Since 1994, No Starch Press has published unique books on computing, including such bestsellers as the Steal This Computer Book series, Hacking the Xbox, and Absolute OpenBSD. We focus on open source, security, hacking, web development, programming, gaming, and alternative operating systems. Our titles have personality, our authors are passionate, and our goal is to make computing accessible to everyone.
Linux Enterprise Cluster The Linux Enterprise Cluster is a practical guide for building and installing an enterprise-class cluster for mission critical applications using commodity hardware and open source software. Includes information on how to build a high-availability server pair using the Heartbeat package, how to use the Linux Virtual Server load balancing software, how to configure a reliable printing system, and how to build a job scheduling system with no single point of failure.
Silence on the Wire
Author Michal Zalewski is respected in the hacking and security communities for his intelligence, curiosity and creativity, and this book is truly unlike anything else. Silence on the Wire is no humdrum white paper or how-to manual for protecting one's network. Rather, this narrative explores a variety of unique, uncommon and often elegant security challenges that defy classification and eschew the traditional attacker-victim model.
Book of Postfix
Developed with security and speed in mind, Postfix has become a popular alternative to Sendmail and comes preinstalled in many Linux distributions as the default mailer. The Book of Postfix is a complete guide to Postfix whether used at home, as a mailrelay or virus-scanning gateway, or as a company mailserver. Practical examples show how to deal with daily challenges like protecting mail users from spam and viruses, managing multiple domains, and offering roaming access.
Upcoming Titles
Now Playing (October)
A true guide for beginners, Now Playing: Visual Basic 2005 Express starts off with a short primer on how programming works, regardless of the programming language used. Once readers understand the general principles behind computer programming, the book then teaches readers how to use the Visual Basic Express program itself and how to write programs using the Visual Basic language.
Just Say No To Microsoft (September) Just Say No to Microsoft begins by tracing Microsoft's rise from tiny startup to monopolistic juggernaut and explains how the company's practices have discouraged innovation, stunted competition, and helped foster an environment ripe for viruses, bugs and hackers. Readers learn how they can dump Microsoft products and continue to be productive. Includes full explanations of alternate operating systems, such as Linux and Mac, and outlines various software applications that can replace the familiar Microsoft products.
Wicked Cool Java (September) Wicked Cool Java contains 101 fun, interesting, and useful ways to get more out of Java. This isn't intended as a Java tutorial--it's targeted at developers and system architects who have some basic Java knowledge but may not be familiar with the wide range of libraries available. Full of example code and ideas for combining them in useful projects, this book is perfect for hobbyists, and professionals will find tips and open-source projects to enhance their code and make their jobs easier.
Wicked Cool Perl Scripts (September)
Most Perl programmers have been frustrated at one time or another because the system just wouldn't do what they wanted it to do. There was that one simple and obvious utility that was missing that would make life so much easier. Wicked Cool Perl Scripts is about writing those utilities quickly and easily. A collection of handy utilities that solves difficult problems, Wicked Cool Perl Scripts is a great resource for the savvy Perl programmer.
The eBay Survival Guide (August)
A guide to safe and successful buying and selling on eBay. Reveals the strategies of winning bidders and offers tips for beating competitors to get the items you want--without overpaying or becoming the victim of scams. Filled with practical advice for avoiding frauds, what to do if an item doesn't sell, how to list items effectively, choosing an auction type, and how to get the best price.
Ending Spam (July)
This landmark title describes, in-depth, how statistical filtering is being used by next generation spam filters to identify and filter spam. Readers gain a complete understanding of the mathematical approaches used in today's spam filters, decoding, tokenization, the use of various algorithms (including Bayesian analysis and Markovian discrimination), and the benefits of using open-source solutions to end spam.
Computer Security 101 (June) Computer Security 101 provides an overview of security technologies and concepts that average users can understand and gives them the knowledge and tools they need to protect themselves. Simple analogies and descriptions help readers quickly grasp complex security topics, and each chapter concludes with a Final Exam to reinforce the material discussed. A CD-ROM includes a variety of tools and utilities discussed in the book that readers can use right away, without having to dig for them.
eBay Price Guide (June)
A one-stop shop for pricing information and tips for successful buying and selling on eBay. Sellers learn how to price their items competitively to attract more customers, while buyers learn which categories tend to be overpriced and where they can find the best bargains. Fun stories, statistics, lists and eBay trivia round out the book. Covers every eBay category. A must-have for the serious eBayer.
TCP/IP Guide The TCP/IP Guide is both an encyclopedic and comprehensible guide to the TCP/IP protocol suite. Its personal, easy-going writing style lets anyone understand the dozens of protocols and technologies that run the Internet, with full coverage of PPP, ARP, IP, IPv6, IP NAT, IPSec, Mobile IP, ICMP, RIP, BGP, TCP, UDP, DNS, DHCP, SNMP, FTP, SMTP, NNTP, HTTP, Telnet and much more.
LEGO Builder's Guide
In The LEGO® Builder's Guide, readers will discover everything from how to craft sturdy walls and a basic sphere to more advanced concepts such as scale and design. Illustrations demonstrate construction tips that can be applied to a wide variety of original creations made from real bricks. Includes essential terminology and an overview of different types of LEGO pieces.
Write Portable Code Write Portable Code contains the lessons, patterns, and knowledge for developing cross-platform software that programmers usually must acquire through sheer trial and error. This book is targeted at intermediate-to advanced-level programmers and will be a valuable resource for designers of cross-platform software, programmers looking to extend their skills to additional platforms, and programmers faced with the tricky task of moving code from one platform to another.
Book of MaxDB
MaxDB is a heavy-duty, SAP-certified open source database that offers high availability, scalability and a comprehensive feature set. MaxDB complements the MySQL database, extending its market reach to large mySAP ERP environments and other applications that require maximum enterprise-level database functionality. The Book of MaxDB provides a thorough overview of the product and its functionality, including installation, administration, backup and recovery, SQL development, security, and development in PHP, Python, Java, and Perl.
Linux Made Easy
Based on Xandros 3, arguably one of the most user-friendly versions of Linux available today, Linux Made Easy concentrates on the subjects of most interest to the average home user or hobbyist: installation, using the Internet, playing CDs and audio files, using scanners, working with digital cameras and images, games, downloading software and fonts, USB storage devices, PDAs, printing, Internet telephony, and more.
