XML Pocket Reference, 3rd Edition -- This perennial bestseller has been revised once again to give you quick access to the latest goods. In addition to its comprehensive look at XML, this third edition has been updated with new material on Namespaces and XML Schema, along with RELAX NG and Schematron. Featuring a well-organized format that gets right to the point, this compact book is perfect for getting XML answers quick and on the fly.

Fast Guide to Propellerhead Reason, 2nd Edition (PC Publishing) -- This in-depth guide takes you through every separate Reason device as well as all the devices and changes introduced with the V2.5 update. Every control and function is clearly and accessibly explained. In addition, standard and exotic techniques are thoroughly introduced at the points where you will find them most useful, and step-by-step programming tutorials help increase your hands-on skills with Reason.

Oracle DBA Pocket Guide -- This handy reference is designed to help administrators make more effective use of their time by presenting a compact summary of DBA tasks in an easy-to-use form. With this book by your side, you'll have instant access to the most important concepts, best practices, tips, and checklists. Key topics include architecture, installation, configuration, tuning, and backup/recovery.

Start Your Engines: Developing Driving and Racing Games (Paraglyph) -- This book will teach you all of the secrets and programming techniques of developing one of the most popular style of games. It features the physics, AI, and 3D techniques of driving--from road conditions to collisions--presented in a unique step-by-step format. The book is based on a customizable construction-kit approach and is the first hands-on programming guide that shows you how to build and customize these popular games.

Windows XP Cookbook -- Useful to anyone that has to use, deploy, administer, or automate Windows XP, this handy reference guide provides practical solutions for the most common Windows XP tasks. The over 300 step-by-step recipes enable you to install, manage, and support your operating system with ease. Each recipe even includes a discussion that explains how and why it works. This book also covers Microsoft's XP Service Pack 2. Sample Chapter 6, "System Properties, Startup, and Shutdown" (PDF), is available free online.

Digital Identity -- This fascinating book shows how an enterprise-wide "identity management architecture" (IMA) can provide security while ensuring that interactions with customers, employees, partners, and suppliers are richer and more flexible. Through a detailed, real-world view of the concepts, issues, and technologies behind IMA, this book shows CIOs, other IT professionals, product managers, and programmers how security planning can support business goals and opportunities rather than holding them at bay. Sample Chapter 13, An Architecture for Digital Identity (PDF), is available free online.

Agile Web Development with Rails (Pragmatic) -- This book shows you how easy it is to install Rails using your web server of choice. In the extended tutorial sections, you'll create a complete online store application to see how a full Rails application is developed. Further, you'll learn how to exploit the Rails service frameworks to send emails, implement web services, and create dynamic, user-centric web pages. There are also extensive chapters on testing, deployment, and scaling.

PC Pest Control -- This comprehensive guide helps you guard against internet pests like adware, spyware, homepage hijackers, Trojans, spam, phishing, and more. Written in a friendly and engaging manner, it describes each problem and its symptoms, rates the danger level, and then shows you how to solve the problem step by step, allowing you to surf the web with a whole new level of confidence.

Computer Privacy Annoyances -- Written by privacy pro Dan Tynan, and based on interviews with privacy experts from all over the globe, this book serves up real-world advice in bite-sized portions that will help you stop snoops in their tracks. You'll learn how to keep private information private, stop nosy bosses, get off that incredibly annoying mailing list, and more. It's your complete guide to a safer, saner, and more private life. Sample Chapter 2, Privacy at Home (PDF), is available free online.

Linux in a Nutshell, 5th Edition -- Considered by many to be the most complete and authoritative command reference for Linux available, this book covers all substantial user, programming, administration, and networking commands for the most common Linux distributions and has been updated to cover all new features. Everything that system administrators, developers, and power users need to know about Linux is referenced here. Sample Chapter 4, Boot Methods (PDF), is available free online.

SafariU: Create Your Own Textbook in No Time -- With the SafariU web-based service, you can build your own custom textbook or online syllabus in a few hours from the extensive list of top technical titles and 5,000-plus article database. Your printed custom book can be on local bookstore shelves in as little as two weeks. The online syllabus and electronic version of your book are accessible immediately. The service is free to qualified instructors. Visit SafariU to sign up for access.

