP 5 added several new features to the language, yet laundry lists and
high-level overviews don’t really show what they are or why you might use
them. Fortunately, Adam Trachtenberg writes for us. Here’s how to use the
new features of PHP 5 for writing web services clients.
http://www.onlamp.com/pub/a/php/2005/01/27/ebay_webservices.html

***Freevo: Freedom For Your TV
PVRs may be the next big thing in home entertainment, but relying on a
closed box leaves you few options for customization. The Freevo project is
building a platform for developing television-aware applications, whether
recording, timeshifting, or general-purpose mayhem. Howard Wen explains
the Freevo project and interviews its developers.
http://www.linuxdevcenter.com/pub/a/linux/2005/01/27/freevo.html

***Michael Stutz On Using Linux For Everyday Activities
Michael Stutz, author of “The Linux Cookbook, 2nd Edition” (No Starch)
discusses what inspired him to write this book, when he first started
using Linux, and other world views in this LinuxWorld interview.
http://www.linuxworld.com/story/47810.htm?DE=1

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Mac
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***Top Ten AppleScript Tips
AppleScript lets you control Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop, FileMaker
Pro, and hundreds of other Mac programs with just a few lines of code. But
if you think of AppleScript as just a nerdy workflow-automation tool,
you’re missing out on a lot of power. Truth is, AppleScript has lots of
hidden tricks and timesavers built in–and they all come for free with
your Mac. Adam Goldstein, author of “AppleScript: The Missing Manual,” has
hand selected ten of the most useful tips for making AppleScript work for
you.
http://www.macdevcenter.com/pub/a/mac/2005/02/01/applscrpt_mm.html

***Output Like a Pro with iPhoto 5
Earlier, Derrick Story discussed how iPhoto 5’s RAW capability lets you
input like a pro. But some of its new output features are quite
sophisticated. Here Derrick takes a look at how to create sophisticated
slideshows and QuickTime downloads using only iPhoto 5.
http://www.macdevcenter.com/pub/a/mac/2005/02/01/iphoto.html

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Windows/.NET
———————
***Fix Hot Spot Annoyances
Using a Wi-Fi hot spot is a great way to stay connected when you’re away
from home or the office. But beware: you may be vulnerable to snoopers;
you may be unable to send email; and your connection may flake out.
Preston Gralla, author of “Internet Annoyances,” fixes all your hot spot
woes.
http://www.windowsdevcenter.com/pub/a/windows/2005/02/01/hot_spot.html

***Working with Roaming User Profiles
If you have a highly mobile local user base and are constantly fielding
concerns about personalized settings and desktop customizations that don’t
seem to travel with your users, then roaming user profiles may make your
life a lot easier. In this article, Jonathan Hassell, author of “Learning
Windows Server 2003,” explains how roaming user profiles can save you time
and energy.
http://www.windowsdevcenter.com/pub/a/windows/2005/02/01/rmng_usr.html

———————
Java
———————
***IRC Text to Speech with Java
Paul Mutton creates a multi-platform IRC bot that uses the FreeTTS Java
speech synthesizer library to convert IRC messages into audible speech.
Why would you want to use an IRC text-to-speech system? By reading out
messages as they arrive, you can keep working, diverting your attention to
IRC only when necessary. Paul is the author of “IRC Hacks.”
http://www.onjava.com/pub/a/onjava/2004/09/08/IRCinJava.html

***Internals of Java Class Loading
When are two classes not the same? When they’re loaded by different class
loaders. This is just one of many curious side effects of Java’s
class-loading system. Binildas Christudas shows how different class
loaders relate to one another and how (and why) to build your own custom
class loader.
http://www.onjava.com/pub/a/onjava/2005/01/26/classloading.html

———————
Digital Media
———————
***Build Your Own PVR (for Free) with HackTV
HackTV is a developer app for Mac OS X that you can download for free. It
enables you to watch TV (or any video source) on your Mac. Better yet, it
enables you to download that content to your hard drive. Erica Sadun shows
you the ins and outs of HackTV.
http://digitalmedia.oreilly.com/2005/01/26/hacktv.html

***Featured Photographer–Ofer Halevi: The Art of Juxtaposition
Whether it’s a man standing beside a mannequin in Amsterdam, or a poster
of Rabin staring up at a passerby in Israel, Ofer Halevi has an eye for
recording the juxtaposition of people and their inanimate environment. In
this portfolio you can experience Ofer’s passion for detail, interaction,
and patterns.
http://digitalmedia.oreilly.com/2005/01/12/featured.html

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Web
———————
***Learning Lab: Save 40% on Web Programming Certificate Courses
This six-course series from the O’Reilly Learning Lab teaches you the
skills needed for web programming, web administration, and website
development. You’ll learn HTML, JavaScript, XML, SQL, Perl, and Unix. Upon
completion of the series, students receive a Certificate of Professional
Development from the University of Illinois Office of Continuing
Education. Sign up by February 22nd, and save 40% on all Web Programming
Certificate courses.
http://www.oreilly.com/redirector.csp?link=UAWeb&type=news

***A-Z Web Site Indexes Explained
A-Z Indexes are a far more accurate than search engines for searching the
content of a web site or intranet. For the value they can bring to a site,
A-Z indexes are worth the additional cost, but, if you decide to add an
index to your site, it’s important to find the right person to do the
job.
http://www.sitepoint.com/article/a-z-indexes

================================================
From Your Peers
===============================================
Don’t forget to check out the O’Reilly UG wiki to see what user groups
across the globe are up to:
http://wiki.oreillynet.com/usergroups/index.cgi

Until next time–

Marsee