What Is Skype -- Heard the Skype hype and want to learn more? Here's what you need to know. Skype lets you make free calls over the internet to anyone anywhere in the world who also has Skype. Your computer (or PocketPC) works as your telephone. In this article, James Gaskin descibes what Skype is, how it works, and where its limitations and strengths lie. James is the author of Talk Is Cheap.

Build AJAX-Based Web Maps Using ka-Map -- By using AJAX, Google's maps draw and zoom quickly, pan smoothly, and can be extended to display a wide variety of information. Tyler Mitchell shows how to make similar AJAX-based web mapping sites using an open source toolkit called ka-Map. Tyler is the author of Web Mapping Illustrated.

Scott Berkun on Dr. Dobb's Great Writers NetSeminar Series -- Scott Berkun, author of the newly released The Art of Project Management is the first presenter in the new Great Writers NetSeminar Series sponsored by Dr. Dobb's Journal and C/C++ User's Journal. Scott, a long-time veteran, will offer invaluable perspectives and techniques for project management on August 31 at 11:00 a.m. PT. Register today (free) to reserve your place.

EuroOSCON Early Registration Ends August 29th -- The 2005 O'Reilly European Open Source Convention, October 17-20 in Amsterdam, targets the specific needs of European developers, programmers, strategists, entrepreneurs, and technologists, helping them to deliver the benefits of open source technology to their companies and organizations. Join us at this essential gathering of open source leaders and practitioners of every open source persuasion to exchange ideas and push the boundaries of vital open source technologies. Register today and save.

What Is Flickr (and Hot Tips for Using It) -- Flickr is an online photo management and sharing application, and it's also one of the most innovative photo services available today. In this article, Giles Turnbull shows you how Flickr works, then introduces you to some of the great tools you can use to interact with it.

Watching Ports with Port Reporter -- Here's another cool tool from Redmond. It monitors port usage for security reasons and for troubleshooting network connectivity problems. Mitch Tulloch shows you where to get it and how to make the most out of it. Mitch is the author of Windows Server Hacks.

Internet Security Annoyances -- Spyware, Trojans, worms, viruses, phishing, and now pharming are all security issues that can lead to a disenchanting internet experience. In this excerpt, Preston Gralla helps you prevent these kinds of security breaches with tips on configuring your home router for maximum security, constructing your own personal firewall, and more. Preston is the author of Internet Annoyances.

Microsoft Receives $7M in Spam Settlement -- Noted as a significant victory in the fight against spam, Microsoft was awarded 7 million dollars in settlement from Scott Richter, one of the world's most prolific spammers. Richter, as well as a host of other spammers, are covered in Brian McWilliams' comprehensive investigation of the world of spam, Spam Kings.

What Is Vlogging (and How to Get Started) -- Short for "video blogging," vlogging is another way to take advantage of the RSS enclosure tag. Josh Paul explains vlogging and shows you how to get your videos into the iTunes Music Store. Josh is the author of Digital Video Hacks.

O'Reilly's Web 2.0 Conference -- Join us October 5-7 in beautiful San Francisco for the second annual Web 2.0 Conference. We're assembling a select group of thought leaders and innovators to explore this year's theme, "Revving The Web," focusing on the services, applications, businesses, and models that are reshaping the internet, particularly for media and entertainment, communications and mobile, policies and legal issues, and the concept of the web OS. Request an invitation today.

Automator Automation Poguecast -- Listen to David Pogue cover Automator workflows that can help save on computing time. Learn how to use Automator to automate backups, zip up applications, and set alarms for automatic processing. Then check out all of David's Poguecasts.

Astronomy Hacks: Getting Started -- Getting started in amateur astronomy seems simple enough. Buy a telescope, take it out at night, point it at the sky, and you're good to go. Or are you? Not getting started right could land that new scope in the closet or on eBay. Chapter 1 of Astronomy Hacks will teach you everything you need to avoid the most common beginner mistakes. If you like this chapter, read the whole book (and up to nine others) on Safari with a free trial subscription.